The 20 Best Anxiety Podcasts (2026)

The New York Times named this one of their 6 Podcasts to Soothe an Anxious Mind back in 2024, and it has only gotten better since. Kimberley Quinlan is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in anxiety and OCD, but she dedicates substantial episodes to the depression that so often travels alongside anxiety disorders. With 430 episodes and a near-perfect 4.9-star rating from over 800 reviews, the show has built one of the larger dedicated followings in the mental health podcast space. Quinlan is refreshingly practical in her approach. She does not spend twenty minutes on theory before getting to what you can actually do. A typical episode picks a specific problem — social anxiety in group settings, the depression spiral that follows a panic attack, perfectionism-driven burnout — and walks through science-backed strategies you can start using immediately. Her tone sits in a comfortable spot between clinical authority and genuine warmth. She clearly knows her research, but she also talks openly about her own mental health journey in ways that make the advice feel tested rather than theoretical. The show publishes weekly and episodes run about 30 to 45 minutes. Quinlan frequently brings on guest experts for specialized topics and answers listener questions with the kind of specificity that makes you think she actually read the whole email. For anyone dealing with depression tangled up with anxiety, panic, or obsessive thinking patterns — which, honestly, describes most depression — this podcast addresses the full picture rather than treating each condition in isolation.

Drew Linsalata spent years trapped in a cycle of panic attacks, agoraphobia, and crippling anxiety before finding his way out, and he's spent the years since helping others do the same. The Anxious Truth is laser-focused on anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, OCD, health anxiety, and generalized anxiety, and it uses evidence-based, acceptance-focused approaches rather than the vague reassurance you find on most mental health shows.

The podcast has earned a 4.9-star rating from nearly 1,200 reviews, which is remarkable for a show covering such difficult territory. With 338 episodes released weekly, Linsalata mixes solo episodes where he explains specific anxiety concepts with guest interviews featuring therapists and specialists. The New York Times and Vogue have both featured the show, which gives you a sense of its reach.

What makes Linsalata different from other anxiety podcast hosts is his bluntness. He's been through it himself and he's not interested in coddling you. He'll tell you that avoidance is making things worse, that reassurance-seeking is a trap, and that recovery requires doing the things that scare you. But he says all of this with compassion and from a place of genuine understanding. If you're dealing with anxiety that goes beyond occasional stress, that keeps you from leaving the house or stops you from living normally, this podcast speaks directly to that experience in a way that few others do.

Gina Ryan has been producing this podcast since 2014, and with over 1,200 episodes it's one of the most extensive anxiety-focused audio resources available anywhere. The show releases twice a week (Sundays and Wednesdays) and covers everything from panic attacks and PTSD to nervous system regulation and healthy lifestyle changes that can reduce chronic stress.

Ryan's approach is gentle and almost meditative. She speaks slowly, her voice is naturally calming, and she structures each episode to feel like a mini therapy session. Many episodes include guided breathing exercises or short meditations woven into the content. The show maintains a 4.6-star rating from over 1,700 reviews, with listeners frequently noting that just listening to Ryan's voice brings their anxiety levels down.

The format is primarily solo, though occasional episodes feature guest experts. Each episode runs about 17-21 minutes, which is a smart length for an audience that might be listening mid-panic or while trying to fall asleep. Ryan draws from a mix of cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle medicine. She's not flashy, she's not trying to build a personal brand empire, and she doesn't oversell. She just shows up twice a week and offers practical, compassionate guidance for people who are struggling. The consistency alone is remarkable, and the sheer depth of the archive means there's probably an episode addressing whatever specific anxiety challenge you're facing right now.

Anxiety Slayer ran for an impressive 16 years and 754 episodes before wrapping up in January 2026. Co-hosts Shann Vander Leek and Ananga Sivyer built an award-winning show that helped countless listeners manage anxiety, stress, PTSD, and panic attacks through a blend of practical tools and holistic approaches.

The co-hosted format gave the show a conversational, supportive feel. Shann and Ananga played off each other naturally, and their combined perspectives covered both the psychological and the more alternative wellness sides of anxiety management. Episodes typically ran 20-25 minutes, though some shorter ones clocked in around 8-10 minutes for quick tips.

