Top 18 'Unplug-and-Unwind' Podcasts to enjoy for a Screen-Free Weekend Reset - Goh Ling Yong
In a world saturated with glowing rectangles, the constant barrage of notifications, emails, and endless scrolling can leave our minds feeling cluttered and our eyes strained. By the time Friday rolls around, the idea of another weekend spent glued to a screen can feel less like a break and more like a continuation of the work week. This is where the magic of a 'screen-free weekend reset' comes in—a conscious decision to unplug from the digital noise and reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.
But going completely silent can be daunting. How do you fill the space usually occupied by Netflix, YouTube, or social media? The answer is beautifully simple: podcasts. They are the perfect medium for a digital detox, offering rich entertainment, deep learning, and profound relaxation, all without demanding your visual attention. You can listen while you cook, garden, walk, or simply lie on the sofa with your eyes closed. It's consumption without the screen-induced fatigue.
Here on the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe in optimising not just our work, but also our rest. A proper weekend reset is crucial for mental wellness and sustained productivity. That's why we've curated this list of 18 incredible podcasts designed to help you unplug and unwind. From captivating stories to meditative soundscapes, there's something here to help you reclaim your weekend and return to your week feeling genuinely refreshed.
1. Sleep With Me
If your racing mind is the biggest barrier to a relaxing weekend, Sleep With Me is your new best friend. Host Drew Ackerman, aka "Dearest Scooter," has a singular mission: to bore you to sleep. He tells rambling, tangential, and utterly pointless stories in a droning, monotonous voice that is specifically engineered to be unengaging. It's a brilliant concept that works wonders by giving your brain something to focus on just enough to distract it from your own anxious thoughts.
This isn't a podcast you listen to for the plot; it's one you listen to for the feeling. The stories meander through nonsensical recaps of TV shows, bizarre fictional tales, and other sleepy musings. The goal is to let Scooter's voice become a gentle background murmur that lulls you into a state of rest, making it perfect for a weekend afternoon nap or for quieting your mind before a good night's sleep.
- Unwind Tip: Don't try to follow the story. Put on your headphones, lie down, and let the words wash over you. The episode "A Very Boring Rerun" is a great place to start, as it perfectly encapsulates the show's sleep-inducing charm.
2. LeVar Burton Reads
For many of us, LeVar Burton's voice is synonymous with the comfort and magic of storytelling from our childhoods. In LeVar Burton Reads, the beloved host of Reading Rainbow brings that same warmth and gravitas to a new generation of listeners, but this time, the stories are for adults. Each episode features Burton reading a hand-picked piece of short fiction, from sci-fi to fantasy to literary gems.
His masterful narration transforms the act of listening into a fully immersive experience. The sound design is subtle yet effective, adding a layer of atmosphere without ever being distracting. It's the perfect podcast to pair with a quiet activity like knitting, drawing, or simply sipping a cup of tea. You can close your eyes and let one of the world's greatest storytellers paint a vivid world inside your mind.
- Unwind Tip: Pair this podcast with a cozy activity. Listen to "The Paper Menagerie" by Ken Liu for a beautiful, heart-wrenching story, or try Nnedi Okorafor's "After the Coup" for a dose of captivating Afrofuturism.
3. The Moth
There is something profoundly human and connecting about listening to a true story told live on stage. The Moth captures this magic by presenting stories told without notes by people from all walks of life. Each episode centres on a theme, featuring a collection of tales that can be hilarious, heartbreaking, and everything in between.
Listening to The Moth is a fantastic screen-free way to feel connected to others. It reminds you of the shared human experience and the extraordinary moments hidden within ordinary lives. It's a podcast that sparks empathy and curiosity, making it a wonderful companion for a long drive or a session of weekend chores. You’ll laugh, you might cry, and you’ll definitely feel more in touch with the world.
- Unwind Tip: Let the stories surprise you. Instead of picking by title, choose a recent episode and dive in. The raw, unscripted nature of the storytelling is what makes it so powerful.
