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The 21 Best Addiction Podcasts For Overdose Crisis And Recovery

Best Addiction and Drug Policy Podcasts for Public Health Insights

Oliver Bugarin
August 12, 2026

Explore a curated selection of public health podcasts dedicated to understanding addiction and drug policy. Whether you're interested in research, prevention, treatment, recovery, or policy reform, these shows provide valuable conversations and evidence-based insights.

Drug Policy for Public Health Insights: The 21 Best Addiction Podcasts For Overdose Crisis And Recovery

Let's go!

1. Overdose Deaths Just Had Their Biggest Drop In History, with Keith Humphreys, Stanford Professor

Overdose deaths dropped 27% in a single year, the largest decline ever recorded. Most people have no idea it happened. Keith Humphreys, Stanford addiction expert and adviser to three US presidents, figured out why. The answer involves China, Reddit, and a supply shock nobody saw coming.

Check here for their latest episode:

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  • Fame
  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • YouTube

2. Neural Compass

Welcome to Neural Compass, a new podcast from Jimini Health.We’re charting the future of mental and behavioral health - at the intersection of AI, psychiatry, neuroscience, and real-world clinical care.Hosted by Jimini’s own Mark Jacobstein, Neural Compass features honest, forward-thinking conversations with the leaders shaping what’s next - from healthcare executives to AI pioneers.Whether you’re building in this space, investing in it, or navigating it as a decision-maker, this podcast is your guide to the breakthroughs, challenges, and ideas defining the next era of care.Learn more: jiminihealth.com

Check here for their latest episode:

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  • Fame
  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • YouTube

3. The Happiness Lab

Have you been feeling really low lately? Maybe your emotions have been signalling a serious depression, and despite wanting to seek help, you may not know where to begin. This is where The Happiness Lab podcast comes into play, where Laurie Santos, Ph.D., gives valuable insights into the link between behaviour and emotions based on scientific research. Santos offers directives on how to cope with all the negativity that leads to depression, anxiety, and grief, which is one of the main reasons why this podcast has gained tremendous popularity, with a 4.7 stars score on Apple Podcasts. While this podcast isn’t available for free, it’s without a doubt worth paying for it because it’s highly informative and valuable for listeners. It’s worth noting, however, that although the tips are helpful, they won’t necessarily make you more blissful right away.

In fact, it’s recommended not to rely solely on podcasts if you have a hard time coping with what you’re feeling but instead seek professional help. Depending on the reasons behind your mental health struggles, you may need additional help besides the support of a therapist – for instance, if you’ve faced a data breach that has caused you psychological harm, it’s essential to recover compensation and claim the losses and expenses you’ve endured ( please visit https://www.databreachcompensationexpert.co.uk for more information on this). 

Check here for their latest episode:

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  • ‍Apple Podcasts

4. The Hilarious World of Depression

Sometimes, the best way to cope with your mental health issues is to… laugh at them. That’s what John Moe does in “The Hilarious World of Depression” podcast, empowering people to feel more optimistic about life with this diagnosis, whether you’re the one who struggles with it or someone else in your life does. Even if you don’t get treatment for depression at the moment, the podcast episodes offer incredible value, as they are made up of raw and hilarious talks between comedians and guests who know exactly what it’s like to experience depression.

Fans across the Internet have lauded “The Hilarious World of Depression”, and although the podcast has been canceled, the 97 episodes are still available for listening. 

Check here for their latest episode:

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  • Apple Podcasts

5. Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

Join David Puder as he covers different topics on psychiatry and psychotherapy. He will draw from the wisdom of his mentors, research, in-session therapy and psychiatry experience, and his own journey through mental health to discuss topics that affect mental health professionals and popsychology enthusiasts alike. Through interviews, he will dialogue with both medical students, residents and expert psychiatrists and psychotherapists, and even with people who have been through their own mental health journey. This podcast was created to help others in their journey to becoming wise, empathic, genuine and connected in their personal and professional lives.

Check here for their latest episode:

Subscribe here:

  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

6. State of Mind with Southside Behavioral Health

Our mental health is a powerful tool that affects both how we see the world around us and interact with it. Join our team of psychologists, mental health therapists, and guest speakers as we explore the latest news in mental health treatments and trends. Each episode contains powerful information to help you better control and navigate your own mental health needs, daily stress, and emotional wellbeing.

Check here for their latest episode:

Subscribe here:

  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

7. MasterMined: A Behavioral & Mental Health Podcast

MasterMined isn't just about learning — it's about digging deep to uncover what truly works in the business of behavioral health.

This podcast will explore the innovative strategies, operational frameworks, and leadership lessons driving success in the mental health industry. From scaling private practices to managing multi-location organizations, each episode delivers clear, candid, and compelling conversations to help business owners, executives, and industry leaders build, optimize, and scale their behavioral health organizations—without losing sight of their mission.

Check here for their latest episode:

Subscribe here:

  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

8. LDS Mental Health Podcast

Niki Olsen is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist and coach who uses mental health skills taught through a spiritual perspective.  This is a podcast for faithful women who want healing in their relationships, guidance from God and internal peace. Each week you’ll hear mental health concepts taught through a spiritual lens from a licensed clinical mental health counselor to help you start thinking in a higher holier way.

