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Some days your brain feels like it's running on three different operating systems at once, none of them working properly. You wake up already exhausted, spend the day putting out fires you didn't start, and collapse into bed, wondering how everyone else makes it look so effortless.
But you know what? You don't have to figure this out alone.
Mental health podcasts aren't a magic fix, but they're like having honest conversations with people who understand the struggle without judgment. Real stories, practical advice, and the reminder that what you're going through has a name and, more importantly, a way forward.
We handpicked 18 mental health podcasts that cover everything from anxiety and depression to trauma and relationship challenges. Find the voices that make sense to you right now.
And for deeper insights, download the Headway app. It offers 15-minute summaries of nonfiction books from best-selling authors you wish you had met earlier. It’s perfect when you need actionable strategies but don't have the bandwidth for a full book or podcast.
Quick answer: What are the top five podcasts about mental health in 2025?
'The Happiness Lab' with Dr. Laurie Santos— Science-backed research on happiness and well-being cultivation.
'Feel Better Live More' by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee — Holistic wellness, including brain health and mental resilience.
'The Wellness Scoop' by Ella Mills and Rhiannon Lambert — Mindfulness and emotional wellness discussions.
'Huberman Lab' with Andrew Huberman— Neuroscience-based tools for mental health and cognitive performance.
'Mindbodygreen' with Jason Wachob — Expert interviews on mental wellness, spirituality, and personal development.
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18 podcasts about mental health to help you find peace of mind
1. 'Happier' — for positive habits
Gretchen Rubin — author of bestselling books 'The Happiness Project' and 'Better Than Before' — created this podcast to deliver intriguing insights into positive habits and happiness. The positive podcast features Rubin and her younger sister, Elizabeth Craft (a TV producer and writer), and aims to help listeners feel happier.
Episode duration: ≈ 35 minutes.
What to expect? Episodes include useful ideas, scientific research, interviews, manageable advice, and helpful suggestions. You can also get a fast happiness boost from the 'Little Happiers' episodes and enjoy relaxed 'More Happier' episodes depending on your schedule and mood.
2. 'Griefcast' — for dealing with loss
Grief is something that all of us go through in our lives. It can make you feel isolated and affect your mental well-being. 'Griefcast' is hosted by Cariad Lloyd, a British actor, writer, and comedian.
In this podcast, Lloyd interviews media personalities about their loved ones who have passed away, helping listeners feel less alone about dealing with grief.
Episode duration: ≈ 60 minutes.
What to expect? Starting as a podcast where Lloyd interviewed her UK comedian friends, Griefcast has since expanded to interviewing a larger range of guests, including writer Isabel Allende, chef Tom Kerridge, and actor, writer, and activist Greg Wise.
If you are struggling with grief, listening to 'Griefcast' may help you work through the process while learning from others’ experiences.
3. 'We Can Do Hard Things' — for overcoming life's challenges
Life is hard. Many people struggle with love, loss, friendships, illness, isolation, responsibility, relationships, career struggles, mental health issues, and more throughout life.
Author Glennon Doyle, her wife, and her sister join her in the 'We Can Do Hard Things' podcast to talk head-on about the difficult things and help listeners feel braver, less alone, and freer.
Episode duration: ≈ 60 minutes.
What to expect? Doyle's mantra is 'We can do hard things, ' and she claims this saved her life decades ago. She firmly believes that life can be easier simply by talking about hard subjects.
If you are looking for a motivating and uplifting self-help podcast about how you can overcome various challenges in life, 'We can do hard things' is one of the best podcasts.
4. 'Good Life Project' — for the science behind wellness
What does it mean to live a good life when things get hard? Jonathan Fields creates space for conversations about what makes life truly meaningful, exploring the deeper questions around happiness, health, friendship, love, work, wealth, purpose, and service.
Instead of chasing productivity hacks, he explores how you can build a fulfilling life even during challenging times through conversations with leading voices from health, science, art, industry, mindset, and culture, like Brené Brown, Matthew McConaughey, and hundreds more.
