6. ‘Terrible, Thanks for Asking’
Nora McInerny, an author and self-described “reluctant grief expert,” treats listeners to refreshingly honest conversations about how people are really doing. She interviews people who have endured transformative events, like the death of a loved one, as well as experts such as Susan David, a psychologist who assails the tyranny of “toxic positivity.”
Starter episodes: “A Life Interrupted with Suleika Jaouad” is a candid conversation with the author of “Between Two Kingdoms,” a memoir about cancer survival and the return to a “normal” life. In “Army Wife,” McInerny speaks with a military spouse whose husband died by suicide.
7. ‘Tara Brach’
Peace settles over me when I hear Tara Brach, a psychologist, meditation teacher and author of “Radical Acceptance.” During each episode, she shares a guided meditation — with tempting titles like “Opening to Full Aliveness” and “Befriending Your Inner Life” — and an incisive talk on how to connect mindfully with others and yourself.
Starter Episodes: “Trusting the Gold — Realizing Our Basic Goodness” includes an exercise that helps you access your compassion for one person, eventually expanding it outward. “Navigating Conflict with a Wise Heart — Part 1” is a guide to communicating intentionally when things get heated.
8. ‘Butts & Guts’
This podcast boasts an irresistible title and focuses on your “digestive and surgical health from end to end.” The host, Dr. Scott Steele, who is the chairman of colorectal surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, chats easily with a variety of specialists about some of our most intimate functions.
Starter Episodes: “Constipation and Other Common GI Problems in Children” and “Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Address Erectile Dysfunction” provide straightforward advice and actionable tips that don’t feel daunting.
9. ‘Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause’
Menopause is not just about hormone replacement and hot flashes; it’s a physical, cultural and political experience. Omisade Burney-Scott, host of this outstanding podcast, creates a warm space for Black women to share their stories and to discuss issues such as intimacy, vulnerability, race and shifting identity. Research shows that Black women experience menopause differently; I listen to learn.
