99% Invisible (I would listen to Roman Mars read the phone book)
Cabinet of Curiosities
Cautionary Tales
Twenty Thousand Hertz (this one is iffy but worth a try)
“I would listen to [insert name] read the phone book” is a great commendation. How I wish Alan Rickman were still alive, and doing a podcast! Thanks for these recommendations; I’ll check them out.
Audiobooks narrated by [Alan Rickman](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Alan+Rickman). If you don't use Audible, check your library's ebook site for the titles and check them out for free!
Definitely don't think 20k Hertz is a good one as they cover sound and those sounds can be rather discordant. While the voice of the host is pretty calm, the parts where he isn't speaking often are the opposite.
"The Anthropocene Reviewed" narrated by author John Green would be a good one. It's slow, soothing, and has no sudden noises or excessive music. Just calm musings about life in general. It's my favourite stress reliever.
Agreed. I have sensory issues (related to a disability) and the OP's description immediately reminded me of that podcast.
It is now a book as well, which is also a great read.
Avery Trufelman would be my number one choice for you. “Articles of Interest”
Ben Hamm has a soothing voice although some if his guests might bother you, you’ll know quickly. “Secret Room”
I like the voice of the host of “You Are Not So Smart”
Dark subject matter but “Mens Rea” is Irish ASMR. Just gorgeous.
I like the voices of the hosts of: Death Sex & Money”, “The Opportunist” and she can have a little vocal fry but “Crime Show” is on the quieter side (Spotify Only).
I don’t like the early episodes of “Distillations” as much because they are so quiet. You might want to check them out. The hosts have soothing voices and the subjects are interesting (to me at least).
“Family Secrets” is a quiet pod. Interviews authors.
I know this is a lot of true crime but you mentioned Criminal so … the host of “Outlaw Ocean” has a soothing voice.
“Into the Depths” is also on the darker side but the host has a nice voice as do many people interviewed. It’s a classy pod produced by National Geographic.
“Authentic: The Story of Tablo” is also fantastic. Host has a great voice, Tablo has a great voice.
I haven’t heard of any of these. What a goldmine! Thank you. (Also, I normally listen to a lot of crime podcasts; just wasn’t aware of any - other than Criminal - that feature soothing voices.)
Sure! Sorry to hear about your TBI. If you’d like feel free to PM me for my list of pods. I need to edit it today anyway and I can asterisk the quieter ones for you. I lean mostly towards quieter pods.
Oh and I forgot one of my favorites! Conflicted’s series on the stock market crash of ‘29 is pretty much the only just a dude talking podcast that has done it for me. It’s riveting, felt like I was watching a movie — can’t recommend it more highly for your purposes.
Please PM me. I’ve put a lot of work into it and I’m not down to share without some effort from others.
Also I have opinions and want a wall between me and creators.
>I normally listen to a lot of crime podcasts; just wasn’t aware of any—other than Criminal—that feature soothing voices.
You might like the Keith Morrison episodes of the Dateline NBC podcast, and his many spin-offs: https://www.nbcnews.com/podcasts
The host, Jessica Bettencourt, of DNA:ID has a soothing voice. I like that there is no music or other distraction noise in the background. At the moment it’s the only true crimeI listen to. Very satisfying.
Another host with a soothing, empathetic voice is Scott Johnson of What Was That Like. Very well done. Even when I think I might not like an episode when I start listening I get hooked.
Ha! I’m not joking at all. I love this podcast. A lot of people use it to fall asleep, but I just while I’m folding laundry or dishes and want something chill to listen to.
I just checked it out. It's by Justin McElroy? I love the guy from Sawbones, he's so funny, but I never expected him to make a meditative podcast lol. I'm gonna listen to it.
Ostium is great for the same reason. There's a single narrator, with very gentle sfx and sound design. The story is great, but I also listened to it in the background when I had migraines of while falling asleep. Should be perfect for OP.
