5 Podcasts That Altered My Brain Chemistry This Week
Not sure if this is the case for all of us, but as a creative person, I find it difficult to observe someone’s work without an analytical mindset. I’m always so curious about the format, the technique, the mentality, the inspiration. And as someone who’s hosted a podcast for about 3 years now, the same is true for that medium. So when I hit you with these podcast recs, just know I really mean it. Whether you’re at the folding laundry, taking a hot girl walk, or rotting on the couch, these will surely keep you company:
If your perfectionist tendencies are driving you over the edge (Apple | Spotify)
I’ve been a listener of this show for a few years now, and I always appreciate Dr. Laurie Santos and her guests’ ability to make the conversation around mental health more open and honest. Not to sound cliche, but this episode in particular really blew my mind. I found myself nodding along incessantly, like I was finally understood — even if just by my self. As a recovering perfectionist. I have struggled to feel like I am enough, that the things I create are enough, that the work I am doing is enough. “Good enough” is a phrase that rarely comes out of my mouth. If you can relate, this episode is for you.
If you desperately need a laugh (Apple | Spotify)
I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a bad episode of SmartLess. While this episode is a fun, mindless listen, something Ariana said in the episode (around the 39 min mark) had me reconsider the way I approach scrutiny and outsiders’ perception. I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time, and I came away from this episode, even more enchanted by her. PS she revives her Jennifer Coolidge impersonation. You will note be disappointed
If you want to buff up on women’s health (Apple | Spotify)
As a *lowers voice* woman of a certain age, I found this episode of Dear Chelsea to be incredibly enlightening. Perimenopause is a phrase. I was not familiar with until fairly recently, which is wild considering I might already be in the midst of it! Women’s health is so under-researched, and there are still more questions than answers about this transition, but I found the conversation to be really empowering and de-stigmatizing. Dear Chelsea is one of my favorite podcasts, and the way she is able to approach tough topics with humor and a no BS attitude is so refreshing. I can’t recommend this one enough.
If you’re burnt out from the 24 hour news cycle (Apple | Spotify)
This is a new series on.We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle, and the first episode is the inspiration behind putting this blog round up together. I’ve already sent this episode to multiple people. Calm News is just as described: a take on the news that is not intended to flare up your nervous system. Award-winning journalist Jessica Yellin helps demystify and navigate a tricky political landscape with clarity. Truthfully, I’ve been having a really difficult time watching the news since the election, and this has helped me to get my head out of the sand and get a grasp on what is actually and could be happening. If you’re also having a tough time stopping the doomscroll, I am recommending you try out this version of the news for just a day. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
If you’re looking for self-help that’s a little “woo woo” (Apple | Spotify)
You know I just can’t help myself 😂 I discovered Big Conversations because someone recommended it on Threads, and while I don’t listen to every single episode, I really appreciate Haley’s uplifting messages. This episode made me cognizant of rules I make up in my head and the stories I tell myself that are frankly made up and often not true. Ever since I my listen, I keep making little discoveries of all the ways I create rules to make myself “more perfect” (this also ties in to The Happiness Lab episode above). It’s been quite eye-opening. It’s a quick listen, and I know you feel inspired after listening
Bonus rec! (Apple | Spotify)
Not an episode, but on the whole, Las Culturistas is my fave podcast. I subscribe to a lot of shows, and this one is consistently up there for me. I found the pod after my ski injury 4 years ago because I was bored and lonely and mostly immobile after surgery. Matt and Bowen have kept me entertained and up to date on the culture ever since. This show is a blast. RKPFs unite!