5 New Podcasts To Try For Overcoming Loneliness

In a world that's ever more connected digitally yet distanced physically, loneliness can creep into anyone’s life unnoticed. Ever felt the pang of isolation, despite being surrounded by people? That’s where podcasts can swoop in, acting like a soothing voice in your ears, bridging the gaps of solitude.

Definition of Loneliness

Loneliness is a subjective and individual experience, not necessarily tied to being physically alone, as one can feel lonely in a crowd and content when alone. Loneliness has become chronic for many in modern times, despite increased connectivity, due to various societal shifts and lifestyle changes. Chronic loneliness triggers a self-preservation mode in the brain, leading to a heightened alertness to social signals, misinterpretation of social interactions, and a perception of hostility from others, further isolating the individual. Loneliness is a common human experience that is both complex and unique to the individual experiencing it.

The Rise of Podcasts

Podcasts have experienced a meteoric rise in popularity in recent years. They are diverse, accessible, and often free, offering content for every taste and interest. These audio shows provide insights, stories, and conversations right at your fingertips, making them a companion like no other.

Benefits of Listening to Podcasts

Podcasts can be therapeutic, and they can alleviate feelings of loneliness by providing virtual companionship, stimulating thoughts, and igniting the laughter that’s been missing from your life. They act as a balm, healing the unseen wounds of the soul with every word spoken. Here are some other benefits of listening to podcasts:

Improved Concentration

Listening to podcasts, which are audio-only, can help improve concentration as listeners are not dividing their attention between visuals and audio. Focusing on one medium allows listeners to block out other distractions, which can translate to improved focus in other aspects of life.

Multitasking

Podcasts can be consumed while performing various activities, such as walking or jogging, making it a versatile learning medium. This provides an opportunity to learn about various topics, including cinema, productivity, spirituality, mental well-being, and finance, especially during times when reading books isn’t feasible.

Minimal Distractions

Compared to other mediums like movies, TV shows, or YouTube videos, podcasts offer fewer distractions. They lack visuals and typically do not have as many ads or recommendations popping up.

Daily Ritual

Many podcasts release daily episodes, offering listeners something to look forward to every morning. This consistency allows for the development of a daily habit, starting the day on a positive note.

5 New Podcasts to Overcome Loneliness

Diving into the sea of podcasts, here are five new audio delights to help you paddle through the waves of solitude:

Podcast 1: Griefcast

Cariad Lloyd hosts "Griefcast," a weekly podcast where personalities discuss the loved ones they've lost, fostering a sense of shared experience in dealing with grief. Lloyd, who lost her father at 15, created the show to have open conversations about death and loss, breaking her silence on her personal grief. The podcast, now in its eighth season, has expanded its guest list, addressing varied experiences of grief, and has been especially consoling during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a reservoir of episodes for those grappling with loss.

Why it Helps

The "Griefcast" podcast serves as a balm for loneliness by fostering a sense of community and shared experience among those dealing with loss. It allows listeners to realize they are not alone in their grief, thus alleviating feelings of isolation that often accompany bereavement. By providing a platform for unhurried and open discussions about death, it helps individuals process their grief and encourages them to carry on, offering solace in a world that can sometimes feel unrelentingly isolating.

Reviews

“I stumbled across this podcast this year and have been greatly impressed...Great healing can come from telling your story, and listening to the stories of others.” 5/5 stars
-Luckstr

“Cariad has created such a powerful and thorough resource with this podcast. I feel less alone, have learned more about the process of the end of my mom’s life, and had a giggle or two along the way. I will be forever grateful.” 5/5 starts
-smtthatsme

“I feel comfort in hearing people’s stories and I feel understood by strangers who share the same feelings I have but haven’t articulate to others out of fear of making them uncomfortable or pity me.” 5/5 stars
-bluewhale56

Podcast 2: Mentally Yours

“Mentally Yours” is a weekly podcast focusing on mental health and wellbeing, hosted by Metro's Lifestyle Editor Rachel Moss, along with a guest host each episode. Each week Rachel and her guess host engage in conversations with individuals from various walks of life, including shop workers and celebrities with firsthand experience, as well as experts in the field. The goal is to educate, foster empathy, and combat stigma surrounding mental health. Recognizing the loneliness that can accompany mental illness, this podcast serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the potential for improvement and healing.

Why it Helps

This podcast serves as a valuable resource for those dealing with loneliness by fostering a sense of community and understanding. The inclusion of a variety of voices, from everyday individuals to celebrities, allows listeners to identify with diverse experiences and stories, reinforcing the idea that they are not alone in their feelings of isolation. Moreover, the expert insights provided in each episode offer practical advice and coping strategies, addressing not only the symptoms but also the root causes of loneliness.