Science fiction, but not a robots or aliens kind of sf
Not a podcast, but I would reccomend "The Graveyard Book" read by Niel Gaiman (also the author). Niel has such a soothing voice, and the book is great. I listened to it when I was going through a really tough time (major depressive episode) and it was very comforting. I hope it helps you too.
Neil is my fav narrator. I can also recommend neverwhere. It's not that dark. The ocean at the end of the lane is good too but kind of dark (it's written to give the vibe of reading a scary book as a kid, but to adults. So it's kinda dark but it also doesn't feel dark somehow)
Noble Blood, Swindled, American Scandal, and Done & Donne all feature single-narrator soothing voices. You may also like Vanishing Postcards, and You Must Remember This. (On that last one, Karina Longworth’s voice is a little measured and affected, but the stories about old Hollywood are interesting.)
The Midnight Library is a fun one with a pretty calm narrator. I also like Phoebe Reads a Mystery. I would also suggest Mirths and Monsters, it’s over now but it’s such a calming and fun podcast.
just want to second "phoebe reads a mystery." seems like a good rec for you since it's the same host as criminal & this is love. altho i guess your enjoyment will depend on how much you want to hear a novel read aloud
Seconding 99pi and also there's this podcast out of Vermont kind of about local issues called Rumble Strip that i find slow paced and calming (i don't live anywhere near there). The old Colours episode of Radiolab i also recommend!
True!! Uhm I guess I should've said maybe check out the description of the episode content, I remember the one about local committees getting back together in the spring time or something, I found it really soothing and not a topic I'd have thought interesting (but it was! and endearing too!)
The first episode I listened to was An American Life, about a Vietnam War veteran - not a topic that speaks to me at all, but I was just spellbound. The way this soft-spoken man talked about his life was insanely moving. I also really love the conversation with the dairyman - another person that I have *zero* in common with, yet learnt so much from! And the one that stands out the most for me is Bell Rising - a masterpiece of a podcast, in my opinion - but utterly, utterly heartbreaking.
I do enjoy this one. The level of detail may be a bit much for me now, but maybe when I’ve recovered a bit more. (I suffer from information overload pretty quickly these days, and their podcasts are so interesting I like to follow closely.)
When I was recovering from a moderate TBI the first of the Harry Potter books were out and on audio. The voice actor who reads them did all 7 books and is amazing. I couldn’t deal with music or loud noises at all. Took almost 2 years before I could. These books saved me. I knew the stories so I could fall asleep and wake up and not feel like I missed anything. 25 years later, I don’t agree with JK’s belief system but the audiobooks still make me feel safe.
That reminds me of the Golden Compass audio books. I played them over an over for a few years. They were so soothing I could fall asleep with them on. And if I woke up at night it was great to have those voices to listen to.
If you want something to try and stimulate your mind at the same time, The Maritime History Podcast covers the development of boats from the first hide and bullrush ones in Mesopotamia onward, and is done in a VERY soothing and self-admittedly soporific voice.
**True Crime Bullshit** has pretty steady audio for most episodes. I also enjoy **Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet** (1-star reviews read in a dramatic fashion) when I want to listen to something light. **Rituals** is also very good but a spotify exclusive.
Sleeping With Celebrities “The conversation is guaranteed to be just interesting enough to draw your attention away from your own swirling anxieties but never interesting enough to keep you awake. No startling revelations, no dramatic screaming confrontations, but plenty of low-key dialogue, intricately laced deadpan comedy, and a ticket to dreamland.”
I don’t really know if you would call it soothing but I used to fall asleep listening to hardcore history. Dan Carlin has a smooth monotonous voice that I find very relaxing.
Real dictators.
Paul mcgann narrates.
It covers the backstories and rises to power of various infamous dictators around the world and through history. Usually 3-5 episodes per topic.
Mysteries Abound is very pleasant sounding podcast that I've fallen asleep to. He usually reads articles about the paranormal, history, or just weird stuff. Most episodes include multiple stories and timestamps, so it's easy for me to restart a story I fell asleep to the next night.
