10 Podcasts that can help ease anxiety

Whether you’re juggling with everyday stresses or live with anxiety and depression, podcasts can be a powerful and accessible tool to reduce anxiety and feel less alone. We’ve rounded up a selection of free podcast episodes designed to be calming and helpful for anyone managing anxiety. These episodes provide comfort, practical advice, and actionable tools to help you feel a little more at peace.

We’ve also included tips on how to easily access these episodes so you can start listening without stress.

1. “The Calming Power of Meditation” – The Daily Meditation Podcast

Why it helps: This short episode focuses on simple meditation techniques for reducing stress. The host gently walks you through a calming breathing exercise, making it an easy way to centre yourself when anxiety strikes. Perfect for beginners or anyone managing anxious moments.
How to find it: Search for “The Calming Power of Meditation” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Youtube Music. Look for The Daily Meditation Podcast and select this episode.

2. “Challenging Negative Thoughts” – The Anxiety Coaches Podcast

Why it helps: This episode dives into how our thoughts influence anxiety. It’s packed with relatable examples and offers practical ways to reframe negative thinking. The conversational style makes it feel like you’re chatting with a supportive friend.
How to find it: Visit your preferred podcast app and type in “Challenging Negative Thoughts” under The Anxiety Coaches Podcast.

3. “How to Be Kinder to Yourself” – Unlocking Us with Brené Brown

Why it helps: Brené Brown shares powerful insights about self-compassion, something many of us forget when we’re dealing with anxiety. Her down-to-earth approach is as reassuring as it is inspiring, leaving you feeling a little kinder to yourself by the end.
How to find it: Open Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or another podcast platform and look for Unlocking Us. Then search “How to Be Kinder to Yourself.”

4. “The Fear of Anxiety” – Not Another Anxiety Show

Why it helps: This episode tackles the fear of anxiety itself. The host, a former nurse turned anxiety coach, offers advice with humour and warmth, helping you face anxious feelings without feeling like they control you.
How to find it: Look for Not Another Anxiety Show on any podcast app and find the episode titled “The Fear of Anxiety.”

5. “Grounding Techniques for Stress Relief” – Anxiety Slayer

Why it helps: This episode introduces grounding techniques you can use anytime, anywhere to calm anxious thoughts. The soothing tones of the hosts will guide you through simple tools to bring your focus back to the present moment.
How to find it: Search for “Grounding Techniques for Stress Relief” under Anxiety Slayer on platforms like Youtube Music or Spotify.

6. “Sleep Stories for Stressful Days” – Sleepy

Why it helps: Sleep can often be elusive when anxiety kicks in. This episode offers a calming bedtime story alongside soft narration to help you drift off naturally. It’s a great way to unwind and give your busy mind a break.
How to find it: Open your podcast player, search for Sleepy, and locate “Sleep Stories for Stressful Days.”

7. “Anxiety Is a Superpower” – Therapy Chat

Why it helps: This empowering episode reframes anxiety as something that can provide clarity and insight when approached with curiosity. It’s a fresh, motivational take that shifts perspective in a really uplifting way.
How to find it: Look for Therapy Chat on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify, then seek out “Anxiety Is a Superpower.”

8. “What to Do When Anxiety Hits” – The Mindful Kind

Why it helps: This actionable episode provides a step-by-step guide to regaining calm when you feel overwhelmed. The host’s compassionate tone is incredibly reassuring, making the tips easy to absorb and put into practice.
How to find it: Search for “What to Do When Anxiety Hits” under The Mindful Kind on your preferred podcast app.

9. “Finding Your Calm” – Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris

Why it helps: Featuring practical advice and expert interviews, this episode is all about calming the mind. It’s relatable and approachable, especially for anyone who doesn’t feel like mindfulness comes naturally but wants to give it a try.
How to find it: Head to your podcast platform and type “Finding Your Calm” under Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris.

10. “Managing Social Anxiety” – The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Why it helps: Social situations can amplify anxiety, and this episode walks you through effective ways to manage those feelings. Dr. Santos shares science-backed insights with an encouraging and stress-free approach.
How to find it: Search for The Happiness Lab and look for “Managing Social Anxiety” on platforms like Youtube Music, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

How to access podcasts easily

If you’re new to podcasting, don’t worry! Finding and listening to these episodes is simple. Start by opening any podcast app you like, for example, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Youtube Music App Once there, type the episode title (or the podcast name) into the search bar. When you find the episode, just tap “Play” to listen.

Many podcast apps are free to use and allow you to download episodes to listen offline. You can even save your favourites to quickly return whenever you need support or encouragement.

Make listening part of your routine

Listening to podcasts like these can be as simple as putting on your headphones during a walk, while doing chores, or as part of your evening wind-down. A little focused time to hear words of calm and support can make all the difference.

Anxiety can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Whether you’re looking for tools, encouragement, or just someone to relate to, these podcast episodes are here to support you. Give them a try, and you might just find a helpful companion as you work towards a calmer, more confident life.

How CoAct can support you

If you’re managing anxiety and thinking about looking for work, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program is designed to help you overcome challenges and find meaningful employment that suits your strengths and goals. Contact us today to learn more.

(Disability Employment Services Australia (DES) has now been replaced by Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA).