It’s no secret that I love a podcast (you don’t host your own if you’re not a fan!) and most of the time I have one playing in the background. They’re such an great way to hear a new perspective and discover someone else’s story. I’ve shared some of my favourite podcasts in the past, but this time I wanted to give you some specific episode recommendations. The discssions that have stayed with me long after the episode has ended and that I still think back to months or even years after first hearing them.

All of these episodes offer a fresh perspective on something, whether it’s social change, the environment, plant-based living or something else. They all tell stories that are different to my own, they made me question the way I do things and taught me something new. Some of these I’ve listened to several times and I still get something out of them.

The Emma Gunns Show with Venetia Le Manna: This conversation dives deep into fast fashion, the problems with it, the statistics about the true impact and also lots of accessible ways that we can all make a difference, regardless of your budget. It’s a great starting point for anyone trying to get to grips with the true cost of fast fashion without the guilt trip.

Talking Tastebuds with Zanna Van Dijk: Health and fitness influencer Zanna catches up with Venetia about all things conscious living. From plant-based eating to making more environmentally friendly choices, it’s a refreshing chat about how we don’t have to be perfect but can all make a difference.

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rupy Aujla: Hearing two doctos talk about how incredible food is, the benefits of a healthy and well-rounded diet without putting an emphasis on weight loss and looking a certain way is refreshing to say the least. They’re trained professionals with a wealth of knowledge and you’ll be reaching for the extra helping of veggies before the you get to the end of the episode.

The Doctor’s Kitchen with BOSH!: Another chat all about accessible plant-based eating, without the perfectionism. Instead the emphasis is on good, healthy meals and making sure your body gets what it needs to function at its best. Their attitude to living a more plant-based/vegan life is refreshingly honest and realistic, without judgment or preaching. It’s a great entry-point to anyone looking to make some changes no matter how small they might seem.

Ctrl, Alt, Del with Seth Godin: I wanted this 30 minute conversation to last forever. Seth’s approach to reassurance, hard work, saying no and overnight success still feel relevant 3 years after the episode went live. It’s a perspective we don’t often hear when it comes to success but one that I think will resonate with so many people.

Happy Mum, Happy Baby with Liv’s Alone: Listening to Liv’s journey to motherhood, her choice to take a more unconventional route of single-motherhood and seeking out a sperm donor was totally unfamiliar to me. She was honest about why she made the decision, the highs and the lows and what the reality of being a single mother is. Her story helps to break down the idea that we all have to do things in a specific way which is so important.

Nobody Told Me I’d Almost Die In Childbirth: Candice Brathwaite shares her story of the birth of her first child in Stylist’s new podcast. It’s not an easy listen but an important one and gives an insight into the horrific situation that Candice experienced at what should have been one of the happiest moments of her life. It also helps raise more awareness for the fact that the maternal mortality rate for black mothers is 5 times higher than that of white women in the UK , it’s a terrifying statistic that most people aren’t aware of and an issue that needs to be investigated further. Click here to sign the petition to improve maternal care for black British women.

Adulting: When Will We Be Successful? with Louise Toren: A must-listen for anyone feeling a bit lost with their career and like they’re nowhere near where they wanted to be. There’s comfort in hearing alternative definitions of success and embracing the opportunities that come your way, even if they aren’t quite what you imagined.

The Michel Obama Podcast Protests and Pandemics with Michele Norris: Of course Michelle Obama’s podcast was going to be great, but there’s a line from episode 2 I haven’t stopped thinking about ‘we need to aim for better, not normal’. The discussion on social change and the BLM protests, the upcoming elections and the pandemic are raw, honest and thought-provoking.

The Emma Gunns Show with Evy Poumpouras: I haven’t stopped thinking about this episode with ex-Secret Service agent, Evy, since I listened to it. She shares her advice on how to become mentally and emotinally bulletproof and I just couldn’t get enough. Needless to say I ordered her book within minutes of finishing the episode. An essential listen for anyone who wants to become more resilient, confident and self-assured.