Podcasts to make you happy

The ultimate mood-boosting podcasts

Need an instant pick-me-up? Tune in to one of these uplifting audio shows, as selected by Team Stylist

Listen up

Ultimately, we’re all just trying to get through the week without feeling as worn out as a pair of post-Glastonbury trainers. And that means snatching little pockets of joy wherever we can – whether that’s spending 15 minutes outdoors at lunchtime, making a fancy dinner on an ordinary Wednesday, or listening to a genuinely life-enhancing podcast.

But life-enhancing can mean anything to anyone, and a straw poll of Team Stylist members threw up a grab-bag of options. Picture editor Alessia adores Pardon My French, in which Garance Doré chats with inspiring women about life and work, particularly the ‘carte blanche’ episodes, “where members of the Doré team talk candidly about everything from burnout to self-love”.

Editorial assistant Chloe, meanwhile, has recently discovered a podcast that speaks to her forgetful nature. “Finding Annie, the new podcast by fellow memory loss sufferer Annie Mac, is an extreme comfort to me. Through conversations with her nearest and dearest, she jogs her memory of major life events – prompting proper you-are-not-alone feels.”

Features intern Danai says that Sooo Many White Guys – a podcast in which comedian Phoebe Robinson chats to ‘artists who (mostly) aren’t white dudes’ – makes her commute “much less stressful”. And Stylist Loves’ editor Kat flips between the “brilliant, moving and funny” How to Fail with Elizabeth Day (who *klaxon* will also be at this year’s Stylist Live LUXE) and – quite unashamedly – Private Parts, the podcast by Jamie Laing (yes, he of Made in Chelsea fame). “It’s silly and rude, but absurdly life-enhancing. Day and Laing have also appeared on each other’s podcasts, and both episodes are truly uplifting listens.”

Below is our pick of the tech for podcast binges – whether you’re listening at home or on the move.

The headphones

So you’ve got your reusable water bottle, your eco soap and your reef-safe sunscreen – but how environmentally friendly is your tech? These wireless Bluetooth earbuds are made using wood from responsibly managed forests, recycled silicone and recyclable aluminium, so they’re much more sustainable than most headphones. There’s five different colourways (we like the copper best), with solid sound quality for an affordable pair. £39.99, House of Marley

The speaker

On the hunt for a super-portable speaker that doesn’t cost the earth? Stylist Loves’ deputy editor Moya has come to bat for the Ultimate Ears Boom 2. “I’m rubbish with tech, but I do know that this is brilliant,” she says. “It’s slim and lightweight enough to chuck in your handbag if you’re going on holiday or to the park, and the sound is great – neither too bassy nor annoyingly tinny. I use mine pretty much every day.” Now £95, was £169.99, Amazon

It won’t change your life, but it will make it a bit brighter

There are all kinds of reasons why you might slip into a bit of a slump at work: because it’s 3pm. Because you’re hungover (no judgement here). Because you’re trudging through a dull admin task with no end in sight. In times like these, Caudalie’s cooling Beauty Elixir acts as a beautifully scented slap in the face.

The spray contains rose oil for relaxation, orange blossom to sooth and tone the skin, and rosemary – which several studies suggest can help boost memory and cognition. On a more superficial level, the shot of moisture will stop your foundation or concealer from cracking under the air-con. Keep a bottle on your desk at all times, we say: this beautiful new limited-edition packaging (pictured) is launching on 16 July. From £12, Cult Beauty

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