Eve Davies
We are caught in an age of multi-tasking and ever-growing to do lists, while ponded with advice to ‘take care of ourselves’ by practising ‘self-care’, yet for many it is hard to find the time to do so. While this is an individual problem, and I don’t have the power to extend the hours in the day or conquer the human need for sleep, I do have one suggestion: PODCASTS.
Personally, I find listening to podcasts to be one of the best forms of escapism and relaxation. What’s more, they don’t demand time out of your busy daily schedule; they simply slot in at times when one tends to overthink, be it on your commute, daily walk, during your shower, or while doing housework.
I like podcasts in which the speakers are honest and relatable. Here are some of my recommendations for podcasts that will leave you feeling assured, filled with self-belief, and informed about topics you might not have otherwise encountered.
1. Happy Place
Television and radio presenter, Fearne Cotton, talks to inspiring and acclaimed guests, including pop stars, doctors, authors, and TV personalities about life, love, loss, and everything in-between as they discuss what happiness means to them. Fearne is admirably open and honest in her conversations. She discloses the fact that no matter who you are there will always be struggles in life, despite how perfect some people’s lives appear on social media. Fearne becomes her listeners’ friend and reassures them that they are doing great at life.
2. Open Mind
Former S Club 8 and girl band member, Frankie Bridge, opens up about her ongoing mental health journey. Discussing her breakdowns and breakthroughs, she invites guests to share their own experiences with mental health in an unjudgmental and supportive atmosphere. Much like Fearne, Frankie is incredibly honest in her discussions. In opening up about her battles, Frankie hopes to help a generation of people to be more open about their mental health, speak out, ask for help, and be helped.
3. The Travel Diaries
In her weekly podcast, British-American travel and entertainment journalist, Holly Rubenstein, interviews high profile travellers about the eight travel chapters of their life. These chapters range from their earliest travel memory to the place they learnt most about themselves, to their favourite hidden gems, and travel bucket list. Two minutes of Holly’s podcast is enough to make you want to pack your bags and jet off. Acknowledging that this isn’t always possible, it is a great listen that will transport you around the world while carrying out your daily routine (at least we can imagine).
4. The James Smith Podcast
James describes his podcast as ‘Everyday waffle from the fitness industry’s no nonsense personal trainer’, and that perfectly captures what he is about. His podcast will set you straight, dispel any fitness myth, and help you understand that living a healthy lifestyle isn’t as daunting and strict as most people assume. He does away with fitness jargon, doesn’t take himself too seriously, and makes some points that will change your mindset for the better.
5. The Courtney Black Podcast
Instagram star Courtney Black speaks to celebrity guests about all things fitness, health, mindset, business, and more. She also does solo episodes where she talks about how she built an immensely successful business at the young age of 24, her experiences with multiple eating disorders, and how to overcome toxic diet culture. Courtney is a bubbly and knowledgeable character who is sure to uplift your mood while informing you about serious topics.
6. Give Me Strength
Bestselling author and personal trainer, Alice Liveing, interviews extraordinary people, including celebrities and doctors, about the importance of building mental and physical resilience and how this can empower us to live happier, stronger lives. Alice is sweet, honest, and a great companion to have on your daily walk.
7. Going for Goal
If you’re looking for inspiration and encouragement to build sustainable healthy habits this podcast is for you. Each week, the Women’s Health team call on top medics, researchers, fitness experts and wellness luminaries to arm you with the practical tools you need to achieve your personal health goals – whether that’s powering up your productivity, losing weight in a healthy way, optimising your workout schedule or simply protecting your mental health at a challenging time. You’ll also find out exactly what your favourite healthy celebrities do to look, feel and function at their best.
8. How To Fail
A podcast with novelist, journalist, and broadcaster, Elizabeth Day, 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.
9. Love Stories
Author and journalist Dolly Alderton and guests talks about ‘passion, heartbreak and the relationships that form us’. Speakers disvuss their most defining relationships: the passion, heartbreak, longing, familiarity and fondness that have formed who they are. The podcast is being released to tie-in with Dolly Alderton’s debut book, Everything I Know About Love.
10. In Our Time
Adapted from BBC Radio 4’s broadcast, In Our Time is hosted by Melvyn Bragg who, along with other academics, explores and explains a panoply of historical, philosophical, mathematical, and literary ideas. This podcast has been a saviour while studying English Literature at university. I recommend any student giving it a listen, no matter your degree, I’m sure there is an episode related to a topic on your course.
All the podcasts listed here are available to listen and download for free on Apple podcasts. Many are also available on Spotify.
Happy listening!
Featured image courtesy of Elice Moore on Unsplash. No changes or alterations have been made to this image. Image license can be found here.
evedaviess
Eve is 22 years old and lives in Swansea. She has recently graduated from Cardiff University with a BA in English Literature. Eve's main interest is in lifestyle writing, particularly health, food, and travel.