It’s easy to feel isolated while in… isolation. But feeling connected to others is more important now than ever! One way to hear a voice besides your own is to plug in your headphones and flip on a podcast. Podcasts have made my quarantine so much more enjoyable. They’re my excuse to get out and go on a run or walk, or even to sit quietly for some much-needed peace. Here are some of my favorites!
1. Good Life Project by Jonathan Fields
For all you self-improvement junkies out there, this is the podcast for you. Author and entrepreneur Jonathan Fields interviews experts from all walks of life to find out what makes their life “good.” Get ready for inspiring stories of how accomplished individuals overcame obstacles and achieved their successes. I usually leave this podcast experience feeling encouraged and motivated. Because after all, life is good! ;)
2. Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations by Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey’s podcast is kind of all over the place. It is interview-style as well, and she interviews a vast array of guests, from celebrities to spiritual leaders to Michelle Obama. She emphasizes spirituality and explores the deeper meanings of life itself as she uncovers the backstories of her guests.
3. The Try Pod by The Try Guys
This goofy podcast is perfect for anyone who wants a light-hearted laugh. It’s upbeat and refreshing and is now being uploaded twice a week during quarantine. It features the “Try Guys” (youtuber best friends Ned, Keith, Zack, and Eugene). Listeners hear funny banter as the friends catch up and talk about their week. It’s not necessarily educational or informative, but it is laugh-out-loud funny and a great way to relax and turn off your brain after a long day.
4. Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Kristen Bell’s husband and notable actor Dax Shepard records this podcast in his attic studio, where he interviews celebrities about the deeper meaning and behind-the-scenes of their lives. Shepard goes deep. If there is any celebrity you don’t particularly like, I recommend you listen to their episode with Dax Shepard. He gets guests to truly open up and reveal their feelings on fame, career, family, and everything in between.
5. Dear Hank and John by John and Hank Green
Brothers John and Hank Green have reached internet super star status. John is author of The Fault in Our Stars and Hank leads their educational video company Crash Course. The two are accomplished, wise, and straight-up hysterical. The two brothers are humble and kind, and generally exemplary siblings for us all. They answer questions from listeners, ensuring their advice is always as “dubious” as possible.
6. The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
For those of you who enjoyed Dear Hank and John, check out this podcast by John himself as well. He reviews every day aspects of life on a five-star scale, which sounds like a strange concept but he does so with care and insight. Episodes include features such as “Sycamore Trees,” “Air Conditioning,” “Notes App,” and “Canada Geese.” His tone is calm, engaging, and reassuring. I find it rather meditative.
7. The Model Health Show by Shawn Stevenson
Your inner health-nut will love Shawn Stevenson’s The Model Health Show. Stevenson is an author, nutritionist, and former trainer who is over-the-moon passionate about all things health and wellness. He’s all about research and science behind fitness, diet, exercise, and mental well-being. Stevenson interviews experts in episodes like “10 Powerful Nutrition Tips From the World’s Top Experts” and “The Danger of Staying in Your Comfort Zone.” Overall, I highly recommend you give this one a try.
This craziness we’re all going through is hard. There’s no doubt about that. But taking care of ourselves, using this quaran-time to the best of our abilities, is bound to make us all feel a little better. For me, listening to podcasts has helped me feel more connected to the world around me.