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In 2025, 42.5 million Americans are living with anxiety disorders, making it the most common mental health condition in the country. If you're one of them, you probably know that sinking feeling when your mind won't stop racing at 2 AM, or when your heart pounds before walking into a room full of people.
To help you overcome it, we've curated 21 of the best anxiety podcasts that offer real relief. Whether you need quick help or deep insights to help you sleep better tonight, these podcasts deliver practical tools and techniques.
Want to explore mental health strategies in depth? Then consider downloading Headway. This app provides 15-minute summaries of bestselling books from psychologists, life coaches, doctors, and other experts you can listen to on the go.
Here are just a few titles you may consider first:
'Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks' by Barry McDonagh;
'Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts' by Jennie Allen;
'13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do' by Amy Morin.
Download Headway today and start building your mental health toolkit with proven strategies that actually work.
Beat Anxiety with Book Summaries
Headway app brings you tips from world's bestsellers
• Audio insights of best ideas
• Practical self-growth tips
• Fun daily challenges
Now ready to turn your daily dose of worry into a pathway toward peace? Let's dive into the podcasts that can help you reclaim control over your anxious mind.
Quick answer: What are the best five podcasts about anxiety in 2025?
'The Anxiety Coaches Podcast' where host Gina Ryan delivers practical lifestyle changes and calming tips for anxiety, panic, and PTSD.
'Anxiety Slayer' where Shann Vander Leek and Ananga Sivyer offer mindfulness techniques and guided meditations, perfect for trauma and general anxiety relief.
'Anxious in Austin' where Austin-based psychologists Dr. Marianne Stout and Dr. Thomas Smithyman provide expert interviews and concrete CBT strategies for anxiety disorders.
'The Calmer You Podcast' where hypnotherapist Chloe Brotheridge shares anxiety-busting strategies covering everything from self-awareness to meditation and nutrition.
'Your Anxiety Toolkit' where therapist Kimberley Quinlan delivers real-time stress reduction tools and emotional wellness strategies with an encouraging approach.
21 podcasts to better understand and manage your anxiety
Below you'll find everything from 10-minute meditations to in-depth conversations with mental health experts. Feel free to skip a show if it doesn't meet your needs at this time. Remember, a good podcast should motivate you to use helpful techniques in your life.
Podcasts with expert-led insights on anxiety
1. The Anxiety Reset Podcast
Clinical psychologist and anxiety expert Dr. Georgie Collinson shares her knowledge and experience in 'The Anxiety Reset Podcast'. This mental health podcast delves into the root causes of anxiety disorders, offering actionable steps to help you understand and address your triggers. Dr. Collinson explores why anxiety follows you through major life changes and how seemingly "normal" feelings might be anxiety symptoms in disguise.
Average episode length: ≈ 20 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes reveal surprising connections between anxiety and physical symptoms like hair loss, blurred vision, and dizziness that most people never realize are linked to stress. You'll discover how sunlight and vitamin D affect your nervous system and hear inspiring stories like Miley Cyrus's journey through hypnotherapy to overcome stage fright.
2. The Savvy Psychologist
In 'The Savvy Psychologist', Dr. Monica Johnson, a clinical psychologist, tackles the stuff that keeps you up at night — from body image battles to those awkward political conversations that make family dinners feel like minefields.
Average episode length: ≈ 35 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes dive into why adult friendships are so tricky to build (spoiler: it's not just you), plus how 'Buy Now, Pay Later' companies use sneaky psychological tricks that prey on financial anxiety.
You'll get actionable strategies for bouncing back after breakups, turning small talk into genuine connections, and understanding the four surprising components of body image that go way beyond what you see in the mirror.
3. The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast
Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Robert Duff delivers no-nonsense, actionable advice in 'The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast'. This show covers topics like managing anxiety, improving relationships, and building self-esteem.
Average episode length: ≈ 45 minutes.
What to expect? Dr. Duff's straightforward approach, infused with humor and empathy, makes mental health feel more approachable and less daunting, turning this podcast into an essential resource for those wanting to better understand and overcome anxiety.
