Podcasts have been taking the world by storm in recent years, becoming increasingly popular as a way to consume entertainment and news. Equally, mental health awareness is rising, as people become more open about the struggles so many of us share. A study in 2019 found that 970 million people across the globe were living with some form of mental health disorder. It makes sense then, that mental health focused podcasts are becoming even more central to education and removing taboos and stereotypes. But what are the best mental health podcasts out there?
There is a growing diversity of podcasts available for your listening pleasure, with something for everyone. There are around 178.37m episodes pulling in 4.02bn USD in advertising revenue alone. It’s safe to say, there is a huge library to look through. So, where to start when looking for your mental health podcast of choice?
In this blog, we will uncover 17 of the best mental health podcasts, covering a range of topics from specific conditions like depression and anxiety, to particular demographics like gender and nationality. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but is a great place to start your hunt for a mental health podcast that resonates with you.
- Podcasts for General Mental Health
- Best Mental Health Podcasts for Managing Anxiety, Bipolar and Depression
- Mental Health Podcasts for Women
- Mental Health Podcasts for Men
- Best Mental Health Podcasts for Young Adults
- Podcasts Focused on Mental Health Awareness
- International Mental Health Podcasts
- Podcasts for a Holistic Approach to Mental Health
Podcasts for General Mental Health
Let’s Talk About Mental Health
Let’s Talk About Mental Health is a super popular podcast that is a great all-rounder for those looking for a general mental health overview. Hosted by counsellor Jeremy Godwin, you can expect to receive tips, advice and accessible discourse around a variety of mental health topics.
This podcast is focused on practical steps towards improving your well-being, with a no frills approach that really respects the listener’s time.
Inside Mental Health Podcast
Surely one of the best mental health podcasts of 2024, Inside Mental Health is an award-winning podcast with new episodes dropping weekly.
The host, Gabe Howard, speaks to guests from all kinds of backgrounds to bring light to mental health and psychiology in a way that appeals to the masses. Opt for this one if you’re looking for a simple breakdown of complex mental health concepts and conditions.
Best Mental Health Podcasts for Managing Anxiety, Bipolar and Depression
The Anxiety Coaches Podcast
Dropping twice a week, The Anxiety Coaches podcast offers brilliant, practical steps towards easing anxiety conditions. With a focus on ways to calm the nervous system, the show is great for those looking for ways to cope with and combat stress, panic and even PTSD.
Topics range from guided meditations for sleep, to the impact of anxiety on eating habits. Take a scroll through their past episodes to find a topic that chimes with your needs right now.
Inside Bipolar Podcast
A spin off from Inside Mental Health, Inside Bipolar podcast is just as impactful in its output. The combination of host Gabe Howard’s lived experience of the condition, and Dr Nicole Washington’s board-certified expertise, makes it a really well-rounded look at this disorder.
They use analogies and examples from their own angle of knowledge, and keep it light enough that it won’t make you feel down to listen to. Give it a go if you’re looking for an authentic insight into bipolar disorder.
The Self Love Fix
Beatrice Kamau is an inner child healing coach, and in The Self Love Fix she guides listeners through tools and techniques that cultivate self-compassion. Topics include developing boundaries, unravelling childhood trauma and loving yourself before all else.
Episodes drop weekly, so you always have a little audio pick-me-up to look forward to.
Mental Health Podcasts for Women
Therapy Chat
There are a lot of great options to add to any list of the best mental health podcasts for women, but Therapy Chat has to rank among them. It has hundreds of episodes on many topics, from trauma and healing to psychotherapy and energy work.
It typically focuses a lot on women’s perspectives and the challenges specific to their emotional and physical health.
Not Another Anxiety Show
Hosted by registered nurse Kelli Walker, Not Another Anxiety Show is one of the best mental health podcasts on Spotify and other platforms. An accessible way to enter the topic, it uses actionable tips to educate people on how to deal with occasional or chronic anxiety.
The conversation is light and often funny, with other guest contributors offering more insights into topics such as burnout and hypervigilance.
Mental Health Podcasts for Men
The Depression Files Podcast
Al Levin is an elementary school principal, with an important job on the side – mental health podcast host. In each episode, he interviews different men who live with depression, dismantling misconceptions and sharing authentic, lived experiences.
There are also many guest speakers that feature in the episodes, most of whom are experts in the field of mental health or activists in this space.
Man Talks
Covering topics from dating and relationships, to masculinity and spirituality, Man Talks is one of the best mental health podcasts for men. It’s hosted by writer, motivational speaker and coach Connor Beaton, who draws on his own experience to help inspire and inform others.