Average episode length: ≈ 60 minutes.What to expect? Thoughtful interviews with people who've built meaningful lives across different paths — artists, entrepreneurs, healers, and change-makers. New episodes cover curiosity as a bridge-builder with Scott Shigeoka and authentic living stories like Sherri Dindal's transformation at age 50.
5. 'Depresh Mode' — for clinical depression
What if you could laugh about depression without making light of it? Host John Moe (author of 'The Hilarious World of Depression') creates relatable and sometimes funny talks about mental health with comedians, musicians, authors, actors, and other figures.
Topics include panic attacks, conversion therapy experiences, insomnia and sleep disorders, addiction recovery, and bipolar disorder.
Average episode length: ≈ 50 minutes.
What to expect? Candid conversations with entertainers and mental health experts. They share what they've tried, what worked, and what didn't. Recent podcast episodes featuring comedian Ashly Burch using puppets and humor to discuss mental health, and Aaron Foster opening up about depression in comedy.
6. 'The Trauma Therapist' — for dealing with trauma
'The Trauma Therapist' is hosted by clinical psychologist Guy Macpherson, Ph.D. Throughout this podcast series, Macpherson interviews thought leaders, mental health therapists, and providers on the subjects of trauma, addiction, yoga, and mindfulness.
Average episode length: ≈ 25 minutes.
What to expect? The podcast also explores the journeys of these therapists who spend their lives helping people affected by trauma. Previous guests on 'The Trauma Therapist' include Robert Gray, an art therapy lecturer, and Dr. Reda, a global trauma expert.
If you want insights from qualified mental health professionals and experts about trauma and how to overcome its grasp, 'The Trauma Therapist' is a highly recommended podcast.
7. 'I Weigh' — for body positivity
Jameela Jamil, British model, actress, presenter, and activist, started the 'I Weigh' podcast to reinforce body positivity. 'I Weigh' began as an Instagram account that Jamil created after being disgusted by a Kardashian post of the famous family with their weights captioned over their photos.
Jamil, who has previously suffered from eating disorders and body image issues, started the 'I Weigh' movement to help spread body positivity and stop the toxic beauty standards of social media.
Average episode length: ≈ 60 minutes.
What to expect? The podcast features conversations with performers, friends, activists, influencers, and thought leaders as they share their experiences with mental health issues. Jamil aims for listeners to learn to celebrate progress instead of perfection through this podcast.
8. 'The Mental Illness Happy Hour' — for mental challenges
'The Mental Illness Happy Hour' is a weekly podcast hosted by comedian Paul Gilmartin and is a top podcast for mental health. Each hour-long episode involves interviews with friends, artists, and doctors. It also explores trauma, mental illness, addiction, and negative thinking.
Average episode length: ≈ 100 minutes.
What to expect? The podcast is aimed towards people either interested in or personally affected by mental health conditions and challenges. By listening to 'The Mental Illness Happy Hour,' Gilmartin hopes people can connect, smile, and feel better about life.
9. 'Therapy for Black Girls' — mental wellness for Black women and girls
Licensed psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford hosts the weekly podcast 'Therapy for Black Girls'. It is interesting to note that Black women are much less likely to seek mental health support than White women, and there is a very real stigma within the Black community in terms of seeking support for mental illness.
Average episode length: ≈ 45 minutes.
What to expect? Bradford created this podcast to make mental health topics more accessible and relevant for Black women and girls and to provide a better support network.
This podcast features conversations about self-care and personal development, mental health, and small choices that can help Black women and girls preserve mental wellness and become the best person possible.
10. 'Where Should We Begin' — for couples' therapy
In 'Where Should We Begin,' you can listen to therapist Esther Perel advise and counsel real-life couples and friends as they talk in intimate detail about why they have come to her for therapeutic help.
Average episode length: ≈ 40 minutes.
What to expect? The podcast includes a range of different people and their problems. Recent episodes cover talks about friends deciding if their childhood friendship should continue into adulthood, and couples trying to create a space in their seemingly hetero relationship for queerness.
