Ah, the humble podcast. The successor to radio that, objectively, may seem less exciting than music, movies or TV. However, in the past few years, podcasts have taken off as the new craze. Now, it is often joked that anybody and everybody has their own podcast and why ever not? The more, the merrier.
In these times of challenge, uncertainty and downright boredom, people may be up for some new listening material more than ever. Afterall, radio has long been associated with light entertainment and reassurance in darker times.
So, here is a selection of great podcasts which focus on staying positive and well. Never fear, there’s no celery juice or kale diets in sight, but they do range from the calm and zen to the seriously silly. So, whether you’re looking for advice on mental wellbeing or just some hilariously relatable content, there will be something here for you. Have a listen.
Deliciously Ella
You may be familiar with Deliciously Ella’s vegan food range, but you may not have heard about their podcast. Now on its fifth series, it has been going since 2018. Ella, along with husband Matt, explore the multi-faceted concept of ‘health’ by chatting to a specialist each week. From our brains, to our diets to loneliness and the environment, their truly fascinating topics explore the big questions. Each episode helps us navigate health and wellness in a busy 21st century world. Recent episode ‘Coping with the Current Uncertainty’ is a good place to begin if you’re feeling overwhelmed in the current pandemic.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
How to Fail
Author and journalist Elizabeth Day hosts this inspiring podcast offering. Each week she interviews a famous name to discuss their three biggest failures in life. Coming from some of the most successful people out there, this is refreshingly honest. Though it may sound a little bleak, it shows us that failure is a part of life and is actually closer to success than we may believe. A recent episode featuring entrepreneur Mo Gawdat goes into detail about how to reframe our thinking about the COVID-19 pandemic. Give it a go. You won’t regret it!
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Happy Place
In recent years, British TV personality and all-round good egg, Fearne Cotton has turned her talents to mental health awareness. She has written books, hosted festivals and presents an ever-popular podcast. Happy Place gets up-close and personal with a special guest each week as they discuss mental health and the pursuit of happiness. From Stephen Fry to Hilary Clinton, Fearne delves deep into some fascinating stories from an array of people. This allows us, the listener, to see that they aren’t so different from us normal folk, after all. An uplifting and eye-opening listen!
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Mindful in Minutes
We are often told that meditation is beneficial to our health, but so many of us don’t know where or how to begin. If this sounds like you, then this app for guided meditation may be able to help. Coach Kelly talks us through each session, helping us to switch off and have a moment of mindfulness. Episodes are plentiful and short, encouraging us to squeeze in that little bit of relaxed ‘me’ time that we are all in need of. Episodes are also themed to cater to specific emotions, needs or times of day. So, find a cosy spot and reawaken your spiritual side.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Fat Chat
Who’s to say that wellbeing and body positivity is only for the thin amongst us? This larger than life podcast is helping to turn this unhelpful narrative on its head, one episode at a time. Here, three outspoken and successful women, all from the world of plus-size fashion, discuss a whole host of important and hilarious issues related to living life in a larger body. Sassy and honest, Fat Chat allows us to hear from some lesser-heard voices in society. It will leave you loving yourself and your body a little more after every listen, no matter what your size.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Kindergarten Teacher, tea-obsessive and serial bruncher, Emily moved from the UK to Hong Kong 3 years ago. When she’s not working, you can find her planning holidays and hunting for books to read while travelling! She’s passionate about body image, wellness and ex-pat life – check out her other writing at emilymoulds.com
