18 Best Psychology Podcasts to Understand the Mind in 2025

How do people make decisions? Can you change your outlook on life? Are you the same person you were a year ago? These are all questions related to psychology, and it's time to dig deeper into how our minds work. 

Psychology podcasts make this subject more accessible to the general public. The hosts share helpful advice by breaking down complex psychological studies into digestible insights. These shows are excellent resources for personal growth and perfect for satisfying your curiosity about human behavior.

So whatever area interests you most, dive into the best psychology podcasts we've picked to unlock the secrets of the human mind!

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Quick answer: Top 5 best psychology podcasts

• 'Therapy for Black Girls': A warm, expert-led show that centers mental health for Black women in an accessible, affirming space.

• 'The Hidden Brain': Uncovers the unconscious patterns driving your choices through stories, science, and psychology.

• 'Unlocking Us': Brené Brown dives deep into connection, vulnerability, and being human with candid insights and thoughtful guests.

• 'Popcorn Psychology': Three therapists break down your favorite movies and characters through a psychological lens — both fun and insightful.

• 'Choiceology': Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman explores the science behind decision-making to help you think smarter.

The 18 best psychology podcasts

Beginners and professionals can learn from podcasts about psychology. From refreshing your knowledge, learning new ideas, or listening to experts, there is endless entertainment and wisdom. If you’re ready to jump into the weird and wonderful sides of the mind, browse the top psychology podcasts today.  

1. 'Therapy for Black Girls'

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is a clinical psychologist based in Georgia. As host of 'Therapy for Black Girls,' Dr. Bradford leads the conversation on mental health and positive decision-making for women. She provides young Black women with a safe and reliable resource to explore their well-being. 

Average episode length: ~ 45 minutes.

What to expect? Psychology topics range from graduation to imposter syndrome and birdwatching. If your goal is self-growth, this is one of the best therapy podcasts for expert advice.  

2. 'On Being' 

Many people mistakenly believe there is no link between spirituality and psychology. However, since the brain affects your perception, many psychologists are interested in the relationship between faith and the brain. Thus, ignoring it dismisses a fundamental part of human psychology. 

Average episode length: ~ 25 minutes.

What to expect? Krista Tippett talks to psychologists and other experts in the psychology podcast 'On Being'. The episodes vary from poetry to meditations and gentle discussions. Whether you’re curious about the science of awe, what faith means to people, or biometric science, there are many episodes to explore.

3. 'Unlocking Us'

If you’re familiar with psychology figures, you would have heard of American professor Brené Brown. Likewise, many know of her study on leadership, shame, and vulnerability. In this psychology podcast, Brown focuses on what she describes as the magic and messiness of being human. 

Average episode length: ~ 60 minutes.

What to expect? Drawing from her experience, she discusses connection and finding meaning in everyday life. Interestingly, Brown invites guests to share the mic to offer mixed views. If you’re a fan of Brown, browse the Brené Brown collection on the Headway app, which features summaries from her most iconic reads. 

4. 'The Positive Psychology' 

If you’re looking for practical advice rooted in positive psychology, look no further than 'The Positive Psychology Podcast'. Host Kristen Truempy knows that reading scientific journals is no easy feat. That’s why she transforms research into digestible episodes. It’s entertaining and informative for amateurs and professionals alike. 

Average episode length: ~ 40 minutes.

What to expect? Ever wondered about emotional first aid, narcissistic disorder, or your body image? These episodes explore them all. Although this podcast is no longer in production, it is an excellent resource for those curious about positive habits.

5. 'Popcorn Psychology'

Have you ever watched a movie or TV show and wondered why the characters behave in specific ways? Well, now you have the answers. In 'Popcorn Psychology', you’ll hear from three psychologists specializing in child, marriage, family, and individual fields of psychology. 

Average episode length: ~ 100 minutes.

What to expect? Hosts analyze your favorite movie icons for a fun podcast about psychology. From the 'Grinch' to 'Everything Everywhere All At Once', the hosts teach you vital lessons through popular media. While it is a highly entertaining show, some episodes are more serious than others as they address intergenerational trauma and grief.