4. On Being with Krista Tippett
For those who want their unwinding to come with a side of gentle intellectual and spiritual nourishment, On Being is essential listening. Host Krista Tippett engages in deep, unhurried conversations with a diverse range of guests—from theologians and physicists to poets and activists—exploring the "big questions" of what it means to be human.
This is not a debate show; it's a space for thoughtful, nuanced exploration. The conversations are calm, respectful, and profoundly insightful, offering a welcome antidote to the frantic pace of online discourse. Listening to an episode of On Being feels like auditing the most fascinating university course you've ever taken, but with all the pressure removed. It’s perfect for a Sunday morning with a coffee in hand.
- Unwind Tip: Listen while taking a slow, contemplative walk in nature. The episode with the poet Mary Oliver ("Listening to the World") or the one with physicist Carlo Rovelli ("All Reality Is Interaction") are fantastic starting points.
5. The Slow Home Podcast
A screen-free weekend is often part of a larger desire to simplify and slow down. The Slow Home Podcast is your auditory guide to doing just that. Host Brooke McAlary explores the idea of "slow living" in a world that constantly demands we go faster. She offers practical advice and gentle encouragement on how to declutter your home, your schedule, and your mind.
Each episode feels like a calm conversation with a wise friend who understands the pressures of modern life but champions a more intentional way of being. It's incredibly inspiring without being preachy, providing actionable steps you can take to create more space and peace in your life. It’s the ideal soundtrack for tidying up your space or planning a more mindful week ahead.
- Unwind Tip: Put an episode on while you do a "weekend reset" of your physical space. Declutter a drawer, tidy your desk, or sort through your closet while listening to Brooke's soothing advice on simplicity.
6. Hidden Brain
If you're curious about the inner workings of your own mind, Hidden Brain is a must-listen. Host Shankar Vedantam uses a blend of science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behaviour, the biases that shape our choices, and the triggers that direct our relationships.
The topics are fascinating and the production is top-notch, making complex psychological concepts accessible and engaging. It’s a great "unplugged" podcast because it encourages self-reflection and a deeper understanding of yourself and others, all without the need for a screen. It’s the kind of show that leaves you with "aha!" moments you'll be pondering long after the episode ends.
- Unwind Tip: Perfect for a solo weekend activity like gardening or cooking. The episode "You 2.0: The Empathy Gym" is a powerful exploration of how we can train ourselves to be more compassionate.
7. No Such Thing As A Fish
Sometimes, the best way to unwind is with a good laugh and some wonderfully weird facts. No Such Thing As A Fish is a weekly podcast from the researchers behind the British TV show QI. Each week, the four hosts share the most bizarre, hilarious, and interesting facts they've discovered, riffing off each other with infectious glee.
The show is pure, lighthearted fun. There's no heavy subject matter, just an hour of brilliant banter and mind-boggling trivia that will leave you smiling. It’s the perfect podcast to put on while doing mundane chores like laundry or washing dishes, instantly transforming a tedious task into an enjoyable experience.
- Unwind Tip: This is a great "shared listening" experience. Put it on the speakers while you and a partner or roommate cook dinner together. It’s an instant conversation starter.
8. The Anthropocene Reviewed
From celebrated author John Green comes a podcast of profound and poignant essays. In The Anthropocene Reviewed, Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet—from Diet Dr Pepper to the Taco Bell breakfast menu to Canada geese—on a five-star scale. The concept is quirky, but the execution is deeply moving and thought-provoking.
Each review is a masterclass in personal essay writing, weaving together history, science, and memoir to explore what it means to be alive in our current geological age. John’s sincere, curious, and empathetic voice makes each episode feel like a letter from a dear friend. It's a show that makes you feel both small in the grand scheme of things and deeply connected to the world, all at once.
- Unwind Tip: Find a quiet spot with a view—a park bench, your balcony, or just a comfortable chair by a window. This podcast is best absorbed with a bit of stillness.
