Tara Brach

Tara Brach has been doing this for a long time. She's a clinical psychologist with a PhD and a meditation teacher who trained in Buddhist traditions, and her podcast reflects that dual foundation. Each week she alternates between dharma talks and guided meditations, blending insights from Western psychology with Eastern contemplative practice. The result is something that feels both intellectually grounded and deeply calming. With over 1,600 episodes and a 4.8 star rating from more than 10,000 reviews on Apple Podcasts, this is one of the most established meditation podcasts in existence. Brach has a voice that genuinely puts you at ease. Her talks explore themes like self-compassion, letting go of control, befriending difficult emotions, and learning to see goodness in yourself and others. She references research when it's relevant but never makes the show feel academic. It's more like sitting with a wise friend who happens to know a lot about neuroscience and Buddhist philosophy. The guided meditations range from 15 to 45 minutes and are excellent for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Brach uses a technique she calls RAIN (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) that has become widely adopted in therapeutic settings. New episodes drop twice a week, and the back catalog alone could keep you busy for years. If you're looking for a podcast that addresses emotional pain through mindfulness without getting preachy or overly woo-woo, Tara Brach consistently delivers something genuine and useful.