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Podcasts for every emotion you'll feel in self-isolation!

Longing for inspiration, desperately need a laugh, anxious AF or maybe just wanting to chill out, take a look at these podcasts...

By Ciara Martin | 31 March 2020

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We’re living through unprecedented times and many of us will be spending time self-isolating in our homes to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The weight of social distancing is going to be felt by many who are hunkered down in quarantine and I’ve certainly found that with that, comes every possible emotion.

So whether you’re needing a laugh, feeling anxious, bored, needing inspiration, unorganised, hungry (or all of the above) here’s some podcasts you can get listening to…

For when you need a laugh…

Famous First Times
As featured in Time Out, Famous First Times comes to you from two lads from Manchester, Ian and Dom, who look at ridiculous TRUE celebrity sex and virginity stories, taken from autobiographies. Think pop stars, rock legends, rappers, actors and everyone in between. Really quite daft, but a good laugh nevertheless. They’ve also got a munch-based mini-series called Famous Food Times, with some rather angin’ food stories from your favourite celebrities. Go give it a listen, but not in front of your Mam.

 

Shagged. Married. Annoyed. With Chris & Rosie Ramsey
There’s a reason this podcast has amassed millions of downloads and regularly hits number one on download charts. Every single episode makes me laugh no matter what mood I’m in. Hilariously relatable and honest, the podcast features questions from the public and a secret celebrity appearance every week as the two chat about life, relationships, arguments, annoyances, parenting, growing up and everything in between.

 

The Premium Podcast
From the guys behind XS Radio Manchester comes The Premium Podcast.  On a quest to find the best in everything an anything and everything, Joe and Adam sit and chat about what will make the ‘Premium Tier’. Tackling the biggest topics such as Word Cuisines, Supermarkets and Days Of The Week, this one causes serious debates.

 

For when you’re feeling anxious…

How To Fail with Elizabeth Day
A podcast that celebrates the things that haven’t gone right (which could not be more appropriate right now!) Every week, a new interviewee explores what their failures taught them about how to succeed better. The latest one off episode with Mo Gawdat is devoted to how to cope with anxiety in the time of Coronavirus. A lovely wholesome listen which is well worth the hour.

 

Happy Place with Fearne Cotton
This podcast series comes from Fearne Cotton and focuses on how to put one foot in front of the other during times of difficulty. Each episode she talks to incredible people about life, love, loss, and everything in-between as she reveals what happiness means to them.

 

Untangle
Maybe now’s the time do try meditation (because what’s more stressful than an uncertain future of quarantine!) You could start with the Untangle podcast, which focuses on stories of people who’ve used meditation to transform their lives. The podcast comes from 5-star meditation app Meditation Studio and hears from psychologists, neuroscientists, nutritionists, storytellers, buddhists, MD’s, sleep experts and loads more.

 

For when you need a little entertainment…

No Such Thing As Fish
From the brains behind BBC’s QI, why not sit in your self-isolation and enjoy this entire podcast series which is dedicated to Fun Facts. Hosted by Dan, James, Anna and Andy  (the guys who do the groundwork for Stephen Fry’s cue cards!) each episode is a bombardment of trivia, where they discuss their favourite facts unearthed in the past seven days. Oh and the podcast dates back to 2014, so there’s plenty of material for your quarantine…

 

Table Manners with Jessie Ware
Perfect for any foodie, Jessie Ware and her chef extraordinaire mother Lennie host their weekly podcast from their dinner table whilst enjoying a 3-course meal with a celebrity guest (be warned -this will make you hungry). With SO many good guests in the backlog, each episode explores all things food, family, and the beautiful art of having a chat.

 

Reform Radio
Manchester’s iconic, non-for-profit station which broadcasts the best in music, arts & culture 24/7. There’s plenty of easy listening over on their site (with their wonderful family of artists and DJs providing pre-records during this time). Head over to their site for podcasts, talk shows, DJ shows, playlists and more, you’ll definitely find your new favourite listen.

For feeling inspired…

The Comma Press Podcast
A brand new podcast from the people behind Manchester’s Comma Press (the not-for-profit award-winning publisher). Specialising in short stories and fiction, The Comma Press Podcast has already picked up a number of awards and is climbing the charts. If you’re like me and can’t stay focused on a book for very long,  this podcast is perfect for when you need that little bit of distraction.

 

Gurls Talk with Adwoa Aboah
The podcast with the ability to make you feel like you’re not alone. Hosted by powerhouse Adwoa Aboah with topics ranging from from mental health, addiction, recovery, sex, masculinity and so much more. Amongst chatting with celebrity guests, the Gurls Talk podcast also features the ‘Gurls Share’ section, where Adwoa talks through important questions and comments from the listeners. Raw and honest conversation from powerful guest speakers, I promise this one will lift your mood.