If you are looking for a dose of inspiration, here are three podcasts that don’t shy away from tough conversations.
By Julia Migné
In a time where social media and YouTube have conditioned people to project a certain image, podcasts with honest and authentic conversations come as a breath of fresh air.
Nowadays more people are turning to podcasts in search of motivation and meaningful discussions. Sometimes listening to a conversation that matters can be enough to make us feel better and podcasts know that very well. After all humans are all about deep connections and shared experiences.
Listening to what someone else has gone through and how they overcame the struggles life threw at them can be incredibly powerful. It can make us reassess the way we react to our own traumas but also can give us a new understanding of other people’s perceptions and experiences.
So, if you are keen on learning more about why inspiring people do what they do while listening to conversations that seem to be happening between friends, then get your headphones out! Here is a list of three podcasts with great hosts that are all about diving deep into the minds of artists, writers and politicians.
Table Manners with Jessie Ware
What better way to dive into a meaningful conversation than doing so while having a delicious home-made meal? The concept behind Table Manners is pretty straightforward: the hosts Jessie Ware and her mother Lennie chat with their guests from their very own dinner table!
Having asked in advance what their guests’ favourite dishes are, the bubbly duo then puts on a feast tailored to each of them. It is quite fascinating to see how easily the conversation can flow when it is centered around food and the experiences and memories associated with it.
From My Dad Wrote A Porno to talking to Ed Sheeran, this podcast will give you the opportunity to hear from musicians, filmmakers and politicians in a surprisingly intimate way. Don’t get fooled though, this podcast might be about food but it does not shy away from covering more serious topics such as London’s rising crime rates.
Dive in if you’d like to know what Ed’s death row meal would be or are curious to discover more about Sadiq Khan’s penchant for fish and chips. Bon appetite!
Our favourite episode so far: S3 Ep 4 – Sadiq Khan
The High Low with Dolly Alderton & Pandora Sykes
Get your weekly dose of pop culture and current affairs by listening to The High Low! This news podcast is hosted by journalists Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes and is released every Tuesday.
The two friends decrypt and discuss what made the headlines that week and share what inspired them recently, be it a film, a book or a podcast. The High Low is a great way to catch up on the news in a fun and relaxed way.
In the podcasts Dolly and Pandora also discuss topics such as mental health issues and American politics. Moreover, the duo regularly hosts author specials which allow them to conduct in-depth interviews around specific books.
Listen to this if you don’t have the time or energy to read the news and enjoy witty conversations about issues such as feminism, celebrities and politics.
Our favourite episode so far: An Author Special with Lindsey Hilsum, On Marie Colvin and War Journalism
Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations
If you are feeling in need of a mentor but don’t have one around at the moment then Oprah has got you covered with hundreds of episodes of her SuperSoul Conversations.
The American superstar’s personal selection of interviews with a range of go-getters might just provide you with the inspiration and words of encouragement that you didn’t even realise you were craving for.
From thought-leaders to wellness experts, there are episodes for every taste and they are all tailored to guide you through some of life’s big questions. Oprah is a wonderful interviewer and manages to make those interviews sound like a chat between two well-acquainted friends.
Add this to your list if you’re looking to understand the world more deeply and if you’d like to hear tips from internationally acclaimed politicians, artists and writers.
Our favourite episode so far: Dr. Maya Angelou, Part 1: 9 Words That Changed Her Life
Julia Migné is a multimedia journalist and wildlife photographer specialising in environmental issues and odd hobbies. She has written for Africa Geographic and BBC Wildlife among others. An endless traveller, she swears that she would visit one country for each letter of the alphabet.