Whether you’re recording solo episodes late at night, managing guest bookings, or balancing your show with a full-time job, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where podcasts themselves can become part of the solution—not just the source of your stress, but a remedy for it.
Podcasts are uniquely effective for stress management because they’re so accessible. You don’t need to carve out extra time or sit in front of a screen. Just press play while you’re walking, driving, or winding down at the end of the day. They offer a chance to unplug while still feeling connected—something that’s hard to come by in today’s constantly-on world.
8 Podcasts That Can Help You Destress and Unwind
Here’s a curated list of standout shows that are not only effective for stress relief, but also great examples of how podcasting can be used to support mental well-being. Whether you’re looking for guided affirmations, meaningful conversations, or bite-sized mindfulness, there’s something here for every podcaster.
- Power Your Mind – A Hypnotherapy Podcast
Imagine a gentle voice guiding you through focused affirmations while relaxing music melts the stress away. Power Your Mind is like a mental tune-up—short, soothing, and designed to rewire your thinking over time. Whether you’re working on confidence, creativity, or emotional balance, these bite-sized episodes can become a powerful daily ritual.
Podcaster insight: This show is a great example of how simplicity and consistency build a loyal following. It’s also a masterclass in niche branding.
- In Your Element
Raw, relatable, and refreshingly self-aware—In Your Element brings you into the world of teenage host Abby Jones, who holds powerful conversations with guests reflecting on what made them feel grounded growing up. It’s part support system, part inspiration board, and all heart.
Why podcasters should listen: Abby’s authenticity and curiosity are a reminder that vulnerability and passion can elevate even the simplest format.
- New Dimensions Café
Think of this one as a mental espresso shot for the soul. Each episode of New Dimensions Cafe offers a thoughtful exchange with thinkers from all walks of life—spiritual teachers, scientists, artists, and activists. The conversations are short but deeply nourishing, like a retreat you can carry in your pocket.
Podcaster takeaway: It’s a stellar example of how to craft meaningful, high-impact interviews in a compact format.
- The Daily Meditation Podcast
If you’ve ever thought meditation felt too complicated, The Daily Meditation Podcast proves otherwise. Mary Meckley walks you through simple, focused meditations that are easy to follow and genuinely calming. Each week centers around a specific theme—like inner peace or managing anxiety—creating a rhythm that’s comforting and easy to stick with.
Creative tip: The thematic structure and bite-sized daily episodes are a brilliant way to keep content fresh and build consistent engagement.
- Podcast Your Business
When the hustle of podcasting starts to feel overwhelming, this show steps in with practical solutions—and some much-needed empathy. Podcast Your Business from Sunny Gault of the Independent Podcast Network speaks directly to the challenges podcasters face, from time management to imposter syndrome, and offers strategies to stay sane while growing your show.
Why podcasters should tune in: It’s a rare resource that blends technical advice with emotional support—something every creator needs.
- Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Equal parts practical and personal, Ten Percent Happier explores mindfulness from the perspective of someone who didn’t always buy into it. Dan Harris’s journey from anxious news anchor to meditation advocate is both relatable and reassuring. His interviews are smart, accessible, and often surprisingly funny.
Podcaster takeaway: Dan’s blend of curiosity, humility, and humor makes for a compelling host style—one that builds trust and connection with listeners.
- On Being with Krista Tippett
Listening to On Being feels like stepping into a quiet, sacred space. Krista Tippett’s voice is calm and deliberate, her questions open and expansive. The show explores what it means to be human through conversations that are as intellectually rich as they are emotionally grounding.
Why it’s worth studying: This is a masterclass in creating emotional depth and intimacy through audio—something every podcaster can learn from.
- Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
Few hosts connect with listeners quite like Brené Brown in Unlocking Us. With warmth and wisdom, she unpacks the messy, meaningful parts of life—fear, courage, belonging, and everything in between. Her conversations go deep, fast, and leave you feeling seen and stronger.
Podcaster insight: Brené proves that truth-telling builds powerful communities. Her fearless honesty is a reminder that your voice is most powerful when it’s real.
Stress-Relief Tips for Podcasters Inspired by These Shows
The shows we’ve highlighted aren’t just calming to listen to—they also offer powerful lessons in how to create, manage, and show up with more intention. Whether you’re a solo podcaster or part of a production team, here are a few stress-busting strategies inspired by these standout shows:
- Turn Listening Into a Ritual: Make podcast listening a part of your daily or weekly self-care routine—not just something you do to stay “in the loop.” Whether it’s your morning walk, your post-editing wind-down, or a Sunday reset, use this time to absorb calm energy and spark new ideas.
- Practice Presence Behind the Mic: The most powerful hosts aren’t the ones who say the most—they’re the ones who are fully present. Before you record, take 60 seconds to breathe, get grounded, and reconnect with your “why.” It’ll help you speak with more clarity and reduce performance anxiety.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Slow Down: Not every episode needs to be packed with energy. Sometimes, a slower pace can actually deepen listener connection and give your content space to breathe. Don’t be afraid to pause, reflect, or speak more gently—especially in emotionally rich episodes.
- Talk About the Hard Stuff: Burnout. Imposter syndrome. Creative fatigue. These are all real—and your audience probably feels them too. Use your platform to normalize these experiences and share how you’re navigating them. Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s community-building.
Final Thoughts
Podcasting is powerful, but it can also be demanding. The deadlines, the edits, the constant push to grow—it’s easy to forget that your voice deserves to be heard without being burned out.
The good news? You don’t have to navigate that pressure alone. Whether you’re listening to calming affirmations, deep conversations, or mindful meditations, stress-relief podcasts offer more than just a break—they offer perspective, grounding, and sometimes, the exact words you didn’t know you needed to hear.
