I love a good “what a time to be alive” moment, and I have those moments most often on clear-skied afternoons when I’m walking my dog along the harbor with a podcast in my ears. I’ll glance out over the water and suddenly realize that in the past 30 minutes I got a crash course in Scandinavian gastronomy or viral epidemiology through my earbuds and suddenly it really does feel like we’re living in the future—despite the lack of flying cars and teleportation.
And it’s not just about getting a quick overview on a topic (although I love them for that reason, too) it’s the fact that I’m able to turn a walk into a learning experience. I’ve expanded my understanding of everything from marriage to ADHD thanks to some of the podcasts below. If you’re looking to refresh your subscription list for 2022, I’d suggest adding some of these shows to your queue.
MENTAL HEALTH
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris. Dan Harris is a journalist who once had a panic attack live on national television, which led him to try something new: meditation. Dan has a science-based and practical approach to discussing alternative wellness practices such as enlightenment, meditation, and psychedelics.
RELATIONSHIPS
Where Should We Begin with Esther Perel. Famed relationship therapist Esther Perel sits down with couples to discuss their real-life problems in this therapy-informed podcast. It’s like being a fly on the wall during someone’s therapy session, but you can’t help but relate to them and the advice is always practical and helpful.
COMMUNITY
ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Even if you don’t have ADHD, you likely know and/or work with someone who does. This podcast explores how ADHD can be a positive rather than a negative, and always provides great advice for how the neurotypical and atypical can co-exist.
CAREER
Should I Be with Jessica Murnane. Plenty of us are asking hard questions about our careers and how we make money. Host Jessica Murnane is taking these questions directly to the source, and talking to the people who have the jobs we think we want. Live vicariously and discover what it’s like to be a doula, a ceramicist, or a reality show star in each episode.
BODY IMAGE
Food Psych with Christy Harrison. Registered dietician and recovering disordered eater Christy Harrison helps listeners make peace with food by unraveling the lies told by diet culture to help you feel comfortable with your body and food choices and to start seeing food for all that it is: nourishment, enjoyment, culture, community and so much more.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Code Switch. This show is hosted by journalists of color, and explores how race impacts every part of society. It was named Apple Podcasts show of the year in 2020. Dive into episodes about how race impacts accessibility to wellness practices as well as traditional healthcare, and how to make these often exclusive spaces more inclusive and accessible.
Lifestyle