Feeling lonely? These podcasts will help boost your mood
As the Coronavirus outbreak continues to affect our everyday lives, it’s easy to feel lonely or anxious. Yes, although we can now meet up with friends and family IRL, the scenario is still not ideal. If you don't have a large support network, loneliness can continue to be an everyday experience.
Feeling lonely and just want some audio company? Podcasts could help you through some down moments with a little laughter and thought-provoking conversation.
The BBC conducted a study on loneliness in 2020 and found that 40% of 16-24-year-olds often or very often felt lonely. However, an ONS study has recently revealed that the levels of loneliness in Great Britain have actually increased since spring 2020. "From October 2020 to February 2021, of those who said their well-being had been affected in the last seven days by the pandemic, 38.6% (about 10.5 million people) said it was because they were lonely."
At these times of anxiety and overthinking, podcasts could really help give your brain a break, as computational and cognitive neuroscientist, Jack Gallant suggests: “Listening to podcasts is not a passive activity. It makes your brain hum. The idea of engaging the brain and being attentive to the discussion can act as a great distraction to keep active and not stray away to those darker places so immediately.”
If you’re looking to film some calmness in this chaotic climate but are too busy to even plug your earphones in then Take Ten With Twiggy might do the trick. If you’re looking for advice, helpful tips and inspiration on how to navigate life as young women, then The Gurls Talk is for you. If you’re looking for an anxiety-busting soulful conversation? Well, Oprah, as always has got you!
Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations, Oprah’s weekly podcast, sees the queen of empowerment joined by celebrity pals – including Reese Witherspoon and Julia Roberts - authors, thought-leaders, spiritual gurus and wellness experts to help us all take one step closer to being our best self. Deep soul searching at its finest.
For our full run-down of the best podcasts to listen to now, check out our edit below and hopefully these will provide a distraction from any anxieties you are currently dealing with in these unexpected times…
Archewell Audio
What is it? Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, and Megan, The Dutchess of Sussex present Archewell Audio to drive powerful conversations that inspire, challenge and educate.
Tell me more: Meghan and Prince Harry first ever podcast episode features a bevvy of famous 'appearances' from the likes of Sir Elton John and James Corden. You will also be treated to a snippet of Archie’s adorable voice, as he makes an impromptu appearance near the end of the first episode. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released the ‘2020 holiday special’ recording on December 29 as a way to honour frontline workers and pay tribute to those facing ‘uncertainty and unthinkable loss’ as a result of Covid-19.
Take Ten With Twiggy
What is it? Twiggy Jalloh, speaks candidly on her emotional well-being + life’s ups and downs - finishing off each session with a guided meditation.
Tell me more: In a climate full of chaos, stress and anxiety, Take 10 With Twiggy can take you into a gentle place of zen and peace in under ten minutes. Every Sunday, you can sit down and listen to Twiggy’s calming tonation as she shares her big thought or revelation of the week and then guides you through a short mediation session.
The Gurls Talk Podcast
What is it? Model Adwoa Aboah and other young women discuss mental health, politics and race.
Tell me more: Adwoa Aboah has an amazing ability to make you feel like you're not alone, having gone through her own battles with mental health throughout the years. The topics range from addiction and recovery with friend and poet Sonny Hall to race in sport with Olympic champion Dina Asher-Smith. Being female, and having a space to talk about all the kinds of things that go on in different fields, whether at work or online with trolls, the conversations delve into the more complex topics of the moment.
Two Twos Podcast
What is it? Two black lesbians living in London speak their unapologetic truth whilst creating a safe space for people like themselves and bridging the gap between LGBT+ and Cis gendered people.
Tell me more: Podcast hosts Rose Frimpong and Nana Duncan have created a platform / safe space which has quickly become an essential platform for Black LGBTQ+ people in the UK. On the podcast they touch on tough conversations surrounding ental health and how that is delt within the community, bisexuality, starting a family in a same-sex couple, being gay and Muslim and interracial lesbian couples etc. No stone is left unturned.
The Michelle Obama Podcast
What is it? Michelle Obama, the former US First Lady delves deep into conversations with her family, friends, mentees and colleagues on the relationships in our lives that make us who we are.
Tell me more: Michelle channels her beliefs, worldview, and experiences by sharing her stories as a working Black woman with power, a mother, wife, daughter, and, of course, the former First Lady. She invites a few familiar faces like her husband / former President of the USA Barack Obama, as well as not so familiar faces (ones with incredible insight into being marginalised in America and in the west), like her mentees amongst others guests.
The Goop Podcast
What is it: Gwyneth Paltrow and GOOP’s Chief Content Officer, Elise Loehnen of Goop Lab fame on Netflix, talk everything wellness.
Tell me more: With episodes every Tuesday and Thursday, The Goop Podcast will give you a lot of food for thought as in each episode the queens of wellness discuss everything from anxiety to addiction with experts.
Things You Can't Ask Yer Mum
What is it: Fashion influencers, Lizzy Hadfield (@shotfromthestreet) and Lindsey Holland (@ropesofholland) use their personal experiences to talk about millennial life
Tell me more: The girls talk through the topics you can’t, well, ask you Mum about from relationship to breakups and grief to friendships. Each digestible episode also now features a guest including our very own Entertainment Director, Josh Smith! So, what are you waiting for?
The Reggie Yates Podcast
What is it? A discussion of the latest headlines alongside a whole lot of banter.
Tell me more: Not one to shy away from the hard-hitting topics, filmmaker, TV presenter and all-round national favourite Reggie Yates teams up with his friends, Baba, Owen and Uzo, each week to talk about the more serious topics such as mental health from a male perspective and the impact of Netflix shows such as Ava Duvernay’s When They See Us to joking around as a group of really good friends. This podcast also doesn’t compromise on leaving anything out, so if you want to get distracted for a longer period of time, it’s worth checking this out.
Whole Truth with Jordan Stephens
What is it? Rapper Jordan Stephens interviews various guests and opens up about his mental health journey.
Tell me more: A mental health advocate, 1/2 of musical duo Rizzle Kicks and more recently actor playing a drag performer in award winning indie drama, Tucked, Jordan Stephens provides honest storytelling of his own journey with ADHD, depression and other related mental health concerns. Guests from actress Zowe Ashton to LGBTQ+ activist Munroe Bergdorf and writer The Slumflower have sat down for open, intimate conversations which interweave mental health issues and their own projects.
The Moments That Made Me with Roxie Nafousi
What is it? Emotional health advisor Roxie Nafousi sits down with guests to discuss the three moments that made them.
Tell me more: Each week Roxie sits down with the likes of Charli Howard and Tanya Burr to discuss the three moments that made them. From rock bottoms to chance meetings and addictions, these conversations will give inspiration to everyone that things can and will change and turn around.
Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
What is it? One fifth of the fabulous five, Jonathan Van Ness gets curious about well, everything that interests him.
Tell me more: The Queer Eye star who previously hosted Gay of Thrones explores what makes him curious in this weekly podcast. Each week, Jonathan is joined by celebrities such as Derry Girls star, Nicola Coughlan, and even Reese Witherspoon to discuss what makes them tick. Positivity in a podcast!
Table Manners with Jessie Ware
What is it? Singer Jessie Ware and her mum interview A-Listers and unfiltered chat ensues.
Tell me more: Musician Jessie Ware extends her talents to interviewer and podcast host with her mum, Lennie. With guests from London Mayor Sadiq Khan, to Nigella to Ed Sheeran, the A-Listers are stopping by to chat with the mother and daughter duo. There are no questions off the table, leaving the conversations they have as both light hearted and kept very, very real with Jessie's mum.