Reviews

“…also reminding listeners that they’re not alone or the only person that understands the mentality behind certain mental illnesses.” 5/5 stars
-Lenay

“I love the conversational interviews that make issues related to mental health seem so easy for everyone to understand.” 5/5 stars
-student from New York

Podcast 3: The Dark Place: Conversations About Mental Health | Depression | Anxiety

A shame-free space where people talk about how they care for their mental and emotional health. Common topics include anxiety, depression, and mindfulness. No matter the story, hit will be met with compassion.

Why it Helps

This podcast creates a shame-free and compassionate space. By normalizing these conversations, introducing mindfulness techniques, and ensuring every story is met with compassion, the podcast aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. It encourages listeners to share their experiences and adopt self-care practices, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding. The diversity of stories shared illustrates that listeners are not alone in their struggles, providing comfort and promoting a sense of unity and shared experience, thereby aiding in combatting loneliness and improving mental well-being.

Reviews

“I love listening to this podcast. The guest are so candid and open with sharing their stories and I can often empathize with many of them. This is truly a wonderful podcast. We’re not alone in our darkness.” 5/5 stars
-FallBackAgain

“Some days I just can’t bare the feelings coming at me all at once and my racing mind and irritability. I turn on this podcast and it helps me stop feeling lonely.” 5/5 starts
-Alexandria

“I love this podcast, it’s very inspirational, and it’s great for people who might be struggling with mental illness!” 5/5 starts
-Mateo

Podcast 4: Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Forrest Hanson is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Rick Hanson and a world-class group of experts to explore the practical science of lasting well-being. Conversations focus on the key insights from psychology, science, and contemplative practice that you need to build reliable inner strengths, overcome your challenges, and get the most out of life.

Why it Helps

The focus on building reliable inner strengths and overcoming challenges offers a supportive guide for listeners to navigate through feelings of loneliness. By incorporating varied perspectives and expert advice, the podcast fosters a sense of connection and community, ensuring that listeners feel supported and understood, thereby contributing to alleviating feelings of isolation and enhancing overall well-being.

Reviews

“I’ve been listening to this podcast for several months. It’s a great companion to go along with my journey of personal development…” 5/5 stars
-Bassoonman3

“This is one of my very favorites to help understand myself and my relationships.” 5/5 stars
-tricia

“Thanks for holding such a safe space” 5/5 stars
-Agatis

Podcast 5: The Lonely Hour

The Lonely Hour is a podcast about loneliness–but it’s not a bummer. Host Julia Bainbridge has created a space to talk openly in hopes of both de-stigmatizing loneliness and underscoring the joys of solitude.

Why it Helps

By creating an open and supportive space for dialogue, the podcast helps listeners explore and understand their feelings of loneliness, while also celebrating the joy and self-discovery found in being alone. This balanced approach encourages a sense of community and connection, assuring listeners that they are not alone in their experiences, and thus, contributing to alleviating feelings of isolation.

Reviews

“I’m blow away by how much the stories on loneliness, boundaries and attachment issues are relatable to me. I’ve only started listening recently and I just can’t get enough.” 5/5 stars
-Ezisrael23

“I didn’t know I needed to hear other people’s stories of loneliness.” 5/5 stars
-margariddas

“The topic of loneliness is much more important in modern western society that most of us realize and Julia takes is so beautifully with sensitivity, empathy and incisiveness. A must listen for those interest in… well…humans.” 5/5 stars
-Wesley

Conclusion

Podcasts are an antidote to loneliness, a friend who talks to you, tells you stories, makes you laugh, and introduces you to different perspectives. The six podcasts listed are gateways to overcoming loneliness and rediscovering joy.

FAQs

Q: Can I listen to podcasts for free?
A: Yes, most podcasts are available for free on various platforms.

Q: How often are new episodes released?
A: The release frequency varies; some podcasts release episodes weekly, while others may have a different schedule.

Q: Can podcasts replace human interaction?
A: While podcasts offer virtual companionship, they should complement, not replace, real human interaction.

Q: How do I find more podcasts on overcoming loneliness?
A: Explore podcast platforms, use the search feature, and look at recommendations and reviews.

Other Related Articles:

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Mindfulness+ Podcast Review: How To Not Suffer
How To Combat Loneliness At Work

Other Related Exercises:

Prayer For Loneliness
Affirmations For Loneliness
Parenting Yourself