The quarantine has been quite isolating for many of us, and though they can’t replace actual social interaction, podcasts can somehow fill the void that the lockdown left behind. They can fill your early mornings with relevant and timely news, spark meaningful conversations during afternoon walks, or even simulate late-night heart-to-hearts with friends. But with so many podcasts to choose from (especially after so many people jumped on the podcast bandwagon over the quarantine), finding the perfect podcast out for you can take forever. To save you some time, we’ve curated a list of 8 essential podcasts that help fill the void of quarantine.
Compass Conversations
Themes: Personal Development, Lifestyle & Culture
Podcast Length: 20-40 minutes
AIESEC in the Philippines hosts their first-ever podcast! Hosts Oni Papa & Jem Estalilla dive into topics of life, culture, and our purpose in this world, while diving into the relevant discussions of today. Bringing a unique approach to the podcast format, each episode is guided by four cardinal directions: South to learn from the past, East to empower Filipinos, West to welcome global perspectives, and North to fortify our future.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Acting My Age with Rohini Elyse
Theme: Self-improvement
Podcast Length: 45 minutes to 1 hour
If you’re looking for a wine-night-with-your-best-friend type of podcast, then this might just be right up your alley. She takes a deep dive into the many delightful and difficult life transitions that women go through, with a mix of laughter, self-reflection, and girl talks you need to get you through your day. Which hopefully inspires you to truly live out your best life.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Superwomen with Rebecca Minkoff
Theme: Business
Podcast Length: 11 to 47 minutes
Designer and inspirational girl boss Rebecca Minkoff gathers women from every field, from CEOs to artists, to have meaningful conversations on uplifting fellow women. Topics range from the importance of vulnerability, how to be financially forward, and many more. This podcast encapsulates stories that can speak to anyone, empowering them to be the resilient, empathetic, and goal-driven game-changers of this generation.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
GET REAL with Peniel, BM, and Ashley Choi
Themes: Society & Culture, Music
Podcast Length: 30 to 48 minutes
Dive Studios presents these K-Pop Idols by day and podcast hosts by night Peniel (of BTOB), BM (of KARD), and Ashley Choi (formerly from Ladies Code), here to GET REAL with you. This podcast feels like an intimate hang-out with friends, where you chat about the ups and downs of work, love, and adulthood. Breaking free from their image as Korean idols, they finally dive deep into their authenticity and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
The Daily
Theme: Current events
Podcast Length: 20–25 minutes
The Daily is brought to life by the best journalists to discuss news from all around the world. Hosted by Michael Barbaro and influenced by New York Times journalism, this podcast changes the way we digest our everyday news. The podcast doesn’t just report the facts, but also asks difficult questions and examines the people involved. Basically, it’s what you’d wish the news would always sound like.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
In Your Feelings
Theme: Mental Health
Podcast Length: 15-35 minutes
Through Thought Catalog’s comforting words that give us solace and most importantly, make us feel heard — they present the In Your Feelings podcast. This podcast aims to guide you through the journey of forgiving yourself, how to love someone with anxiety, and what genuine love actually feels like. This is the perfect podcast for individuals who are eager to explore the inner workings of our emotions and how to navigate them in every journey we take on.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Xceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan
Themes: Business, Lifestyle
Podcast Length: 15 minutes-1 hour
A truly “Xceptional” community created by hosts Mai Ling Chin and Martin Sibley, this podcast brings to light personal journeys and the many triumphs of leaders and change-makers with disabilities. This podcast gives us a glimpse into the personal struggles and unique resilience that these individuals possess. In the end, you’d probably be left in awe of what we are capable of achieving, despite our limitations.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Disarming Disability
Themes: Disability Awareness, Society & Culture
Podcast Length: 25-50 minutes
Powerful and exceptional women Nicole Kelly and Sarah Tuberty live with disabilities — and they’re thriving in their respective careers. This podcast lets you listen in on the real and candid conversations that they’ve had regarding their disabilities. Their personal mission is to educate the younger generation and remove the stigma around the disabled community, thus building a more inclusive society.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Which podcast piqued your interest the most? Let us know in the comments!