9. The Empty Bowl
Described as a "meditative podcast about cereal," The Empty Bowl is perhaps the coziest and most uniquely relaxing show on this list. Hosts Justin McElroy and cereal expert Dan Goubert discuss the latest news and reviews from the world of breakfast cereal, all set to a backdrop of gentle, ambient music.
The show is intentionally low-stakes and soothing. The hosts' calm, friendly banter about things like milk-to-cereal ratios and the texture of a new granola is wonderfully comforting. It's the audio equivalent of a warm blanket and is specifically designed to be listened to in the morning as you start your day or at night as you wind down.
- Unwind Tip: The ultimate pairing is, of course, to listen while enjoying your own bowl of cereal for a truly meta and meditative weekend breakfast experience.
10. 99% Invisible
For the endlessly curious, 99% Invisible is a gateway to seeing the hidden world of design all around you. Host Roman Mars has a voice as smooth as velvet, and he guides listeners through fascinating stories about the thought and design that go into things we often take for granted—from traffic lights and city flags to hostile architecture and the sound of a slot machine.
This show will fundamentally change the way you look at the world. After listening, a simple walk down the street becomes a treasure hunt for design details and hidden histories. It's an intellectually stimulating podcast that feels expansive rather than draining, making it an ideal companion for a weekend stroll through your neighbourhood. As a firm believer in intentional living, I, Goh Ling Yong, find this podcast a constant source of inspiration for noticing the details that make up our lives.
- Unwind Tip: Choose an episode about urban design, like "The Shipping Forecast" or "Structural Integrity," and then go for a walk in a city or town to see your surroundings with new eyes.
11. Myths and Legends
Escape into worlds of folklore, mythology, and legends from around the globe. Host Jason Weiser retells classic stories—from King Arthur and Thor to lesser-known tales from various cultures—in a modern, accessible, and often humorous way. He breathes new life into these ancient narratives, making them feel fresh and exciting.
This podcast is pure escapism. It allows you to immerse yourself in epic adventures, cautionary tales, and heroic journeys without needing to look at a single pixel. Weiser's engaging storytelling is perfect for a long car ride, a lazy afternoon, or as a more entertaining alternative to an audiobook.
- Unwind Tip: A fantastic choice for a screen-free "family-friendly" activity. Put an episode on during a road trip or while working on a puzzle together.
12. Tara Brach
If you're looking for a more direct path to a calm mind, Tara Brach's podcast is an invaluable resource. A renowned psychologist and Buddhist meditation teacher, Brach shares her weekly talks and guided meditations, which blend Western psychology with Eastern spiritual practices.
Her voice is incredibly soothing, and her wisdom is both profound and practical. She addresses common struggles like anxiety, self-judgment, and fear with immense compassion, offering guided practices to help you find a place of inner peace and acceptance. This is a powerful tool for anyone looking to make mindfulness a core part of their weekend reset.
- Unwind Tip: Find a comfortable and quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Use headphones to fully immerse yourself in one of her guided meditations, such as "RAIN of Self-Compassion."
13. Song Exploder
For music lovers, Song Exploder offers a unique and intimate look at the creative process. In each episode, host Hrishikesh Hirway invites a musician to break down one of their songs piece by piece, telling the story of how it was made. You hear the isolated tracks—the bassline, the vocals, the drum machine—as the artist explains their decisions and inspirations.
It’s a beautifully produced show that deepens your appreciation for music, whether you're a fan of the featured artist or not. You get to hear the raw ingredients of a song and understand its emotional and technical architecture. It’s a perfect podcast for focused, deep listening that engages your mind in a creative and refreshing way.
- Unwind Tip: Listen to an episode about a song you love, and then immediately listen to the full song afterward. You'll hear it in a completely new light. The episodes with Fleetwood Mac or Lorde are fan favourites.
14. Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Laughter is one of the fastest ways to de-stress, and the Off Menu podcast delivers it in spades. Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite a guest—usually another comedian or celebrity—into their "dream restaurant" to choose their dream starter, main course, dessert, and drink.
