Listening to relaxing podcasts are a great way to wind down, wash away stress, and even fall asleep to.
We searched high and low and curated this list of the absolute best podcasts for relaxation. Enjoy!
1. Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
If bedtime stories bring back fond memories, you’ll love what Kathryn Nicolai has created with Nothing Much Happens. As both a yoga and meditation instructor, Kathryn knows exactly how to guide listeners to a state of perfect calm. Her cozy bedtime stories for adults are ingeniously designed – each tale is told twice, with the second reading delivered at a slower, more soothing pace.
What makes this podcast truly special is Kathryn’s self-described role as an “architect of coziness.” Her gentle narratives focus on life’s simple pleasures, creating a peaceful mental space that makes drifting off to sleep feel effortless and natural.
2. Sleepy
The aptly named Sleepy podcast has earned its reputation as one of the most effective sleep aids in podcast form. Host Otis Gray’s deep, melodious baritone voice is the secret weapon here – it’s like warm honey for your ears. Otis reads classic stories and literature at the perfect pace to help quiet even the most active minds.
From beloved children’s classics to literary masterpieces, each episode transforms familiar tales into the ultimate bedtime experience. Listeners particularly rave about Otis’s now-legendary two-hour reading of Webster’s Dictionary – proof that with the right voice, even the most mundane material can become magnificently relaxing.
3. Sleep With Me
Drew Ackerman’s Sleep With Me podcast has become a phenomenon in the world of relaxation audio, appearing on countless “best of” lists. What makes this show so effective is Drew’s unique approach – he begins with engaging storytelling that captures your attention, then gradually shifts to increasingly meandering, mundane narratives that bore you to sleep in the best possible way.
Drew understands that protecting your sleep means safeguarding your mental and physical health. His quirky blend of storytelling and gentle humor creates the perfect bridge between wakefulness and slumber, allowing your busy brain to finally power down for the night.
4. Meditation Minis Podcast
For those who think they don’t have time to meditate, Chel Hamilton’s Meditation Minis Podcast proves otherwise. As a professional hypnotherapist, Chel packs powerful mindfulness techniques into bite-sized sessions that typically run ten minutes or less – perfect for fitting into even the busiest schedules.
These compact guided meditations target specific needs, from calming anxiety to building confidence. Chel’s soothing voice and accessible approach make meditation feel achievable for beginners while offering enough depth to satisfy experienced practitioners seeking a quick reset during hectic days.
5. Slow Radio
Sometimes what we need most is to simply slow down. The BBC’s Slow Radio provides exactly that – an auditory oasis amid the chaos of modern life. Rather than filled with chatter, these episodes immerse you in pure, unfiltered soundscapes from around the world.
From birdsong in remote forests to the gentle conversations of monks, or the ambient sounds of mountain climbing, each episode creates a meditative experience through authentic audio environments. It’s like a sonic vacation that transports you to peaceful places while you go about your day.
6. Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories
Consistently ranked as one of the top sleep podcasts available, Get Sleepy combines relaxation techniques with storytelling in a formula designed for maximum effectiveness. Each episode begins with gentle breathing exercises and guided relaxation before transitioning into immersive stories crafted specifically to calm your mind.
What sets Get Sleepy apart is its careful attention to audio quality and pacing. The producers understand that everything from voice tone to background sounds plays a crucial role in creating the perfect pre-sleep experience, making this podcast a reliable companion for those struggling with restless nights.
7. Daily Meditation Podcast
Mary Meckley, founder of Sip and Om, brings her extensive expertise to the podcast. With certifications in meditation, Japanese flower arranging (Ikebana), and Feng Shui, Mary offers a holistic approach to mindfulness practice.
What makes this podcast special is its themed weekly approach – Mary guides listeners through different meditation techniques focused on addressing common challenges like stress management, improved sleep, and finding balance. Her gentle guidance makes meditation accessible to beginners while offering enough variety to keep longtime practitioners engaged day after day.
