When the boys were young, we would road trip from Ottawa to Kennebunkport in the summer listening to books on tape between rounds of 20 Questions (the cassette days!). Our favorite at the time was Andrew Weil — or “Wild” as our youngest used to call him — well-loved pioneer of integrative medicine. The boys would listen with us and occasionally chime in with their own wisdom (speaking of golden oldies). It was a fun way to stay connected and learn together.
Fast forward 15 years and there are so many tune-in possibilities, it can be a little overwhelming especially when you’re trying to separate the wheat from the chaff. To simplify, I’ve highlighted just a few of my favorites (podcasts etc) from the past year or so – ones that stood out in the area of health, wellness and human consciousness. Whether you’re in the car, on the beach or enjoying from home, my hope is that you’ll find a nugget or two in these – I know I did!
➰ Michael Pollan: the Role of Psychedelics in Mental Health (Dr. Chatterjee Podcast)
one of the most exciting and promising areas in neuroscience right now – the role of psychedelics in treating the mind. This episode features an intelligent and informative conversation on the relevance of psychedelics as a healing modality for depression, anxiety (ocd/ptsd), addictions, allergies and more. Drawing from his latest work How to Change your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us about Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence, Pollan takes us through the new science (renaissance) of psychedelics, shedding light on its significance in mental health.
➰ Yuval Noah Harari: Why Clarity is Power (Rich Roll Podcast)
renowned historian and philosopher, Yuval Noah Harari (author of the groundbreaking Sapiens, Homo Deus and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century), provides a mesmerizing look into some of the most urgent challenges and choices we face individually and globally as we merge into the era of big data and artificial intelligence. Dr. Harari also talks about the practice he credits for allowing him to develop the much needed quiet and clarity necessary to write his stunning books. One of the most brilliant minds on the planet today, this episode is not to be missed!
➰ Aviva Romm MD: Women’s Health (Natural MD Radio)
the remarkable Aviva Romm (midwife, herbalist, Yale MD and author of 7 books), has created an easy-to-understand science-based trio of episodes on the ever-changing landscape of gynecological health: Safe, Natural Approaches to HPV and Cervical Cancer; Abnormal Pap or Positive HPV? What the Results Really Mean; and Everything You Need to Know About the Pap Test, HPV, and Pelvic Exams. Dr. Romm’s website is a treasure trove of information and we are so fortunate to have her thoughtful contributions and empowering holistic approach in the field of women’s health.
➰ Maris Degener: I am Maris (Netflix/ vimeo trailer)
a beautiful, tender and deeply moving personal account of a young woman’s struggle with anorexia and her journey to find reintegration. Maris takes us through her story with words and art to reveal how the practice of yoga (unity) allows her to access parts of herself that she couldn’t quite reach in counselling. An inspiring and hopeful film that “every person touched by mental illness – which is to say every person on the planet – needs to see” – Chelsea Roff, Founder and Director of Eat Breathe Thrive.
➰ Brené Brown: The Call to Courage (Netflix)
sharing some fresh stories and plenty of laughs, Brené Brown shines on the topic of finding courage amidst emotionally tough times (I especially liked the ‘neurological event’ moment, the California audience reaction (vs. east coast) and being in the arena). Plenty to glean from this wise soul.
➰ Nicole LePera: The Inner Child Meditation
one of the most powerful guided meditations I’ve ever done. You’ll want to set aside some quiet time for this one – a profound journey back home. Perhaps it’s for you, perhaps it’s for someone you love.
All of these podcasts sound very, very interesting, but in all my years, I’ve never been able to listen to sermons, lectures, audio books or podcasts. No matter how hard I try, I either fall asleep or my mind just starts wandering. I guess I need to continue trying. Maybe in short segments at first. The Call to Courage sounds like a good one to start with. Interesting post Kelly.
Wonderful idea, Kelly! (And how cute your dog is!!!!) Some of these sound fascinating, especially the first one: it reminds me of a very interesting program I’ve recently seen on tv about depression being cured with LSD.
I listen to my favourite radio every day and the only podcasts I listen to are learning Japanese-related, so it will make a nice change listening to something else while I walk or go to work by tram.
haha, thanks Sissi! the original post had at least 7 photos of her, I thought I better cut it down to something reasonable ;o (her manicured toes fracture me). i’m glad this post appeals and I hope you enjoy some of these. Yes, magic mushrooms and lsd are the two most talked about in this connection – Pollan gives a lot of context to their application, especially in his book but the podcast is a great overview; fascinating stuff.