What made this show distinctive was its integration of practices you don't always hear about on mainstream mental health podcasts. Alongside standard anxiety management techniques, the hosts explored aromatherapy, tapping, meditation, and other calming practices. The 4.4-star rating from over 730 reviews reflects a loyal following built over more than a decade and a half.

Though the show has concluded, the full archive remains available through the end of 2026, and the hosts' Patreon community continues with courses and guided meditations. With 754 episodes covering just about every anxiety-related topic imaginable, the back catalog is a substantial library for anyone looking for supportive, accessible anxiety content. It's worth exploring even though new episodes have stopped.

Chloe Brotheridge is a hypnotherapist, coach, and author of The Anxiety Solution and The Confidence Solution, and she brings all of that expertise to this warm, practical podcast. With 245 episodes and a 4.6-star rating, The Calmer You has built a solid audience among people looking for actionable anxiety help without the clinical heaviness.

The episode format varies quite a bit, which keeps things interesting. Some episodes are short solo reflections running just 5-10 minutes, perfect for a quick confidence boost or reframe. Others are longer interview episodes stretching to 45-60 minutes, where Chloe brings in authors, therapists, and experts to talk about specific aspects of mental health, confidence, and personal development.

Chloe's hypnotherapy background gives the show a slightly different flavor compared to pure CBT-focused anxiety podcasts. She's comfortable talking about the subconscious mind and emotional patterns in ways that feel grounded rather than woo. Her interview style is genuinely curious and relaxed, making guests open up in ways that feel natural.

The most recent episode dropped in October 2025, so the publishing schedule has slowed down from its earlier pace. But the existing library covers a wide range of anxiety-adjacent topics including self-confidence, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. If you want a podcast that treats anxiety as part of a bigger picture of emotional wellbeing rather than an isolated clinical problem, this is a thoughtful pick.

Dan Harris had a panic attack on live television in front of five million people. That moment sent him on a path toward meditation and mindfulness that eventually became a bestselling book and then this podcast. The origin story matters because it explains the show's entire personality -- Dan is a skeptic who came to this stuff reluctantly, and he brings that same energy to every episode.

The show bills itself as self-help for smart people, which sounds a bit cheeky, but it actually delivers on the promise. Dan interviews neuroscientists, therapists, monks, and authors, but he pushes back when things get too woo-woo. A recent conversation with John Green about managing anxiety and intrusive thoughts was remarkably honest. Another with Shankar Vedantam explored the science behind talking to strangers. These are not soft, agreeable interviews. Dan asks the uncomfortable follow-up questions.

New episodes drop twice a week, and the archive runs past 1,100 episodes deep. The show carries a 4.6-star rating with over 12,000 reviews on Apple Podcasts, which tells you something about audience loyalty. Fair warning: the ad load can feel heavy at times, and some episodes run long. But Dan's fundamental approach -- bringing a journalist's rigor to questions about the mind and how to live better -- makes this one of the more intellectually satisfying life podcasts out there. It respects your intelligence while still being genuinely helpful.

Morra Aarons-Mele hosts The Anxious Achiever, and the premise is right there in the title: high-performing people often carry a lot of anxiety, and nobody talks about it honestly enough at work. The show sits at the intersection of mental health and professional achievement, covering topics like imposter syndrome, ADHD in the workplace, perfectionism, and the particular strain of burnout that comes from being very good at your job while quietly falling apart.

Episodes run about an hour and drop biweekly. Aarons-Mele interviews therapists, executives, researchers, and people who have navigated mental health challenges while building careers. The conversations are candid in a way that feels earned, not performative. With 296 episodes and a 4.7-star rating from over 550 reviews, the show has built a dedicated audience through the YAP Media network.

The thing that makes The Anxious Achiever stand out is that it does not sugarcoat anything. Aarons-Mele will ask the uncomfortable question and let the silence sit. She has talked openly about her own anxiety and depression, which gives guests permission to go beyond the surface-level "I practiced mindfulness and everything got better" narrative. If you are someone who excels professionally but struggles privately, or if you manage someone who fits that description, this podcast provides both validation and practical strategies. It treats mental health at work as a systems problem, not just an individual one.

