7 Amazing Podcasts to Shake Up Your Quar-Routine

As seasons change, so does the urge to switch up our podcast playlists. Below are seven of the buzziest podcasts of 2020 so far: From expert advice on financial wellness and life lessons from a former first lady, these are sure to help shake up your quarantine routine.

Unlocking Us

Best-selling author Brené Brown is an expert on vulnerability and courage. In this podcast, she explores the “magic and the messiness of what it means to be human” through stories, books, films and music. Episodes feature conversations with experts and celebrities who teach and challenge Brown, from Laverne Cox to Judd Apatow. Listen via Apple Podcasts.

The Michelle Obama Podcast

Everyone’s favourite first lady is back, sharing conversations with her loved ones — including her husband, Barack, and her siblings and best friends — about the relationships that make us who we are. So far, the topics she’s broached include life after the White House, protesting during a pandemic, and true friendship really means. Listen via Spotify.

(Related: Michelle Obama Talks About Having “Low-Grade Depression.” Do You Have It Too?)

Breaking Beauty Podcast

Long-time beauty editors Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins are your go-to hosts for everything beauty-related, sharing stories behind some of the most iconic beauty products and how they came to be, plus interviews with founders like Glossier’s Emily Weiss. They also dish out tips from industry pros, including Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist, Makeup By Mario, TV’s Dr. Pimple Popper and influencer Jackie Aina. Listen via Apple Podcasts.

I Weigh with Jameela Jamil

The Good Place actor Jameela Jamil hosts this podcast, all about celebrating “progress, not perfection.” Vulnerable and funny, I Weigh challenges society’s definition of what it means to be worthy. Jamil asks performers like comedian Phoebe Robinson, activists like model Munroe Bergdorf and influencers like author Stephanie Yeboah about how they work through past shame to find their true value. Listen via Apple Podcasts.

Stress Test

This podcast from The Globe and Mail takes on financial issues that impact the wallets of Canadians between age 20 and 40. Hosted by the Globe’s personal finance team, columnist Rob Carrick and editor Roma Luciw, you’ll find answers to questions about how to crisis-proof your finances, whether you should move back in with your parents and how to get out of debt. Listen via Apple Podcasts.

(Related: 3 Smart Ways to Manage Your Money Better)

The Secret Life of Canada

Hosts Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson highlight “people, places and stories that didn’t make it into our high school textbooks.” Bowen and Johnson explore the unauthorized history of Canada through episodes about topics including Indigenous soldiers, Winnipeg’s queer history, our national anthem’s connection to blackface and what led up to the Oka Crisis. Listen via Apple Podcasts.

Still Processing

In pursuit of better understanding the “pleasures and pathologies of America in 2020,” The New York Times culture writers Wesley Morris and Jenna Wortham break down moments in pop culture. The duo provides insights and sobering (and sometimes hilarious) analysis of trending shows and movies (think Tiger King and Hamilton), art, music and everything in between. Listen via Apple Podcasts.

Next, learn which amazing Canadian women to follow for some fitness inspiration.