Podcasts are an excellent way to learn more about mental health issues and common interventions, as many discuss self-care and provide practical strategies for taking care of your well-being. Listeners can also learn from renowned psychologists, authors, and lecturers. It is important to note, however, that a podcast should never take the place of therapy. Read on for our roundup of the best mental health podcasts. Host Kristen Truempy is a seasoned podcaster with a Master’s degree in applied positive psychology, a branch of psychology that focuses on helping people become happier without dwelling on negative aspects of their lives. Episodes range in length from 30 to 60 minutes and they often include a special guest speaker. This podcast is widely available on the Apple App Store, Spotify, ACast, Google, and many other platforms and covers a wide range of topics: narcissism, sex, humility, self-love, and more. It’s been around since 2014, so there are many episodes to dig into. Host Tim JP Collins suffered from anxiety and panic attacks, changed his life in order to recover, and now supports others in doing the same. This unique show isn’t just about coping; it’s about moving past anxiety and fear to live the life for which listeners were destined. Tim combines interviews and listener questions in his episodes in the hopes that listeners will relate. This podcast has over 200 reviews on Apple podcast and 4.7 stars out of 5. Episodes range in length from 10–30 minutes and the topics covered vary. Examples of some topics include meditation, forming habits, practicing gratitude, and putting yourself first. Listeners can tune into the podcast on the podcast’s website, Apple, Android, and Youtube. Available on iTunes and Spotify, Meditation Minis has over 30 million downloads, 230,000 followers on Spotify, and 2000+ Apple Podcast 5-star reviews. The meditations presented in this podcast are from a wide variety of sources and do not subscribe to any particular ideology. Every effort is made to present the meditation techniques in this podcast series in a non-dogmatic, non-religious way. Host Chel Hamilton’s voice is calming and clear. As one reviewer wrote, “I love these meditations. They bring me balance, they help me start my day off on the right foot or come out of a frenzied headspace when I’m winding down for bed.” The Hilarious World of Depression is a series of frank, moving, and funny conversations with top comedians who have dealt with the disease, hosted by veteran humorist and public radio host John Moe. Hoping to fight the stigma against this isolating disease that affects millions, this podcast brings some laughs to an otherwise heavy topic. Listening is a chance to gain some insight, have a few laughs, and realize that people with depression are not alone and that together, we can all feel a bit better. This podcast is available on Spotify, iTunes, Radio Public, and Stitcher. This podcast has been putting out potent episodes about trauma and mental health since 2014. It has 4.5 stars on Apple Podcast and over 300 ratings. Each episode is roughly 30 minutes long. Hosted by Guy Macpherson, Ph.D., most episodes focus on a dynamic and powerful conversation between Guy and an expert in the field of psychology and trauma. Guests range from renowned doctor Gabor Mate to well-known author and psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb. Over 500 episodes span the depths of trauma, which can be accessed across podcast platforms like iTunes and Spotify. Tara Brach’s teachings blend Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices, mindful attention to our inner life, and a full, compassionate engagement with our world. Tara’s podcast receives over 3 million downloads each month. Her themes reveal the possibility of emotional healing and spiritual awakening through mindful, loving awareness as well as the alleviation of suffering in the larger world by practicing compassion in action. Podcast episodes vary from shorter meditations to longer lectures. Many different topics cover mental health covered but the overarching theme is the value of mindfulness meditation and self-compassion in relieving emotional suffering, serving spiritual awakening, and bringing healing to our world. It’s important to note, however, that podcasts are not a form of medical treatment and should not be seen as a substitute for therapy or medication. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, a consult with a mental health provider is recommended.
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How Do I Choose the Best Mental Health Podcast for Me?
The best way to pick a podcast is to listen to a few and see what resonates with you. If you struggle with an identified diagnosis, it can be useful to find a podcast that speaks directly to that issue. It is also helpful to identify with or enjoy listening to the host.
How We Chose the Best Mental Health Podcasts
We researched more than 10 different podcasts and assessed them based on the number of reviews, ratings, area of focus, and style of episodes. The podcasts listed here offer listeners the opportunity to learn about general and specific areas of mental health and possible interventions that can be used. While not reviewed for this piece, The Verywell Mind Podcast, hosted by the Verywell Mind Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, is another option that is popular with listeners. The podcast covers a range of topics focused on improving psychological well-being and boosting mental strength. There was an error. Please try again.