Caroline Foran is an Irish bestselling author who turned her own anxiety breakdown into a career helping others understand their brains. Owning It runs in seasons, with 14 seasons and over 220 episodes so far, mixing personal storytelling with expert interviews. What sets Caroline apart is her warmth and relatability. She talks about anxiety the way you might discuss it with a close friend over coffee, not from behind a therapist desk. Recent episodes have featured conversations with neuroscientists unpacking anxiety as an emotion, parenting experts discussing how childhood attachment shapes adult anxiety, and public figures like Millie Mackintosh sharing their own mental health journeys. The format usually pairs a solo episode where Caroline explores a concept with a follow-up interview that brings in professional expertise. Episodes land around 30-45 minutes. The show leans practical, with actionable takeaways about brain function, nervous system regulation, and coping strategies you can use immediately. Her Irish perspective also brings a refreshing cultural angle that most US-centric anxiety podcasts miss. With a 4.6 rating on Apple Podcasts and a loyal listener community, this one rewards regular listening across a full season.

Amanda Armstrong brings a nervous system-first approach to anxiety and depression that sets this podcast apart from the standard CBT-focused shows. As a trauma-informed practitioner, she focuses on somatic techniques and vagus nerve regulation -- basically teaching your body to calm down before trying to reason your way out of a depressive episode. The show launched in 2023 and already has 148 episodes with a near-perfect 4.9 rating from almost 400 reviews. Armstrong recently published a book called Healing Through the Vagus Nerve, and the podcast episodes often expand on concepts from that work. Each episode is solo-hosted and educational, running about 20-30 minutes with clear, actionable takeaways. She covers seasonal depression, compassion fatigue, trauma responses, and practical somatic exercises you can do during a panic attack or depressive spiral. The research backing is solid without being overwhelming. Armstrong also runs a coaching program called RESTORE and a membership community, so occasional episodes do mention those, but the free content stands on its own. What listeners seem to appreciate most is how body-focused the advice is. If you have tried talk therapy and journaling and still feel stuck, the nervous system angle might click where other approaches have not. The weekly release schedule means fresh content is always coming, and the back catalog is organized well enough to find episodes on specific topics.

Dennis Simsek spent six years as a professional tennis player while battling panic disorder and health anxiety before finding his way to recovery. That backstory gives him an unusual credibility as an anxiety podcast host. He's not a therapist telling you what the research says; he's someone who clawed his way out of a deeply anxious period and built a career helping others do the same.

The show has amassed over 530 episodes and holds a strong 4.8-star rating from more than 1,400 reviewers. The format is primarily solo, with Dennis delivering focused episodes on specific anxiety topics. Most episodes land in the 14-20 minute range, making them easy to fit into a commute or a quick break.

Dennis covers generalized anxiety disorder, hypochondria, health anxiety, and depression with a practical, no-nonsense delivery. Recent episodes have tackled overthinking with specific techniques rather than abstract advice. His style is direct and motivational without being pushy. He's clearly done this enough times to know exactly where anxious listeners get stuck and what specific reframes tend to help.

The shorter episode length is actually a deliberate choice that works in the show's favor. When you're dealing with anxiety, a 15-minute episode with one clear takeaway is often more useful than a sprawling hour-long discussion. Dennis packs each episode tight with actionable content. The massive archive means you can search for your specific anxiety flavor, whether it's health anxiety, social situations, or panic attacks, and find multiple episodes dedicated to it.

Comedian Paul Gilmartin started this show in 2011 after years of dealing with depression, addiction, and the aftermath of childhood trauma. The format is simple: long, unscripted conversations with guests about their psychological struggles, with nothing off limits. Guests range from fellow comedians and musicians to therapists, trauma survivors, and ordinary people who write in through the show surveys. The New York Times called it a perversely safe place for these conversations, and Esquire described it as a vital, compassionate gem that fills a desperate and under-addressed need. With nearly 700 episodes, the archive covers addiction, PTSD, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, abuse recovery, codependency, and just about every other mental health topic you can think of. Gilmartin’s background as a stand-up comic means the show has genuine humor even when covering brutal subject matter, but he never uses jokes to deflect from the emotional weight of what his guests share. Episodes typically run one to two hours, so this is a commitment listen, not a quick tip show. The podcast also features listener surveys where people anonymously share their experiences, which Gilmartin reads and discusses. It has a dedicated community built on radical honesty and the idea that talking openly about mental illness reduces shame. Psychology Today, Oprah Magazine, and Slate have all recognized it as one of the most important mental health podcasts available.

