Mental Health Monday: Podcasts
Of the many changing fads in the fickle world of the internet, Podcasts have stayed. Not only that but 15 years later there are almost 3 million podcasts with a huge range of themes. During covid it seemed like every celebrity was putting out a podcast.
I’ve used podcasts for a wide range of things - to learn about the property market; for insights into data and tech; the pure escapism of fiction. Often I use podcasts when I’m walking or travelling. I’ve found that they are a great distraction and can be really positive for balancing mental health or finding more about yourself.
One of the better ways I’ve used podcasts is for inspiration. If I need to write on a topic that I’m struggling to get inspiration for I’ll find a particularly inspiring podcast on that topic and go for a walk. I’ll usually take a pen and paper, voice recorder or bluetooth keyboard for my phone so that as soon as I get inspiration I’ll stop and write notes. Their spontaneity is great for everyone, especially ADHDers.
I’ve written before about Katherine May’s Stray Attention podcast[1]. Katherine is the author of one of my favourite autistic autobiographies “the Electricity of Every Living Thing”[2] and has since written “Wintering”[3] an exceptional book about recovering from grief. In this month's Stray Attention Katherine talks to Priya Parker about how to gather together well, especially in this post pandemic world. Meredith Woolard (she/her)introduced us to Priya Parkers book "The Art of Gathering" - an excellent read.
The top 5 on my playlist are
What podcasts are on your playlist and what role do they play in your life?
References
I am a podcast lover for sure, and "How to ADHD" is also in my top 5! It has helped shift my thinking in a such a helpful way.
If you like ADHD podcasts, and are also a parent, ADHD Essentials is one of my favorites. Brenden Mahan, is an ADHD coach, and former teacher, who also has ADHD and parents two children with ADHD and anxiety is the host. He just came back from a long break and interviewed Lynn Lyons who wrote the Anxiety Audit... I downloaded the audio book after the podcast because their conversation was so great. I've been listening to him for years and his "Wall of Awful" model, that Jessica McCabe references, for dealing with stressful situations has reframed SOOO much of how I approach my child and spouse with ADHD. I'm a fan and would highly recommend.
I liked his interview with Jessica McCabe when he described the Wall of awful. Thanks for the tip
So good - and so interesting the changes over the years. I really appreciate her candor