Podcasts for Slowing Down

Speaking from experience, listening to heavy and political podcasts can be quite draining. I personally love creating some balance, and listening to podcasts that ramble on about interesting topics or nonsense is really useful to aid this. Here is a list of my favourite podcasts, that help me feel connected the world in a different way.

1. The High Low. This wonderful podcast was recommended to me by a friend, and now I am completely hooked! The hosts, Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes, are charismatic and so brilliant. The weekly episodes are referred to as their "weekly chat", and that is exactly what they are. They broach some sensitive topics, constantly showing their willingness to learn, such as with the episode on the Black Lives Matter movement. If you fancy zoning out, gaining some wacky facts and adopting some great further reading/listening then this is a podcast for you!

2. You'll Do. Catherine Bohart and Sarah Keyworth, "couple together but comedians apart", is a hilarious, romantic and magical podcast about the reality of relationships - beyond all the perfect Instagram posts. They interview a diverse variety of couples (and singleton, in the case of Joe Lycett). This ranges from couples who are non-monogamous, living together/separately, and married, which gives listeners an open-minded and accepting reality about how relationships work, and the many shapes that they manifest into. One of my favourite episodes is the interview with Deborah Frances-White and Tom Salinsky, where they discuss for the first time opening up their relationship.

3. Saturn Returns. This new podcast by Caggie Dunlop, who previously appeared on Made In Chelsea, is so beautiful and very emotive. She explores, through an astrological basis, incredibly sensitive topics. She invites on different guests each week, discussing areas that the guest is experienced in, like breakups, belonging and sobriety. The conversations are incredibly natural and insightful, it is clear that Caggie is an avid listener, and constantly learning from the people she converses with. I found the episode with Toko-pa Turner on dream work and belonging very impressionable.

4. Talking Tastebuds. Venetia Falconer (now La Manna) is a woman who I really admire, branching the way to veganism, sustainability and conscious living. If you are someone interested in adopting ethical practises, through diet and lifestyle, then this is a podcast I highly encourage you to listen to. She interviews people from a range of professions and backgrounds, learning about their history and relationship with food. I love the questions that she asks each week, such as your death-row dinner and what are your three kitchen essentials (I think mine would be cinnamon, bananas and bread).

There are some fabulous podcasts out there, many of which I find through these podcasts and from my friends who are constantly feeding my love of learning. I hope these provide a basis of listening, perfect for when you're cooking dinner or when you're getting ready for the day.

Happy listening!