Podcasts are great for true crime, comedy, news, and a host of other topics. It’s also a great way to learn about mental health. As today’s most popular mental health podcasts are presented by scientists, psychologists, neuroscientists, and other experts (and sometimes comedians), these podcasts can act as a teacher and, in some cases, even a therapist.
The good news is that podcasts are generally free, which means they’re much cheaper than going to school or paying a therapist to learn about your mental health — no student loan or co-payment required! Just don’t go diagnosing yourself with every disorder you hear about. Otherwise, you may actually need to start paying for treatment.
Hosted by Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor in the Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, the Huberman Lab podcast frequently ranks in the top 15 globally and sometimes tops the list in the science, education, health, and fitness categories.
Dr. Huberman is often joined by experts in fields such as leadership, psychology, and biology to explore the inner workings of the human mind and body. Topics include healing from grief, how to improve your memory, and the use of psychedelic medication. It’s like a science or psychology class but more fun and less boring. It’s worth listening to get a better understanding of how your brain works.
Esther Perel is a couple’s therapist whose book, Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Sexual Intelligence, catapulted her into the spotlight in 2016. Her depth of knowledge of the topics that arise in relationships is truly remarkable, as is her ability to diagnose and offer solutions. Problems faced by couples.
Listening to Esther Perel’s podcast is like being in a relationship therapist’s office, but instead of sitting in a stuffy room exposing your problems, you can eavesdrop (such guilty pleasure!) on other people’s sessions. Throughout each episode, Perel helps couples navigate the tricky waters of love, sex, and commitment. Check this out if you’re wondering if what happened to you as a kid was messing with your romantic life (hint: it probably is).
Unlike others Podcasts that focus on positivityHidden Brain podcast by NPR explores the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior. Listening to the podcast will get you thinking about the fundamental issues that shape our ever-evolving society.
Each episode is like a journey into the unknown, as host Shankar Vedantam takes listeners on a journey to discover the hidden forces affecting everything from decision making to relationships. If you are interested in learning about the hidden biases and influences that shape your daily thinking and mental health, you will want to give this one a try. On the other hand, you can always use these Tips for discovering new podcasts on your own.
Sam Harris is a philosopher, neuroscientist, meditation teacher, and podcast host. Harris is also a best-selling author and has written many books on topics such as atheism, philosophy, and the nature of consciousness.
On the Making Sense podcast, Harris discusses topics—often with other experts—of consciousness, morality, and the human condition, as well as breaking news from a perspective only Sam can provide. Each episode could feel like a crash course in existentialism and the meaning of life, without the added debt of college. This change in perspective can help you understand different aspects of your mental health in relation to the world around you.
Comedian Paul Gilmartin hosts The Mental Illness Happy Hour and provides interviews with guests including artists and friends as well as the occasional medical professional. The podcast acts as an open mic, with the host and his guests sharing their personal stories of living with mental disorders.
The mental illness happy hour aims to destigmatize mental illness and create a space where listeners can feel less lonely and more understood. While listening to people talk about their struggles with depression and anxiety may not seem like a party, Gilmartin does an excellent job of creating an educational and entertaining virtual support group, all without the name tags and a circle of folding chairs.
The Choiceology Podcast is a podcast produced by Charles Schwab that explores the psychological, behavioral, and economic factors that influence the choices we make and how to use this understanding to make better decisions.
The host, Katie Milkman, uses research and real-life examples to explain how people can be affected by biases, emotions, and other factors. It is a show that provides insights and strategies on how to avoid common mistakes and make better choices in various aspects of life, from personal finance to health and career.
And if you’re looking for a new podcast player, check out why A podcast addict might be your best bet.
All in the Mind is a podcast produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that delves into the latest research and thinking about the brain and mind. The program is presented by Sanaa Qadr, and each episode includes a mix of interviews with experts in the field of psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry, and related disciplines.
The podcast covers a wide range of topics, such as mental health, neuroscience, addiction, and emotional well-being. It aims to explore the latest research and ideas and provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human mind. It’s a show that explores the science behind reason and behavior in an engaging and accessible way.
With host Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, the Psychology Podcast explores the science of the mind and behavior from, you guessed it, a psychological perspective. Each episode includes interviews with experts in the field of psychology, neuroscience, and related disciplines. Topics include how to be a good parent, how to live a great life, and how to find deep purpose in the second half of life.
The podcast takes a scientific approach to understanding the human experience and provides insights into how to improve mental well-being and performance. It’s a great resource for students, professionals, and anyone interested in psychology who wants to gain a deeper understanding of their Noodles.
Learn about your mental health with these podcasts
In general, listening to podcasts about mental health can be a valuable tool for personal growth, learning, and self-improvement. With the help of virtual experts and the ability to eavesdrop on conversations between some of the smartest people in the world at your convenience, you can become more aware, empathetic, and understanding of yourself and others.