Dr. Duff's popular book, 'Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety,' is available on the Headway app. It provides another valuable resource for those looking to conquer anxiety and improve their mental well-being.
4. Trauma Therapist
Hosted by Guy Macpherson, the 'Trauma Therapist' podcast offers insights and coping strategies for working with trauma, including PTSD, complex trauma, and childhood trauma. This mental health podcast delves into the latest research, modalities, and approaches for addressing trauma and promoting healing.
Average episode length: ≈ 35 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes tackle complex topics like treating problematic sexual behavior in youth with a human-first approach.
You'll discover 'The Art of Surrender' from integrative physicians, learn about couples therapy techniques for wealthy clients navigating hidden relationship struggles, and explore how former state troopers transition into mental health careers after experiencing trauma firsthand.
5. How To Fail
'How To Fail' with Elizabeth Day is a mental health podcast that celebrates the things in life that haven't gone right and what we might learn from them along the way. This approach helps listeners understand that failure is a normal part of life, which can be especially comforting for those dealing with anxiety disorders around perfectionism and fear of making mistakes.
Average episode length: ≈ 45 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes feature raw conversations like Glennon Doyle discussing body image struggles and emotional resilience.
You'll hear Sir Tony Robinson explain how he "learned comedy as a defense mechanism," Fern Brady tackle autism diagnosis and working-class roots, and Dorinda Medley from Real Housewives discuss reinvention after loss and not being liked by everyone.
Podcasts covering personal journeys
6. The Anxiety Guy Podcast
Dennis Simsek, aka 'The Anxiety Guy', shares his personal journey and insights on living without anxiety disorders in this relatable anxiety podcast. His approach focuses on breaking free from the mental loops that keep you stuck in anxiety symptoms and panic disorder cycles.
Average episode length: ≈ 15 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes reveal 'The RETURN Method' for breaking free from anxiety's mental loops, plus why letting go of anxiety feels so impossibly hard.
You'll discover the hidden reasons anxiety symptoms keep coming back even when you're doing everything "right" and learn to bring health anxiety symptoms along instead of fighting them
7. The Panic Pod
Hosted by Josh Hallmark, 'The Panic Pod' offers a unique perspective on anxiety through the lens of real-life stories and expert interviews. Host tackles everything from OCD and panic attacks to eating disorders and IBS, creating space for self-care techniques, conversations that many people are too embarrassed to have elsewhere.
Average episode length: ≈ 35 minutes.
What to expect? You'll hear about the connection between IBS and anxiety with Dr. Sula Windgassen and get insights on eating disorders from expert Kimberley Quinlan.
Josh also covers holiday anxiety, depression vs. fear of depression, and mindfulness techniques, making this mental health podcast feel like getting real talk from someone who genuinely gets the struggle.
8. Fearne Cotton's Happy Place
In Fearne Cotton's 'Happy Place', the beloved British TV and radio presenter invites celebrities, authors, and experts to share their personal stories, struggles, and strategies for finding happiness in the face of life's challenges. Fearne creates a comforting space where guests can get honest about everything from romance scams and holiday reading to brain tumors and orgasms.
Average episode length: ≈ 45 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes explore why you might not like yourself and offer insights on "gaslighting and misogyny".
You'll hear broadcaster Ciara Amfo discuss being afraid of boredom and taking holiday hobbies seriously, learn about embracing life after a brain tumor with Davina McCall, and discover how to stop worrying about being "cringe" from comedian Harriet Kemsley.
9. The Mental Illness Happy Hour
This weekly podcast explores topics like anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma with vulnerability and humor, featuring interviews with comedians, artists, and mental health professionals. Host Paul Gilmartin tackles everything from validation and belonging to chronic pain and OCD, making complex mental health conditions feel less isolating through genuine human connection.
Average episode length: ≈ 50 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes dive deep into validation and belonging with cognitive behavioral psychologist Dr. Caroline Fleck from Stanford. You'll hear raw stories like Sabrina Capper's escape from the Mormon Church and the manipulation she experienced.
