I Weigh by Jameela Jamil
Such a good combination of funny, interesting and honest, with a great message on Body Image and Body Positivity.
Feel Better, Live More by Dr Rangan Chatterjee
Such a refreshing take on all things health. He has a lot of episodes already out (and is currently releasing more from lockdown.) Episodes I would recommend to test the waters and see if this is something you would like are episode #94 (with Johann Hari, talking about the effect lifestyle and today’s society has on our mood) and episode #91 (with James McAvoy, a man who went from being an inmate in Britain’s highest security prison to being World-Record breaking endurance athlete)
Desert Island Discs, by BBC Radio 4
Celebrity guests are asked to choose 8 music tracks, a book and luxury item they would take on a desert island. These are then explored throughout the podcasts and the reasoning behind each choice while learning about their life and experiences.
Happy Place, by Fearne Cotton
This podcast is based around positive mental health in which guests discuss their experience with their mental health and the things they have learned in relation to mindfulness and their happy place.
Serial Podcast, on serialpodcast.org
True crime podcast. A high school student goes missing and her ex boyfriend is arrested for the murder.
Potterless
The host, Mike Schubert, reads Harry Potter for the first time and works his way through the chapters, while having guests on the show to discuss with and in order to have someone to direct his low-key snarky comments, false predictions and theories at. A funny refresher of the Harry Potter series, as well as a good source for a new perspective.
Every Little Thing by Gimlet Media
The perfect source for answers to those odd little questions that hide in the corners of your mind. Listeners can call the ELT helpline, ask anything they feel like, and if deemed podcast worthy, the host does their best to uncover the answers to those pressing questions such as: do ants help each other out?, how do you get rid of an earworm?, public toilets: to sit or to hover, that is the question?
The Morning Ritual by Lily Balch
A meditative podcast to help you shake your feathers in the morning and great the day in whichever way you choose, at least you can say you listened to some meditation. A simple, short meditation to ease you into your day.
Sleepy by Otis Gray
If you are having difficulties falling asleep, why not give this a wee listen and let Otis read to you as you drift off to dreamland? He goes through different old books to help your tired eyes flutter shut and brain relax and unwind after your day.
The Daily by The Times
Each week day learn about a news topic in 20 minutes
Code Switch by NPR
What’s CODE SWITCH? It’s the fearless conversations about race that you’ve been waiting for! Hosted by journalists of color, our podcast tackles the subject of race head-on. We explore how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and everything in between. This podcast makes ALL OF US part of the conversation — because we’re all part of the story.
Terrible, Thanks for Asking by Nora McInerny
Have you ever wanted to tell the truth when someone asks “how are you?” Unless you truly are doing “fine,” this question usually leads to an empty exchange. This podcast features guests who open up about their pain and loss. Host and author Nora McInerny describes herself as a “notable widow.” In one episode of Terrible, Thanks for Asking, Nora, suffering from insomnia, goes to Twitter to poll listeners about what keeps them up at night. Newer episodes include one about sibling support systems and another about an uncertain pregnancy.
The Hilarious World of Depression
Supported in part by the Make It OK campaign, the Hilarious World of Depression talks to comedians who suffer from the disease with the goal of removing the stigma of mental illness. It also serves to help people who have depression know that they are not alone. In addition to interviews, the podcast offers support, including how to get help when you need it and coping skills to get you through each day.
Mental Illness Happy Hour by Paul Gilmartin
The Mental Illness Happy Hour is a weekly online podcast that interviews comedians, artists, friends, and the occasional doctor. Each episode explores mental illness, trauma, addiction and negative thinking.
Gilmore Guys
If you love watching TV, reading recaps, and dissecting episodes online, Gilmore Guys will be a treat. One host is a diehard Gilmore Girls fan, while the other is new to the show; together they analyze every episode of the show including the recent Netflix installments. Whether you watched the show in real time or just started streaming, this podcast will bring you all the intel that Stars Hollow and its zany characters have to offer.
Ctrl Alt Delete by Emma Gannon
London-based Emma Gannon talks to a vast array of guests–actors, writers, and other creatives–about how social media and the web infiltrate their lives and careers. Named after her first book, which has the tagline “How I Grew Up Online,” the Ctrl Alt Delete podcast benefits from Emma’s high energy and enthusiasm as she gets guests to share their best stories and advice.
Modern Love from New York Times
The Modern Love column from the New York Times explores all sorts of love–romantic, family, heartbreak, friendship, and more. The podcast, which is produced by NPR, brings these personal essays to life with readings by famous people from Peter Gallagher to Cynthia Nixon to John Cho. Hosts Meghna Chakrabarti (WBUR) and Modern Love editor Daniel Jones sometimes even get updates from the essay writers.
You’re Dead to Me by BBC Radio 4
The history podcast for people who don’t like history and those who do. Greg Jenner brings together the best names in comedy and history to learn and laugh about the past
How to Fail by Elizabeth Day
A podcast that celebrates the things that haven’t gone right. Every week, a new interviewee explores what their failures taught them about how to succeed better
13 Minutes to the Moon by BBC World Service
Epic stories of Nasa’s missions to the Moon
Table Manners by Jessie Ware
A podcast about food, family and the beautiful art of having a chat, direct from her very own dinner table. With a little bit of help from her chef extraordinaire mum Lennie, each week guests from the worlds of music, culture and politics drop by for a bit of a natter. Oversharing guaranteed
Off Menu by Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Special guests are invited into their magical restaurant to each chose their favourite start, main, side, dessert and drink. Ever wanted to eat your dream meal? It’s time to order Off Menu.
The High Low by Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton
A weekly conversation between the writers that covers highbrow and lowbrow culture
Gossipmongers by David Earl, Joe Wilkinson, Poppy Hillstead
They read out unsubstantiated rumours sent in by listeners. At the end of each episode they choose their favourite piece of gossip and help spread it further by getting Poppy to shout it out the window
Unlocking Us by Brene Brown
Join researcher and #1 New York Times best-selling author Brené Brown as she unpacks and explores the ideas, stories, experiences, books, films, and music that reflect the universal experiences of being human, from the bravest moments to the most brokenhearted.
Owning It: The Anxiety Podcast by Caroline Foran
From the number one non-fiction bestseller, comes Owning It: The Anxiety Podcast – with everything you need to hear to get on top of your anxiety. This practical and relaxed series explores everything from what anxiety is and why it happens to us, how our brains work and why it”s actually very normal to the various tools and techniques necessary for owning it. Author Caroline Foran shares her story, along with some expert input, in an attempt to help you show your anxiety who’s boss. Most importantly, this is a series that tackles the reality of anxiety from a refreshing and relatable perspective.
Phone a Friend by George Ezra and Ollie MN
When long-time friends George Ezra and Ollie MN both experienced issues with mental health, they found comfort in opening up to one another about what they were going through. Phone A Friend is a podcast that captures their candid and light-hearted chats, with the intention of encouraging the listener to start conversations of their own. Each episode, George and Ollie will share the ups and downs of their week and discuss how to balance mental health concerns with the other stresses of daily life.