5 Podcasts to Keep You Company While You Focus
Below, you will find a list of my favourite podcasts which you can listen to while studying, cooking, doing jobs around the house, etc.
Good influence with Gemma Styles
This was the first podcast I listened to and sparked my love for podcasts. The host, Gemma Styles, interviews a new guest each episode, meaning that the show discusses a wide range of topics with various experts. For example, Matt Haig on mental health, Ben Hurst on toxic masculinity, Elizabeth Day on failure, and Michelle Elman on boundaries.
I love this podcast for exactly this: the variety.It never gets boring by orienting around the same topic over and over. I have found great inspiration for both myself and my assignments by listening to this podcast.
Today in focus by The Guardian
Want to be updated on world news but can’t be bothered to read the news all the time? I feel you! For my course it is very important to keep updated on the news but, with my busy schedule, I find it hard to muster time and the motivation for reading the news. Luckily, I came across this podcast which allows me to stay informed without having to read and it has changed my life for the better!
In “Today in Focus”, different presenters focus on relevant topics regarding world news and investigate them deeply. Together with experts in the areas discussed, this podcast elaborates on news stories, often diving deeper into the history or context behind a story. I find it a high-quality journalistic podcast with relevance to a wide range of topics. The show is updated every weekday so it is very up to date!
28-ish days later by BBC 4
To everyone with a period (or anyone interested in understanding menstrual cycles better), this is for you! This podcast found me when I was trying to learn more about menstrual cycles earlier this year. In 28 episodes the podcast guides you through your cycle explaining what is going on in your body on each specific day. The episodes are short so it fits perfectly into your daily life and is a great way to learn something new about menstruation. No matter if you have a period yourself or know someone who does, give it a listen… it is worth it.
Where should we begin with Esther Perel
Enjoy psychology and understanding people on a deeper level? “Where should we begin” is for you! It is a psychology podcast made using real recordings of a therapy session undertaken by Esther Perel. I find this podcast super fascinating because it gives you a greater understanding of humans and their psychology but also an idea of what a therapy session can look like. There are numerous topics touched upon in this podcast, and all are eye-opening and inspiring; who knows, you might recognise yourself in some of them! The episodes are rather long so I love listening whilst studying, doing chores or driving long journeys.
The slow newscast by The Observer
Want some background noise to underline your day and keep updated?
This podcast is great to study to because it is very slow and calm and doesn’t distract you from your own thoughts and ideas too much. It investigates news stories deeply and looks into a variety of topics but it does so in an intentionally slow and calm manner. I find it a good alternative to loud, energetic podcasts on days when I need tranquillity. It also keeps me well updated about what is happening in the world (so an absolute win!).
Give them a listen! I hope to have inspired some of you to start sharing my love for podcasts.