6 EXCELLENT PODCASTS
(That have nothing to do with self-improvement)
Words
STEPHANIE YEBOAH
Over the last few years, I’ve delved deep into my wellness era. Green juice, journaling and Reformer Pilates are all newly-made friends of mine, but sometimes I just want to actually relax. How we spend our downtime shouldn’t always be about improving who we are.
Hot off the heels of ‘burnout’, we have now entered the era of ‘learnout’, a term coined by Stylist magazine to describe the mental load and exhaustion that comes with becoming an expert in every-thing. It can feel as if everywhere you look there’s a podcast promising to ‘optimise your mindset’ or ‘unlock your best self.’ Our brains are overflowing with information and, wow, it's often tiring. Don’t get me wrong, personal growth is positive, but does it need to dictate every moment of our day?
When I plug in my headphones, it’s not to self-perfect - it’s to escape. When I put on a podcast, I’m not always looking for life lessons or morning routine inspiration. I want something that allows me to disappear or inhabit another world for a while - stories that make me laugh, gasp out loud or forget about my to-do list entirely. I’m searching for escapism that doesn’t aim to bring out the ‘best’ version of me, just a more entertained one. If you too, are craving a break from all the self-optimisation talk, these are the best podcasts to queue up - no affirmations required.
The Read
One of my favourite podcasts of all time, The Read is hosted by Kid Fury and Crissle West who together blend sharp cultural commentary with gut-busting humour. Each episode dissects pop culture and celebrity drama, heightened by the hosts’ raucous chemistry. The ‘Mailroom’ sec-tion invites listeners to send in letters asking for advice on all things regarding mental health, relationships and general minutiae. Smart, unfiltered and hilarious, The Read is a defining voice within podcast culture.
After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
As a self-confessed history buff with a morbid fascination with the macabre, I always make sure to tune in to this twice-weekly podcast that delves into the shadowy corners of history, folk-lore, and the supernatural. Hosted by Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling, it mixes academic insight with campfire intrigue, exploring everything from scandalous historical figures to eerie legends with staying power. Whether unearthing cursed artefacts or exposing historical crimes, After Dark captivates with its alchemy of humour, history and horror. It’s a great bit of escapism for those who like their facts with a shiver.
The Rest is Entertainment
If you’re looking for a podcast packed full of sparkling, witty musings on pop culture, The Rest Is Entertainment, fronted by award-winning author Richard Osman and critically-acclaimed Guardian columnist Marina Hyde will be right up your street. Both hosts dive into the mechanics of television, film and celebrity with depth, originality and humour. The podcast is ideal for anyone who loves entertainment not just on surface level, but because of what it says about the world we live in and what we care about.
Sara and Cariad's Weirdo Book Club
Hosted by comedians Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd, The Weirdo Book Club is designed for the ‘unprepared outsider’ of the book club - there’s no homework and you don’t even need to have read the title being discussed. Each week, they chat with fellow comedians or writers about odd, humorous or stimulating reads in a relaxed and funny way, creating an inclusive space where weirdness is more than welcome. Recent guests include Slow Horses author Mick Herron, singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor and actress Juliet Stevenson.
Bad Therapist
Bad Therapist is a candid, thought-provoking podcast that peels back the polished veneer of therapy culture to reveal the dark side of mental health, offering insight on scammers, self-proclaimed gurus, and conversion therapy. Led by psychotherapist Ash Compton and journalist Rachel Monroe, it features raw conversations with therapists and clients about medical ethics, exposing some of the shady characters that exist within this growing space. With humour, compassion and zero pretence, Bad Therapist challenges pop psych cliches and dissects issues, from the rise of therapy speak to the evolution of hysteria.
Sayo Says
A refreshingly honest and playful podcast hosted by one of my favourite creators, Adesayo Talabi (aka, Sayo), Sayo Says blends satire, storytelling and social commentary that feels like a late-night chat amongst (very informed), friends. Sayo unpacks everything from cultural identi-ty and relationships to fame, feminism and Black British life - always with a side of wry humour and candid reflection. Episodes mostly start with jokes or personal anecdotes, but often dig in-to serious topics - race, boundaries, power - without feeling heavy. It’s smart and endlessly en-tertaining, and a standout for those who like their life-chat with bite.
Stephanie Yeboah is an author and freelance journalist. Her latest book, Chaotic Energy, is available to buy here.