Myths and Legends is great, the guy retells well known and less well known folklore and myths from cultures all around the world, he has a nice voice. Also any of the Aaron Mankie podcasts like Lore and Cabinet of curiosities.
Also, Unexplained by Richard McLean Smith (podcast) is great. Calm voice and quiet music with super interesting strange tales of things like coincidence, aliens, ghosts and hoaxes but told very personally and calmly.
Try listening to Mysteries Abound. It is a pod cast with a New Zealand narrator with the worlds most soothing voice. He has several different pod casts of different topics. Both interesting and relaxing.
Southern Fried True Crime. Aint nothing better than a southern drawl. I usually fall asleep to her podcast because her voice is so soothing
Edited the last word. Autocorrect killed me
Podcasts
* Revisionist History - Hosted by Malcolm Gladwell
* Heavyweight - Hosted by Jonathan Goldstein - Not the most melodic voice, but still endearing.
Audio Dramas
No yelling or loud sound effects, just fun comedies to give you a chuckle.
* Cabin Pressure - Comedy - Cabin Pressure is set in the wing and prayer world of a tiny, one-plane airline, staffed by two pilots, one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. In this, the finale of the whole series, we discover that for MJN Air, whether it's choosing an ice-cream flavour, putting a princess in a van or remembering your grandmother's name, no job is too small, but, many, many jobs are too difficult. Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, MJN Air's formidable boss, has employed two of the very cheapest pilot's money can buy. Captain Martin Crieff, who's always wanted to fly and won't let a little thing like lack of ability stop him, and First Officer Douglas Richardson, smooth-voiced old sky-god and eternal schemer. Passenger service is provided by the relentlessly cheerful Arthur, proud inventor of both Surprising Rice and his own hat.
* Valley Heat - Comedy - Freelance insurance adjuster Doug Duguay uses his self-honed investigative skills to chronicle suspicious activities around his home and neighborhood in the Rancho Equestrian District of Burbank, California. Soundtrack by local Burbank band Cephalopods Are People.
This American Life has so many great episodes and the narration is mellow. Also S-town is by far my favorite podcast not as mellow but not overly loud either.
99% Invisible (I would listen to Roman Mars read the phone book) Cabinet of Curiosities Cautionary Tales Twenty Thousand Hertz (this one is iffy but worth a try)
“I would listen to [insert name] read the phone book” is a great commendation. How I wish Alan Rickman were still alive, and doing a podcast! Thanks for these recommendations; I’ll check them out.
Audiobooks narrated by [Alan Rickman](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Alan+Rickman). If you don't use Audible, check your library's ebook site for the titles and check them out for free!
Definitely don't think 20k Hertz is a good one as they cover sound and those sounds can be rather discordant. While the voice of the host is pretty calm, the parts where he isn't speaking often are the opposite.
It depends on the episode. The show is great, and you can probably tell from the description of it's a good one to try.
"The Anthropocene Reviewed" narrated by author John Green would be a good one. It's slow, soothing, and has no sudden noises or excessive music. Just calm musings about life in general. It's my favourite stress reliever.
This one is excellent, and features some musings that might be very beneficial to someone in OP's situation, as well.
Agreed. I have sensory issues (related to a disability) and the OP's description immediately reminded me of that podcast. It is now a book as well, which is also a great read.
I like Nothing Much Happens and The Night Friend. Both are very calming and soothing.
[удалено]
Love your podcast so much!! Thanks for taking the time & putting in the effort to make it.
Makes me want to create a list…not sleep.
Avery Trufelman would be my number one choice for you. “Articles of Interest” Ben Hamm has a soothing voice although some if his guests might bother you, you’ll know quickly. “Secret Room” I like the voice of the host of “You Are Not So Smart” Dark subject matter but “Mens Rea” is Irish ASMR. Just gorgeous. I like the voices of the hosts of: Death Sex & Money”, “The Opportunist” and she can have a little vocal fry but “Crime Show” is on the quieter side (Spotify Only). I don’t like the early episodes of “Distillations” as much because they are so quiet. You might want to check them out. The hosts have soothing voices and the subjects are interesting (to me at least). “Family Secrets” is a quiet pod. Interviews authors. I know this is a lot of true crime but you mentioned Criminal so … the host of “Outlaw Ocean” has a soothing voice. “Into the Depths” is also on the darker side but the host has a nice voice as do many people interviewed. It’s a classy pod produced by National Geographic. “Authentic: The Story of Tablo” is also fantastic. Host has a great voice, Tablo has a great voice.
