Taking time throughout the day or week for a few moments of levity, enjoyment, and positivity can be so helpful to one’s well-being. In fact, a study in Norway indicated those with a strong sense of humor and laughter outlive those without it.
Podcasts continue to be a source of inspiration, and their widespread availability means that they’re open for anyone with a device, a pair of headphones, and an hour or so of free time. With so many podcasts to choose from, we narrowed it down to five recommendations for podcasts that inspire positivity.
Even before podcasts were of note, NPR has been at the forefront of narrative broadcast storytelling. “Invisibilia” is a great continuation of the blend of storytelling, information, and heart that millions of listeners have already come to know and love. The podcast uses narrative and science to help explain the basics and not-so-basics that make up and inspire human behavior.
Hosted by comedians Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams, this live-recorded podcast has quickly gained notoriety and a passionate following, primarily due to the duo’s hilarious, charming, and engaging conversations on a variety of topics.
For many of us, we have a passion for business that some could find to be a bit dull or boring. But on this podcast, host Guy Raz provides great evidence for why the business world doesn’t have to be all projections and charts. Each episode, Raz dives deep into the story of a specific business or entrepreneur to find out exactly how their company came to be. Along the way, though, we get tons of insight and exciting stories that make the whole experience memorable.
Is there any more comforting sound on television than the opening strains of The Office’s theme song? Now, your favorite sitcom about the antics of Dunder Mifflin in Scranton, Pennsylvania, gets a fresh do-over as stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey release podcast episodes paired with each episode of the show. The result is a sweet, relaxing, and often very funny look at what it took to make one of the most popular and revered shows in television.
Have you ever been watching a movie and found yourself wondering, “How did this even get made?” On this podcast, hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas take the films of lesser quality to task. Movies like “The Room,” “Burlesque,” “Showgirls,” “Junior,” and “Howard the Duck” all get their day in the sun, and listening as these three try to break down the most confounding and hilariously confusing elements of these movies is never a bad way to spend your time.
Podcasts are great to listen to while cleaning or driving, or to break up an afternoon.
If you haven’t already started listening to podcasts, you can use apps like Podcatcher that creates a stream of available episodes, or Spotify or iTunes. The hilarious podcasts on our list are a great place to start without taking it too seriously. And once you get started, don’t forget to search and subscribe to “Operations Avenue” and “Business Edge,” AKPsi’s podcasts dedicated to your chapter growth and professional development.
