Reducing Stress: 10 Meditation Podcasts That Don't Suck
Reducing Stress
Stress is detrimental to the entire health of our mind and body, and the negative effects can compromise an otherwise healthy body. It is the root of so much suffering.
While most of us cannot remove the stress-inducer (i.e., jerk boss, commute, rent, job, etc), there are myriad ways to learn how to relax and reduce the effects of stress. Contemplative practice such as mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and prayer, teach our mind and body to be resilient and strong in the face of adversity.
If you want scientific proof, there's actually a number of studies on stress reduction through contemplative practice. Choose a form of practice that most resonates with you, and find a way to implement it into your daily routine. The more you practice, the more resilient you will be.
If you need help getting started, here are some guides...
10 Meditation Podcasts That Don't Suck
I've made this list so you don't have to wade through all the crazy wackos on the internets with terrible voices (not a great way to relax, imo). These podcasts are all really interesting and helpful. I've listed them in order of my own personal preference.
1. TARA BRACH PODCAST
This is the one I listen to most often. Tara Brach is an incredible meditation teacher. This podcast has both guided meditations and lectures she gives. Her work is grounded in both Western and Eastern Buddhist thought. Her podcast is a great place to start for those looking for more information about their practice. Many of her podcast episodes are from her recent lectures, which are great as well.
2. THE MEDITATION PODCAST
The Meditation Podcast was founded way back in 2006. The goal of this podcast is to help people have extraordinary meditation experiences in their everyday lives, sounds good to me! Jesse and Jeane Stern have created a great guided meditation podcast that immediately puts you into a meditative state of mind. It’s highly recommended.
3. MEDITATION OASIS
Meditation Oasis is all about helping you cultivate a sense of mindfulness in your own life. Mary and Richard Maddux will guide you through various guided meditations that will help you relax. You’ll also find instructions for practicing on your own.
4. THE IDP PODCAST
The Interdependence Project offers a "glimpse into 21st century Buddhism". This podcast features a wide range of guests, from, best-selling authors, to world-renown teachers and speakers. They also infuse spoken word pieces and sound collage pieces for a truly immersive and awakening listen.
5. LIVE AND DARE PODCAST
The Live and Dare Podcast is a fascinating look into modern-day meditation, mindfulness, and spirituality. This podcast features a wealth of information on traditional and modern meditation practices, and how to integrate meditation into your own life. If you’re looking to deepen your meditation practice, then check this podcast out.
6. THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST
The Daily Meditation Podcast is home to over 400 different daily meditations. Each podcast is around 15 minutes, which is perfect for most of us.
7. MEDITATION MINIS PODCAST
The Meditation Minis Podcast by Chel Hamilton is a great podcast for those looking for simple guided meditations to get started with. Each podcast is designed to help with a specific facet of your life.
8. I SHOULD BE MEDITATING
I Should Be Meditating is a great podcast by Alan Klima that covers all aspects of meditation. This podcast features guided meditations, talks, and much more. If you’re looking to deepen your meditation journey, then check this podcast out.
9. THE SELF HELP PODCAST
The Self Help Podcast is brought to you by Live in the Present. This podcast is dedicated to spreading emotional health and well-being. The combination of entrepreneur Edward Lamb and psychotherapist Sean Oxford is quite interesting and provides a unique perspective on what actually makes human being tick.
10. MEDITATION IN THE CITY
Meditation in the City is a podcast from the Shambhala Center in New York. They have a lot of different features, including, interviews, and glimpses of lectures that took place at their center. The content is very high quality and worth keeping on your radar. You can also go meditate at their center in Manhattan!