Podcasts to listen to now
Podcasts helped get me through my heartbreak last year. Most notably the Tim Ferris Show and Expanded by Lacy Philips. Of course there were other things - friends, family and a trip to the US, but listening to podcasts helped kick me out of my sadness and refocus my mind. Admittedly it might have deflected my healing process, but the distraction of learning helped me function so I that I could work and get on with my day to day life.
I’ve also listened to a LOT of podcasts during the lockdown, because I had a little more time on my hands and to not sit with my thoughts for too long. I find listening to conversations not only incredibly informative - I learn a wealth of knowledge on subjects I haven’t had the change to delve into when reading - and I also find them therapeutic, as I realised during my break-up. As we ease out of the lockdown, I don’t think much is going to change as I personally resume a much calmer and slower version of my former life, so I thought it was about time that I published an article with a few of my favourites, along with some brilliant suggestions from my assistant and some of you.
Health, Well-being & Spiritual
Oprah’s Supersoul Conversations
Who doesn’t love Oprah? And listening to one of her episodes is like sitting down on the sofa after a long stressful day with a good cup of tea. She has access to the best, so the conversations are brilliant, enlightening and grounding.
Shetty is a former monk who has since become a social media powerhouse by sharing videos based on what he learnt - I of course discovered him on Instagram. He’s a wealth of wisdom, which means it’s no surprise that he tops the podcast charts in health and fitness with On Purpose. Jay thoughtfully interviews the likes of The Wolf of Wall Street’s Jordan Balfort, Deepak Chopra, Marie Foleo and Arianna Huffington about how to live a life with purpose.
Hosted by Goop founder and actress, Gwyneth Paltrow and her Chief Content Officer Elise Loehen, they interview an array of big names and self-help gurus in the realms of health, psychology and nutrition.
Expanded Podcast with Lacy Philips
Philips has built a booming business based on the art of manifestation. Having watched The Secret and read numerous self-help books, I find what she has to say about unblocking, working with your inner child and manifesting your dream life, some of the most sensible and relatable in the arena.
I will go so far as to say that this is probably my favourite podcast. Not just because of the people Tim interviews, but his questioning and ‘segwaying’ (he does a lot of that) into adjacent subjects and topics is done with such skill and ease.
I’m currently loving Caggie Dunlop’s new podcast (she launched in March) that looks to astrology and the moon for answers. She chats to the likes of Shona Vertue about sex & relationships (a favourite episode) and Elizabeth Day about authenticity.
Under the Skin with Russell Brand
Since going through rehab, coming out the other side, getting married and having a kid, Russell Brand has morphed into a guru of sorts. He’s turned his wit and humour to podcasting to ask life’s difficult questions and delve as the title suggests: under the skin to get to the nitty gritty of who we are and why we do what we do.
FAshion, beauty & lifestyle
Fat Mascara with Jessica Matlin and Jennifer Goldstein
The award-winning Fat Mascara is hosted by two beauty editors who a) really know everything about the beauty world and b) are exceptionally honest. It’s a mixture of latest industry news, interviews with celebrities and experts, and beauty advice without the BS. It’s also just a lot of fun.
Stylish duo - journalists and fashion influnencers Monica de La Villadière and Camille Charriere talk all things fashion, as they delve behind its scenes without (as the name suggests) a filter.
More than One Thing with Athena Calderone
I’ve been a big admirer of New York interior designer, cook, recipe developer and author, Athena Calderone for a while, for her aesthetics - she has one of the most beautiful interiors I’ve ever laid my eyes on - her cooking which lead to one of two book deals and her table scapes. Now I’m really enjoying her new podcast which interviews people who wear many hats in their creative careers.
Business
Raz interviews the founders behind successful businesses such as Patagonia, Kate Spade and Beauty Pie, addressing the hardships they faced along the way and what they learnt from the experience.
I discovered Brendon Burchard on the Tim Ferris Show (of course) and yes I’ve clearly been living under a rock, as he’s one of the most motivational speakers in the business. A must listen for wannabe entrepreneurs or anyone running their own business.
Arts & Culture
Renowned journalists and authors, Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes dissect and discuss today’s culture, new books, media, dating and current affairs in the witty and approachable way.
How to Fail with Elizabeth Day
The podcast spawned her brilliant eponymous book last year and asks interviewees what they’ve learnt from their greatest failures in life and business. A must-listen for entrepreneurial spirits, writers, musicians and creatives or anyone sacrificing a more straight forward road in order to follow their dreams.
Powered by Frieze, Bow Down’s Women in Art looks at important female artists you may not know about yet. Each twenty minute episode is presented by a writer, historian, artist, or curator and focuses on overlooked women artists through history.
London Review Bookshop Podcast by London Review of Books
The LRB shop plays host to literary events throughout the year featuring authors in conversation, poetry readings, and thought-provoking discussions. The events are recorded through their podcast and you can hear authors speak about their books or take on contemporary issues.
Food
Following a painful a divorce from the man she moved to Paris for, my friend Su turned to food for therapy. She cooks and chats about relationships and the reality of living in the city of light when it doesn’t quite live up to the fairytale expectations.
Radio Cherry Bombe with Kerry Diamond
It’s not surprising that one of the coolest food magazines would have a podcast to match. Radio Cherry Bombe features interviews with incredible women from the world of food — chefs, stylists, food writers and bakers; it’s a lovely mix of well-known names and up-and-comers.
The BA podcast is a food lover’s delight, taking us through how the magazine develops their delicious recipes and so much more. The podcast features many of the test kitchen’s favourites and staff from behind the scenes, plus some of the world’s most celebrated chefs.
And a few others worth noting:
These are podcasts that are on our to-listen lists or that have been recommended by friends and followers.
Unlocking Us by Brene Brown (it’s newish and I haven’t had the chance to listen yet), Modern Love by the New York Times, Call Your Girlfriend, Second Life, Table Manners with Jessie Ware, The Evidence Locker, La Poudre (in French), The New Paris, Caliphate, Where Should We Begin by Esther Perel and The Modern House.
Words by Marissa Cox and Zhenya Tsenzharyk.