11. 'The Happiness Lab' — for perspectives on happiness
Many of us believe we know how to live a happier life, whether it be a two-week vacation or chasing a better career. Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos argues that, in reality, we often do the opposite of what makes our lives happier and hosts this podcast about the science of happiness.
Average episode length: ≈ 65 minutes.
What to expect?: Previous episodes include 'The Happiness of Silence,' 'How to Eat Intuitively,' and 'Happier Parents, Happier Kids.' If you want to learn about the science behind this powerful emotion and gain a greater understanding, look no further than this podcast.
12. 'Being Well' — for lasting well-being
What if you could build reliable inner strength using actual science instead of wishful thinking? Forrest Hanson teams up with clinical psychologist Dr. Rick Hanson and a world-class group of experts to explore the practical science of lasting well-being.
Their conversations focus on key insights from psychology and contemplative practice that you need to overcome your challenges and get the most out of life, combining evidence-based approaches with accessible wisdom for building genuine resilience.
Average episode length: ≈ 50 minutes.
What to expect? Recent podcast episodes cover romantic obsession psychology with Brandy Wyant and trauma recovery through inner child work with Terry Real. Topics include self-sabotage patterns, OCD and anxiety disorders, attachment styles, and living with depression.
13. 'Anxiety Slayer' — for anxiety
'Anxiety Slayer' is a weekly anxiety podcast designed to help you gain peace of mind and offer advice on combating mental illnesses. The podcast specializes in conditions like anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress, and panic attacks.
Average episode length: ≈ 20 minutes.
What to expect?: 'Anxiety Slayer' includes a collection of meditations, expert interviews, encouraging conversations, and breathing exercises to help the listener feel more relaxed and peaceful.
Past episodes include 'How Music Can Help Calm Anxiety,' 'How To Stop Your Mind Dwelling On Unwanted Thoughts, ' and 'Guided Tapping for Emotional Clearing. '
14. 'Terrible, Thanks For Asking' — for expressing true feelings
Virtually every day, you will be asked the question, "How are you?" It is a knee-jerk reaction to reply with, "Fine, thanks," even if your life feels anything but. The podcast 'Terrible, Thanks for Asking' allows people to get deep and honest about how they are really doing, confronting subjects that many are too uncomfortable to mention.
Average episode length: ≈ 40 minutes.
What to expect?: The collection of stories on this podcast lets the listener come to terms with the idea that it is okay to be honest and express how you truly feel. Author Nora McInerny produces the show, and its past episodes include 'Should I Have Kids?', 'How Long Should Grief Last?', 'Why Are You Up? '.
15. 'Unlocking Us' — on what it means to be human
Brené Brown is a lecturer, professor, and author, particularly known for her work on leadership, shame, and vulnerability. In her podcast, 'Unlocking Us,' she shares her expertise from over 20 years of research with listeners, so you can learn from her gathered knowledge.
Average episode length: ≈ 70 minutes.
What to expect?: The podcast aims to reflect what it means to be human, including the good and the bad. Brown interviews people who interest her in some way, whether they inspire or annoy her.
Past guests have included former President Barack Obama, musician Alicia Keys, and author Celeste Ng. Brown believes that people are hardwired for connection and that you are never meant to handle life alone.
16. 'Dear Therapists' — for therapy
'Dear Therapists' podcast hosts Lori Gottlieb and Guy Winch, who are authors, therapists, and advice columnists. In this show, they give the listener lessons about the therapy room by letting you hear personal therapy sessions with real people.
You also get to find out what happens after patients receive actionable and solid advice from their mental health experts.
Average episode length: ≈ 70 minutes.
What to expect?: The aim of 'Dear Therapists' is to benefit the listener by hearing about people like you overcoming struggles and transforming as a result. Past issues tackled on the podcast include gender transition, cheating partners, blended families, shopping addiction, and toxic relationships.