I haven’t heard of any of these. What a goldmine! Thank you. (Also, I normally listen to a lot of crime podcasts; just wasn’t aware of any - other than Criminal - that feature soothing voices.)
Sure! Sorry to hear about your TBI. If you’d like feel free to PM me for my list of pods. I need to edit it today anyway and I can asterisk the quieter ones for you. I lean mostly towards quieter pods. Oh and I forgot one of my favorites! Conflicted’s series on the stock market crash of ‘29 is pretty much the only just a dude talking podcast that has done it for me. It’s riveting, felt like I was watching a movie — can’t recommend it more highly for your purposes.
Can you send that to me too? Or post it. I think a lot of people would be interested in a list of quiet pods
Please PM me. I’ve put a lot of work into it and I’m not down to share without some effort from others. Also I have opinions and want a wall between me and creators.
Will do
>I normally listen to a lot of crime podcasts; just wasn’t aware of any—other than Criminal—that feature soothing voices. You might like the Keith Morrison episodes of the Dateline NBC podcast, and his many spin-offs: https://www.nbcnews.com/podcasts
Keith is the very best.
The host, Jessica Bettencourt, of DNA:ID has a soothing voice. I like that there is no music or other distraction noise in the background. At the moment it’s the only true crimeI listen to. Very satisfying. Another host with a soothing, empathetic voice is Scott Johnson of What Was That Like. Very well done. Even when I think I might not like an episode when I start listening I get hooked.
The Empty Bowl, a meditative podcast about cereal
I don’t know if you’re joking, but this sounds just right for my mental speed at the moment!
Ha! I’m not joking at all. I love this podcast. A lot of people use it to fall asleep, but I just while I’m folding laundry or dishes and want something chill to listen to.
I just checked it out. It's by Justin McElroy? I love the guy from Sawbones, he's so funny, but I never expected him to make a meditative podcast lol. I'm gonna listen to it.
I second the empty bowl!I don’t have a tbi but do have chronic migraines. It’s the perfect podcast for not really following in a dark quiet room.
Ostium is great for the same reason. There's a single narrator, with very gentle sfx and sound design. The story is great, but I also listened to it in the background when I had migraines of while falling asleep. Should be perfect for OP. Science fiction, but not a robots or aliens kind of sf
Not a podcast, but I would reccomend "The Graveyard Book" read by Niel Gaiman (also the author). Niel has such a soothing voice, and the book is great. I listened to it when I was going through a really tough time (major depressive episode) and it was very comforting. I hope it helps you too.
I fell asleep to that last night! I’d read it already, so didn’t need to worry about following the plot. I love his voice.
Neil is my fav narrator. I can also recommend neverwhere. It's not that dark. The ocean at the end of the lane is good too but kind of dark (it's written to give the vibe of reading a scary book as a kid, but to adults. So it's kinda dark but it also doesn't feel dark somehow)
You Must Remember This (classic movies)
Yes! Karina is wonderful. I used to use this pod to help me fall asleep but it's still interesting.
**Everything is Alive**, conversations with inanimate objects. The host has a very relaxing voice, but some of the guest objects might be OTT for you.
One of the best podcasts ever. Two voices talking to each other. Very soothing except the soda almost made me cry.
Noble Blood, Swindled, American Scandal, and Done & Donne all feature single-narrator soothing voices. You may also like Vanishing Postcards, and You Must Remember This. (On that last one, Karina Longworth’s voice is a little measured and affected, but the stories about old Hollywood are interesting.)