Check here for their latest episode:

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  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

9. Rise Above: a Podcast From Rogers Behavioral Health

Rise Above: a podcast from Rogers Behavioral Health takes listeners on a journey of education and inspiration as we sit down with mental health and addiction experts and past patients who are changing how the world views mental health and addiction.

Check here for their latest episode:

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  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

10. Becker's Healthcare Behavioral Health

This podcast from Becker's Healthcare will focus key behavioral health news and trends.

Check here for their latest episode:

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  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

11. These Fukken Feelings

When you’re struggling with your emotions, it can help to know that someone else is experiencing the same thing as you. That’s where “These Fukken Feelings Podcast” can help, diving into life’s ups and downs, whether it’s dealing with anxiety, navigating complex relationships, dealing with loss, or searching for happiness.

The podcast is hosted by mental health advocates and consists of honest conversations on the topics mentioned previously (and more), which the listeners can relate to, and find practical strategies for best coping with emotions and improving their well-being. Listeners describe the podcast as “educational, super informative, and enjoyable,” so we recommend listening to the conversations and getting the advice you need to live your best life!

Check here for their latest episode:

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  • Apple Podcasts

12. PsychRounds: The Psychiatry Podcast

Welcome to Psych Rounds, the podcast tailored for psychiatry residents and students. Join us, three psychiatric resident physicians, as we delve into quick insights, interviews, and practical tips essential for educational practice. Subscribe for a straightforward yet informal approach to psychiatric knowledge.

Check here for their latest episode:

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  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

13. Psychiatry Unbound

Psychiatry Unbound is APA Publishing's Books podcast, hosted by APA Books Editor-in-Chief, Laura Roberts, M.D. It offers the opportunity to hear the voices behind the most prominent psychiatric scholarship in the field today. Subscribe now to learn about important topics in the field of psychiatry and see how our authors are making an impact in clinical settings.

Check here for their latest episode:

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  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

14. The Carlat Psychiatry Podcast

Clear, engaging, and practical updates on clinical psychiatry. Hosted by Chris Aiken, MD, and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP.

Check here for their latest episode:

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  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

15. The Community Psychiatry Podcast

This monthly podcast for medical students, residents, fellows, and early career professionals will include interviews with community psychiatrists to learn about their career trajectories, conversations about recent articles from the Community Mental Health Journal, discussions of key concepts from the Textbook of Community Psychiatry, and more. The purpose of the podcast is to connect, educate, and inspire trainees and young community psychiatrists. Created by the American Association for Community Psychiatry (AACP). Follow us on Instagram (@aacp_communitypsych) and Twitter (@AACP123).

Check here for their latest episode:

Subscribe here:

  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

16. Behavioral Health Integration

Behavioral Health Integration is meant to raise knowledge and awareness of the behavioral health field for those planning to enter the field and the professionals that are currently in it. Behavioral Health Integration prides itself on discussions and topics on mental health and substance abuse interventions being used as a collaborative approach to improving the lives of others.

Check here for their latest episode:

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  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

17. Behavioral Health Today

Welcome to Behavioral Health Today, a podcast by Triad, where we tackle trending topics in behavioral and mental health. The Behavioral Health Today podcast shares unique and relevant topics occurring within our world and communities with a mental health professional perspective.

Check here for their latest episode:

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  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

18. John E. Martin Mental Healthcare Podcast Series

The John E. Martin Mental Healthcare Podcast is a 5-episode mini-series featuring leaders in mental healthcare. Episode guests were selected to provide a wide range of industry perspectives to teams competing in the Fall 2022 . Additionally, we imagine that our guests’ stories and industry experiences will be of interest to any listener who wants to learn about how leaders are approaching the mental healthcare crisis from different angles. Join UC Berkeley student Britt Jensen and John E. Martin Mental Healthcare Challenge founder Michael Martin as they interview diverse business leaders about their work on improving mental healthcare. This mini-series is a part of the Here at Haas podcast.

Meet our Hosts:

is a first-year MBA/MPH candidate at UC Berkeley. She is focused on healthcare product innovation and is passionate about improving equitable access to mental healthcare. Prior to Haas, she spent 7 years working as a product designer and user research across a wide range of industries: everything from children’s toys to medical devices. Most recently, she was on the founding team of Peak Response, a company focused on developing streamlined software tools for emergency first responders. Outside of work, she has volunteered as a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line and led projects that leverage technology to address civic and social problems with Code for San Francisco. Britt has a BS in Science, Technology, and Society with a focus on human centered design from Stanford University.