Discover insights on chronic pain from therapist Vanessa Blackstone, learn about decluttering struggles with ADHD and OCD from professional organizer Kayla Hurt, and explore trauma recovery with Marine Corps veteran Joe Smarro, who trains first responders on mental health crisis management.
Podcasts that help overcome anxiety at work
10. The Anxious Achiever
This LinkedIn anxiety show, hosted by Morra Aarons-Mele, features interviews with successful professionals who grapple with anxiety disorders. Host tackles everything from bipolar disorder and ADHD to money trauma and foster care leadership, showing how mental health concerns affect high achievers across all industries.
Average episode length: ≈ 40 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes reveal how AI can help with ADHD management, plus deep dives into understanding bipolar disorder with scientists driving breakthrough research.
You'll discover how growing up in foster care shaped one leader's approach to corporate success, learn about "energy medicine" for managing overwhelm, and get practical tips for talking about mental health issues with your work squad without making things weird.
11. Anxiety at Work
'Anxiety at Work', hosted by Chester Elton and Adrian Gostick, explores the impact of anxiety and stress in the workplace. Through interviews with experts, executives, and employees, this podcast offers insights and strategies for managing anxiety in professional settings.
Average episode length: ≈ 18 minutes.
What to expect? From dealing with difficult coworkers to managing workload, deadlines, and burnout, 'Anxiety at Work' provides practical advice and valuable tools for thriving in a high-stress environment.
12. The Anxiety Coaches Podcast
Join host Gina Ryan, an anxiety coach and nutritionist, who has already created over 800 episodes covering anxiety disorders, stress management, and panic attacks. Gina's professional credentials and extensive experience make this mental health podcast an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of anxiety symptoms and learn effective coping strategies for anxiety management.
Average episode length: ≈ 20 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes tackle practical topics like 'It's Safe To Let Go: Clutter, Calm, And Your Nervous System,' exploring how physical and mental clutter contributes to anxiety disorders.
You'll learn about 'Classic ACP Acceptance As Acknowledgement Of What Is' for minimizing panic attack strength, get guided meditations for returning to stillness, and find answers to listener questions like "Why Can't I Shake the Anxiety?"
13. The Anxiety Slayer
Join Shann Vander Leek and Ananga Sivyer in 'The Anxiety Slayer' as they combine their expertise to provide a leading resource for those suffering from anxiety, stress, panic attacks, panic disorder, and PTSD.
Average episode length: ≈ 20 minutes.
What to expect? With over 600 episodes, this podcast offers a range of tools. Among them are breathing techniques and guided relaxations, all to help you manage stress. Shann and Ananga create a calming space, making this podcast a must-listen for anyone seeking to become calmer.
Podcasts with guided meditations and mindfulness techniques
14. Meditation Minis Podcast
In 'Meditation Minis Podcast,' hypnotherapist Chel Hamilton delivers guided meditations designed to fit into your busiest days. This award-winning podcast offers mindfulness sessions that tackle everything from anxiety and stress to confidence building and better sleep.
Average episode length: ≈ 10 minutes.
What to expect? Each episode provides an anxiety solution in the form of a meditation that you can squeeze into your morning routine, lunch break, or bedtime ritual. Perfect for beginners or anyone who thinks there is no room for meditation in their schedule.
15. The Overwhelmed Brain
Discover practical advice and personal growth strategies with 'The Overwhelmed Brain,' hosted by Paul Colaianni. This podcast is perfect for anyone seeking to understand and manage their anxiety, as it delves into self-esteem, boundaries, negative thinking, and emotional triggers.
Average episode length: ≈ 40 minutes.
What to expect? Paul's empathetic approach, humor, positivity, and relatability make self-improvement feel like an enjoyable journey you'll eagerly embark on while finding the tools to tackle life's challenges with confidence.
