Sometimes finding moments of calm, inspiration, or insight requires remindful prompting. Mindfulness and meditation podcasts can be a great tool for that because they can keep you grounded even when you’re in the car, in the shower, or on the go.
With that in mind, let’s review nine popular, and some less popular but still very good, mindfulness podcasts, so you can find the ones that resonate with you.
The Way Out Is In
Hosts: Brother Phap Huu and Jo Confino
Why Listen: One of my personal favorites, if you’re interested in the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and want to explore mindfulness from a deep, spiritual perspective, “The Way Out Is In” is a must-listen. The show is hosted by Brother Phap Huu, the abbot of Plum Village practice center and Thich Nhat Hanh’s 17-year-long person attendant, and Jo Confino, a down-to-Earth journalist and a generally mindful commentator.
Each episode delves into themes like compassion, dealing with grief, anger, and other strong emotions, mindfulness in everyday life, and the art of living. It also doesn’t hurt that Brother Phap Huu and Jo both have bright and distinct senses of humor and are wonderfully relatable.
What Stands Out: The unique blend of Eastern and Western perspectives. Brother Phap Huu brings the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh to life, while Jo Confino offers a thoughtful, grounded approach that makes the wisdom accessible to all. The podcast often includes guided meditations, and the overall tone of the show is calm and joyful.
Best For: Listeners seeking an insightful, every-day exploration of mindfulness and its application in daily life with an experienced monk and student of Thich Nhat Hanh.
Untangle
Hosts: Patricia Karpas and Ariel Garten
Why Listen: “Untangle” is all about demystifying meditation and mindfulness, often from a scientific and neurological perspective. The podcast features interviews with a wide range of experts, from meditation teachers to neuroscientists to psychologists and beyond. These conversations provide practical insights into how meditation can improve different areas of your life, reduce stress, and enhance your well-being.
What Stands Out: The diversity of guests and the focus on practical advice based on science. Whether you’re looking to start a meditation practice, address sleep issues, reduce stress, or deal with anger and frustration, “Untangle” offers something for everyone. The interviews are in depth and sometimes technical, which gives listeners a brand new perspective on mindfulness.
Best For: Analytical thinkers or hardened skeptics who need science-backed evidence to support their mindfulness practice.
Bonus Fact: The “Untangle” podcast is actually made by Muse, the brain-sensing EEG headband. Take a look at our review of the Muse 2 headband in our article on the Top 8 Meditation Devices You Need to Try.
Ten Percent Happier
Host: Dan Harris
Why Listen: Dan Harris, a former ABC news anchor, took on meditation (and eventually the “Ten Percent Happier” podcast) after a panic attack on live TV led him to explore mindfulness. This podcast is perfect for “fidgety skeptics,” as Dan puts it, and those who are curious but unsure about mindfulness. Each episode features well-done interviews with experts in meditation, psychology, and beyond.
What Stands Out: Dan Harris’s relatable approach. He doesn’t shy away from discussing his struggles with anxiety and skepticism, making the podcast accessible to those who might deal with the same obstacles. He brings that healthy skepticism into each interview and, in doing so, represents his audience well. The humor and down-to-earth style make the show entertaining and informative.
Best For: “Fidgety skeptics” and those new to meditation who appreciate a no-nonsense, relatable approach.
Here and Now
Hosts: Ram Dass
Why Listen: “Here and Now” offers a chance to listen to the teachings of Ram Dass, one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the 20th century. The podcast features recordings of his lectures, where he explores topics like mindfulness, compassion, and the nature of consciousness.
What Stands Out: The timeless wisdom of Ram Dass. His teachings are deeply spiritual yet practical, offering insights that are as relevant today as they were decades ago. The podcast serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the many years of Ram Dass’s work.
Best For: Listeners who are drawn to spiritual teachings and want to dive deep into the philosophy of mindfulness from an entertaining and wise mindfulness leader.
The Daily Meditation Podcast
Host: Mary Meckley
Why Listen: If you’re looking for a podcast that provides structured daily guided meditations, “The Daily Meditation Podcast” is a great choice. Mary Meckley, a certified yoga and meditation teacher, offers short, focused 7-day meditation series around a specific weekly topic, like stress relief, gratitude, abundance, and much more.