, Vanderbilt, Berkeley, and Harvard educated, is a detail oriented systems thinker, consensus builder, and self-starter who has a wide breadth of professional and volunteer experience across the APAC region, the U.S.A., Latin America, and Russia. He has held a diverse set of leadership positions in the energy (renewable & traditional), sustainability, infrastructure, philanthropic, and start-up spaces where he has driven meaningful action that has resulted in long lasting and measurable impact. Outside of work, Michael has dedicated himself to 1) establishing both the John E. Martin Memorial Fellowship & the John E. Martin Mental Healthcare Challenge, 2) participating in & leading Habitat for Humanity International - Global Village trips, and 3) competing in ultra marathons and endurance races.

Check here for their latest episode:

Subscribe here:

  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

19. Mental Health: Hope and Recovery

Helen Sneed and Valerie Milburn have both fought and overcome severe, chronic mental illnesses, and offer an insider’s approach to mental health. They share inspirational true stories and a host of recovery skills. Episodes examine conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use and eating disorders, self-harm, suicide, and other major illnesses. You’ll learn about treatment options, coping skills, goal setting, relationships, and mindfulness. Helen and Valerie are your peers. They are not a substitute for qualified counseling or other mental health resources. They are not professionals, but they are experts through their own lived experience with multiple mental health conditions. Please join them on their journey.

Check here for their latest episode:

Subscribe here:

  • ‍Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

20. We Can Do Hard Things

On this podcast, Glennon Doyle (author of the book UNTAMED), along with her sister, Amanda Doyle, and her wife, Abby Wambach, have candid conversations on topics such as gender, blended families, anxiety, boundaries, overwhelm, addiction, and so on, giving listeners the courage to do hard things. “We Can Do Hard Things” is genuinely empowering, reminding listeners that even if hardships are a part of life, everyone can find the strength within themselves to push through whatever challenge life throws at them.

With a friendly, endearing, and relatable tone, this podcast has 30K ratings on Apple Podcasts, and it’s available for free, so if you’re looking for advice, a different and helpful perspective on the things you’re facing, and encouragement from people who genuinely understand, we recommend checking out this podcast. 

Check here for their latest episode:

Subscribe here:

  • ‍Apple Podcasts

21. Terrible, Thanks for Asking

Has anyone ever asked you, “How are you?” and you’ve replied with “Fine” when you’ve felt really awful on the inside? Many people do that because it’s easier to do so and let everyone go about their day instead of trying to explain what’s going on for real without even knowing if they will understand at all. The “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” podcast is the opposite, making space for all the feelings and emotions one can experience throughout life. The podcast host, Nora Mclnerny, has raw conversations with people who share their honest – and often complicated- feelings about what’s happening. At times, the show is funny; other times, it’s genuinely sad – or both at once.

If you’re going through some difficult moments in your life, this podcast will be your greatest companion, giving you the support you need. It’s truly therapeutic and a great reminder to check in with the people in your life and truly be there for them to listen to whatever they’re experiencing. “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” is available on Apple Podcasts and is rated 4.7 stars, with many people relating to the raw stories shared in the episodes – without a doubt, it’s a podcast you will want to listen to!

Check here for their latest episode:

Subscribe here:

  • ‍Apple Podcasts

That's it, team...

The 21 Best Addiction Podcasts For Overdose Crisis And Recovery

Information Tips for Choosing Public Health Podcasts About Addiction and Drug Policy

  1. Look for evidence-based discussions. Prioritize podcasts that reference peer-reviewed research, public health data, and credible scientific evidence rather than relying primarily on personal opinions.
  2. Consider the expertise of the guests. Researchers, physicians, public health professionals, policymakers, economists, and people with lived experience can each provide valuable perspectives on addiction.
  3. Explore different approaches to drug policy. The strongest podcasts often examine multiple perspectives on prohibition, decriminalization, legalization, treatment, prevention, and harm reduction.
  4. Pay attention to current data. Addiction and overdose trends can change significantly over time, so look for shows that regularly discuss recent statistics and emerging research.
  5. Learn about the science of addiction. Podcasts can help explain how substance use affects the brain, behavior, health, and social outcomes.
  6. Explore treatment and recovery. Look for conversations about evidence-based treatments, recovery programs, medications for addiction treatment, and barriers to accessing care.
  7. Understand harm reduction. Topics such as overdose prevention, naloxone access, safer-use strategies, and public health interventions can provide important context beyond traditional approaches to addiction.
  8. Consider the policy implications. Good podcasts connect research and real-world outcomes to legislation, healthcare systems, criminal justice, and community policy.
  9. Listen for lived experiences. Researchers and policymakers provide important expertise, while people affected by addiction can offer perspectives that statistics alone cannot capture.
  10. Choose podcasts that encourage critical thinking. Addiction and drug policy involve complex trade-offs. The best shows acknowledge uncertainty, examine competing evidence, and avoid overly simplistic solutions.

Conclusion

The best public health podcasts about addiction and drug policy go beyond headlines and statistics. They examine the science of substance use, the realities of treatment and recovery, the impact of public policy, and the experiences of people and communities affected by addiction. Whether you're a healthcare professional, policymaker, researcher, student, or simply interested in public health, these podcasts can provide valuable context for understanding one of today's most challenging public health issues.

Subscribe to the ones that interest you, and send us an email at grow@fame.so if you know of any great addiction podcasts that we've missed!

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