16. 10% Happier
In '10% Happier with Dan Harris,' bestselling author Dan Harris explores practical mindfulness and meditation techniques through conversations with world-class experts. This highly-rated mental health podcast combines modern science with ancient wisdom to make meditation accessible for skeptics and busy people.
Average episode length: ≈ 25 minutes.
What to expect? Harris interviews meditation teachers, psychologists, and researchers who share evidence-based strategies for handling stress, anxiety, and life's challenges. From learning about self-hypnosis with Stanford experts to exploring productive failure with learning scientists, each episode offers tips without the mystical fluff.
17. The Mindful Minute
'The Mindful Minute', hosted by meditation teacher Meryl Arnett, offers guided meditations and mindfulness tips to help you find peace in your daily life. Host creates bite-sized meditation sessions that fit into even the busiest schedules, from quick grounding exercises to longer sleep relaxation practices.
Average episode length: ≈ 10 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes include everything from 2-minute "little asks" for donation support to longer sessions like 'Start of Day Meditation' and '15 Minute Morning Wake Up Meditation' that help you set positive intentions.
You'll find practical breathing techniques like the '4-7-8 Calm Breathing Pattern,' empathetic breathing exercises for supporting loved ones facing challenges, and 'The 'Doing Our Best' Meditation' that tackles the inner critic we all carry around.
Podcasts for relieving anxiety with self-love
18. The Self Love Fix Podcast
Beatrice Kamau's 'The Self Love Fix Podcast' offers a deep dive into self-worth, self-compassion, and self-acceptance for women ready to break free from people-pleasing patterns. This anxiety podcast empowers listeners to build a strong foundation of self-love and confidence, which can help alleviate anxiety disorders and stress related to dating, relationships, and personal growth.
Average episode length: ≈ 25 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes reveal what "dating a provider" actually means (spoiler: it's not just about money) and delve into why so many women struggle with raising their standards, ultimately feeling like they're "slaves to attention."
You'll discover 30 powerful life lessons from someone who's been there, learn how to address hopelessness and frustration in dating without losing yourself, and explore the connection between feminine expression, creativity, and mental health.
19. Disordered: Anxiety Help
'Disordered' is an anxiety podcast that delivers real talk about anxiety disorders and anxiety recovery in a kind, compassionate, community-oriented environment. Josh Fletcher is a qualified psychotherapist in the UK, and Drew Linsalata is a therapist practicing under supervision in the US. They're both bestselling authors in the anxiety and mental health space, combining lived experience, formal training, and professional expertise in an encouraging approach to mental health concerns.
Average episode length: ≈ 40 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes tackle why forgiving yourself in anxiety recovery feels so complicated, plus explore how anxiety kills curiosity and traps you in rigid thinking patterns. You'll discover the crucial difference between healthy emotional processing and anxious rumination, learn why "getting out of your anxious head" is harder than it sounds, and understand the illusion of control that keeps many people stuck in anxiety symptoms.
20. The One You Feed
'The One You Feed' helps understand the power of personal transformation through open and honest conversations with guests, including authors, scientists, researchers, public figures, teachers, spiritual gurus, and thought leaders. Host Eric Zimmer prepares isodes about everything from high-functioning depression to quieting your inner critic, making complex mental health concepts accessible and actionable.
Average episode length: ≈ 60 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes delve into "How to Quiet the Inner Critic and Finally Get Unstuck" with Michelle Chalfant, who explains why most of us make decisions from the emotional age of 13 and offers practical tools for transforming anxiety triggers into opportunities for personal growth.
You'll discover 'The Path to Inexplicable Joy' through self-friendship with Susan Piver, learn about high-functioning depression from Dr. Judith Joseph, and explore how caregiving and loss can become sources of meaning with novelist Nickolas Butler.
21. Therapy for Black Girls
Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist, tackles everything from OCD and autoimmune conditions to hair care as mental health therapy, creating space for conversations that center Black women's experiences.
Average episode length: ≈ 40 minutes.
What to expect? Recent episodes dive deep into understanding OCD beyond the "neat and organized" stereotype, exploring how this anxiety disorder uniquely impacts Black women and often goes unrecognized.