The food choices are merely a jumping-off point for hilarious anecdotes, surreal tangents, and brilliant comedic chemistry between the hosts and their guest. It's a consistently funny and warm-hearted show that feels like you're eavesdropping on the most entertaining dinner party ever. It’s an ideal listen for when you need a pure mood-boost.
- Unwind Tip: Excellent for pairing with cooking or baking. The cheerful, food-centric chatter makes any time spent in the kitchen more enjoyable.
15. Desert Island Discs
A true classic, this BBC radio show has been running for decades for a good reason. Each week, a notable guest (a "castaway") is invited to share the eight tracks, one book, and one luxury item they would take with them to a desert island. In between the musical selections, they share the story of their life.
The format is a simple but brilliant vehicle for a life interview. The music choices act as emotional signposts, prompting intimate and often moving reflections on the guest's childhood, career, and relationships. It’s a wonderful way to learn about fascinating people while also discovering some great new (or old) music.
- Unwind Tip: Create your own "Desert Island Discs" list as you listen. What eight songs have shaped your life? It's a fun, screen-free reflective exercise.
16. Everything is Alive
This is an interview show with a wonderfully strange and delightful twist: the guests are inanimate objects. In each episode, host Ian Chillag conducts a surprisingly insightful and often funny interview with a can of cola, a lamppost, or a grain of sand, played by an improvisational comedian.
The podcast is a masterclass in imaginative empathy. It forces you to look at the mundane objects in your life and consider their "perspective." The result is a show that is by turns hilarious, poignant, and philosophical. It's a uniquely creative experience that will spark your imagination and help you see the world from a completely new angle.
- Unwind Tip: Listen to an episode and then spend a few minutes looking at the objects around you, imagining what stories they might tell. The episode with "Louis, a Can of Cola" is a classic.
17. Lore
If you like your relaxation with a touch of spooky atmosphere, Lore is the podcast for you. Host Aaron Mahnke delves into dark historical tales, true stories, and folklore in a calm, measured, and deeply atmospheric way. Think of it as sitting around a campfire listening to expertly told scary stories.
While the subject matter can be dark, Mahnke's delivery is more "creepy" than "terrifying." The sound design is impeccable, creating a chilling ambiance that draws you into the narrative. It’s a fantastic form of escapism for those who enjoy history, mystery, and a good old-fashioned ghost story.
- Unwind Tip: Best enjoyed in the evening, perhaps with the lights turned down low (if you’re brave!). It’s a great way to get lost in a story and forget about your own daily stresses.
18. Meditative Story
This podcast brilliantly combines intimate, personal storytelling with mindfulness prompts to create a unique listening experience. Each episode features a different person telling a transformative story from their life, while host Rohan Gunatillake gently interjects with guided meditation cues that connect to the themes of the narrative.
The result is something more than just a story and more than just a meditation—it's an immersive journey that engages your mind and calms your body simultaneously. It helps you find meaning in the narrative while also grounding you in the present moment. It’s the perfect synthesis of entertainment and wellness, tailor-made for a weekend reset.
- Unwind Tip: Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down. Close your eyes and allow yourself to be fully guided by both the story and the mindfulness prompts for a truly restorative experience.
Your Screen-Free Journey Starts Here
Choosing to unplug is an act of self-care. It’s an acknowledgment that our minds, like our bodies, need periods of genuine rest to function at their best. Podcasts offer a perfect bridge, allowing us to stay engaged, entertained, and enlightened without the fatigue of a screen.
This weekend, challenge yourself. Pick one or two podcasts from this list, put your phone on silent and out of reach, and see how it feels to simply listen. You might discover a new favourite show, a fascinating idea, or, most importantly, a renewed sense of calm and clarity.
What are your go-to podcasts for unwinding and disconnecting? Share your favourites in the comments below—we’d love to grow this resource with your recommendations
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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