Mental Health Podcasts
Hello Readers! Today I wanted to discuss another option for maintaining a healthy mind. Though I have encouraged therapy and self-care to y’all, I also encourage you to listen to podcasts. Not only does this allow you the opportunity to truly tune-in and learn new skills, or even think about things from a different perspective, it can also serve as a form of self-care when you intentionally set aside the time to listen to an episode. Podcasts can also be good for those that find it is easier to complete everyday tasks while listening to something, others find that it gives them the freedom to relax and focus on themselves when throwing a pair of earbuds in and listening to a podcast. But, regardless of how you listen, podcasts can be very beneficial to the individual.
You may find that you’re not a podcast-er, or maybe you are and you just haven’t explored this content area before. Any of the above are okay! Here are a few different podcasts that I really enjoy!
Therapy for Black Girls
This podcast was created by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford (she is both the speaker and host of Therapy for Black Girls), who is a licensed psychologist. Her podcast focuses on mental health topics that are more relevant and accessible for Black women. Dr, Bradford has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, Forbes, Bustle, MTV, Huffington Post, Black Enterprise, Refinery29, Teen Vogue and Essence.
By visiting therapyforblackgirls.com you can find a variety of resources including a blog, as well as learn more about and join the Sister Circle (a unique group for Black women to join and communicate with like-minded women around the world). This podcast originally aired in 2020 and is still producing new episodes every Wednesday!
Shrink Chicks
ShrinkChicks was created by LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) Emmalee Bierly and Jennifer Chain. The original goal behind this podcast was to make an easily-accessible as well as relatable space for people to learn and discuss more topics regarding mental health, therapy and the therapeutic process.
Em (Emmalee) specializes in empowering and healing women. Jen (Jennifer) loves helping others to understand, connect and accept their inner experience. Together, they have created The Therapy Group as well as the podcast ShrinkChicks. Their goals include de-stigmatizing therapy, creating a non-judgmental environment, pushing the idea that we (therapists) are human beings first and therapists second, as well as the ability to connect with clients as a person and not as their problem.
By visiting shrinkchicks.com, you can find a variety of resources including private practice consultations. This podcast originally aired in 2019 and continues to produce new episodes every Wednesday!
The Mental Illness Happy Hour
This podcast is somewhat different than the two mentioned above. This podcast is hosted by a comedian named Paul Gilmartin. Though he is not a professionally licensed mental health practitioner, his podcast is for anyone interested in learning more about/the effects of depression, addiction, and other mental health barriers that tend to be prevalent in the creative arts field.
His goal is to create a safe space for listeners to connect with one another and find feelings of hope, all while combatting the stigma that “mental illness means you are alone and there is no help”. Paul’s main job is being a comedian, but he is also proud to acknowledge that he was diagnosed with clinical depression in 1999, and alcoholism in 2003. Through hard work, he has been sober, and as he says, “mostly happy”, since 2003. He believes that it makes it even easier to discuss these topics when you know the person you are talking/listening to knows exactly how you feel and has been there before.
By visiting http://mentalpod.com, you can find resources as well as more information regarding the podcast and its host. This podcast originally aired in 2011 and continues to produce new episodes each Friday!
New Mindset, Who Dis?
This is a unique podcast in that it’s host, Case Kenny, is not a licensed mental health practitioner, either, but a Chicago-based writer, podcaster, recording artist as well as creator of the New Mindset, Who Dis? journals. He created his podcasts on the idea that he is just “an average guy” offering thoughts on self-improvement, mindfulness and how to live the best life you can. He makes sure to reiterate that he is simply sharing his perspective on life and that he is not a professional practitioner.
Unlike the other podcasts mentioned, Case Kenny has also created different kinds of self-help journals. The great thing about these journals are that they come pre-prompted, which makes them a great starting place for those interested in starting their journaling journey.
By visiting https://newmindsetwhodis.com, you can find more information regarding the podcast, his blog as well as purchase self-help journals. This podcast originally aired in 2018 and continues to be produced with new episodes every Monday and Thursday!
Though these are not all of the mental health podcasts available, these are some of my personal favorites. As always, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, feel free to reach out!
