The best podcasts to listen to for every type of mood

26 July 2019
By Fashion Quarterly

Get ready to plug in and turn up the volume.

Podcasts are at peak popularity right now. The problem is, with so many available to stream left, right and centre, finding a real *gem* of a podcast can be compared to finding a needle in a haystack.

Whether plugging in and engaging in a story relaxes you, helps you re-centre or gets you ready for a day ahead, there’s no denying a good podcast opens your mind and increases your thoughts.

Here at Fashion Quarterly, we’re avid podcast listeners; whether it’s true crime, fashion or self-help, we love searching for a good listen to plug in to when getting from A-B. 

With no two days ever the same, we’ve narrowed our list of favourite podcasts per genre, so you can tune in to whatever mood you’re feeling:


Style

Whether you’re a budding stylist, fashion journalist, model on the runway or simply love fashion, there’s no denying that plugging into a fashion podcast can be entertaining and inspiring. With so many incredible stories to tell, finding a fashion podcast that caters to all in one place seemed impossible… until now. 

The Business of Fashion
This podcast provides hard-hitting fashion news and analysis; whether you’re in the industry, or simply interested in the fast-paced world of fashion, this has it all. With discussions touching on all things important and en vogue, your ears will be burning with all the insider knowledge you need to keep up with.

Offline, The Podcast:
Ever wanted to know what life is really like behind the filter for your favourite social media influencers? Australian journalist Alison Rice has your answers. By holding honest conversations with popular online figures, she touches on life beyond the highlight reel.


True crime

Getting lost down the true crime rabbit hole every once in a while happens to the best of us. With a heavy plot, twist and turns and the shock element in each true crime story, we can’t blame you for wanting to delve deeper. If you’re into mystery, solving crime and murder, we’ve got a list to feed your addiction.

Serial
An oldie but a goodie, Serial is one of the classics that put true crime podcasts on the map. With 32 episodes to binge, strap in for a story that’ll have you hooked. Serial follows the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee and the later arrest of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed for the crime. He swears he’s innocent, he just can’t prove it.

The Teacher’s Pet
Looking for a crime podcast that’s closer to home? Just across the ditch in Sydney, Australia, you’ll find the scene of the crime featured in highly acclaimed podcast The Teacher’s Pet. With over 28 million streams, the story follows the strange disappearance of Lynette Dawson and the calculated and cultivating circumstances around her vanishing. The podcast is currently offline due to legal reasons for Australian listeners, but Kiwis can plug in all they like – so get stuck into it while you can.

Dr Death
Going under the scalpel of a charming neurosurgeon who claims he could take your pain away seems like a good idea – but what if 33 out of 37 patients before you faced serious complications including death and paralysis? Dr Death explores the deception of Christopher Duntsch and the failure to protect his victims.

Over My Dead Body
With a wedding featured in the New York Times, many people thought lawyer couple Dan and Wendi’s union was picture-perfect and forever. But when they fall apart, their horrible divorce leads to murder. Expect the unexpected with this podcast that’ll grip you tight.


Business

A good business podcast will nudge the entrepreneurial streak in you and prompt you to want to start your own side hustle. So if you’re into hearing all about trailblazers making moves, then these are the best in business podcasts.

How I Built This
Buzzing to learn about how successful people got to where they are? Then How I Built This is for you! The series has host Guy Raz interviewing real-life entrepreneurs who have made it big in their field. From Bumble’s Whitney Wolfe to Airbnb’s Joe Gebbia, this podcast delivers on answering all the savvy questions, memorable moments and bold moves.

Girlboss Radio
In this podcast, Sophia Amoruso chats weekly to trailblazing women who are making their mark on the world. In a discussion about their career, personal and professional curve balls and what makes them hungry for success, you’ll be inspired by kickass individuals who are smashing it in their industry.

Side Hustle School
Want another source of income but don’t want to quit your 9-5? Side Hustle School is the podcast that gives insight into mastering a side hustle while working full-time. Learn all about diving into this lifestyle and succeeding at it with this poddy.

Second life
Switching your side hustle to your full-time gig is no small feat and Hillary Kerr, co-founder of Clique Media Group, interviews these successful women who have made major career switches and reaped the pay-off. 


Self-help

Nothing beats using your down-time wisely and engaging in a self-help podcast most definitely ticks that box. With so many uplifting, encouraging and motivating listens on the podcast market, relating to a story that can better your life has now become easier than ever. Whether your goal is to be happier, save more or focus on your goals, the below self-help podcasts are said to work wonders.

The Pineapple Project
Carefully and cleverly curated, The Pineapple Project provides all the life hacks you wished you’d known sooner. With individual seasons dedicated to money and career, comedian Claire Hooper teaches you all the short-cut ways to live your best life.

Happier
Simply put, Happier is a podcast about just that, happiness. Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project shares on how to achieve happiness, obtain good habits, positive life hacks and dishes on some great try them at home ideas.

She’s On the Money
You can never have enough savings advice, so it’s only fair of us to suggest another financially-friendly podcast to your listen list. She’s On The Money podcast is made by a millennial so it’s all things #relatable.  

Goop
Want to switch your brain on and get thinking? Then the Goop podcast is for you. In this bi-weekly series, Gwyneth Paltrow and Elise Loehnen chat with thinkers, trailblazers and people who dare to step outside the box. Think nutrition, wellness and thought-provoking conversation. 


Real-life and culture

There’s nothing like reality and culture to bring you back down to earth when you get away with yourself every once in a while. Whether you’re big on current affairs and pop-culture, or you’re looking for a closer insight to a real-life occurrence, these podcasts will get you thinking about the bigger picture.

The High Low
If you’re on the hunt for a weekly dose of news and pop-culture wrapped up in laughs and thoughtful conversation, look no further than The High Low. Presented by Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton, this podcast is reflective, provocative and opens your mind.

The Shrink Next Door
Get ready for another binge-worthy listen as The Shrink Next Door isn’t your typical real-life podcast. The non-fiction storyline follows the deception inside the bizarre life of a therapist to Manhattan’s elite, Ike. He’s known as a man who throws star-studded parties in The Hamptons but really, he isn’t who he says he is. This podcast shows you how scary real life can actually be and to always think twice about your neighbours.

The Cut on Tuesdays
This weekly podcast is another go-to for a refreshing burst of real-life; touching on topics that people want to know about including love, sex, abortion and politics, there’s no topic host Molly Fischer won’t explore.


Words: Maxine Fourie
Photos: Getty Images

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