One reviewer said “I always know I’m going to get content that is helpful, thought-provoking, and encouraging.”
Best Mental Health Podcasts for Young Adults
The Hilarious World of Depression
Sometimes humor is the best way to approach what can be heavy and complex topics. The Hilarious World of Depression takes this tactic; discussing clinical depression with a frank and funny tone to help to destigmatize the illness.
This can be a really nice way for young people to be initiated into conversations around mental health. By leading with a sense of humor, the topic becomes far less daunting and encourages people to open up emotionally.
The Mental Illness Happy Hour
Hosted by comedian Paul Gilmarten, The Mental Illness Happy Hour is a weekly podcast that platforms interviews with all kinds of fascinating people; from artists to actors to doctors.
Paul’s goal is to create a sense of community and support within those living with mental health conditions, busting the myth that sufferers are alone and without help.
Podcasts Focused on Mental Health Awareness
The Happiness Lab
Perhaps not directly mental health focused, The Happiness Lab goes a long way to increasing awareness and openness on the topic. Dr. Laurie Santos, a professor at Yale, created the podcast on the basis of her psychology course at the university.
It encourages listeners to look at what consititutes and creates happiness through a different lense. In fact, Dr. Santos demonstrates that often many of us act in ways that directly limit things that would truly make us happy. Sounds interesting, right?
Mindful Muslim Podcast
Often, different religions and cultures have to approach the topic of mental health in different ways in order to honor their customs and context.
The Mindful Muslim creates a safe space for open conversations on a plethora of topics, from mental health and well-being to psychology, theology and spirituality. It combines mindfulness with an Islamic perspective.
International Mental Health Podcasts
All in the Mind (Australia)
One of the best mental health podcasts in Australia, All in the Mind encorporates science, behaviours, the brain and more into a fascinating series of episodes. Covering topics such as digital minimalism, artificial intelligence, love languages and attachment styles, it deep-dives into some of the most relevant subjects of the day.
Scroll through to find some topical Australia episodes too; as it’s based there, the country often gets particular focus.
Mental Health Ireland Podcast
Based in Ireland? Look no further than Mental Health Ireland’s podcast for local stories, regional services and mental health trends in the country. The podcast features Irish guest experts who contribute on everything ranging from the science of sleep to the impact of lonliness.
Each episode shines a light on a different area, so take your time to find what resonates with you.
Podcasts for a Holistic Approach to Mental Health
Feel Better, Live More
Hosted by Dr Rangan Chatterjee, Feel Better, Live More features leading health experts and well-known personalities, discussing various mental health-related issues such as stress and burnout.
A General Practitioner doctor, Dr Chatterjee has a medical background but opens conversations from all areas of holistic health, mindfulness and stress-relieving techniques.
On Being with Krista Tippett
In this deeply self-inquisitive podcast, Krista Tippett explores where spirituality, poetry, science and healing connect. She tackles life’s big and daunting questions with some of the world’s foremost thinkers such as Thich Nhat Hanh and Desmond Tutu.
Enjoy a scroll through the archive to uncover some fascinating and diverse takes on mental well-being from around the world.
Your Go-To Guide for the Best Mental Health Podcasts in 2024
Everyone’s mental health journey is personal, and so a podcast that resonates with one listener might not work at all for another. Take some time to try out different speakers and topics to find what chimes with your interests and goals. Whether it’s finding specific advice and tips or hearing personal stories, in the growing podcast market there’s something for everyone.
The accessability and affordability of mental health podcasts means knowledge and community is within reach to so many more people. In a society where mental health continues to shape many people’s lives, the more awareness raising and advice available publicly the better.
Interested in delving more into mental health topics? Check out our recent piece on How To Be Kind To Yourself – A Guide to Self Compassion.
References
Statista. “Podcasting Worldwide – Statistics & Facts.” Statista, https://www.statista.com/topics/7662/podcasting-worldwide/#topicOverview. Accessed 19 Oct. 2024.
World Health Organization. “Mental Health.” World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_2. Accessed 19 Oct. 2024.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Bipolar Disorder.” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955. Accessed 19 Oct. 2024.
ManTalks. “Podcast.” ManTalks, https://mantalks.com/podcast/. Accessed 19 Oct. 2024.
Plum Village. “Thich Nhat Hanh.” Plum Village, https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh. Accessed 19 Oct. 2024.
Nobel Prize. “Desmond Tutu – Biographical.” Nobel Prize, https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1984/tutu/biographical/. Accessed 19 Oct. 2024.
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