6. 'Choiceology'

Decision-making is vital to the psyche and drives much of our daily life. Your ability to make good decisions will impact your quality of life, resilience, compassion, and so forth. In 'Choiceology,' author and behavioral scientist Katy Milkman reveals the importance of these skills. 

Average episode length: ~30 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes cover topics like performance review and the consequences of missing out on the true source of information. Alongside expert guests, Milkman discusses the research on high-stakes decisions. She also advises on how to improve judgment for a better life.

7. 'Hidden Brain'

Internal and external forces affect how and why you behave, think, and feel like you do. However, many of these influences remain hidden. In this mental health podcast from NPR, Shankar Vedantam narrates captivating and informed stories to teach listeners about unconscious patterns. Using games, stories, and conversations, Vedantam reveals fascinating things about human behavior. 

Average episode length: ~65 minutes.

What to expect? This storytelling podcast about psychology and neuroscience aims to outline the why behind your actions. It’ll also help you live with more intention at work, around the dinner table, and on dates. The best 'Hidden Brain' episodes may offer actionable tips for self-help or thoughtful discussions. Since the show stands out for its variety, tune in to find the best tales for you.

8. 'Pop Psych 101'

Does the film industry accurately represent mental health? This is the golden question in 'Pop Psych 101'. Therapists Ryan Engelstad and Dr. Hayley Roberts take to the mic to discuss fictional characters and the struggles they face. They also analyze books and TV characters in recent episodes, offering a more authentic picture of fictional media. 

Average episode length: ~60 minutes.

What to expect? While some topics will make you laugh, others will have you in deep contemplation. The hosts consider various genres, from popular TV shows with comedians like 'Ted Lasso' to notable horrors like 'Midsommar'. Since Ryan Engelstad started the show with producer Mike Graham, listeners can enjoy an extensive episode backlog. So, if you want to join the conversation about mental health portrayal in film, TV, and literature, tune into 'Pop Psych 101'. 

9. 'How’s Work?'

If you’ve ever wanted to be a fly on the wall in a therapy session, your dreams may come true. The couple’s therapist, Esther Perel, invites listeners to tune into intimate talks with real people. The thoughtful chats will intrigue you if you’re looking for a podcast about psychology at work and navigating professional relationships. 

Average episode length: ~50 minutes.

What to expect? Esther helps people open up about workplace fears and supports them in building a meaningful workforce. 'How’s Work?' is as much about your work environment as the people you interact with. Hence, it is one of the best therapy podcasts for professionals.

10. 'Therapist Uncensored'

To understand attachment, relational neuroscience, and trauma, tune into 'Therapist Uncensored'. Two therapists host the show alongside their expert guests. Together, they unravel research and discuss the complexities of neuroscience in the context of relationships. 

It is one of the best podcasts for therapists and enthusiasts as it dives into current issues and research.

Average episode length: ~40 minutes.

What to expect? Topics are diverse, ranging from polyamory attachments to psychedelic-assisted therapy. Whichever episodes catch your attention will likely be inspiring and in-depth. 

11. 'Feeling Good'

Self-growth depends on your daily actions. Understanding what practices help you feel good is precisely what author David D. Burns discusses on this psychology podcast. It is a show for everyone, whether you’re enriching your professional toolbox or applying these to your life.

Average episode length: ~65 minutes.

What to expect? As experts discover new ways to relieve and prevent mental illnesses, 'Feeling Good' points you toward the ones that work. Moreover, you’ll get tips to boost joy and improve self-esteem.  

12. 'Personality Hacker'

Are personalities fixed or ever-changing? Joel Mark Witt and Antonia Dodge answer the most pressing questions about individuality, exploring key aspects of psychology behind whether you can alter your character and how small changes impact life, career, and relationships. 

Average episode length: ~70 minutes.

