Podcasts have become so popular in the past few years that there’s now an official celebration taking place on Wednesday, September 30 – International Podcast Day! Available on demand and at no cost to you, being able to tune in whenever and wherever you like is one of the main reasons why podcasts have become so appealing to people all over the world. With the vast number of podcasts available out there, you are bound to find one you would enjoy!

Enjoying a podcast offers mental health benefits as well. Actively listening to podcasts can allow you relax or help you stay focused, which can be beneficial to your productivity at work or at school. Podcasts are also a great way to explore topics of interest, learn new skills or just enjoy the positive effects of a good laugh. Some podcasts are centered around getting better sleep, so you can even listen before bed to help you wind down at the end of the day.

Here are some podcasts we thought you may enjoy, available through the Podcast App on your iOS device, Spotify or Google Podcasts, as well as on many other mobile apps.

Educational Podcasts:

• TED Talks Daily – Thought-provoking episodes from experts on education, business, science, technology, creativity…and so much more!

• Stuff You Should Know – This podcast explores a variety of interesting topics giving you a dose of education and entertainment.

• Hidden Brain – Using storytelling to discuss how science leads to unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.

Crime Podcasts:

• Today in True Crime – In these short episodes, this podcast travels back in time each day to examine true crime events that have happened on that day, in the past.

• Case File – This true crime podcast discusses solved or cold criminal cases from all over the world.

• Crime Junkie – Weekly podcast covering a variety of crimes with straightforward storytelling to allow you to follow along with the suspense!

Sports Podcasts:

• Pardon My Take – A product of Barstool Sports, this podcast follows two hosts who talk about the latest in all things sports.

• 30 For 30 Podcasts – The creators of the 30 for 30 series bring original sports audio documentaries and conversations about the films to a new podcast platform.

• The Pat McAfee Show – Pat McAfee, a retired NFL player covers life and current events with a variety of different guest hosts.

Mental Health:

• The Science of Happiness – Discusses research-tested techniques to a happier, more meaningful life.

• Hardcore Self-Help – Hosted by Dr. Robert Duff, this podcast is dedicated to talking about mental health, anxiety, depression, relationships and life.

• The Confidence Chronicles – Uncovers ways to find your confidence and step into your own self!

Pop Culture:

• The Read – Two bloggers take on the podcasting world to give you weekly episodes covering pop culture news.

• Chicks in the Office – A Barstool Sports podcast discussing all things pop culture from new celebrity relationships to TV recaps with popular guest appearances!

• The Watch – A weekly podcast giving you the dish on the latest in TV, movies and music.

There is a plethora of podcasts out there so if none these are of interest, go out and find a topic you enjoy and start listening today!