We've asked Community Bridges' volunteers to tell us what podcasts they have been enjoying and would recommend to helps us all get through the line.
The result is a mix of thought-provoking insights on compassion and personal stories of recovery and resilience, as well as some uplifting candid conversations to keep us in good company.
Is Anybody Out There?
— by the Connectery
A podcast series examining the misconceptions about loneliness and opening up conversations about it.
Podcast hosts Jeremy Warshaw and Judy D'Mello, a couple of transplanted Brits living in NYC, had so many questions on what loneliness really is. Who to turn to when there are no experts on the topic?
Throughout the series, the duo turns to scientists, authors, psychologists, urban planners, and (perhaps even more compellingly) to everyday lonely people aged from 19 to 91 years old. A series of intimate conversations where there is a lot to learn and be inspired by.
"There are very human stories from real people about their experiences of loneliness, connection and belonging which are often heartwarming and always reassuring. Plus the episodes are only 20-30 mins, so not too overwhelming or time consuming" - CB volunteer Alli.
What Warshaw and D'Mello end up learning is truly surprising, and ultimately, it left them facing the biggest question of all: What kind of a society do we want to be?
Available on Apple Podcasts on this link here.
Daily Breath
— by Deepak Chopra
The Daily Breath is an invitation to pause the hectic world around us, refocus ourselves and expand our minds.
New episodes are hosted daily by Indian-American author and alternative medicine advocate, Deepak Chopra, for a few short minutes each day where he explores impactful ideas and themes that directly relate to all of our lives. Topics range from happiness, gratitude and love to the true self, physical well-being and death.
"Deepak Chopra is like an Indian Morgan Freeman - his voice makes you believe that everything is going to be fine. This podcast is a reminder to pause and shift from human doing to a human being" - CB volunteer Viktoria.
The podcast has been created as a space to build mindfulness into your daily routine and to end your week peacefully with a complete 10-minute meditation every Friday.
Available on all major podcast-streaming platforms via this link here.
Making Sense
— by Sam Harris
Since 2014, neuroscientist, philosopher and best-selling author Sam Harris has been exploring some of the most pressing and controversial questions about the human mind, society, and current events on his podcast, Making Sense.
Each episode sees Harris joined by a different guest to engage in thought-provoking conversations on topics that range from the nature of consciousness and free will to politics, existential risk, and the far future of humanity. Together with his guest, he shines a light on what it means to “make sense” in the modern world.
Episode #219 — The Power of Compassion episode of Making Sense was highly recommended by CB Volunteer Daisy.
In episode #219, Harris focuses on the power of compassion and is joined by James R. Doty who is promoting his memoir “Into the Magic Shop”. Together they discuss the significance of childhood stress, the possibility of changing one’s core beliefs about oneself, the relationship between surgeons and their patients, the nature of compassion, the Dalai Lama, the relationship between wealth and empathy, the worsening problem of social inequality, the physiology of compassion and the broken healthcare system in the U.S., amongst other topics.
Listen to the episode on all major platforms including via this Spotify link here.
How To Fail
— by Elizabeth Day
A podcast that celebrates the things that haven't gone right, and invites more self-compassion and kindness.
Every week, a new interviewee joins journalist Elizabeth Day to explore what their failures taught them about how to succeed better.
Gloria Steinem, Adam Buxton, Marian Keynes, Malcolm Gladwell, Jane Garvey, and Nadiya Hussain are just a few of the heavy hitters who have joined Day for a candid conversation about their life's biggest learnings.
The sense of wisdom and resilience people gained from the episodes featuring Alain de Botton and Mo Gawdat lead Day to release two new special episodes with these guests in March 2020, to help us all get through the first lockdown.
What makes the podcast so special is Day's capacity to create an intimate space where guests feel safe to be vulnerable and authentic, and while conversations are very moving, it's a mood-lifting experience.
Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify here.
WTF
— by Marc Maron
Stand-up comedian and actor Marc Maron has been hosting his WTF podcast and radio show since September 2009.
You can join Maron twice a week as he welcomes comedians, actors, directors, writers, authors and musicians from all walks of life for amazingly honest and refreshing conversations.
With a unique interviewing style blending self-deprecating humour, sarcasm and compassion, Maron has touched millions of people with his warmth and humility including his A-list guests who open up to his genuine curiosity and intent with personal confessions.
Maron seems to be able to shine a new light on his guests during his intimate discussions with them and you can hear him go deep with the likes of Jodie Foster, Eddie Murphy, Jake Gyllenhall, Tim Allen, David Duchovny, Kate Winslet and Michael J. Fox.
Available on all streaming platforms including Spotify here.
Community Bridges
— by yours truly :)
Our podcast is here to promote organisations that are supporting their community through (primarily) free health and wellbeing activities and other social care services.
Over four podcast seasons, we've welcomed organisations offering activities from many different fields that can help us nourish our health and wellbeing including the creative arts, fitness, nutrition, meditation, community activism, volunteering and more.
In each episode, podcast host Geoff is joined by a different organisation for an introduction to their mission, the free services they offer and the positive impact they're having on their members' wellbeing and the wider community.
Listen to any of the episodes via this link here.
Community Bridges is a non-profit that collaborates with other organisations to help them grow their positive social impact by providing capacity-building consultancy and a platform for individuals to find them. We forge personal community connections through signposting and storytelling on our website, podcast, social channels and newsletters to support the wellbeing of our community. Get in touch to get support for your organisation, to join us as a volunteer or to have your own story featured.
Patricia is part of the CB exec team and a Leadership & Personal Development Coach accredited at Practitioner level by the European Mentoring & Coaching Council. She helps individuals and business leaders achieve their personal and professional goals – and get greater life satisfaction – through tailored coaching programmes (amongst other neat things you can read about here).