Top Health and Wellness Podcasts to Listen to Now

Expert insights and real stories combine to spark lasting health habits.

By Medha deb
Created on

Best Health and Wellness Podcasts You Need to Hear

Podcasts have emerged as a powerful medium for learning, entertainment, and inspiration. Among the thousands of options available, health and wellness podcasts stand out for their ability to deliver expert advice, actionable insights, and motivational stories directly to listeners. Whether you want to improve your fitness, optimize your nutrition, support your mental health, or pursue holistic well-being, these top podcasts provide valuable resources. This list introduces standout shows spanning a wide range of health topics, so you can find exactly what’s relevant to your journey.

Why Listen to Health Podcasts?

  • Expert advice: Hosted by doctors, nutritionists, therapists, and thought leaders.
  • Convenience: Stream on your commute, during workouts, or while relaxing at home.
  • Wide variety: Topics include fitness, sleep, brain health, personal growth, diet, disease prevention, and more.
  • Community: Feel connected to hosts and listeners pursuing similar goals.
  • Motivation: Stories of perseverance, change, and evidence-based progress.

The Best Health Podcasts You Shouldn’t Miss

1. The Model Health Show

Creator and host Shawn Stevenson blends solo episodes and expert interviews covering subjects such as metabolism, stress, weight loss, self-empowerment, financial well-being, and brain health. Stevenson’s approachable style makes complex subjects understandable, making this a staple for anyone pursuing holistic wellness.

  • Listen for: Tips on achieving your best physical and mental health, strategies for stress management, and deep-dives into nutrition basics.
  • Format: Weekly episodes, mix of interviews and solo insights.

2. TEDTalks Health

The TEDTalks Health podcast curates the most compelling health-related presentations from TED events, featuring innovators, scientists, and thought leaders. Topics range from medical breakthroughs to new perspectives on familiar issues, condensed into digestible talks perfect for busy schedules.

  • Listen for: The latest research updates, forward-thinking medical ideas, and wisdom from renowned experts.
  • Format: Short to long-form episodes, repurposed from live events.

3. The Ultimate Health Podcast

Co-hosted by Marni Wasserman and Dr. Jesse Chappus, this podcast features interviews with natural health and wellness experts on a diverse range of topics. Meditation, nutrition, and sleep science are core pillars, all delivered with a focus on empowering listeners to make proactive decisions for their health.

  • Listen for: Holistic approaches to wellness, alternative viewpoints, and practical advice for living better.
  • Format: Weekly interviews and solo episodes.

4. Optimal Living Daily

Hosted by Justin Malik and curated by Joc Marie, Optimal Living Daily reads and discusses the best content from self-improvement blogs and books so listeners can absorb actionable advice daily. Ideal for those struggling with motivation or seeking practical ways to build healthy habits.

  • Listen for: Quick life hacks, habit-building motivation, and easy-to-digest advice from global self-improvement leaders.
  • Format: Short daily episodes.

5. Optimal Health Daily

Dr. Neal Malik brings his expertise in nutrition and fitness to this health-focused podcast, reading and analyzing content from top health blogs each weekday. Regular Q&A segments help listeners get personalized answers to their pressing health questions.

  • Listen for: Science-backed wellness guidance, practical tips for everyday health, and curated advice from top experts.
  • Format: Daily short episodes and Friday listener Q&A.

6. Optavia Habits of Health Community Time Podcast

Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen translates scientific health and habit-building research into practical advice for listeners seeking lifelong transformation. This show emphasizes incremental changes, community support, and celebrating small wins on the road to optimal health.

  • Listen for: Habit formation tips, nutrition science, and supportive stories from the community.
  • Format: Weekly episodes featuring interviews and expert commentary.

7. Weight Loss and The Mind

Featuring a nutritionist and a psychologist as hosts, this podcast investigates the psychological side of weight loss, self-image, and health habit formation. Engaging, candid, and filled with evidence-based insights, it’s ideal for anyone working through weight and wellness challenges.

  • Listen for: The mental barriers to weight loss, strategies for sustainable change, and the science of behavior modification.
  • Format: Weekly episodes blending discussion, interviews, and listener questions.

The Value of Listening: How Podcasts Elevate Your Health

Listening to health and wellness podcasts has measurable cognitive and emotional benefits. Research studies reveal that audio storytelling—like that delivered in podcasts—activates multiple regions of the brain. These include those responsible for memory recall, sensory integration, and emotional response. This stimulation can enhance learning retention and deepen your commitment to positive changes.

  • Podcasts foster continuous learning, especially in health fields where new findings emerge regularly.
  • Expert interviews and firsthand stories build motivation and community support.
  • Convenient formats suit the busy modern lifestyle—making wellness education more accessible than ever.

Choosing the Right Health Podcast

PodcastFocusIdeal ForAvailability
The Model Health ShowWhole-body wellness, stress, nutritionLifelong learners, multitaskersApple Podcast, Spotify, Soundcloud
TEDTalks HealthMedical breakthroughs, expert talksCurious minds, professionalsApple Podcast, PlayerFM, PodBean
The Ultimate Health PodcastHolistic wellness, sleep, nutritionWellness seekers, alternative medicine fansApple Podcast, Google Podcasts
Optimal Living DailyHabit building, self-improvementBusy professionals, high achieversApple Podcast, Spotify
Optimal Health DailyPractical health tips, Q&ANutritional novices, fitness fansApple Podcast, Spotify
Optavia Habits of HealthCommunity, habit-buildingAnyone seeking lifestyle changeApple Podcast, Spotify
Weight Loss and The MindPsychology of weight lossDieters, psychology enthusiastsApple Podcast, Spotify

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes a health podcast trustworthy?

Trustworthy health podcasts are hosted by qualified professionals (such as doctors, nutritionists, and therapists) or feature interviews with credentialed experts. Look for shows with high ratings on major platforms and transparency about their sources and sponsors.

How often should I listen to health and wellness podcasts?

There’s no strict rule—many people listen weekly or daily, depending on the show’s format and their personal goals. Short daily podcasts are great for incremental learning, while weekly deep-dives help you explore topics in greater depth.

Can podcasts replace traditional medical advice?

No—podcasts are for informational and motivational purposes. Always consult healthcare professionals for personal health concerns, diagnoses, or major lifestyle changes. Podcasts can supplement your knowledge, not substitute clinical advice.

Are health podcasts good for mental health?

Many reputable health podcasts offer valuable insights into mental health, stress management, mindfulness, and self-care. Hearing from experts and peers can foster motivation and a sense of community, which supports mental well-being.

Where can I find health and wellness podcasts?

Most are available through popular platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud, PlayerFM, and PodBean. Show websites often provide episode archives and supplemental resources.

Tips for Maximizing Your Podcast Experience

  • Subscribe to your favorite shows on podcast apps to stay updated.
  • Join online communities (social media, forums, official podcast groups) to discuss episodes and share progress.
  • Take notes or set reminders after absorbing actionable advice or inspiration.
  • Vary topics—mix mental health, fitness, nutrition, and holistic wellness podcasts for a balanced perspective.
  • Consider listening during multitasking times like commutes, workouts, walks, or chores for efficient learning.

Summary: Enhance Your Well-Being Through Podcasts

Health and wellness podcasts are an accessible, enjoyable way to empower yourself, gain expert insights, and stay motivated on your journey to optimum well-being. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, nutrition buff, mental health advocate, or just beginning your health journey, there’s a podcast tailored for you. Explore these top picks, commit to regular listening, and let the wisdom of leading professionals guide your lifestyle changes—one episode at a time.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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