For over thousands of years, since the first cave paintings were discovered, telling stories has been one of our most fundamental communication methods.
Our brains become more active when we tell and listen to stories… again a scientific fact. So, why not while away the commute or take some time out with one of our podcasts… and benefit from activating different areas of the brain, and learning something at the same time.
We hope you enjoy the following recommends by the POINT3 founders…
Nicky recommends…
#1 Under The Skin, a podcast by Russell Brand.
Synopsis:
This podcast asks “what’s beneath the surface – of people we admire, of the ideas that define our time, of the history we are told. Speaking with guests from the world of academia, popular culture and the arts, they’ll help us to see the ulterior truth behind our constructed reality. And have a laugh.
Why I like it:
Russell Brand is pretty polarising as a character so this won’t be to everyone’s taste. But I like the way he challenges the status quo, confronts sticky subjects ranging from addictions to spirituality to kindness to psychology and attracts stellar guests every time. The podcasts are thought-provoking, challenging and mind-opening… wrapped up in Brand’s humorous irreverence.
#2 Happy Place by Fearne Cotton.
Synopsis:
Fearne Cotton talks to incredible people about life, love, loss and everything in-between as she reveals what happiness means to them.
Why I like it:
Fearne Cotton has a lovely, honest, real interview style and this podcast is like listening into a conversation between friends talking about the “normal” things in life (that we have a tendency to internalise). I always feel grounded yet uplifted after listening to this podcast and glimpsing into the “normal” lives of Fearne and her guests including the likes of Davina McCall, Stephen Fry, Dawn French and Gary Barlow.
#3 Mad World by Bryony Gordon.
Synopsis:
Intimate conversations/interviews with Telegraph columnist Bryony Gordon and her guests about getting unwell – and getting better.
Why I like it:
Bryony Gordon is a columnist for the Telegraph and author of four books. In this podcast she interviews everyone from Prince Harry to Mel C about mental health in a frank, pragmatic and often humorous format. This is a great listen, normalising mental health and offering much practical advice, support and laughter along the way.
Siôn recommends…
#1 Digital Mindfulness.
Synopsis:
Weekly podcast on the business and human impact of digital transformation.
Why I like it:
In today’s world of almost total digital distraction this podcast provides some amazing insight into those small changes that we can make that will help to support us to find our flow and dull the constant chatter. It’s certainly more focused on learning than laughs but the advice is great and it’s easy listening. Would definitely recommend if you ever find yourself in a digital limbo, jumping from one screen to the next without really being fully connected to anything.
#2 School of Greatness by Lewis Howes.
Synopsis:
The School of Greatness shares inspiring stories from the most brilliant business minds, world class athletes and influential celebrities on the planet to help you find out what makes people great.
Why I like it:
Lewis Howes in his best guise. I find him slightly annoying on instagram and in his e-mail comms, but on this podcast as an interviewer he really does a great job in pulling together both an amazing cast of guests and then really getting them to open up. Each episode is about an hour long so it’s great if you have some admin tasks to do, you can set the episode up and use it as your timer to simply focus on the conversation, making that admin all the more bearable.
#3 Super Soul Conversations by Oprah Winfrey.
Synopsis:
Awaken, discover and connect to the deeper meaning of the world around you. Oprah interviews thought leaders, best selling authors, spiritual luminaries, as well as health and wellness experts. All designed to light you up, guide you through life’s big questions and help bring you one step closer to your best self.
Why I like it:
Oprah for President I say! This lady has done some truly incredible things in her time and is maintaining her high standards with this podcast. She covers so many topics of wellbeing that there is always something within the library that is super relevant to any areas that you might want some inspiration, some guidance or further learning. Take a listen.
Sarah recommends…
#1 Feel Better, Live More, a podcast by Dr Rangan Chatterjee.
Synopsis:
Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s mission is to empower his listeners to become the architect of their own health. Because when you feel better, you live more.
Since its launch in January 2018, my ‘Feel Better, Live More’ podcast has grown rapidly to become the Number 1 health podcast in the UK. It regularly tops the iTunes charts, has been downloaded over 2 million times and has almost 2000 reviews on iTunes with an average 5 star rating.
A new episode is released every Wednesday.
Why I like it:
I am a big fan of this podcast for a number of reasons. Firstly, Dr Rangan Chatterjee has a straight forward way of talking about some complex and emotive subjects, and he is naturally charming. Secondly, he interviews some really clever people on subjects ranging from sleep to happiness, and depression to gut health. It’s a fantastic resource for inspiration and education on wellbeing. Ones to look out for in particular are the two parter with Matthew Walker (of Why We Sleep fame) and an interview with the doctor himself (#41) on Stress – the health epidemic of the 21st century.
#2 Hurry Slowly by Jocelyn K. Glei.
Synopsis:
Hurry Slowly is a podcast about how you can be more productive, creative, and resilient through the simple act of slowing down.
Why I like it:
There are some great interviews on here about how we approach life in order to get the most out of it… One of my favourites is with Alex Pang – author of Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less. The interview examines the routines of some of the world’s greatest minds and how they build rest into their days to promote productivity and creativity.
#3 The Guilty Feminist by Deborah Frances-White.
Synopsis:
The Guilty Feminist, is an award-winning podcast and live show hosted by Deborah Frances-White. They discuss the big topics all 21st century feminists agree on, whilst confessing their “buts” – the insecurities, hypocrisies and fears that undermine their lofty principles.
Why I like it:
This is “laugh out loud” comedy genius. You will be walking along the street or on the tube laughing uncontrollably when you listen to this. And it’s not just for girls, so come on Russell give it a listen!