What to expect? The 'Personality Hacker' podcast will teach you how to nurture your personality and sometimes change it to improve happiness. Consider it a weekly recharge: inspiration and answers for the most pressing questions.

13. 'Brain Science' 

'Brain Science' is the top psychiatry and psychotherapy podcast for specialists and students. You can spend hours scouring the internet and journals for the latest studies. However, this psychology podcast brings you the latest neuroscience research in one place. 

Average episode length: ~65 minutes.

What to expect? Host Ginger Campbell, MD, aims to make the content more accessible for all listeners, whether you have a history in science or enjoy a more academic podcast. There are various topics to dive into, including the impact of sound, grieving, cognitive biases, and molecular biology.

14. 'The Psychology Podcast'

Scott Barry Kaufman hosts 'The Psychology Podcast' to study human potential. Episodes feature scientists and creative thinkers in informed discussions on humanity. 

Average episode length: ~55 minutes.

What to expect? With episodes often exceeding an hour, these talks are thorough and cover topics from aging and marriage to the benefits of curiosity. Kaufman hosts the best psychology podcast for those interested in the capabilities and future of the mind. 

Best podcasts for therapists 

Therapists in training or those starting a private practice can also benefit from psychology podcasts. Some psychology shows provide tried and tested advice from specialists who’ve gone through it. In addition, some psychology podcasts update you on the latest research. 

15. 'Speaking of Psychology'

Professionals in the psychology sector must get information from reliable sources. Although many of these shows come from experts, this is one of the best podcasts for therapists who need to refer to a trusted organization. 

Average episode length: ~35 minutes.

What to expect? Produced by the American Psychological Association, this psychological podcast can help you stay current on the latest research. Each installment features a PhD-level expert to provide a trusted view on every topic. The talks are always engaging, with previous ones covering phobias, being single, political messaging, and lying. 

16. 'Therapy Chat' 

Hosted by psychotherapist Laura Reagan, 'Therapy Chat' is the go-to place to understand other therapists’ approaches. While anyone can listen, practicing therapists may benefit from hearing other specialists discuss their wins and lessons. 

Average episode length: ~53 minutes.

What to expect? Young therapists may appreciate learning how guests balance their work duties. For example, realizing how meaningful self-care can be in supporting their clients. As you can see, talks on 'Therapy Chat' are relevant and necessary. The host and guests tackle essential topics such as ethics within mental health services and how to cope with various types of trauma.  

17. 'The Private Practice Startup'

If you’re setting up a private therapy practice, you’ll want to tune in to hear what hosts Kate Campbell, Ph.D., and Katie Lemieux have to say. Both therapists share their experiences alongside entrepreneurs in psychology. 

'The Private Practice Startup' can teach you how to host retreats, engage in marketing trends, and even shut your practice if the time comes. You’ll learn much from this show, including practical advice from those who have tried and tested it. 

Average episode length: ~30 minutes.

What to expect? The hosts do an excellent job helping you through the growing pains of starting a private practice. From business logistics to client care and burnout prevention, they aim to help your practice thrive. This is an essential podcast for psychology professionals taking the next step in their careers.

18. 'Practice of the Practice'

You’ve spent years helping people live the life they want, but now you’re taking ownership of your career path and setting up a private practice. Unfortunately, there are many hurdles to overcome before your practice becomes the dream you had envisioned. Thankfully, Joe Sanok is here to guide you with practical tools to make it a hit. 

Average episode length: ~30 minutes.

What to expect? This psychology podcast will become your business bible, from getting referrals to saving money. It provides inspiration and advice to help you implement thoughtful and effective strategies. Sanok covers various topics, including the following:

• growing your team;

• how to offer specialty services for clients in the LGBTQIA community;

• best practices for marketing;

• hosting events.

Gain more knowledge about psychology with Headway

If you prefer learning on the go, try the Headway app! It’s perfect for engaging your mind daily and furthering your knowledge. Headway book summaries can complement your favorite podcast shows and help you discover books you want to read in full. 

If you want to explore summaries from the best psychology and human behavior books,download the Headway app today!