You'll discover innovative approaches like 'PsychoHairapy' that uses hair care as an entry point into mental health conversations and explore how play theory and musical games help Black girls navigate their earliest experiences.
Are you sure it is "just anxiety"?
You know that flutter in your stomach before a date? That's your nervous system doing its job. Normal anxiety is like having a built-in alarm that wakes you up when something needs your attention. Once the "dangerous" moment passes, it quiets down.
But sometimes a moment passes, and anxiety stays with you. This is the moment you need to pay attention to. Here are other signs to think about once you spot that you are anxious:
| Normal anxiety | Anxiety disorder |
|---|---|
Duration: Temporary, resolves when the situation passes | Duration: Persistent, lasting 6+ months |
Intensity: Manageable and proportionate to the situation | Intensity: Overwhelming and difficult to control |
Triggers: Realistic response to actual stressful events | Triggers: Disproportionate to threat or unrealistic fears |
Daily impact: Minimal interference with work, relationships, activities | Daily impact: Significant disruption to social, work, and personal life |
Avoidance: Temporary hesitation, but you still participate | Avoidance: Skipping important events, opportunities, or situations entirely |
Physical symptoms: Brief physical reactions that fade quickly | Physical symptoms: Persistent restlessness, heart racing, stomach issues |
Understanding the difference between all these conditions can help you figure out whether it's time to seek professional support. Suppose your anxiety feels uncontrollable, lasts long after triggering situations resolve, or prevents you from enjoying activities you used to love. In that case, it might be time to call a mental health professional.
You can always take an online anxiety test. For example, this one from Mental Health America, to better understand your condition and needs.
What to do when the podcast ends
If you want to learn more about anxiety, check out Headway. This app offers an extensive collection of book summaries on self-help and mental well-being. You need only 5-15 minutes a day to start learning and improving your self-management skills.
Note that there is also an AI-driven algorithm that analyzes your interests to offer you personalized recommendations tailored to your needs and goals. Download the Headway app today and make the most of our seven-day free trial.
Frequently asked questions about the best podcasts about anxiety
What is the best anxiety podcast?
'The Anxiety Coaches Podcast' hosted by Gina Ryan stands out as the top choice in 2025. With over 800 episodes covering anxiety, stress, and PTSD, Ryan's approach makes it perfect for real-time anxiety relief.
Can listening to podcasts help with anxiety?
Yes, podcasts can significantly help with anxiety by providing emotional support, practical coping strategies, guided meditations, and educational content. They offer convenient access to expert advice and soothing techniques, making them excellent complementary tools alongside professional treatment for managing anxiety symptoms.
What is the 3-3-3 rule of anxiety?
The 3-3-3 rule is a grounding technique: name 3 things you see, 3 sounds you hear, and move 3 body parts. This method interrupts anxious thoughts and activates your body's relaxation response by focusing attention on the present moment.
Can listening to music stop anxiety?
Music can effectively reduce anxiety by lowering heart rate and stress hormones, but it doesn't completely stop anxiety alone. Slow-tempo, calming music works best as part of a broader anxiety management toolkit that includes therapy, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes.
What should a person with anxiety avoid?
Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, chronic stress, poor sleep habits, toxic relationships, and unhealthy foods. Also, limit social media overuse and avoidance behaviors. Avoid negative self-talk and catastrophic thinking, especially if you just talked to people and feel the social anxiety consequences.
Who is the leading mental health speaker?
Brené Brown leads as a top mental health speaker in 2025, known for her work on vulnerability and resilience. Her podcasts 'Unlocking Us' and 'Dare to Lead' are available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Which podcasts can help me learn about mental health, particularly CBT and OCD, and where can I find them?
For exploring mental health topics like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), you can listen to 'Your Anxiety Toolkit' by Kimberley Quinlan on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 'The Calmer You Podcast' by hypnotherapist Chloe Brotheridge is also available on these platforms and discusses generalized anxiety disorder and other mental health concerns.
