‘Serial’ – the wildly successful Podcast on investigative journalism from the creators of ‘This American Life’ can be unanimously credited for bringing podcasts back into spotlight. Clocking 5 million downloads and counting, Serial reconfirmed one thing to the world – that a good story is all that matters to the brain, irrespective of the format being audio, visual, or text. What is really behind the resurgence and breakout success of podcasts is the widespread adoption of smartphones, iPods, tablets, and other handheld devices that allow consumers to consume content wherever and whenever they wish.

What Makes Audio Storytelling So Captivating?

Podcasts originated in 2004 and as the audio Medium enters its 13^th year of existence, it’s never been more robust, popular, and entertaining as it is now. In U.S alone, 39 million Americans listen to podcasts monthly and this wide reach of the medium is making it one of the most sought after social media marketing platforms. In this age of YouTube, Snapchat, and of course Facebook and Twitter, what makes the podcast stand out is the intimate nature of the medium – you are constantly building your own images of the story and its characters as you hear them out, creating your very own production.

Here are the top 5 Podcasts we suggest to help manage your stress better:

#1 The Daily Meditation Podcast

Need a calm refuge? Get it in under 20 minutes, listening to this stellar podcast that gives you meditation techniques to manage personal and workplace stress, ease anxiety, and put your  best foot forward, no matter what challenges life throws at you! Get it here

#2 Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Obstacles are a part of everyone’s lives but sometimes listening to how others solve theirs can give you ideas to deal with your own. In this podcast series, Gretchen Rubin shares her life’s problems along with funny and inspiring ways in which she overcomes them. A must-listen when you are feeling overwhelmed with life and just need to hear IT’S OKAY! Get it here 

#3 Invisibilia

Ever wish you knew the invisible forces behind your behaviour, fears, emotions, and ideas? Listen to this podcast that deals with unseen forces impacting human lives in a scientific, yet engaging manner. Get it here

#4 The Digital Mindfulness Podcast

We live in a digitally obsessed world and it takes utmost resolve not to get affected by the hyper connectivity engulfing our lives. This podcast deals with how to maintain your sanity amidst umpteen digital distractions and work life balance techniques to live your life in a mindful, meaningful and purposeful manner. Get it here

#5 Motivation Monday

Who doesn’t experience Monday blues? But it doesn’t have to be that way – through this weekly podcast, you can energize your Mondays listening to episodes focusing on new beginnings, motivational tips to overcome challenges, infuse positivity into your life and work, and more. Get it here

Podcasting’s Celebrity Moment is here to Stay

Measured by Google searches, podcasting has recorded a 30% year-on-year growth in popularity as a content distribution medium in recent years. As next steps, the industry is now looking at innovation in growing podcasting’s audience and generating revenue to realize the medium’s true potential. Here’s to a great future of the spoken, yet unseen word!

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