The best podcasts for navigating relationships unpacking complexities & seizing opportunities for growth.

Presented by The Poet God, "Shades of Bae" is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexity of human relationships. In this series, a diverse group of individuals delve into the reasons why we often hide certain aspects of ourselves from our loved ones. Through intimate and raw conversations, discover the shades of vulnerability, fear, shame, and love that influence the way we show up in our relationships. This series kicks off with "TheToxic Nipple" which takes a tantalizing journey deep into the dark, forbidden world of how our upbringing has shaped our sexual views, gender roles, and relationship patterns. Join me on this journey of self-discovery and connection as we shine a light on the many shades of bae.

It's important to create space for the voices that step up to tell their own stories in ways no one else can which is what Les Chat Podcast does for their community. Below is a description of their podcast as they describe it. "Welcome to the Les Chat podcast! Yes, another LGBTQ+ podcast coming to you straight from the EAST COST co-hosted by the queer couple Jojo and Dayra. We want a place to share our life experiences and point of view within the LGBTQIA+ and Latinx communities. Accompanied by some of our friends and family that are also a part of OR an alliance to the community. We discuss relationships, sex, dating, labels, queerness, slurs, stereotypes, storytelling, and MORE. So pour your drinks, light your candles, and kick back while we vibe out together."

Like a good memoir, I love a podcast that takes a deep dive into the stories of people who have lived extraordinary lives or who have amazing stories to tell. Back from Broken is exactly that type of podcast! Here's how it is described in the words of its creators. "Back From Broken is an interview series about what it takes to recover from the biggest challenge of your life -- and what others can learn from your adversity. Colorado Public Radio’s Vic Vela, an award-winning journalist who’s also a recovering drug addict, hosts the podcast. Vic talks with guests about challenges like substance abuse, mental illness, gambling addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Each story describes the highest highs, the darkest moments, and what it takes to make a comeback. It’s a raw, empathetic show that’s ultimately about hope -- and how recovery is possible."

If vulnerability is a superpower this podcast is full of superpowers. We all have been through the ups and downs of dating and having a podcast that helps us navigate the difficulty of that is priceless. This is why "Why Won't You Date Me? with Nicole Byer is highly recommended! Description below! "Dating can be a hot mess, from being ghosted by your crush to realizing that you've been catfished by a Tinder match. Why Won't You Date Me? is here to help. Join Nicole Byer, the perpetual singleton, as she invites fellow comedians, friends, and ex-flings to talk romance and share their wildest dating tales, from cringe-worthy first dates to jaw-dropping hookup stories. Nothing is off-limits."

Well, this one is pretty self-explanatory but I must say I think concludes this list beautifully. Conversations like the ones had in this podcast should be heard in every educational institution at the very least. We can all benefit from taking a few steps in each other's shoes. Here's how the creators of "How To Be A Better Human" describe it. "Join How to Be a Better Human as we take a look within and beyond ourselves. How to Be a Better Human isn’t your average self-improvement podcast. Each week join comedian Chris Duffy in conversation with guests and past speakers as they uncover sharp insights and give clear takeaways on how YOU can be a better human. From your work to your home and your head to your heart, How to Be a Better Human looks in unexpected places for new ways to improve and show up for one another. Inspired by the popular series of the same name on TED’s Ideas blog, How to Be a Better Human will help you become a better person from the comfort of your own headphones."