Georgie Collinson takes a distinctly holistic approach to anxiety that sets her apart from the more traditional therapy-focused shows on this list. Her method blends subconscious reprogramming, nervous system healing, naturopathy, gut health, and what she calls emotional mastery. It's a lot of ground to cover, and with 349 episodes, she's had plenty of room to explore each thread.

The show targets high-achieving women specifically, which gives it a more focused audience than most general anxiety podcasts. Georgie mixes solo teaching episodes with expert interviews, and the episode length swings widely, from quick 8-minute tips to deep hour-long conversations. That variety means you can pick and choose based on how much bandwidth you have on any given day.

Georgie's perspective is interesting because she pulls from naturopathy and gut health research alongside more conventional anxiety management. Recent episodes have covered topics like hearing your inner voice, Human Design and anxiety, hormonal influences on mental health, and meditation practices. The 4.5-star rating from 60 reviewers suggests a smaller but engaged audience.

The holistic angle won't click with everyone. If you want strictly evidence-based CBT techniques, this probably isn't your first stop. But if you've found that traditional talk therapy approaches haven't fully addressed your anxiety and you're curious about the role of nutrition, hormones, and the gut-brain connection, Georgie offers a perspective that most anxiety podcasts don't touch. The weekly publishing schedule keeps fresh content flowing consistently.

Sebastiaan van der Schrier zeroes in on social anxiety with a specificity that general anxiety podcasts rarely match. As someone who personally overcame social anxiety disorder, he brings both empathy and practical knowledge to a show that has grown to over 660 episodes. The 4.2-star rating from 215 reviewers suggests a niche but steady following.

The format is primarily interview-based, with Sebastiaan talking to psychology experts who practice energy psychology, a field that's more niche than mainstream CBT but has its own research base. Conversations typically run 40-60 minutes, though some shorter episodes clock in around 15 minutes. The show publishes on a semi-weekly schedule.

Topics get specific to the social anxiety experience: shame, self-acceptance, fear of rejection, bullying recovery, and the ongoing challenge of building social confidence when your brain is wired to anticipate negative judgment. Each episode aims to leave listeners with specific action steps rather than just general encouragement, which is a nice structural choice.

The energy psychology angle is going to be polarizing. Some listeners will appreciate the alternative approaches like EFT tapping and related modalities. Others will want more conventional therapeutic frameworks. If you're open to exploring less mainstream methods and you specifically struggle with social situations rather than generalized anxiety, this show offers a depth of content on that particular topic that you simply won't find elsewhere. The archive alone represents years of focused attention on social confidence, making it a genuine specialty resource.

Robert James Pizey brings something different to the OCD podcast world: the perspective of a coach and peer who has personally lived through severe OCD, rather than a clinical therapist. With 591 episodes released biweekly, this is one of the most prolific OCD-focused shows out there. Episodes typically run 6 to 22 minutes, making them easy to fit into a commute or a lunch break. Robert shares his own recovery journey alongside practical coaching insights, focusing on building a better relationship with anxiety rather than trying to eliminate it entirely. He covers topics like rumination spirals, the urge to seek reassurance, and the tricky moments when you cannot tell if a thought is real or OCD. His tone is direct and no-nonsense but also encouraging -- he clearly remembers what it feels like to be in the worst of it. He also offers private coaching and a 12-week structured program for people who want deeper support. Rated 4.7 stars with 138 reviews, this podcast works especially well for people who respond to lived-experience storytelling and prefer shorter, focused episodes over long-form interviews.

Tim JP Collins knows what it feels like to have anxiety take the wheel. He spent years dealing with panic attacks and crippling worry before finding his way out, and now he shares that hard-won knowledge across more than 500 episodes. The format leans heavily on guest interviews, but these are not your typical stiff Q&A sessions. Tim has a gift for making people open up about their messiest, most vulnerable moments with anxiety, and he meets every story with genuine empathy rather than clinical distance.

