Staying mentally active can promote better brain health at any age, and it’s especially important as you get older.
Indeed, regularly engaging your mind can help prevent cognitive decline. A study from Harvard University revealed that people in their 70s and 80s who engaged in the most mentally stimulating activities were half as likely to develop mild cognitive impairment compared to those who reported the least participation.
A fantastic way to keep your mind active and sharp is by listening to podcasts, which often offer a wealth of engaging content.
Whether you’re looking for deep discussions on mental toughness, current event analysis, or even just fun facts about the world, continue reading to discover five of the best podcasts to get you thinking.
1. Tough Talks, Chris Dorris
Chris Dorris believes that many people struggle unnecessarily due to the fact that they never learned how to train their brains.
His podcast, Tough Talks, focuses on the concept of “mental toughness” and provides you with the tools you need to overcome obstacles in life.
Dorris emphasises that life is filled with abundant opportunities, but to take full advantage, you must develop the skills to navigate any challenges that arise. Through what he calls “mental maintenance”, he encourages you to build your mental skills through practice.
Each episode features deep discussions on various aspects of this, often with eclectic guest experts who share their insights on related topics.
For instance, Dorris has hosted guests such as a:
- Doctor to discuss emotional intelligence
- Guru who connects yoga and music
- Super Bowl legend who shares his journey from food stamps to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
If you’re looking to develop your mental resilience and learn strategies to deal with life’s many challenges, then Tough Talks could be for you.
2. Today in Focus, the Guardian
If you’re interested in current events and enjoy staying informed, then Today in Focus by the Guardian offers a deep dive into the news.
Hosted by Michael Safi and Helen Pidd, the podcast combines personal storytelling with insightful analysis, taking you “behind the headlines” for a deeper understanding of the news every weekday.
It could be the ideal listen if you wish to stay up to date on a wide range of topics, ranging from politics and environmental issues to stories that don’t always make the mainstream news.
Today in Focus has won a number of industry accolades, too, including a gold award for “Best News and Current Affairs”, and a silver for “Best Daily Podcast” at the 2023 British Podcast Awards.
The podcast is also known for its investigative approach to the news, often covering stories that have a real-world impact. Some notable episodes include:
- ‘Trafficked’, a two-year investigation into the struggles of a Ukrainian woman who escaped modern slavery
- ‘Cost of the Crown’, which explores royal wealth and finances, which eventually resulted in public discourse and a response from King Charles about his family’s historic ties to the transatlantic slave trade.
Today in Focus guarantees an engaging listen that brings you closer to quality journalism.
3. TED Talks Daily, TED
There’s a good chance you’ve seen a TED Talk at some point in the past, as the video series has consistently gone viral for its discussions about new and often exciting ideas.
Now, with the TED Talks Daily podcast, you can listen to some of these thought-provoking discussions any time you want.
Indeed, each episode features a TED Talk in podcast format and covers a broad spectrum of subjects. Some recent episodes have explored topics such as:
- ‘How testosterone and culture shape behaviour’
- ‘The beautiful paradoxes of a multicultural identity’
- ‘The invisible networks shaping your everyday life’.
Since TED Talks are not presented in chronological order, you have the freedom to jump into any episode that piques your interest without the pressure of following a series. This makes TED Talks Daily an excellent choice if you enjoy variety and wish to explore a wide range of ideas.
4. Revisionist History, Malcolm Gladwell
If you’re a history buff, Revisionist History could offer a unique perspective on past events. Through his podcast, the renowned journalist and storyteller, Malcolm Gladwell, attempts to connect the past to current events to explore how they’ve shaped the world today.
Unlike traditional history podcasts that might focus on significant events such as the second world war or the Roman Empire, Revisionist History covers a vast range of topics, with some previous episodes covering the:
- 1936 Berlin Olympics
- IT revolution
- Osage oil murders.
What makes the podcast fascinating is that it isn’t just about retelling history; it’s about examining how the past continues to affect your life today.
5. Stuff You Should Know, Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark
Stuff You Should Know, hosted by Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark, is a podcast that educates you on a wide variety of topics in a fun and engaging way.
Produced by HowStuffWorks, an infotainment website known for its in-depth explanations of how things work, the podcast has won multiple awards, including the 2014 and 2016 People’s Voice Webby Awards.
With episodes covering everything from evolution in isolation to the Manson family, Stuff You Should Know offers insight into well-researched topics presented with a combination of humour and informative commentary.
Better yet, the hosts have a relaxed and friendly style that makes complex subjects easier to understand, making it the perfect choice to learn something new and keep your mind active.
Get in touch
While we might not be able to help you keep your mind sharp, we can assist you with managing your finances so you’re prepared for the future.
Email helpme@aspirellp.co.uk or call 0117 9303510 to find out more.
Please note
This article is no substitute for financial advice and should not be treated as such. To determine the best course of action for your individual circumstances, please contact us.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
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