The right podcast can make a commute more productive, a walk more inspiring or a quiet moment more engaging. In this edition of Pod Picks, ISPA members share four listens that inform, energize and entertain, with more community recommendations coming in each issue of Pulse.
GOOD HANG WITH AMY POEHLER
HOST: Amy Poehler, actress, comedian, writer and producer
In this relaxed, conversation-style podcast, Amy Poehler connects with fellow creatives, comedians and cultural figures about career paths, creativity and the realities behind success. With humor and honesty at the forefront, the show offers spa leaders a refreshing reminder that leadership, like creativity, often benefits from curiosity, humility and the ability to laugh along the way.
PURELY BEING GUIDED MEDITATION
HOST: Lucy Bee Love, meditation guide
Designed to support mindfulness and relaxation, this guided meditation podcast offers short sessions focused on grounding, emotional balance and presence. For spa professionals working in high-touch wellness environments, the podcast can serve as a simple tool for resetting between busy days, cultivating calm and reinforcing the importance of intentional self-care.
TWO HOT TAKES
HOST: Morgan Absher, comedian and content creator
Built around lively discussions of internet stories and listener dilemmas, Two Hot Takes brings humor and debate to real-life situations about relationships, workplace dynamics and personal boundaries. Spa leaders may find it entertaining while also appreciating the way it highlights communication styles, perspective-taking and the complexity of human interactions.
THE CURIOSITY SHOP
HOSTS: Brené Brown, research professor, and Adam Grant, organizational psychologist
The co-hosts bring complementary research perspectives to timely conversations about learning, leadership, culture and human behavior. Grounded in curiosity over certainty, the show encourages listeners to ask better questions and embrace complexity rather than easy answers. Spa leaders find it especially relevant as they navigate evolving conversations around workplace culture, well-being, emotional intelligence and the future of human-centered leadership.
