Podcasts to help you look after yourself

You Are Not a Frog

The title refers to the boiling frog analogy that says if a frog is boiled in water very slowly, it will not recognise the danger and will cook to death.

Founder and former GP Rachel Morris says her podcast can help you overcome the guilt of never being able to do enough at work. ‘We talk about the things other people do not talk about, such as the shame and guilt when you can’t get to the bottom of your to-do list or feel you have let people down,’ she says. ‘We ask, what stops us from looking after ourselves?’

There are hundreds of episodes to choose from, which vary in length from under ten minutes to an hour-plus. Each has a reflection form that you can use for CPD. Dr Morris recommends you start by listening to these episodes:

Nurse Wellbeing Mission

A podcast offering advice and self-care tips for nurses, with talking points including:

Clinical psychologist and preventative mental health advocate Nathan Illman, who hosts the show, says: ‘The Nurse Wellbeing Mission podcast brings together practical advice and thought-provoking conversations to help nurses flourish in their roles.’

There are 28 episodes with more due this autumn.

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

This weekly podcast for your mind, body and heart is one of the most popular health and self-help podcasts. One nurse reviewer via Apple podcasts says: ‘I greatly appreciate Dr Rangan’s holistic, positive, compassionate approach to health.

‘He interviews amazing people and I get something out of each episode I listen to. I’m truly grateful in my own life and as a nurse for the work he does.’

Podcasts to feed your interest in nursing history

The Past Caring podcast

An understanding of the history of nursing can inform how you think about nursing today. The eight episodes in the Past Caring podcast series from the RCN library and archive cover a range of topics, from the difficult histories in women’s health to the essential role that nurses have played in tackling pandemics.

RCN museum and events manager Sarah Chaney says: ‘Our podcast explores the history of key areas of nursing, and related topics like emotions and activism to delve deeper into the complex art of nursing. Hear from experts in nursing past and present, alongside creative ways to improve care.’

Irish Nurses in the NHS

A limited series presented by retired nurse, now radio producer Grainne McPolin. Based on research and in collaboration with the London Irish Centre, the nine episodes tell the story of nurses who left Ireland in the 1950s and 1960s and had to adapt to new lives and work in Britain.

Living with Feeling

A historian’s take on feeling and emotion in the 21st century. Episode two, Robot nurses, explores the potential and the limitations of care robots, and looks at the emotional qualities historically shown by an ‘ideal human nurse’.

Clinical and educational podcasts

The Resus Room

From aortic dissection to spontaneous pneumothorax, The Resus Room covers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about emergency medicine.

This educational and entertaining podcast from consultant nurse Rob Fenwick, emergency medicine consultant Simon Laing and specialist paramedic James Yates is aimed at healthcare professionals working or interested in emergency medicine. Episodes drop at least twice a month and cover a variety of emergency medicine topics.

A five-star review on Apple says this is a welcome break from reading and ‘a useful tool in helping understanding of pre-hospital treatment’.

Diabetes Specialist Nurse Forum UK

The weekly podcast from the Diabetes Specialist Nurse Forum UK covers all the latest diabetes news, from insulin shortages to trial results. Given that the number of people in the UK living with diabetes is thought to be at an all-time high the podcast offers many opportunities for learning, even if you are not a diabetes specialist nurse.

The Nurse Researcher Podcast

This podcast offers an insight into the world of clinical academia and what the role of a nurse researcher involves.

Introducing the podcast, nurse academic Andrew Finney says the aim is ‘to chat to clinical academics, to identify what their role entails, how their jobs are split, what they do in their daily lives and what tips and advice they can give to people aspiring to be a nurse academic’.

The MDTea podcast

This is a podcast for nurses working with older adults. The 100-plus episode archive reviews aspects of caring for older people from the perspective of the multidisciplinary team.

Topics covered include nutrition, medication, falls and communication.

High Performance Nursing

A series with useful information for nurses, whatever their career stage. Host Liam Caswell, a nurse and career coach, covers topics such as interview preparation, money management and personal growth.

One listener says: ‘As a nurse, I can relate to a lot of what is said. It’s great food for thought and makes me want to challenge myself to be that high-performing nurse that I know I am capable of being.’

Mr Caswell says the podcast explores all avenues of career development, nurse entrepreneurship and personal growth. ‘Each episode offers practical strategies, inspiring stories and expert advice, helping nurses to navigate the challenges of their profession and achieve their fullest potential,’ he says.

Episodes drop weekly and feature interviews with nursing professionals and experts, offering diverse perspectives and insights.

Podcasts on policy and healthcare

The Health Foundation podcast

All the latest issues in healthcare. Recent topics include NHS productivity and the impact of the economy on health.

Leading Improvement in Health and Care

The Health Foundation has launched a sister podcast series for leaders, Leading Improvement in Health and Care. The first episode on how to improve staff engagement and morale is now available.

The King’s Fund podcast

For more discussions on the NHS, social care, health policy and leadership, plus interviews with experts who explore the ‘big ideas’ in health and care.