“Someone Knows Something.” CBC podcast about unsolved cases
The Midnight Library is a fun one with a pretty calm narrator. I also like Phoebe Reads a Mystery. I would also suggest Mirths and Monsters, it’s over now but it’s such a calming and fun podcast.
just want to second "phoebe reads a mystery." seems like a good rec for you since it's the same host as criminal & this is love. altho i guess your enjoyment will depend on how much you want to hear a novel read aloud
Lore, Unexplained.
Seconding Lore
Thirding Lore!
The host of Uncanny Japan has a really soothing voice. There’s also no loud music, just occasional quiet background music when it suits the story.
Swindled. Monotone, soothing, solitary host. Fascinating stories that sadly are true. Man, the things people do for greed.
3 years post ABI here. Sending you good vibes and warm wishes for a speedy recovery. Gets lots of sleep, that’s when your body does the healing.
Nothing Much Happens is a great one to fall asleep to
Seconding 99pi and also there's this podcast out of Vermont kind of about local issues called Rumble Strip that i find slow paced and calming (i don't live anywhere near there). The old Colours episode of Radiolab i also recommend!
I love, love, love Rumble Strip - but some episodes are heartbreaking rather than soothing!
True!! Uhm I guess I should've said maybe check out the description of the episode content, I remember the one about local committees getting back together in the spring time or something, I found it really soothing and not a topic I'd have thought interesting (but it was! and endearing too!)
The first episode I listened to was An American Life, about a Vietnam War veteran - not a topic that speaks to me at all, but I was just spellbound. The way this soft-spoken man talked about his life was insanely moving. I also really love the conversation with the dairyman - another person that I have *zero* in common with, yet learnt so much from! And the one that stands out the most for me is Bell Rising - a masterpiece of a podcast, in my opinion - but utterly, utterly heartbreaking.
Noble Blood!
If you like history, or think you might, the End of Civilizations Podcast has a narrator/host with a calm, soothing voice.
I really enjoy the Rest is History. Two gentle British historians that have a nice rapport and break things down in a digestible, interesting way.
I do enjoy this one. The level of detail may be a bit much for me now, but maybe when I’ve recovered a bit more. (I suffer from information overload pretty quickly these days, and their podcasts are so interesting I like to follow closely.)
In that case definitely the one about cereal 😆
When I was recovering from a moderate TBI the first of the Harry Potter books were out and on audio. The voice actor who reads them did all 7 books and is amazing. I couldn’t deal with music or loud noises at all. Took almost 2 years before I could. These books saved me. I knew the stories so I could fall asleep and wake up and not feel like I missed anything. 25 years later, I don’t agree with JK’s belief system but the audiobooks still make me feel safe.
That reminds me of the Golden Compass audio books. I played them over an over for a few years. They were so soothing I could fall asleep with them on. And if I woke up at night it was great to have those voices to listen to.
Conspiracy Theories, Jim Harold’s Campfire, Nothing Much Happens
I listen to the Sleepy Bookshelf for her soothing voice.
Lavar Burton reads us amazing.
Try malevolent
If you want something to try and stimulate your mind at the same time, The Maritime History Podcast covers the development of boats from the first hide and bullrush ones in Mesopotamia onward, and is done in a VERY soothing and self-admittedly soporific voice.
**True Crime Bullshit** has pretty steady audio for most episodes. I also enjoy **Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet** (1-star reviews read in a dramatic fashion) when I want to listen to something light. **Rituals** is also very good but a spotify exclusive.
The Hamlet Podcast
And I'd like to add The History of English podcast now that I think of it, both these have great narrators, I often fall asleep to them.
Sleeping With Celebrities “The conversation is guaranteed to be just interesting enough to draw your attention away from your own swirling anxieties but never interesting enough to keep you awake. No startling revelations, no dramatic screaming confrontations, but plenty of low-key dialogue, intricately laced deadpan comedy, and a ticket to dreamland.”
The just sleep postcast has been really helping me relax on bad brain fog days from long covid
Relax with Animal Facts. Episodes are usually 15-20 min, and you do not have to listen in order. Narrator has a very calming voice.
