9 Wellness & Mental Health Podcasts For a Better You

British stand-up comedian Russell Brand has changed quite a bit since starring in movies like Forgetting Sarah Marshall or Get Him to the Greek. The outlandish bad-boy of comedy and recovered addict has evolved into an articulate, outspoken activist and author who appears regularly on many of Britain’s political talk shows. 

His podcast, Under the Skin, asks, “What’s beneath the surface of the ideas that define our time, of the history we are told?”. Guests like Neil Degrasse Tyson, Yuval Noah Harari, Deepak Chopra, and Tony Robbins discuss the truth behind our constructed reality through the lens of spirituality, culture, addiction, mental health, philosophy, and beyond. 

At first, The Minimalists podcast might just seem like a way to declutter your stuff. But it doesn’t take long to realize how the principles of minimalism relate to our mental health and wellbeing. Hosts, Joshua Fields Milburn and Ryan Nicodemus explore the virtue of less is more, while taking a critical look at the American ideal that material things bring happiness. And as they frequently remind us: "Love people, and use things because the opposite never works."

Neuroscientist, philosopher, and best-selling author, Sam Harris, discusses a range of topics including questions about the human mind and society. This podcast takes a scientific approach to important issues including those relating to our mental health. Episodes may delve deep into the psychology behind addiction and mindfulness meditation or attempt to unpack the mysteries of consciousness. 

Audio Dharma consists of an archive of talks given at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, California. Free to stream or download, Audio Dharma discusses the Buddha’s teachings and how to apply them to live a life free of suffering through enlightenment. One of its foremost speakers, Gil Fronsdal, practiced Zen and Vipassana since 1975 and has a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from Stanford. Learn breathing techniques, enjoy guided meditations, or enlighten yourself with teachings from the Buddha.

Jordan Harbinger may have started off with the aim of training men in dating and relationships during his years with the podcast, The Art of Charm. Since breaking away from the show, his self-titled podcast gears more toward developing interpersonal dynamics and social engineering according to the world’s leading thought experts. 

Episodes like Finding Balance Beyond the Pill, What to Do When Success Makes You Miserable, 101 Simple Truths for a Better Life, or The Science of Hardwiring Happiness and Resilience discuss valuable lessons for wellness and mental health.

In Future Thinkers, forward-thinking hosts, Mike Gilliland and Euvie Ivanova speak with global experts about topics like psychology, philosophy, and consciousness. See the world outside of the box while deepening your understanding of meditation. Along the way, discover “consciousness hacking” ideas from some of the world’s leading experts. 

For wellness and health-related content, start with episodes like Emotional Health and Self-Sovereignty, Working with Negative Emotions, or The Incredible Resilience of the Human Mind.

Enjoy discussions about the modern spiritual movement with the Highest Self Podcast. Deepak Chopra referred to the author and host, Sahara Rose, as “a leading voice in the millennial generation into the new paradigm shift”. Topics explore how to fulfill your mission, find your purpose, everyday tips on the Ayurvedic lifestyle, and more.

We shouldn’t walk the path to mental health and wellness on our own. The Team Human is a weekly podcast aiming to amplify human connection. Host Douglas Rushkoff leads conversations about how to make a positive impact on social justice and community programs based on how we live, work, and interact. Learn approaches to sadness, how to unplug in the age of social media, and ways to build empathy with this podcast.

The Project Mindfulness podcast offers listeners “a radically accessible global initiative for meditation and mindfulness”. Physicians, psychologists, researchers, and philosophers participate in discussions of authenticity and personal connection. Try episodes such as Is it Healthy to Be Vegan, Can We Fully Heal from Our Traumas, or Mindfulness & Psychology: Memory, Emotion, and Aging to discover more about your wellness and mental health.

7 Daily Habits to Improve Your Mental Health
Florida to Require Mental Health Classes in Public Schools
6 Scientific Ways to Increase Your Happiness