This week was the annual observance of International Podcast Day. (September 30th.) If you have not yet become a podcast listener, I highly recommend it. It’s convenient, because you can listen while driving, walking, cooking, or doing other tasks. I like to catch up on my listening while doing my daily exercise. I also like podcasts over reading, especially for topics like grief as hearing someone’s voice conveys tone, empathy, and emotion in a way reading does not. If you suffer from eye strain, vision issues, or fatigue, listening can be easier than reading. Podcasts contain storytelling power as personal stories and conversations feel relatable when spoken.

Don’t get me wrong, I am an avid reader, as my bookshelf attests, but there can be some benefits over reading. Voices can carry compassion, pauses, and laughter that deepen meaning. You don’t need to sit down with a book or article; you can absorb while on the move. Podcasts often feature guests and audience interaction, making listeners feel part of a supportive circle.  Listening may feel gentler than reading dense or emotional text about grief.

But clearly, not all podcasts are worthy of your time, so how do you begin to choose one? It may take a little bit of time judging a good podcast before subscribing.  First, check the host’s background – Do they have expertise (grief counselor, author, clergy, therapist) or lived experience? Then glance at episode topics – Are they relevant to your needs (loss, coping, resilience, rituals, professional insight)? Next listen to a short sample – Does the host’s voice and style feel warm, respectful, and easy to listen to? check the episode length & release schedule – does this podcast fits your attention span and is it released regularly? Another important step is to check out reviews and ratings – Positive feedback, especially from people in similar circumstances, is a good sign. Finally have a listen for production quality – Clear audio without distracting background noise shows care and professionalism.

I use Spotify, but there are many options, just search your favorite podcast forum to find these reputable, thoughtful, well-regarded podcasts offering support for those who are grieving a death loss.

• Grief Out Loud (Dougy Center) – Stories and conversations on grief with a balance of expertise and compassion. (my personal favorite)

• What’s Your Grief Podcast – Practical tips, coping strategies, and relatable discussion.

• Terrible, Thanks for Asking (Nora McInerny) – Honest and sometimes humorous reflections on grief and loss.

• The Mindfulness & Grief Podcast (Heather Stang) – Focuses on meditation, resilience, and spiritual well-being.

• Good Mourning – A conversational podcast with two young women sharing candidly about bereavement.

• Unlocking Us (Brené Brown) – While not grief-specific, many episodes touch on vulnerability, resilience, and healing.

If I haven’t convinced you to add podcast listening to your emotional toolbox here is what you may gain from listening to bereavement related podcasts:

  A reminder that you’re not alone – Hear stories that reflect your own journey.

  Help learning to cope – Practical tips and strategies for moving through grief.

  Gain Perspective – Understand emotions in new, comforting ways.

  Find Comfort – Gentle voices validate what you’re feeling.

  Listen Anywhere – Support on your schedule, wherever you are.

  Connect with Experts – Advice from grief counselors and therapists.

  Find Inspiration & Hope – Stories of resilience and remembrance.

  Receive Emotional Release – Safe space to feel, reflect, and heal.

So go ahead… Press Play: It’s Podcast Day!