17. 'Soberful' — for addiction
'Soberful' is aimed at anyone looking to live an alcohol-free existence, is battling sobriety, or is in long-term recovery from alcohol addiction. Podcast hosts Veronica Valli and Chip Somers are experts on recovery, and together, they share their stories, experiences, and advice on how to live a sober life.
Average episode length: ≈ 35 minutes.
What to expect?: The show has tackled topics including self-obsession, negative self-talk, building a sobriety habit, anger, and codependency. 'Soberful' is a must-listen podcast if you are looking to remove alcohol from your life and nurture mental wellness.
18. 'The OCD Stories' — for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Stuart Ralph, psychotherapist and counselor for children and young people, hosts 'The OCD Stories', a weekly podcast for people experiencing the symptoms of OCD.
The show features advice from experts and mental health professionals, and real people who are suffering from this mental illness.
Average episode length: ≈ 45 minutes.
What to expect?: The 'OCD Stories' has featured stories about topics such as emetophobia (fear of vomiting), emotional contamination OCD, obsessive thoughts, OCD and borderline personality disorder (BPD), trauma and OCD.
19. 'Inside Mental Health' — for understanding complex mental health conditions
What if you could get beyond the headlines and horror movie stereotypes to understand what mental health conditions actually look like? Host Gabe Howard teams up with mental health experts to tackle the complex realities of conditions like schizophrenia, perimenopause, trauma, postpartum PTSD, and depression.
Instead of sensationalizing mental illness, this podcast offers honest, educational conversations that help listeners understand both the science and lived experience behind various conditions.
Average episode length: ≈ 25 minutes.
What to expect? Talks that separate fact from fiction, with recent podcast episodes covering social anxiety in college with practical strategies, schizophrenia myths vs reality with someone who lives with the condition, and the complex relationship between OCD and trauma.
Boost your knowledge of mental health with Headway
If you are looking for expert knowledge and essential information about mental illness, mental health, and well-being, the Headway app should be at the top of your list.
This learning app provides you with 15-minute audio and book summaries from some of the globe’s leading non-fiction titles, covering topics such as self-care, productivity, family life, sexual wellness, and, of course, mental health.
The app has book summaries from many popular mental health titles, including 'The Art of Happiness' by the Dalai Lama, 'Don’t Overthink It' by Anne Bogel, and ‘Switch On Your Brain’ by Dr. Caroline Leaf.
Download the Headway app today and begin your journey of learning and self-growth with a seven-day free trial.
FAQs about the mental health podcasts
What is the definition of mental health?
Mental health is your state of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral well-being — how you think, feel, and behave while coping with life's stresses. It's more than just the absence of mental disorders; it's about maintaining psychological resilience, realizing your abilities, and contributing to your community despite challenges.
What are the four types of mental health?
The four main types of mental health disorders are anxiety disorders (excessive fear or worry), mood disorders (like depression and bipolar), personality disorders (patterns affecting relationships), and psychotic disorders (distorted thinking like schizophrenia).
What are the signs of poor mental health?
Watch for persistent changes like frequent anxiety, dramatic mood swings, social withdrawal, trouble concentrating, sleep pattern changes, appetite shifts, low energy, increased substance use, feelings of hopelessness, or unexplained physical symptoms. These signs lasting weeks or months often indicate it's time to seek professional support.
What is the number one health podcast in the world?
'Huberman Lab' consistently ranks as the top health podcast globally in 2025. Dr. Andrew Huberman delivers science-based tools for everyday life, offering practical health and wellness advice grounded in neuroscience research. His approach makes complex medical concepts accessible to anyone who looks for evidence-based strategies for better living.
What are the best health and wellness podcasts?
Top health and wellness podcasts for 2025 include 'Feel Better Live More' for holistic wellness, 'The Happiness Lab' for science-backed happiness strategies, 'The Model Health Show' for nutrition and fitness, mindbodygreen for holistic insights, and 'ZOE Science & Nutrition' for cutting-edge research on personalized health approaches.
