By Margo Ghertner
To me, there’s nothing more relaxing than putting my headphones on, going out for a walk, and turning on a podcast. I’ve been an avid listener for the past three years. What I love the most about this unwinding experience is the fact that I can learn about something interesting while clearing my head. Podcasts make me feel recharged and allow me to educate myself. They also give me the chance to obtain a fresh outlook on different ways to live my life. I routinely listen to them on the way to class and throughout the day, and it helps prepare my brain for learning. They’ve also been an incredibly helpful tool for minimizing my anxiety. From career-centric podcasts to raw trains of thoughts to self-care and meditation, here are nine of my all time favorites that happen to be the best podcasts for college students.
For the best life advice…
The New York Times’ Dear Sugars
Writers Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond answer tough questions and offer life-changing advice that will help you clear your head and learn from others. Their wisdom is calming, relaxing, and reassuring.
For a productivity refresher…
Optimal Living Daily
Host Justin Malik tackles varying personal development topics in under eight minutes, so you can get out of your productivity rut on your walk to class.
For pure, fascinating fun…
Katie Couric Podcast
Media icon Katie Couric and her co-host Brian Goldsmith conduct meaningful, yet entertaining conversations surrounding current events and pop culture. Her interviews feature big names like Martha Stewart, James Comey, and Alec Baldwin, which makes it easy for just about anyone to find an episode to devour.
For staying on top of current events…
NPR’s Fresh Air
Terry Gross’ voice is incredibly calming when she tells news stories. She also happens to be fantastic at breaking down current events in a way that is digestible and easy to understand.
For all the career advice that can’t be beaten…
Wall Street Journal’s Secrets of Wealthy Women
Birchbox’s Katia Beauchamp, Baked by Melissa’s Melissa Benishay, and political activist Gloria Steinem are among the amazing businesswomen interviewed by Victoria Dagher for Wall Street Journal’s Secrets of Wealthy Women. If you are an entrepreneur on the rise, this is the podcast for you.
Girlboss Podcast
In under 10 minutes, inspiring girlbosses such as Pia Arrobio, Jen Rubio, and more simply tell entertaining stories from their lives and their biggest personal takeaways.
For those looking for insightful conversation and nice background noise…
Eliza Starting at 16
Eliza Rubin, daughter of author Gretchen Rubin, chronicles her daily life and thoughts as a young adult. Most of which includes insight on navigating her time at Harvard. Listening to Eliza Starting at 16 feels like listening to a close friend who has left you a voicemail. Be sure to tune in with a cup of tea for maximum cozy vibes.
Monocycle with Leandra Medine
ManRepeller’s Founder, Leandra Medine, hosts what feels like a personal diary. She covers her deepest anxieties and latest narratives in a manner that is so lovingly raw. This is the one of the best podcasts for college students to listen to while catching up on homework, unwanted chores, or both.
For all the self-care lovers out there…
Self Service with Jerico Mandybur
Holistic self-care is all the rage lately. Leave it to Jerico Mandybur of Girlboss Media to educate you on all things meditation, crystals, horoscopes, and tarot cards.
