With lockdown restrictions tightening and the distance you can travel for exercise getting ever narrower, it might be that you are exercising alone a lot more at the moment. If, like me, you need a bit of extra motivation, a distraction, or just a bit of company while you are out on those solo stints, then read on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you are a walker, runner, cyclist on a turbo trainer, or former gym bunny swinging kettle bells at home alone, we’ve got your back for audio inspiration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We’ve tried to select specific favourite episodes of podcasts for you sample to see if you like the style of the podcast and the hosts. For this reason we have gone for episodes that can be listened to in isolation (no pun intended), rather than full series such as the amazing S Town<\/em><\/a>, Missing Richard Simmons<\/a><\/em> or Dolly Parton’s America<\/a><\/em> (all worth a listen if you want something to sink your teeth into). In some cases we couldn’t resist recommending two episodes to try. There is a variety of style and content here, so we have included a few lines about the episodes from the show notes so you know what you are letting yourself in for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enjoy and please do share your favourite podcast episodes with us, either in the comments below or on social media tagging us @healthylivinglondon<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This podcast episode got me through the first lockdown and I have recommended it to everyone since. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The discussion covers living with anxiety and isolation in a time of Coronavirus. Gawdat looks at how to handle negative thoughts and how to practise gratitude. He explores the concept of ‘committed acceptance’, which focuses on accepting the situation and, within that acceptance, working out what you can actively do to make life better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It sounds intense, but I promise it is both comforting and thought provoking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Glennon Doyle is a name that has popped up in my podcast inbox a number of times lately. She is the author of New York Times bestsellers, Untamed<\/em>, Love Warrior<\/em>, and Carry On, Warrior<\/em>. I haven’t yet read Untamed<\/em>, but it has made it firmly onto my ‘to read’ list. It is described as ‘part memoir, part inspirational book’ and explores the joy and peace we discover when we stop striving to meet the expectations of the world, and instead listen to and trust in the voice deep inside us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this interview she covers everything from getting angry, to her battles with alcohol and body image as well as her personal journey of sexuality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Listening to Phoebe Waller-Bridge always transports me to a happy place. She is such a compelling and thought provoking writer as well as being incredibly funny. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This episode of The Guilty Feminist<\/em> was recorded at The Royal Albert Hall in December 2019. It is a great interview but does contain spoilers if you are yet to watch Fleabag <\/em>season 2. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Two episodes for you from the Get Your Glow Back<\/em> podcast: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first is an interview with Dr Gemma Newman aka the Plant Power Doctor. Gemma has been passionately bridging the gap between western medicine and holistic health for the past decade, educating both those in the medical field and her own patients. In this episode she offers her view on why eating a plant based diet might just be the best thing we can do for our health and how we can ensure we are getting the right nutrition from a vegan diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second episode with Emma Ross is incredibly useful if you want to live sustainably, whether you are parent or not. Ross is a London-based mum of 2. She is a sustainability guru and is incredibly passionate about low-waste, plastic free parenting. She strives to help, guide and inspire parents to a more sustainable life for our future generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The show notes also include inks to lots of sustainable products, clothes etc. some of which I’ve included below: reusable nappies by Bambino<\/a>; fibre cloth Baby Wipes<\/a>; food wraps (instead of clingfilm) by BeesWraps<\/a>; Lucy & Yak<\/a>; Jaggery<\/a>; and for Kid’s clothes, rental: https:\/\/bundlee.co.uk<\/a>; Monty and Co<\/a>; Bulk food sources Suma<\/a> and Riverfood<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I love This American Life<\/em>. It was the first podcast I listened to and I have subsequently listened to most episodes in their incredibly extensive archive. It was through This American Life<\/em> that I discovered the incredible podcasts Serial <\/a><\/em>and S Town<\/a><\/em> (which are really worth investing time in if you haven’t already listened). I also love David Sedaris and he features regularly on the podcast with his life stories (enjoy a bonus one here<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n I could have chosen any number of episodes from the archive, but have selected ‘Get a Spine!’, which tells stories of people standing up for themselves, shaking off their fear, bracing themselves, and doing what they\u2019ve been scared to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fit and Fearless<\/em> is a great series to exercise to. Every episode is motivational and informative, while also being really easy to listen to. Again, there were many episodes I could have chosen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the first episode, para-triathlete Joshua Landmann shares his inspirational story of how sport and exercise helped him to overcome a life changing injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Landmann was left in a wheelchair after an accident in a swimming pool on holiday. In this uplifting and inspirational episode, he talks about his sporting career, what it was like to appear on the Ellen DeGeneres show and how he hoped to be selected for this Summer\u2019s Paralympics in Tokyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the second episode, best-selling author and journalist Bryony Gordon joins Tally, Zanna and Vic to discuss her new book, You Got This<\/em> and shares her tips for how we can be ourselves, whether you’re a floodlight or a bedside lamp!