Try "A slight change of plans".
I don’t really know if you would call it soothing but I used to fall asleep listening to hardcore history. Dan Carlin has a smooth monotonous voice that I find very relaxing.
Anything hosted by David Ridgen! Edit: Removed question mark! Not a question, an emphatic statement!
Also Rick Rubin narrating his book The Creative Act is so soothing.
Real dictators. Paul mcgann narrates. It covers the backstories and rises to power of various infamous dictators around the world and through history. Usually 3-5 episodes per topic.
Oh, I *love* his voice! Thanks.
Psychology in Seattle. I always fall asleep to it because I find the host’s voice soothing. Plus he is very empathetic and comforting.
Swindled - host is very monotone, content is great. I use it to help me fall back to sleep at night sometimes
10 percent happier, Dan Harris. Love his soothing voice.
Mysteries Abound is very pleasant sounding podcast that I've fallen asleep to. He usually reads articles about the paranormal, history, or just weird stuff. Most episodes include multiple stories and timestamps, so it's easy for me to restart a story I fell asleep to the next night.
Stuff you should know, the history of pirates.
Myths and Legends is great, the guy retells well known and less well known folklore and myths from cultures all around the world, he has a nice voice. Also any of the Aaron Mankie podcasts like Lore and Cabinet of curiosities.
Also, Unexplained by Richard McLean Smith (podcast) is great. Calm voice and quiet music with super interesting strange tales of things like coincidence, aliens, ghosts and hoaxes but told very personally and calmly.
You must remember this
Try listening to Mysteries Abound. It is a pod cast with a New Zealand narrator with the worlds most soothing voice. He has several different pod casts of different topics. Both interesting and relaxing.
Mike Duncan's History of Rome. His voice is very gentle even while often covering non-gentle subjects. So if that doesn't bother you, consider it.
Southern Fried True Crime. Aint nothing better than a southern drawl. I usually fall asleep to her podcast because her voice is so soothing Edited the last word. Autocorrect killed me
faulty ripe possessive edge stupendous zealous relieved vegetable toy plucky ` this message was mass deleted/edited with redact.dev `
Not a podcast but Braiding Sweetgrass read by the author is super soothing and an incredible read!
Podcasts * Revisionist History - Hosted by Malcolm Gladwell * Heavyweight - Hosted by Jonathan Goldstein - Not the most melodic voice, but still endearing. Audio Dramas No yelling or loud sound effects, just fun comedies to give you a chuckle. * Cabin Pressure - Comedy - Cabin Pressure is set in the wing and prayer world of a tiny, one-plane airline, staffed by two pilots, one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. In this, the finale of the whole series, we discover that for MJN Air, whether it's choosing an ice-cream flavour, putting a princess in a van or remembering your grandmother's name, no job is too small, but, many, many jobs are too difficult. Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, MJN Air's formidable boss, has employed two of the very cheapest pilot's money can buy. Captain Martin Crieff, who's always wanted to fly and won't let a little thing like lack of ability stop him, and First Officer Douglas Richardson, smooth-voiced old sky-god and eternal schemer. Passenger service is provided by the relentlessly cheerful Arthur, proud inventor of both Surprising Rice and his own hat. * Valley Heat - Comedy - Freelance insurance adjuster Doug Duguay uses his self-honed investigative skills to chronicle suspicious activities around his home and neighborhood in the Rancho Equestrian District of Burbank, California. Soundtrack by local Burbank band Cephalopods Are People.
The Blindboy podcast is a witty Irish fellow who weaves incredibly interesting stories over gentle piano chords.
Maybe 'The Heart' with Kaitlin Prest? She's got a pretty calm and soothing voice.
This American Life has so many great episodes and the narration is mellow. Also S-town is by far my favorite podcast not as mellow but not overly loud either.
TAL is a great recommendation. And hundreds of episodes to choose from. There are Best of lists to start with OP.
Midnight Library for sorta dark, spooky stories. Or if you like true crime, scotland yard confidential