Ever wondered what’s really going on in that wonderfully weird brain of yours? Or in the brain of others for that matter? Or why you still can’t forget that embarrassing thing you did in third grade? Enter the fascinating world of psychology podcasts, where trained professionals (and some enthusiastic amateurs) attempt to explain why we’re all such beautiful messes.
Whether you’re looking to understand why you keep dating people who remind you of your high school math teacher, or just want to casually diagnose your friends with various personality disorders (please don’t), these podcasts will take you on a journey through the human psyche. So let’s look at the best psychology podcasts that’ll help you understand why you are the way you are – or at least give you some impressive-sounding terms to drop at your next dinner party.
Speaking of Psychology
Listen to Speaking of Psychology
This podcast is a series that explores cutting-edge, impactful, and timely psychological research in today’s world. Created by the American Psychological Association, these episodes aim to help listeners integrate psychological science into their daily routines and decision-making.
Savvy Psychologist
Looking to improve your emotional well-being? Consider partnering with a skilled psychologist and mental health professional. Dr. Monica Johnson dives into the reasons behind intricate feelings, assists in building stronger connections, and supports you on your journey toward greater self-awareness.
PsychCrunch
“PsychCrunch” is the podcast brought to you by the British Psychological Society’s Research Digest. In every episode, we investigate whether insights from psychological science can have a meaningful impact on everyday life. What does psychology tell us about how we should live? We chat with psychologists about their studies and whether they personally use their findings in their own lives.
Trauma Rewired
The show that helps you understand your nervous system, how trauma becomes embedded in the body, and the steps you can take to recover and find healing.
Choiceology with Katy Milkman
Listen to Choiceology with Katy Milkman
Can we make better decisions? Join Katy Milkman,behavioral scientist and author of “How to Change”,as she explores high-stakes choices and the lessons from behavioral economics. “Choiceology”, a Charles Schwab podcast, helps improve judgment and foster lasting change. Season 1 was hosted by Dan Heath, author of “Made to Stick”.
All In The Mind
“All In The Mind” is ABC RN’s weekly podcast that delves into the fascinating world of the mental realm, exploring the mind, brain, and behavior, covering topics ranging from addiction to the frontiers of artificial intelligence.
Personality Hacker Podcast
Listen to Personality Hacker Podcast
Understand your mind to make smarter choices. “Personality Hacker” deciphers your mental “code” to help you build strong relationships, a rewarding career, and lasting happiness. Are personalities innate or shaped over time? What is intuition? How can you use your strengths to boost happiness? Join Joel Mark Witt and Antonia Dodge as they explore small shifts in personality and relationships that lead to big transformations.
Inside Mental Health
Listen to Inside Mental Health
A weekly, award-winning podcast that makes psychology and mental health easy to understand. Join host Gabe Howard as he engages in open conversations with experts, celebrities, and influential figures, breaking down intricate subjects into clear, relatable ideas.
Stanford Psychology Podcast
Listen to Stanford Psychology Podcast
The Stanford Psychology Podcast, run by students, features top psychologists discussing their latest thoughts and projects. Hosts Eric Neumann, Anjie Cao, Kate Petrova, Bella Fascendini, Joseph Outa, and Julia Rathmann-Bloch engage in lively conversations with guests about their groundbreaking research. Each week, the show shares fresh insights from psychological science and explores how they can be used in daily life.
Popcorn Psychology
Three licensed therapists dissect and examine popular films and their characters, offering insights from the viewpoints of individual, child, and marriage and family therapy.
Therapist Uncensored Podcast
Listen to Therapost Uncensored Podcast
Discover how to harness the science of the mind to uncover what drives your emotions. Join two Austin-based therapists and their globally renowned guest experts as they unpack the latest research in modern attachment theory, relational neuroscience, and trauma. Presented in an engaging yet thought-provoking style, this podcast helps you break free from autopilot and fosters deeper, more meaningful connections.
The Psychology of your 20s
Listen to The Psychology of your 20s
A podcast that reveals how psychology is behind everything, even your twenties. Hosted by Jemma Sbeg, every Tuesday and Friday we explore the science and psychology of topics, ideas, and shared experiences that shape our twenties. From relationships and mental health to career stress, friendships, money, and the challenges of this transformative decade, we dive deep into what makes this time so unique.
Mental Illness Happy Hour
Listen to Mental illness Happy Hour
The “Mental Illness Happy Hour” podcast, hosted by comedian Paul Gilmartin, offers a candid and compassionate space to discuss mental health struggles, trauma, and recovery. Through interviews with guests,ranging from artists and comedians to therapists and everyday people.
