Podcasts are a great way to educate yourself on topics you’re curious about. With mental health awareness on the rise, there are plenty of great mental health podcasts that aim to de-stigmatise the issue.
As Lady Gaga said, “Individual acts of compassion and bravery can change the world. It is time to do the same for mental health.” Interested to understand your mental wellness? Plug in and hit play to these six podcasts that’ll hopefully help you feel less alone.
Detoxicity: By Men, About Men, For Everyone
An interview-style podcast, Detoxicity is hosted by radio personality, mental health and sexuality educator Mike Joseph. It tries to answer questions that the 21st-century man might have, such as: “What does it mean to be a man?”
With guests featured in each episode, Joseph dives deep into ideas of masculinity and how that permeates men’s daily life, especially its effects on mental health. He also covers topics from relationships to sexuality, from creativity to psychology — with sensitivity and humour. If you want a positive and thoughtful series for heavier topics, this is it.
Mad Chat
Mad Chat is for pop culture geeks who enjoy unpacking mental health representations in the media. Host Sandy Allen is a writer and speaker who identifies as trans and queer. She is passionate about all things mental health. The podcast has humour, great guests, chemistry and intellectual conversations. It was even named among one of the 100 best podcasts of 2019.
What makes Mad Chat a fun podcast to listen to is its unique analysis of our favourite TV shows such as “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and “BoJack Horseman.” Not convinced? New York Times describes listening to Mad Chat as akin to “hanging out with two of your smartest and funniest friends.”
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
ManUp! UK’s Mental Health Podcast
More often than not, the term “man up” is thrown around almost too carelessly – especially where emotions are concerned. This podcast is an extension of the ManUp! initiative and/or charity, which aims to raise awareness about men’s mental health as well as rebranding the phrase “man up,” whilst chipping away at the stigma.
Hosts Andy Richardson and Tommy Danquah invite guests to speak about a range of topics like eating disorders in men, fatherhood and even mental health in veterans. This is an enlightening podcast about men’s mental health that everyone should listen to regardless of their gender.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Self Care IRL
Rated 4.9 stars out of 5 on Apple Podcasts, Self Care IRL is hosted by wellness blogger and author of “Things I Wish I Knew Before My Mom Died” Ty Alexander. This is more of a self-care podcast that’ll give you a safe space to reflect inwards on habits and feelings that may sometimes be a challenge to unpack. This includes dealing with guilt, reconnecting with a friend you had a fallout with or unpacking Black names. What’s even better? Alexander isn’t scared to share her personal stories with her listeners, adding real depth to the podcast.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Brobriety: Sobriety, Mental Health, and Wellness For Men (And Women, and the Men and Women Who Love Them)
Brobriety is a portmanteau for the slang “bro” and sobriety. Hosted by VanSober, this podcast features interviews with guests, tackling conversations on mental health, addiction and self-discovery. Each episode features real-life, vulnerable stories about overcoming addiction, hard work and eye-opening perspectives on how masculinity and recovery mean in the 21st century.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.