Written by Sabrina Marshall with contributions by Kielty Turner, LCSW, DSW 

In today’s fast-paced world, parents often find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities while striving to maintain a sense of well-being and happiness. Positive psychology offers valuable insights and techniques to help parents navigate the challenges of daily life while fostering greater resilience and enjoyment. Put simply, positive psychology is the study of what makes life worth living. Podcasts and apps serve as great resources for parents (and anyone!) hoping to delve into the principles of positive psychology, providing practical tips for enhancing quality of life. In this blog, Cornerstones clinician Kielty Turner, LCSW, DSW shares five of her favorite positive psychology podcasts and apps that she recommends to parents of Cornerstones clients she works with.

1. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Website: The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Who does not want to be happier?  Hosted by Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos, The Happiness Lab explores the science of happiness and offers evidence-based strategies for living happier and more fulfilling lives. Each episode delves into different aspects of positive psychology, such as gratitude, mindfulness, and resilience, providing listeners with actionable insights they can apply to their own lives. Dr. Santos interviews leading researchers and practitioners in the field, making complex psychological concepts accessible and applicable to everyday challenges. Kielty finds The Happiness Lab to be a great introduction to many of the thought leaders in the positive psychology field. 

2. Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris

Website: Ten Percent Happier Podcast

Journalist and author Dan Harris hosts the Ten Percent Happier podcast, where he explores the intersection of mindfulness practices and mental wellness. Additionally, he is the author of the accompanying book Ten Percent Happier. Harris initially turned to meditation to manage his own stress and anxiety after experiencing a panic attack on live television. In each podcast episode, Harris interviews experts in mindfulness, meditation, and psychology to uncover practical strategies for finding peace and happiness in a hectic world. Kielty suggests this podcast to parents new to the concept of meditation and believes Dan does a fantastic job exploring the connections of mindfulness practices and overall wellness. This is great to listen to in the car, fostering new ideas to integrate into our lives and with our families.  Additionally, this positive psychology podcast offers short guided meditation episodes.

3. On Being with Krista Tippett

Website: On Being Podcast

On Being is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by journalist Krista Tippett, featuring in-depth interviews with leading thinkers, artists, and spiritual leaders. While not exclusively focused on positive psychology, many episodes explore themes related to resilience, compassion, and personal growth. Tippett’s insightful conversations offer listeners a deeper understanding of what it means to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, inspiring them to cultivate greater awareness and purpose.  The most recent season has episodes centered around the embodied experience-a great reminder that we are more than our thoughts and emotions especially when we have kids.

4. iChill by Trauma Resource Institute

Website: iChill App

The iChill app, developed by the Trauma Resource Institute, provides direct support for coping with stress and anxiety. By offering guided exercises and relaxation techniques, users can learn to regulate their emotions and find greater calmness in the face of challenges. The app offers a range of tools, including diaphragmatic breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization techniques, making it a valuable resource for parents seeking to expand upon their mindfulness skills and practices.

5. Insight Timer

Website: Insight Timer

Insight Timer is a popular meditation app that offers a vast library of guided meditations, visualizations, and mindfulness practices. With thousands of teachers and topics to choose from, parents can find meditations tailored to their specific needs, whether it’s managing stress, improving sleep, or cultivating self-compassion. In addition to this, Insight Timer also features a supportive community where users can connect with others on their mindfulness journey, providing a sense of connection and solidarity. Kielty finds this app to be a useful resource for parents new to the concept of positive psychology as well as parents who already have a meditation and mindfulness practice.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, podcasts and apps focused on positive psychology offer valuable resources for parents seeking to enhance their happiness and resilience. By incorporating evidence-based practices and insights into their daily lives, parents can cultivate greater well-being and model healthy coping strategies for their children. Whether it’s tuning into a podcast during a commute or practicing mindfulness with a meditation app, these tools provide practical support for navigating life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.