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately <\/em>is a funny kind of a podcast. I’d describe it more of a ramble than a sprint; if you listen you will know what I mean. However, it never fails to make me smile and always offers a cosy escape from the real world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I loved this episode with Great British Bake Off judge, Prue Leith. Prue offers her insight on restaurants, fashion, trainers, leftovers and much more. It’s like a big hug in a podcast and a great episode to keep you company on a long solo walk in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a parent, a number of my recommendations do include parenting podcasts. But with many of these, the content has value beyond the mumming audience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Philippa Perry is a brilliant psychotherapist and her book The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)<\/a><\/em>, is useful in assessing both our own parenting styles, as well as the reasons we are the way we are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this episode she discusses why our childhood experiences are so important when it comes to bringing up our own kids and offers advice on managing screen time, giving praise, dealing with lying and helping kids when parents separate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Louis kicked off his Grounded <\/em>podcast during the first lockdown and he has recently started the second series. All of the interviews are incredibly interesting, at times funny, insightful and thought provoking in different ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the first episode of the new series, Louis interviews the incredible actor, writer and producer Michaela Coel. Their conversation covers everything from religion and speaking in tongues to sexual consent and suffering from ‘post-writum depression’ after the success of I May Destroy You<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sadly The High Low<\/em> drew to a close in December 2020. However, the archive is available to explore if you enjoy this episode. The concept is a mix of high and low culture, covering current affairs, TV, podcasts, books and more. Conversational episodes are interspersed with author specials and ‘back to school’ episodes, which offer amazing reading lists of fiction and non-fiction both recently published and old classics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I really struggled to choose which episode to share, but I thought that this episode on pandemic friendships and how to mend a broken heart might strike a chord in the current climate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rich Roll is the master of the long form podcast. If you have a long run lined up, he is the guy for you. Episodes run upwards of 2 hours in many cases, so get ready for a deep dive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I used to listen to every episode religiously, but I find now I prefer to dip in and out. When you find an episode that chimes with you, it is like stumbling on a goldmine of wisdom. Roll describes the podcast as a ‘master class in personal and professional development’. He is a plant-based ultra athlete, wellness evangelist and author. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ve dipped into the archive for this episode with Dr Susan David on emotional agility. This episode explores our ability to acknowledge and embrace the full spectrum of our emotions (be they joyful or sorrowful) and to approach them with \u2018courage, compassion and curiosity\u2019. It looks at our ability to manage these inner experiences and rather than allowing them to \u2018hold us hostage\u2019, so that we are able to \u2018learn from them, evaluate the situations we face, be clear-sighted about our options\u2019 and act in a way that is intentional, mindful and true to our values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Love Stories<\/em> was a lovely self contained series of interviews, hosted by Dolly Alderton to tie in with the release of her book Everything I Know About Love<\/em>. In these interviews Alderton talks to guests about their most defining relationships: the passion, heartbreak, longing, familiarity and fondness that have formed who they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I found her interview with author and former doctor Adam Kay incredibly insightful, funny and moving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Again, a mummy podcast nut just for mums. This episode of The Motherkind <\/em>is with founders of the Step Up Club<\/em>, Alice Olins and Phanella Mayall Fine. The Step Up Club<\/em> is a modern voice in the women’s career conversation, in fact, Stylist Magazine<\/em> said ‘it’s the only voice to listen to in the women’s career sphere’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This wide-ranging conversation covers everything from career stories, working mum guilt, career crossroads, confidence and validation. So if you’re working and it isn’t working or you want to be working (something which applies to many of us at the moment I’m sure) then this episode is for you. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Again two episodes to choose from the Running for Real<\/em> podcast:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first episode is with writer and researcher David Epstein who explores specialisation in both sport and life in general. He asks, do the best athletes become the best because they specialise at an early age? Or do they become the best because they choose not to specialise? And what does this means for us and they way we approach sports, our careers and the way we raise our families? <\/p>\n\n\n\n In a specialised world, should we be concerned with spreading ourselves too thin over a variety of interests? Or do we find by specialising we invest so much time and energy into one thing that we leave ourselves tied to it forever for fear that in giving up we have a debt of sunk costs to repay to ourselves? <\/p>\n\n\n\n The second episode is with Lauren Fleshman, former American Champion in track and field, long-distance runner, violinist, activist, blogger, mum, coach and businesswoman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It looks at how we can marry our long terms goals with living in the present. How can we set goals and push ourselves to the limit while also embracing the now? The conversations covers Fleshman’s career as an athlete, her stances on social media, equality, and motherhood. These life lessons will prepare you for life, both as a runner and as a human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A short and sweet taste of I’m Absolutely Fine<\/em>, which is currently my favourite podcast. This podcast is the antidote to lockdown fatigue and positivity overload. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you think you are going crazy during this pandemic and you need cheering up while you lift your weights or go out for a little trot, this episode is for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ve only recently discovered the Sam Gash Podcast<\/em>, but having listened to a couple of episodes I can tell that I’m going to dig back into the archive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I loved this episode with Swedish athlete, ultra runner and four-time Sky Runner World Series champion, Emelie Forsberg. Not only is Fosberg record holder for Fastest Known Time for five different ultra-running race courses, she has also earned six medals at the Ski Mountaineering World Championships. She is a plant-based athlete who enjoys sustainable living with a healthy and holistic approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this podcast she discusses how to manage pressure, working with your own mind, how to feel secure \u2013 in running and in life, her view on slow living, the importance of preparation to enable play, reframing discomfort and her returning to movement & performance after having her daughter Maj.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dean Karnazes<\/em> describes Emelie as ‘a genuine trailblazer, both on the mountain and in life. She\u02bcs boldly parted from convention and chosen a path less trodden, one that is jagged and sheer, though infinitely more rewarding\u2026’<\/p>\n\n\n\n I wanted to bring this post about podcast recommendations to a close with Cast Away<\/em>, which is a new podcast discovery for me. Hosted by broadcaster, performer and podcast lover Laura Whitmore, it is aimed at uncovering the best podcasts by interviewing a celebrity guest every week about what they’re listening to. Whether you’re looking for podcasts about mental health, comedy, love, crime or your next fictional series to binge listen to, Laura’s guests have got you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I struggled with which episode to select, as I’ve started listening to a number of podcasts on the back of recommendations from Deborah Frances-White (We Are Having a Moment<\/em><\/a> and Best Pick<\/a><\/em>) and Jamie Laing (Missing Richard Simmons<\/a><\/em>). I loved the Dolly Alderton episode, not least as she mentions Soul Music<\/a><\/em> which is one of my favourite Radio 4 shows. But since these guys have had mentions above, I’ve gone with Emma Gannon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Mo Gawdat on How to Fail <\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Glennon Doyle on Happy Place<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3. Phoebe Waller-Bridge on The Guilty Feminist <\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. \/ 5. Plant Power with Dr Gemma Newman<\/a> <\/em>\/ Plastic Free Parenting with Emma Ross<\/a> on Get Your Glow Back<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
6. Get A Spine! on This American Life<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
7. \/ 8. The Power of Sport with Joshua Landmann<\/a> \/ How to be you with Bryony Gordon<\/a> on Fit and Fearless<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
9. Prue Leith on Fortunately…with Fi and Jane<\/em><\/a> <\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
10. Philippa Perry on The Scummy Mummies Podcast<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
11. Michaela Coel on Grounded with Louis Theroux<\/em><\/a> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
12. Pandemic friendships and how to mend a broken heart on The High Low<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
13. Dr Susan David on The Rich Roll Podcast<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
14. Adam Kay on Love Stories<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
15. Careers Crossroads and Guilt on The Motherkind Podcast<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
16. \/17. David Epstein: Find your grit with the right fit<\/a> and Lauren Fleshman: Can you feel satisfied and sill get better?<\/a> on Running For Real<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
18. The new abnormal on I’m Absolutely Fine<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
19. Emelie Forsberg \u2013 Play More, Live Slower! on the Sam Gash Podcast<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
20. Emma Gannon on Cast Away: The Podcast About Podcasts<\/em><\/a> <\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n