I recently had my usual visit with my psychiatrist (not my therapist, but the doc that prescribes my medication). We talked about my problem with shallow breathing and panic attacks, and she asked what I’ve been doing each day to bring happiness into my life. I stared blankly at the Facetime screen.
“You need to take time every single day to do something happy—dance for two minutes, listen to something silly, watch old cartoons. Whatever it is, you need to take a moment to step back from all the negative news and energy that you’re consuming throughout the day.”
She was right. I spend any non-working moments checking social media or the news, both of which are full of doom and gloom these days. While she acknowledged that it’s important to stay informed, she also cautioned that too much of it can send both the mind and body into a tailspin.
So, I took to Instagram to ask my followers for happy podcast recommendations. Since I know we could all use some smiles, I’m rounding them up here along with their own descriptions. Let me know your faves, too!
Reply All
“The show features stories about how people shape the internet, and how the internet shapes people. An original exploration of modern life and how to survive it.”
Off Menu
“Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite special guests into their magical restaurant to each choose their favorite starter, main course, side dish, dessert and drink. Ever wanted to eat your dream meal? It’s time to order Off Menu.”
Call Her Daddy
“Alex Cooper and the Daddy Gang exploit the details of their lives, making you feel a hell of a lot better about yours. Relationships, sex, social scenes, embarrassing moments, and more are addressed here.”
U Up?
“The definitive modern dating podcast presented by Betches co-founder Jordana Abraham and comedian Jared Freid. They discuss the ebbs and flows of the crazy dating world we live in.”
The Happiness Lab
“You might think you know what it takes to lead a happier life…more money, a better job, or Instagram-worthy vacations. You’re dead wrong. Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will forever alter the way you think about happiness.”
Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
“Join researcher and #1 New York Times best-selling author Brené Brown as she unpacks and explores the ideas, stories, experiences, books, films, and music that reflect the universal experiences of being human, from the bravest moments to the most brokenhearted.”
Absolutely Not
“Comedian Heather McMahan creates a safe-space for us to tell-all and bitch about the rest. No topics are off-limits as we break down the everyday struggles of doing the most, and the least, at the same damn time.”
The Bitch Bible
“A podcast that dares to say what many are thinking, but only a bitch would say. Expect unfiltered and unapologetic discussions about sex, millennial struggles, pop culture, social faux-pas and hopefully, an insightful takeaway.”
Girls Gotta Eat
“Should you ditch the apps and meet people in the wild? How do you get over a breakup when you feel like you’re gonna die? Hosted by Rayna Greenberg and Ashley Hesseltine, Girls Gotta Eat is a top comedy podcast about dating, sex, and relationships.”
Behind the Bliss
“The heartbeat to Behind the Bliss is to create a space for women to share stories and their reality of what life is really like behind the bliss so that listeners leave feeling met in their mess and balanced in the bliss.”
Colorfully Yours,
Haley
