Podcasts accompany people during long commutes, workouts at the gym, and downtime in the bathtub, among other things. If you’re wondering if that’s a good thing, know that podcasts interact with your brain the same way stories do.
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If that’s not enough to entice you to listen to podcasts, we’ve compiled a list of some great ones. These health podcasts were chosen for the accuracy of the information, their originality and their listenability.
Podcasts are a modern and effective way to expand your knowledge base on virtually any topic, including those that affect the health and well-being of your body, brain, and spirit. If you have 15 minutes or more to spare, check them out.
The model health fair
Creator and host Shawn Stevenson performs personal shows and interviews with experts on a wide range of health-related issues, including metabolismfinancial health, stress, weight loss, empowerment and brain health.
No topic about the human body, the brain, or finding your best life is off-limits in this weekly podcast series. Stevenson’s casual style makes information understandable and accessible, even if you’re multitasking.
TEDTalks Health
The TEDTalks Health podcast series features renowned and innovative experts discussing the latest medical advances, as well as new approaches to old topics you thought you already knew everything about.
Each podcast began as an on-stage presentation at a TED conference, TEDx event, or TED partner event. Podcasts range in length from bite-sized to full-length, so you can choose between those that are best listened to on long plane flights or in short queues at the supermarket.
The Ultimate Health Podcast
Co-hosts Marni Wasserman and Dr. Jesse Chappus interview natural health and wellness experts on topics including meditation, diet, and insomnia.
The primary goal of this podcast series is to empower the listener to make proactive health choices, by providing holistic information and alternative viewpoints to mainstream medical thinking.
Nutrition Facts with Dr. Greger
These little podcasts last about 15 minutes each. They feature Dr. Michael Greger discussing nutrition from an evidence-based perspective. Dr. Greger might remind you a little of your favorite cool nerdy teacher from high school, and he really knows his stuff.
These highly informative, no-nonsense podcasts debunk nutrition myths and provide easy-to-understand information on what you should eat, what to avoid, how to cook foods for optimal nutrition, and much more.
Seasoning nutrition
In this podcast series, registered nutritionists and dietitians talk about food and its relationship to everything in people’s lives, from health to mood and relationships. The tone is optimistic and motivating.
Each podcast lasts around 45 minutes, but the time flies. Listening to Dishing Up Nutrition is a bit like receiving advice from a trusted and very intelligent friend over a cup of coffee.
The doctor’s kitchen
General practitioner and cookbook author, Dr Rupy Aujla believes in the power of food to prevent and treat disease. Her podcast is full of research-backed tips for healthy eating and optimal nutrition.
Dr. Aujla’s passion for sharing information about the medicinal qualities of foods shines through in every segment. These podcasts feature interviews with experts who have unique or research-backed perspectives on the impact of nutrition on the body, brain, and mood.
Each podcast is a little over an hour long.
Mind Pump: The Raw Truth About Fitness
This popular fitness and wellness podcast was created and is hosted by four athletes who were fed up with the way the fitness industry focused on people’s insecurities about their bodies.
If you heard a conversation between them at a sports bar, it would sound a lot like their very informative podcast.
Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews, and Doug Egge are on a mission to raise awareness about fitness while educating their listeners on how to do it safely and effectively.
Their podcasts provide accurate information about training, bodybuilding, and being your best.
In pursuit of excellence
Host Ben Bergeron gives a quick overview of how to achieve your best performance, both inside and outside of the gym. There’s something for everyone, no matter where you are in your fitness journey.
Bergeron presents strategies for eating well and exercising effectively, in small, easy-to-understand bites, aimed at people just starting to train, elite athletes, and every fitness level in between.
Happier with Gretchen Rubin
As the name suggests, this podcast series is dedicated to happy people. Host Gretchen Rubin may be the happiest person you’ve ever known, but she’ll also be the first to tell you that it takes work and strategizing. In this series, Rubin shares his secrets to having a happy life.
Most podcasts include contributions from Rubin’s favorite sidekick, his sister, Elizabeth Craft. The duo shares practical tips and know-how for turning lemons into lemonade during each segment, which lasts from 3 to 40 minutes.
The overwhelmed brain
Host Paul Colaianni offers strategies for increasing emotional intelligence and feelings of empowerment in these comprehensive, hour-long podcasts. The emphasis here is on relief stress and anxiety, promote well-being, and nurture phenomenal relationships that last a lifetime.
Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik
These quick, 19-minute podcasts are for busy people who need strategies to remember more, read faster, and stretch their brain power to the max.
Kwik offers brain training exercises and practical tips to improve focus and sharpen focus.
Magnetic Memory Method Podcast
Host Anthony Metivier delves into a wide range of memory strengthening techniques, with an emphasis on foreign language acquisition. It also focuses on techniques suited to specific tasks, such as studying for school and memorizing textbooks or sheet music.
The Chalene Show: diet, fitness and life balance
Chalene Johnson is a celebrity fitness trainer and author who has a knack for helping listeners overcome barriers to physical and mental health. She interviews experts on some episodes and goes solo on others.
Johnson covers topics like the effect of birth control on the female brain, relationship strategies, and fitness goals. She also welcomes listener comments and often features their questions on her podcasts.
Hidden brain
Hidden Brain is one of the most downloaded podcasts in the world today. It is hosted by Shankar Vedantam, social science correspondent for NPR.
The topics covered on Hidden Brain are intriguing and unique. They combine excellent narrative storytelling with easy-to-understand science.
Each highly informative segment provides you with insight into the unconscious and conscious choices you make every day and how those choices affect every aspect of your life, from your relationships to what motivates you.
The minute of mindfulness
If you’re new to meditation, this relatively new podcast series may be what you’re looking for. Host Meryl Arnett records each podcast during a weekly live meditation class she leads from her studio.
Episodes begin with a brief discussion and include an easy-to-follow themed and guided meditation.