8. Radiolab
While not exclusively designed for relaxation, Radiolab earns its place on this list through its unique blend of storytelling, science, and innovative sound design. Hosts Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser take listeners on audio journeys that captivate the mind while creating a surprisingly calming effect.
The show’s signature style of weaving music with information creates an immersive listening experience that can pull you out of your own thoughts – perfect for those who find traditional meditation challenging. By engaging your curiosity and wonder, Radiolab offers a different but equally effective path to mental relaxation.
9. Boring Books for Bedtime Readings to Help You Sleep
Sometimes the key to falling asleep is finding material that’s just interesting enough to distract your mind from worries, but not so engaging that it keeps you awake. Boring Books for Bedtime hits this sweet spot perfectly by reading from dense, somewhat dry texts ranging from Aristotle’s writings to vintage Sears catalogs.
The careful selection of material paired with calm, measured reading creates the ideal conditions for sleep. The content is substantive enough to redirect an anxious mind but delivered in a way that allows you to gradually drift off without feeling like you’re missing out on a riveting story.
10. Tracks To Relax Sleep Meditations
Tracks To Relax was created with a clear understanding of modern life’s challenges – many of us lead hectic lives filled with stress that makes falling asleep difficult. This podcast offers a variety of guided sleep meditations featuring both male and female narrators, ensuring listeners can find voices that resonate with them personally.
Each carefully crafted session combines relaxation techniques with gentle guidance to help quiet racing thoughts. The diversity of approaches means you can experiment with different meditation styles to discover what works best for your unique sleep challenges.
More Relaxing Podcasts Hosted Right Here on RSS.com
Spiritualize
The goal of this podcast is to connect you with your inner self. Through guided meditations, and the “Poetry from Within,” host Mira Uniat helps guide listeners through the ebbs and flows of their spiritual path.
Breathe In- A Guided Meditation Podcast
Join host Jessika Jaime in her weekly episodes where she walks listeners through meditations that are perfect for beginners. She says by the ends of these short episodes, you’ll walk away focused, balanced, and feeling much more calm.
Meditation House Call
Host Lisa Udelson perfectly blends storytelling and guided meditation in this unique podcast. Each episode is around fifteen minutes long and Udelson says it’s a great show to listen to if you want to manage your fear and learn how to be fully present.
Ready to Start Your Own Podcast?
Inspired to create your own relaxing podcast? Here’s how to begin:
Find Your Relaxation Niche
The most successful relaxation podcasts have a clear focus. Whether it’s sleep stories, guided meditation, nature sounds, or gentle conversations, identifying your specific niche will help you connect with your ideal audience. Consider what relaxation techniques you personally find effective – authentic experience often translates to more engaging content.
Create the Right Environment
For relaxation podcasts, audio quality is non-negotiable. Invest in a good microphone and learn basic sound treatment techniques. Background noise or harsh audio can instantly break the calming atmosphere you’re trying to create. Record in a quiet space and speak in a consistent, soothing tone.
Develop a Consistent Format
Listeners seeking relaxation appreciate predictability. Establish a consistent episode structure that signals to their brains it’s time to unwind. This might include a gentle introduction, a main relaxation segment, and a soft conclusion. Consistency helps build the conditioned response that makes your podcast effective.
Practice Your Delivery
The way you speak is crucial for relaxation content. Practice speaking slowly, clearly, and with intentional pacing. Pay attention to your breathing and allow natural pauses. Many successful hosts record multiple takes until they achieve the perfect calming delivery.
Start Your Podcast with RSS.com
With unlimited audio storage, episode scheduling, social media integration, sponsorship opportunities, and a free podcasting website, RSS.com offers everything you need to launch and grow your relaxation podcast. Our platform makes it easy to focus on creating soothing content while we handle the technical details.
The world needs more calming voices. If you’ve felt the positive impact of relaxation podcasts in your own life, consider sharing your approach to tranquility with others who might benefit from your unique perspective.