Under the Cortex
The podcast of the Association for Psychological Science, “Under the Cortex”, explores what science reveals about how we think, behave, and understand the world. Sponsored by Macmillan Learning Psychology, it combines expert insights with engaging content. Macmillan Learning Psychology, led by experienced educators, creates tools and resources that connect with students and support instructors, whether in-person or online, setting new standards for teaching and learning.
Psychology Unplugged
Listen to Psychology Unplugged
Weekly conversations and insights on psychology, neuropsychology, psychopharmacology, and mental health. This podcast offers psycho-education, explores facts and myths, tackles controversies, and dives into the passion surrounding this vital yet often misunderstood field of medicine.
Very Bad Wizards
“Very Bad Wizards” is a podcast hosted by philosopher Tamler Sommers and psychologist David Pizarro, who share a passion for ethics, pop culture, and cognitive science, and a knack for blurring the lines between the sacred and the profane. Each episode dives into moral philosophy, cutting-edge research in moral psychology and neuroscience, and the fascinating intersections between them.
Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
Listen to Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
For over 20 years, Brené Brown has studied the emotions and experiences that give life meaning and purpose. One key insight she’s discovered is that humans are wired for connection, which requires courage, vulnerability, and open dialogue. Her podcast aims to be authentic, unfiltered, and honest, capturing both the beauty and chaos of being human.
Therapy for Black Girls
Listen to Therapy for Black Girls
The “Therapy for Black Girls” podcast is a weekly discussion hosted by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist based in Atlanta, Georgia. The show explores mental health, personal growth, and the everyday choices that help us grow into our best selves.
Pop Psych 101
To educate and destigmatize, therapists Ryan Engelstad and Hayley Roberts openly discuss mental health and illness through the lens of movies, music, books, and TV. They analyze common pop culture tropes, questioning their accuracy, for better or worse. “PopPsych” balances raw, serious discussions with humor, aiming to normalize mental health conversations by making them real, relatable, and accessible.
The Psychology Podcast
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In every episode, host Scott Barry Kaufman engages with inspiring scientists, thinkers, and self-actualized individuals to deepen your understanding of yourself, others, and the world. Through these conversations, the podcast explores the depths of human potential and offers a glimpse into what’s possible for humanity.
Deeply Human
Why do we act the way we do? Dessa dives into the passions, fears, habits, and dreams that drive us, offering an intimate exploration of the forces behind our thoughts and actions. Could a deeper grasp of human nature help us approach others’ quirks, and even our own, with more compassion?
The Positive Psychology Podcast
Listen to The Positive Psychology Podcast
The “Positive Psychology Podcast” explores the science of living a fulfilling life,think gratitude, positive emotions, relationships, and love, not the typical indulgences. Positive psychologists and practitioners dive into research, experiments, and dense academic journals, but let’s face it: reading those can be as thrilling as watching an avocado rot. This podcast distills those insights into engaging, accessible episodes for your earbuds.
Therapy Chat
Laura Reagan, LCSW-C, a psychotherapist, burnout prevention consultant, and Certified Daring Way Facilitator, hosts conversations with guests about holistic and alternative approaches in therapy, counselling, and healing. Listen in as therapists share their practices, self-care routines, and insights on preventing burnout.
Where Should We Begin? With Esther Perel
Listen to Where Should We Begin? With Esther Perel
Every Monday morning, step into the world of renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel and listen as real people share their raw, intimate, and deeply personal stories. From relationship struggles and open marriages to family tensions and workplace drama, this podcast offers a mirror to our own lives through the experiences of others. Read our review of Where Should We Begin?
Two Psychologists Four Beers
Listen to Two Psychologists Four Beers
Two psychologists aim to enjoy four beers while diving into the latest news, debates, and controversies in science, academia, and the wider world.
The Trauma Therapist
Listen to The Trauma Therapist
“The Trauma Therapist Podcast” celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. Hosted by Guy Macpherson, PhD, the show features conversations with trailblazers in trauma, mindfulness, addiction, and yoga. Through their stories, we explore the inspiring journeys of dedicated mental health professionals committed to supporting those affected by trauma.
Two Guys on Your Head
Listen to Two Guys on Your Head
Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke break down the inner workings of the brain, offering insights into how we think, learn, and behave.
Hidden Brain
Why do I feel trapped? How can I boost my creativity? What steps can I take to strengthen my relationships? If these questions sound familiar, you’re in good company. “Hidden Brain” helps you explore your own mind, and the minds of others, through insightful stories and science.
Do you know of another psychology podcast that you think should be on this list? Let me know.
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