Podcasts To Get You Moving

Next time you’re heading out for a walk or run, get your podcast on. What better way to combine two essential facets of health: moving your body while stimulating your mind.

We are incredibly spoilt for choice with hundreds of thousands of podcasts to choose from. There is an entire world of knowledge, stimulation, self-improvement and entertainment at our fingertips. Like all forms of media, podcasts are quite a personal thing and it can be difficult to know where to start. Here I have narrowed down your choices with some of my favourites to get you rolling.

Health

Ted Talks: Health

The TEDTalks (Technology, Entertainment and Design) podcast curates some of the best health-related talks from their conferences and events. One episode dives into a fascinating explanation of how cancer cells communicate. Another highlights a program that trains grandmothers in Zimbabwe to treat depression. Each episode teaches me something new and I always come away feeling inspired.

The Rich Roll Podcast

Rich Roll is a vegan, ultra-endurance athlete, father of 4 and wellness advocate who used to struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Although this all sounds intense, Rich has a beautiful way of talking that doesn’t make you feel less-than or pressured, but is always inspiring. He interviews people on topics ranging from the effects of technology on our lives, training your brain, food inequality and much more.

99% Fad Free

Tara Leong has a no-nonsense approach to nutrition, shining a light on some of the craziness that is out there in the health world. She looks at topics such as Isagenix, the Paleo Diet, superfoods and, along with dieticians and other health experts, pulls apart fact from fiction. She also has a fun Instagram page - @thenutritionguruandthechef if you need a break from the diet craziness out there.

Feel Better, Live More

Dr Rangan Chatterjee is is a bona fide healthcare powerhouse. In his podcast, he taps into his years of experience in the medical world with industry professionals, doctors and researchers to attempt to uncover the truth behind all that is health and wellness including gut health, exercise, sleep, mindfulness and much more.

Comedy

Conan O’Brian Needs A Friend

American comedian and talk show host Conan interviews a range of people from Michelle Obama to Willie Nelson, and he simply makes me laugh. His introduction with assistant Sona and producer Matt is sometimes more enjoyable than the interviews. Nothing to learn here, just a load of laughs if you have the same sense of humour as me.

Smartless - Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnet

Much like Conan’s podcast, this is a bit of fun as these 3 actors (Batemen, Hayes and Arnet) interview people and have a chat. It’s a relatively new podcast and one I have been enjoying as a super easy listen on my long runs.

General Interest

Conversations - ABC Radio

These are hour long, in depth conversations conducted by Richard Fidler (or Sarah Kanowski) with a range of interesting people with fascinating stories to tell. These are people you may or may not have heard about, but their stories are always amazing.

Mamamia Out Loud

Mia Freedman sits down with colleagues, Holly and Jesse, 3 times a week to discuss the events of the week. This is a lighthearted way to keep up to date with the things that are happening around us.

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Dax Shepard (American actor, comedian) just has a voice that is easy to listen to. He interviews people on a range of topics, trying to delve into the mysteries of what makes us human and the world around us. His quick wit, humour and honesty are a great combination in these podcasts.

Faith

Undeceptions with John Dickson

As a friend of John’s I may be a little biased, but I’m not alone as the ratings of this podcast are soaring. John is an author of 15 books, a world-renowned speaker, historian at the University of Sydney, minister and media presenter - you could say he knows his “stuff”. Every week, John explores some aspect of life, faith, history, culture, or ethics in a way that is honest, balanced and fascinating.

Self Improvement

The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes

This podcast covers a huge range of topics such as mindset, relationships, entrepreneurship, human rights and health. Although you may not agree with all the ideas and points of view, this podcast will definitely get you thinking.

The Happiness Lab

Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos has studied the science of happiness and now teaches the psychology of happiness course that is the most popular in the university’s 300 year history! In this podcast, Laurie take us through the latest scientific research and shares some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness.

Listen with the Family

The Howie Games with Mark Howard

For anyone who has an interest in sport, this should be your go-to on any family trips. Sports Journalist Mark Howard interviews athletes and coaches from all corners of the sporting world such as Alyssa Healey, Grant Hackett, and the Campbell sisters. Howie keeps it entertaining for the adults while always appropriate for the kids.

The Squiz Kids

This is a news podcast just for kids. In less than 10 minutes, we are given a quick rundown on the big news events in a positive, appropriate way. Although this short-form podcast won’t get you far if you’re heading out for a walk, it’s a helpful one to have in your podcast library.

There are so many podcasts out there I could go on and on, but this a good start. All you need to do now is get your headphones on and get moving.

By Angie Black