10 Psychology Podcasts That Will Change Your Life

Whether you're a bit of a mess, an anxious wreck, or a ball of stress: If you've ever wondered why people tick so differently – and how they can change that, especially –you'll love the following podcasts. From light-hearted to thoughtfully serious, there's something for everyone, always science-based and focused on practical tips to improve your life. Here you'll discover our ten favourite psychology podcasts, which are particularly good for tidying up (at home and in your head)!

1. Psychologie to go! by Franca Cerutti

How do I deal with people who quickly lose their temper? What is our conscience? And do therapists analyse other people at parties? Franca Cerutti, a psychotherapist specialising in cognitive-behavioural therapy, devotes every Sunday to a new question and often invites exciting guests – including her husband, who conveniently is also a therapist. “Psychologie to go!” not only tops our list, but regularly takes first place in the most popular podcasts for mental health, beating out our own 6-Minute-Podcast. There's plenty of reason to tune in to the 20- to 60-minute episodes.      

This podcast is for you if:

• you want to learn more about your psyche in a warm, familiar, and refreshingly direct way
• you value a mix of real stories from (therapist) life as much as practical tips
• you are considering working as a therapist yourself and want to gain exciting insights into cognitive-behavioural therapy

Listen here: Spotify, Apple, Website

2. My Life. My Rules. – The Podcast for Life Designers by Ralf Senftleben

As a graduate in computer science, Ralf Senftleben is not an expert by trade, but he is extremely well-read and, above all, passionate about the subject. After all, he knows the feeling of treading water very well – and completely turned his life around because of it. “My Life. My Rules.” is not intended as therapy, so it is aimed at anyone looking for practical help who still wants to think for themselves – and preferably keep it that way.

This podcast is for you if:

• you finally want to take control and overcome your personal hurdles
• you want to be inspired by someone who has been writing one of Germany's most popular self-help blogs for over 20 years
• you value a radically honest perspective on personal development and want a weekly boost of motivation

Listen here: Spotify, Apple, Website

3. That's Just How I Am – Stahl, But Heartfelt by Stefanie Stahl

Anyone who thinks psychological processes are an unsolvable puzzle probably hasn't asked Stefanie Stahl yet. Germany's probably best-known psychologist not only writes excellent books on personal development. Her two podcasts also regularly trend in the mental health charts. In “That's Just How I Am,” Stefanie and psychologist Lukas Klaschinski answer every listener question, no matter how complex, and in “Stahl, But Heartfelt,” you can even take part in a real therapy session! Very exciting too: occasionally celebrities sit down in front of Steffi's microphone and take a deep look into their psyche.

This podcast is for you if:

• you find it difficult to talk about your own problems and would therefore prefer to benefit from the insights of other people
• you want to learn how to “catch” yourself when you have unfavourable behaviours and then “switch”
• you love Stefanie's books like “The Child Within You Must Find Home” and would like to experience her in person  

Listen here: Spotify, Apple, Website

4. The Solution – The Psychology Podcast by PULS

Attention overthinkers: “The Solution” is finally here! Science journalist Verena Fiebiger and behavioural therapist Sina Haghiri patiently untangle the emotional chaos that can come with (romantic) relationships. No wonder this psychology podcast ranks third in the charts in the “Relationships” category. Listeners can also submit their very personal questions and perhaps hear the answer in one of the 20- to 90-minute episodes.

This podcast is for you if:

• you are looking for helpful tips for living with your significant other  
• you no longer want to overthink alone, but together with the empathetic hosting duo  
• you prefer a mix of professional expertise and personal storytelling in podcasts

Listen here: Spotify, Apple, Website

5. Podcast for Creative Transformation by Verena König

If you have suffered a major setback and could use some extra support, Verena König's psychology podcast might be just right for you. The trauma therapist and founder of neurosystemic integration (a method for treating trauma) explains, for example, how trauma can block you, what ways there are out of the rut, and why breaks on the path to self-healing are so important. Thanks to Verena's gentle voice, the approximately 30-minute episodes have an almost healing effect – perfect for anyone who listens to podcasts also for falling asleep and relaxing.

This podcast is for you if:

• you are ready to process traumatic events in your life and want to approach them on a spiritual level
• you agree with Verena König that the world becomes a little better when we treat ourselves and others with more empathy
• you want to listen to one of the ten most popular mental health podcasts and access a pool of over 240 episodes 

Listen here: Spotify, Apple, Website

6. On Purpose by Jay Shetty (English)

What do Alicia Keys, Khloé Kardashian and Kobe Bryant have in common? They have all been guests on Jay Shetty's podcast "On Purpose". The British author, internet star and life coach, who lived as a monk in India for three years after an existential crisis, is now one of the most successful entrepreneurs in his industry. "On Purpose" already had 64 million downloads in its first year and is number 1 in the US Mental Health Charts – and we are also full of motivation after listening!

