Listening to podcasts is my favorite self care tool when I’m struggling with depression. I’m a firm believer in spending time with your feelings, but when you’re dealing with depression it’s easy to ruminate and fall into the hole. Filling my head with uplifting, inspiring podcasts helps me stop the negative-thought cycle and get through the workday. Here are some of my favorite podcasts that have lifted my mood when I was struggling:
1. Oprah Super Soul Conversations
I haven’t explored many episodes outside of this one, but this episode is worth 1,000 because it is so good. Glennon Doyle is a wonderful human and her story not only made me feel better about my own struggles but also gave me hope for the future.
Glennon Doyle: The Power of Embracing
2. Self Care Sunday
I have an obsession with the creator of this podcast, Kayley Reed, and have been basically forcing her to be my internet friend in hopes we can be real friends some day lol. Kayley has some fantastic guests and inspiring, real insights herself.
16: Becoming @positively.kate
21: 10 Ways to Practice Self-Care After a Breakup
3. Jen Gotch Is Ok…Sometimes
Jen Gotch is my new favorite person to follow in Instagram. She’s the creator of Bando and gets super real on her Instagram stories about her life, mental illness, and struggles behind her success. I love that she shows even though she’s killing it, she still has issues just like the rest of us. Also, she’s just hilarious. Her podcast is newer and a fun extension of what she shares on Instagram.
Jen, Meet Bipolar. Bipolar, Meet Jen.
Buttermilk Waitress: Proof You can Have a Million Terrible Jobs & Still Find Success
4. Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s voice alone makes me feel better. I read and loved her book Big Magic, and the podcast is a further exploration of those ideas except it includes other people’s real struggles and more of Elizabeth’s specific advice which is just wonderful. Also she has an episode with Glennon so obviously that’s my favorite.
Episode 209: “Show Up Before You’re Ready” featuring Glennon Doyle Melton
5. Pursuit With Purpose
I know Melyssa Griffin in the context of her coaching on running a creative business, and some of this podcast is about that. However, I think the podcast becomes more about personal development and emotions than it is about running a business. She interviews some great people that bring in really valuable information which I loved.
The Counterintuitive Way to Stop Feeling Like Crap and Fall in Love With Your Life with Amber Rae
6. Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
I love Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard. They’re fantastic. And listening to the two of them talk for nearly two hours (yes, that’s how long this episode is) is a gift. They talk about their beliefs, lives, and relationship is such an open, vulnerable way which helps you realize that everyone has issues, and every relationship is complicated. It also gives you some faith that even with all of our problems, we can have beautiful relationships.
Kristen Bell
7. Any podcast with Peta Kelly
I love Peta Kelly, and her message about alignment and raising our vibrations is 100% what I need when I’m feeling shitty. Here are a few podcasts Peta has been a guest on:
Almost 30, Happy Mama, Amber Lileystrom, and Lori Harder.
Bonus
Most of these are pretty spiritual, deep, personal-development-type podcasts, which I love. But I also love to stop thinking/feeling for a bit and just laugh.
Off the Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe
This is my fav podcast that I listen to every week because it’s so lighthearted and just makes me smile.
I hope you enjoy these podcasts and they brighten your mood or make you feel a little bit more inspired. Come hang with me on Instagram and let me know what your fav podcasts are!
Happy listening 🙂
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