Each weekly series is structured to begin with a guided meditation on Sundays, a guided affirmation on Mondays, breathing exercises on Tuesdays, and continuing with different exercises throughout the week.
What Stands Out: The consistency and variety. With over 3,000 daily guided meditations focusing on different themes and techniques, you’ll almost never run out of content to help you stay grounded and focused. That’s over 8 years of daily content (and counting)! Mary’s soothing voice and clear instructions make it easy to follow along, even if you’re new to meditation.
Best For: Those who want daily, guided meditation sessions coupled with a clear purpose.
The Rubin Mindfulness Meditation Podcast
Hosts: Tashi Chodron and various meditation teachers
Why Listen: This podcast offers weekly guided meditation sessions recorded live at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City. The sessions are led by a diverse group of meditation teachers, including well-known names like Sharon Salzberg, which follow a theme based on a photograph of a Himalayan art piece that is maintained at the museum. The podcast connects the meditations with art and culture, providing a rich and unique experience.
What Stands Out: The integration of art and mindfulness. Each meditation is inspired by a piece of art from the Rubin Museum, offering a unique way to connect with mindfulness through creativity and culture. The diversity of teachers also means you’ll get a wide range of perspectives and techniques.
Best For: Art lovers and those interested in exploring mindfulness through a cultural lens.
Tara Brach Podcast
Host: Tara Brach
Why Listen: Tara Brach is a well-known meditation teacher and psychologist, and her podcast is a treasure trove of mindfulness wisdom. Each episode features a blend of guided meditations and talks that explore topics like self-compassion, emotional healing, and mindfulness in everyday life.
What Stands Out: Tara’s compassionate approach. Her teachings are deeply rooted in both psychology and Buddhist philosophy, making them accessible and relevant to a wide audience. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, addiction, or just looking to deepen your mindfulness practice, Tara’s podcast offers valuable insights.
Best For: Those seeking a compassionate, therapeutic approach to mindfulness and meditation.
Mindfulness for Beginners
Host: Shaun Donaghy
Why Listen: “Mindfulness for Beginners” does exactly what it says on the tin. Shaun Donaghy, the host and at least one-time student of Plum Village (see reference above in “The Way Out Is In” section), offers simple, straightforward advice on how to get started with mindfulness and deal with life’s challenges. The podcast gives the feeling of a Dharma talk with a family member or close friend–very casual and comfortable. The episodes are short and always come with a guided meditation.
What Stands Out: The simplicity and clarity. Shaun’s approach is direct and no-nonsense, making mindfulness accessible to everyone regardless of experience level. The podcast is a great starting point for anyone new to mindfulness who wants to learn the basics without any frills.
Best For: Absolute beginners who want a clear, straightforward introduction to mindfulness.
On Being with Krista Tippett
Host: Krista Tippett
Why Listen: “On Being” isn’t just a podcast about mindfulness; it is about spirituality, wisdom, and life. Krista Tippett’s conscientious and thoughtful interviews feature a wide range of spiritual, scientific, and pop culture heavyweights like Thich Nhat Hanh, Desmond Tutu, Nick Offerman, and many, many more. Tune in to find deep, thoughtful insights that can inspire and challenge your views on mindfulness and life.
What Stands Out: The depth and breadth of the conversations. Krista Tippett is a master interviewer, and she expertly teases out personal beliefs, emotional moments, and great stories. The podcast is perfect for those who want to explore mindfulness in the context of broader life questions and spiritual exploration.
Best For: Those interested in deep, thoughtful conversations with well-known figures that explore mindfulness within the larger context of life and spirituality.
Conclusion
Finding the best mindfulness podcast for you is a personal journey. Regardless of where you are in that journey, there’s something in this list for everyone. From the deep spiritual teachings of “The Way Out Is In” to the straightforward advice of “Mindfulness for Beginners,” these podcasts offer a variety of perspectives and practices that can help you live a more mindful, peaceful life.
So, why not give one (or a few) of these podcasts a try? You might find that they become a valuable part of your mindfulness journey. Happy listening!