I’ve always loved ringing in the summer months. There’s a palpable sense of relaxation in the air, and it’s the perfect time to slow down and unplug. My friend Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, a psychiatrist and author of the book Real Self-Care, talks about the idea of having a “season of slow,” a time in your life where you allow yourself to step away from the pressures of your neverending to-do list, and instead home in on what feels good. Inspired by her “Fall of slow” that she declared after a medical scare last year, I’ve made the decision to give myself a “Summer of slow,” allowing myself to take a break from my busy schedule and find some time to pause — which, for me, means putting my computer away, sitting outdoors, and listening to a song that makes me happy, or a podcast that sparks joy. There’s something transformative about putting in your headphones and listening to something that inspires you, helps you recharge, or teaches you something new about the world.
In honor of my “summer of slow,” I’d love to share a few things I’m listening to right now. I hope that it can inspire you to take some time to reset, disconnect, and enjoy a little respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Here are five favorite listens I have on repeat this summer:
The We Can Do Hard Things podcast
I always find this podcast incredibly comforting and inspiring. The three hosts: Glennon Doyle, her wife Abby Wambach, and her sister Amanda Doyle, frankly discuss, well, the hard parts of life, with guests like Tracee Ellis Ross, Megan Rapinoe, and Gloria Steinem. Dr. Lakshmin was actually recently featured on an episode and it resonated with me deeply. The conversations are always interesting, surprisingly relatable, and a reminder to me that we are all doing hard things, every day. And we are more powerful for it.
“Titanium” by David Guetta featuring Sia
This is my current favorite power song! Between the soaring vocals and the confident, free-spirited lyrics —”I’m bulletproof, nothing to lose, fire away”— whenever I hear it I want to stand taller, speak my mind, and leave my mark on this world. It’s the perfect song to listen to while working out, taking a walk, or just dancing around the kitchen. It’s addictive!
The History Chicks podcast
In this podcast, Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider pull from several thousand years of history to profile historic real and fictional women From Maria Montessori (of the groundbreaking schools) to Mrs. Claus. I loved their recent episode on Clara Bow, an iconic actress who Taylor Swift wrote a song about on her new album!
The Ambition Monster audiobook
This has been my go-to audiobook to listen to when running errands or doing chores around the house recently. I’m a huge fan of the author, Jennifer Romolini, and love the way she talks so candidly about her experience climbing up the corporate ladder and reaching the point of burnout. Her story perfectly encapsulates the addictive nature of achievement and how we can do better to protect ourselves and our well-being.
The Rich Roll podcast
I was first introduced to this podcast when I listened to the episode with the U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Dr. Vivek Murthy on the compound effects of loneliness on our health as individuals and as a society, and what we can all do to create more connection and community. I loved the episode and I’ve kept listening. Each episode is filled with intimate, deep conversations about wellness, art, and being our authentic selves. It’s a must listen!