Awesome podcasts that can change your life

Chinmayee Aphale -

India is the third largest podcasting industry after the USA and China. Podcasts have found their way into young adults’ daily routines. The largest number of podcast listeners in India happens to be GenZ.

  • It is a great self-help tool. One gets to explore various perspectives and different socio-cultural takes by experts from across the globe. You can work on your mindset and habit-building by subscribing to content about self-improvement, habits, health and wellness, and awareness.
  • You feel a sense of relatability and belongingness with the speaker. Podcasts are usually in-depth and allow you to get to know the person beyond their face value. You get to connect deeply with the person and get a sneak peek into their psyche.
  • It’s a great resource to expand your knowledge. GenZ is listening to podcasts on fintech, global markets, medical research, history, and art today. Such a varied landscape helps you explore different avenues. 
  • It is a great tool to find your focus. Many people rely on podcasts to introduce a sense of discipline, productivity, and structure into their daily routines. 

Many great podcasts are available across multiple audio and video streaming platforms but here are my top picks. 

  1. Call Me Hopeful by The Swaddle- This is primarily a Mental Health podcast wherein the podcaster asks guests to share their journeys on a particular theme. This is a great start for anyone who is new to mental health vocabulary and wants to sensitize themselves and learn about what coping mechanisms different individuals use while they navigate universally faced challenges. One of my favorite episodes from this is with Vir Das, Indian Comedian who speaks about his journey with loneliness and how kindness helps him tackle challenges and grow as an individual.

2.  BeerBicepts Podcast with Indian Therapist Neha Bhat- Full disclosure, this podcast is for everyone but it can get overwhelming and even triggering for many. Please make sure you have enough headspace before entering into this podcast. This podcast discusses crucial and sensitive topics such as domestic abuse, trauma, and how the healing journey takes place afterwards. It is necessary for everyone because it makes you aware of the gravity of the situation. This podcast is a powerful medium to sensitize a larger part of the population who may have doubts or confusion associated with these areas. 

3.  The Trauma of Abandonment by ‘Way of Thinking’- In this podcast, Dr. Gabor Mate, a Canadian Physician explains how abandonment can not only translate into psychological but biological trauma as well. A huge part of how our bodies respond to distress lies in how they perceive trauma. This podcast presents socio-cultural changes and sudden events in a new light rather than categorizing them into psychopathological diseases or disorders. 

4.  Andrew Huberman Podcast with Dr. Marc Brackett on ‘How to Increase Your Emotional Intelligence’- Dr. Brackett is a Professor of Child Study and Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. This podcast discusses all things emotion. It focuses on paying attention to them, interpreting them, and analyzing how we make meaning out of them. These are important areas as they have an impact on our overall quality of life and health. 

5.   Unlocking Us by Brené Brown- Brené Brown is a storyteller and researcher whose work has focused on the studies of courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. In this podcast, the host engages in deep, insightful conversations with guests from various fields, including psychologists, authors, and creatives. One highly recommended episode from the podcast is with Dr. Edith Eger on the “Gift of Suffering." In this powerful episode, Dr. Edith Eger, a Holocaust survivor and psychologist, discusses trauma, resilience, and healing. She shares a profound set of insights on transforming suffering into personal growth and finding freedom from the mental prisons we create. Her message of hope and forgiveness is deeply moving and offers a unique perspective on processing trauma.

6. The Great Women Artists Podcast- Hosted by Katy Hessel, this podcast celebrates women in art history and contemporary art. Each episode of the podcast features conversations with artists, curators, and historians, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women artists. The podcast celebrates female creativity and challenges the male-dominated narrative often seen in art history. By highlighting both historical figures and contemporary creators, it offers a more inclusive and inspiring view of art, making it essential listening for art lovers.

7. The Mindvalley Podcast- This is one of the first podcasts that got me hooked on the world of podcasts. Hosted by Vishen Lakhiani, this podcast covers a wide range of personal growth topics, from mindfulness to biohacking, featuring interviews with spiritual leaders, psychologists, and life coaches. This is for anyone looking for deep, thought-provoking conversations and self-transformation through awareness.

8. Finding Mastery-Hosted by Michael Gervais, a sports psychologist, this podcast features interviews with top athletes and coaches. Michael dives into the mental strategies and mindsets that drive high performance, exploring themes like resilience, focus, and overcoming adversity. Some notable guests include LeBron James, Steve Young, and Dr. Andreq Huberman. This is ideal for athletes, sports enthusiasts, psychologists, or anyone interested in the intersection of mental health, performance, and personal growth.