There are so many podcasts that it can be overwhelming at times to even know where to start. Here at Cityscape we are focusing on our 5 Ways to Wellbeing and have uncovered some primo podcasts to have you well on your way to smashing these goals. Check out our top 20 picks.

1 / Happier Author and host Gretchen Rubin relentlessly explores human nature to understand how each of us can make our lives better. She discusses daily habits and the role they play, giving simple tips along the way to help you be happier. Some of the topics she covers include keeping a stress diary, the effect music can have and the joys of movement.

2 / StartUp A look into entrepreneurial life, this series follows the starting of various businesses and was turned into a TV series. The first season is all about the start-up of Gimlet Media, the digital media company behind the podcast. Season two focuses on a dating company called Dating Ring, and the following seasons focus on a different company in each episode. Learn about the opportunities and pitfalls when starting a new business venture.

3 / The Male Gayz Funny men Eli Matthewson and Chris Parker chat about the queer community in New Zealand. Their aim is to create content that they feel was lacking when they were coming out and growing up, while not taking themselves too seriously – they let others tackle the tricky stuff so they can be queer kids’ outlet for a laugh.

4 / All Blacks Podcast The official podcast from New Zealand rugby features interviews with some of the biggest and most influential names in the sport from here and around the world. Providing fascinating insight, interviewees look back on their careers and chat about injuries, highlights, low points and of course the lead-up to the World Cup.

5 / Song Exploder There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of writing music and Song Exploder dissects this. Each week a different musician is interviewed and they take apart their songs piece by piece and tell the story of how they were made.  Guests include Fleetwood Mac, U2, Metallica, Lorde and Yo-Yo Ma, amongst many other legends. So if you’ve ever pondered the origins of your favourite songs, now’s your chance to find out!

6 / TED Talks Health TED Talks have taken the world by storm and are always super informative and interesting. The TED Talks Health series will give you some great tips and inspiration including smart daily health habits and medical breakthroughs. Professionals in the field will share their findings about your wellbeing and give you the information you need to make positive changes.

7 / Diet Starts Tomorrow We’ve all heard that saying, but this series features all things wellness, weight loss, mental health and fitness to give you the tools and inspiration you need to get it happening. Hosted by Betches co-founders Aleen Kuperman and Samantha Fishbein, they present their no-bullshit perspective of real women who understand the struggle. Put down that toxic Instagram perfection and start listening to the reality.

8 / The Science of Success A range of guests from neuropsychologists to entrepreneurs, FBI hostage negotiators and mindfulness gurus all chat with host Matt Bodnar, giving you tips and insights to become a better version of yourself. Thought provoking, the show presents many different scientific and psychological reasons why you may not be reaching your full potential.

9 / Epidemic This fresh weekly podcast features infectious disease specialists and public health experts presenting the most current information about COVID-19. They answer listeners’ questions each episode and look at how we can care for ourselves, our families and our communities – great if you’re looking to keep up to date with the latest information globally.

10 / Coffee Break Languages Learn a new language in the time it takes to drink a coffee (or thereabouts). Coffee Break Languages offer podcasts in a variety of languages and each short lesson tackles basic vocabulary and phrases. There are more advanced lessons for some languages, so you’ll be fluent in no time!

11 / Hardcore History If you’ve got an interest in history and a bit of time on your hands (it’s not uncommon for episodes to run for up to five hours), this is the one for you. Each episode is presented by Dan Carlin and focuses on a different moment in history, and he does a brilliant job of holding your attention on some fascinating moments in time.

12 / Note to Self A weekly reminder to question everything, Note to Self is hosted by former news journalist Manoush Zomordi. It takes a look at the multi-faceted and sometimes complex impacts of technology, data and gadgets on our lives and explores questions that we all face while trying to preserve our humanity in a digital world.

13 / Headspace Radio From the same team that developed the popular Headspace meditation app, Radio Headspace talks to different members of their community about how our minds can help us to reach our goals and change lives. It touches on topics such as motivation, decision-making and why we think the way we do.

14 / Found My Fitness Dr Rhonda Patrick is a regular on the popular Joe Rogan podcast and has a wealth of health knowledge to share. She discusses how your gut affects your health, should you be getting more vitamin D, the benefits of saunas and so many other fascinating topics. She also passes on some hot tips on supplements and activities.

15 / Millennial A podcast about coming of age – get the scoop on what no one ever teaches you and learn how to manoeuvre your 20s. The series follows people who are in the same boat and dealing with money, city life and all the challenges of stepping into the ‘real world’. Pick up some tips on adulting and some world knowledge, too.

16 / Stuff You Should Know The title says it all – each episode explores something you should probably know, but don’t. Hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, topics include is your boss spying on you, how rogue waves work, was there a real King Arthur and can sugar power the Earth.

17 / Chatty Broads with Bekah and Jess If you need a good ol’ giggle, then this is the one for you. A chat with your gal pals usually results in a lot of laughs – this podcast will have you as a fly on the wall as these two opinionated broads have some funny chats ranging from sex to spirituality, breastfeeding and more.

18 / By the Book Comedian Jolenta Greenberg and culture critic Kristen Meinzer are on the quest to find the ultimate self-help book. Each episode has them living by the theories and instructions of a different popular guide. They do this for two weeks, providing updates along the way before passing judgment. The conversations are entertaining and fascinating.

19 / How Did This Get Made If you’ve ever found yourself watching a train wreck of a movie and wondering how on earth did this get made, this podcast has the answers. Each week the team analyse and deconstruct a so-bad-it’s-good movie and give their final thoughts.

20 / Design Your Dream Life Life coach and guru Natalie Bacon shares lessons on how to accomplish goals, master your mindset, make more money and build a business. It’s aimed at women who want to reignite their lives and are chasing more fulfilment, money and freedom. You’ll be inspired with every episode and find yourself taking notes.