What makes this show stand out is his refusal to sugarcoat recovery. He talks openly about setbacks, the frustration of slow progress, and the reality that managing anxiety is rarely a straight line. His guests range from therapists and researchers to everyday people who have clawed their way back from agoraphobia, social anxiety, or generalized anxiety disorder. You get actionable coping strategies alongside raw, honest storytelling.

Episodes drop weekly and usually run between 30 and 50 minutes. Tim keeps things moving without rushing, and he has a knack for asking follow-up questions that get to the heart of what actually helps. If you are tired of podcasts that treat anxiety like a problem you can solve with a few breathing exercises, this one respects the complexity of the experience while still leaving you feeling like progress is possible.

Dr. Lisa Cortez brings her psychotherapy background to over 200 episodes focused squarely on helping listeners kick anxiety to the curb. She calls herself The Anxiety Dr., and the branding fits: each episode feels like a focused session with a therapist who actually wants you to stop needing therapy. Her approach blends cognitive behavioral techniques with practical tools you can use the same day you listen.

The show updates biweekly and covers specific anxiety triggers like health anxiety, work stress, relationship worries, and that 3 AM spiral that refuses to quit. One standout feature is the TAD Reset technique she developed, which gives listeners a repeatable framework for calming anxious thoughts in the moment. She walks through it step by step, which is far more useful than vague advice about just relaxing.

Her delivery is warm and direct. She does not waste time with lengthy intros or excessive small talk. Some episodes run a bit long when she gets deep into a topic, but that extra detail often turns out to be exactly what you needed to hear. With a 4.7-star rating from nearly 400 reviews, listeners consistently point to her compassion and no-nonsense style as reasons they keep coming back. This is a solid choice for anyone who wants professional guidance without the clinical coldness.

Martin Hewlett spent years working as a paramedic before becoming a certified clinical hypnotherapist, and that combination of frontline medical experience and calming expertise shapes every episode. With over 1,000 episodes in the catalog, Calming Anxiety is less of a traditional podcast and more of an on-demand toolkit for panic attacks, racing thoughts, and sleepless nights.

New episodes drop daily, most clocking in at 5 to 10 minutes. That brevity is the point. When anxiety hits at 2 AM or you are sitting in a parking lot before a meeting you are dreading, you do not want a 45-minute conversation. You want someone with a genuinely soothing voice walking you through a grounding exercise or breathing technique. Martin delivers exactly that. He covers the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method, vagus nerve stimulation, somatic breathing, and guided sleep hypnosis, among many other approaches.

The production is clean and intentional, with relaxing soundscapes layered behind his narration. He also tackles specific scenarios like morning anxiety, driving anxiety, and burnout, so you can search for exactly what you need in the moment. The 4.7-star rating from over 400 reviews backs up what the episode list suggests: this is a reliable, well-produced resource that does one thing extremely well. If you want practical, in-the-moment relief rather than long discussions about anxiety theory, this belongs in your rotation.

Katie Krimitsos and the Women's Meditation Network have built something impressive here: over 1,300 guided meditation episodes designed specifically for anxiety. The show updates twice a week with sessions that range from quick 9-minute check-ins to more substantial 30-minute guided journeys. Every episode is purpose-built to help you move from anxious to calm, with clear structure and a gentle, measured voice guiding you through.

The content spans stress relief meditations, sleep-focused sessions, affirmation work, and targeted exercises for specific anxiety triggers. Katie does not lecture or explain anxiety theory. She just starts guiding, which is refreshing when you are already wound up and need help right now rather than a lesson on neuroscience. The pacing is deliberately slow and reassuring, with extended musical endings that let you ease back into your day rather than snapping out of a meditation abruptly.

A few listeners have noted that certain episodes featuring heartbeat sounds or rhyming patterns can actually trigger anxiety for some people, so it is worth sampling a few episodes to find what works for your nervous system. The massive back catalog means there is no shortage of options. With nearly 200 ratings and consistent 4-plus stars, this is a proven meditation companion. If your anxiety responds well to guided practice rather than talk-based therapy, this podcast has more material than you could work through in years.