This podcast is for you if:

• you want to give your life a new direction and be inspired by the stories of famous people
• you need two new podcast episodes per week in your search for your personal passion
• you want a psychology podcast that is not only about individual development, but also about the benefit of our work for the world   

Listen here: Spotify, Apple, Website

7. The Happiness Lab by Laurie Santos (English)

Did you know that happiness can be scientifically studied? Yale professor Dr. Laurie R. Santos is one of the people who does this for a living. Her finding? Money, Instagram likes and the perfect job contribute very little to happiness. What it is instead, she was able to convey in "Psychology and the Good Life", the most popular university course in the history of Yale. A year later, Laurie launched "The Happiness Lab". In the podcast, the experienced speaker shares many insights into the current state of science on well-being and happiness and shows alternative ways to get there. 

This podcast is for you if:

• you are looking for original and scientifically sound ideas to enjoy your life more with little effort 
• you want a psychology podcast that offers a great listening experience with exciting storytelling, music and sound effects
• you want to experience one of the most brilliant scientists and popular university professors, who is also really likeable  

Listen here: Spotify, Apple, Website

8. Hidden Brain by Shankar Vedantam (English)

We don't see it, we can't grasp it – and yet we are quite at its mercy: Our subconscious controls a large part of our actions and feelings. The good news: If you look closely, you can catch a glimpse of the subconscious and outsmart it. This is exactly what "Hidden Brain" helps you with, holding first place in the "Science" category and being one of the most successful psychology podcasts in the US with two million downloads per week. In it, the award-winning journalist, author and science correspondent Shankar Vedantam explains what role our subconscious plays in everyday life and how we can better control our actions.  

This podcast is for you if:

• you want to learn more about how the subconscious influences your behaviour, your decisions and your relationships
• you already know Shankar's bestseller "Hidden Brain" and want to sharpen your awareness of the subconscious even more
• you are looking for a podcast that makes neuroscience topics accessible with exciting storytelling techniques

Listen here: Spotify, Apple, Website

9. Psycho & Doc by Ricarda and Felix

They describe themselves as a smart-ass and an aspiring comedian, but are also a psychologist and a doctor. Together, Ricarda and Felix lead through "Psycho & Doc" in around 80 episodes an exciting mix of topics from both worlds. From the addictive potential of Pringles to the analysis of characters from "How I Met Your Mother": Here you will find answers to frequently and not so frequently asked questions. Important note for serious listeners: There is a lot of laughter!

This podcast is for you if:

• you are convinced that body and soul are inseparable and medical topics should not be missing in a psychology podcast
• you prefer health and lifestyle topics and also like to see your podcasters in Instagram videos 
• you don't take yourself or others too seriously and like to listen to funny banter while cooking, driving or cleaning

Listen here: Spotify, Apple, Website

10. The 6-Minute-Podcast by Dominik Spenst

This psychology podcast is the shortest and probably most practical in our list. In the 6-Minute-Podcast, bestselling author and habit expert Dominik Spenst gives crisp tips every Wednesday for everything that makes your life happier and more successful. And he does it just like with his worldwide successful 6-Minute-Journals® psychologically sound, pragmatic and to the point. Since its launch, this podcast has consistently been in the Top 3 of all Mental Health podcasts. 

This podcast is for you if:

• you have many questions about psychology, but don't want to search for good answers for hours
• you don't want any frills, wishy-washy talk or fairy dust
• you love real-life stories just as much as a scientific foundation 
• you want not only good knowledge, but also practical tips you can really put to use

Listen here: Spotify, Apple, Website

The Best Psychology Podcasts and Much More 

Did you find what you were looking for and are you ready for the first session? Or do you need some additional reading material? Then we can recommend these 10 Books on Psychology. If you like our recommendations, you will find many more Top Listson our blog. Check them out now! And if you would like to suggest a psychology podcast or have something else on your mind, feel free to leave us a comment!

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This article is by Johanna Richter, a freelance writer from Berlin. For the 6-Minuten-Verlag she has been writing newsletters and blog posts since 2019, or freeing them from nasty typos. Johanna writes, edits, and translates texts for various content marketing agencies, startups, and companies in Germany, the UK, and Switzerland for a living.