Are you listening? If you want to start 2023 with new ideas and motivations, consider plugging into a podcast or audiobook. It’s a great way to make time on the treadmill go by quickly. Double your efforts and give your brain food for thought while your body is getting stronger. We asked the Healthy365 Connection Center team to recommend mental health audiobooks and podcasts for your playlist. Check out some of their thoughts below.
“Unlocking Us” podcast by Brené Brown
Brené Brown is a New York Times bestselling author and speaker who focuses on the subjects of shame, vulnerability and leadership. For example, her TED talk on “The Power of Vulnerability” is one of the most viewed TED talks ever. “Unlocking Us,” a series of podcasts introduced in 2020, takes listeners on a journey of connection, courage, vulnerability and conversation. Brown tackles subjects like “Being Heard and Seen,” “Vulnerability and Laughter,” and “Grief, Gratitude, and Connection.” As a result, she focuses on helping her listeners focus on their self-worth and wellness.
“Therappuccino” by Bisma Anwar
Bisma Anwar describes herself as a “therapist, coffee lover, healer, helper, dreamer, and globe trotter.” She is a licensed mental health counselor who focuses on anxiety, cognitive behavior, stress management and depression. In her Therappuccino series of podcasts, Anwar discusses topics like “Holistic Nutrition and Mental Health,” and the “Impact of Media on Mental Health.” If you’re currently struggling with a case of the winter blues, treat yourself to her December podcast on “Winter Coping.”
“Straight Up” with Trent Shelton
Trent Shelton, a former NFL wide receiver, bills himself as bringing listeners “the truth you need to hear – even if it’s hard to take.” The former Indianapolis Colt has endured his own personal struggles and issues as he worked to make peace with the nagging injuries that ended his NFL career. He urges listeners to recognize their self-worth and greatness, inspiring them to live better lives in any circumstances. After all, he refers to his followers as “Rehabbers,” and offers thought-provoking podcast topics like “Don’t Quit on Yourself Because They Quit on You.”
“Love Your Whole Body” with Jessica Lacy
Who doesn’t need this message? As a holistic life coach, Jessica Lacey’s podcast series is for people who are “tired of a one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellness.” Christina DeWitt, one of our Healthy365 support navigators, recommends giving “Budgeting For Your Body” a listen.
“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD
This book digs deep into how scientists and therapists are working together to help survivors heal from the trauma of their past. Van Der Kolk explores how trauma can reshape both the brain and the body, affecting an individual’s ability to concentrate or develop trusting, healthy relationships. Van Der Kolk has extensive experience researching the effects of trauma on brain function, memory and treatment outcomes. This book may help listeners begin to heal and help their brain recover from years of struggle.
Yup, we’re talking about that Oprah Winfrey. This book takes a conversational approach that looks at how an abusive childhood can cause lifelong brain trauma. It goes on to explore the different ways survivors can create their path to recovery. Winfrey offers an honest recollection of her own childhood trauma and discusses its effects and treatment with Perry, a leading expert on childhood trauma. So many times a person is asked “What’s wrong with you?” when a better query might be “What happened to you?” By exploring these experiences and understanding their consequences, listeners may become more attuned to their own mental health needs.
In this book, Catherine Gray describes her own sobriety journey. Listeners may relate to her experiences with a cycle of drinking, making bad decisions, swearing off alcohol and repeating the cycle when she starts drinking again. The book reads like a novel as listeners explore the benefits of sobriety.
Listen up! The new year is a great time to incorporate new habits into your daily routine. Adding a podcast or audio book may be just what you need to start your journey to a new and better you. Are you looking for more local resources for substance misuse and mental health treatments? Reach out to the Healthy365 Connection Center, and we’ll start this journey with you.