We can’t let 2024 pass us by without recapping an incredible year from the ‘For the Love’ show. I feel so honored to speak to our guests — and to share their wisdom, insights, knowledge, humor, and more with you.
If your earbuds are your favorite accessory (same), you’re in for a treat, because this past year has gifted us some absolute gems from the pod. These are the episodes that made us laugh until we snorted, cry in the car while sipping our lattes, and feel seen in the deepest parts of our souls.
Whether you’re craving inspiration, learning, or a really good belly laugh, this list has it all. These were the top For The Love podcast episodes in 2024:
1. The Vagina Bible: Debunking Myths and Misinformation Around the Female Body with Dr. Jen Gunter
Listen, this episode is a straight-up TED Talk with sass. Dr. Jen Gunter doesn’t just bust myths about female health; she demolishes them with a flamethrower of science and humor. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re doing this whole “being a woman” thing right (spoiler: you are), this one’s for you.
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2. Moving from Insider to Outsider: Derek Webb’s Peaceful Disruption
Derek Webb’s journey from “Christian music darling” to “pushing all the boundaries” is raw and riveting. It’s like listening to your friend unpack their biggest life pivot, only this friend also happens to be a musical genius. This episode hits all the feels.
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3. Amanda Doyle Stops Keeping Score and Stays in the Moment
Okay, this episode is basically therapy. Amanda Doyle — you probably know her as “Sister” on the We Can Do Hard Things Podcast with Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach — serves up wisdom on embracing imperfection and letting go of our endless scorecards. (You know the ones: mom guilt, career guilt, all the guilts.) It’s heartfelt, funny, and deeply relatable.
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4. Tapping into Mental Strength to Overcome Fear with Amy Morin
Renowned psychotherapist and bestselling author Amy Morin is the guru of mental toughness, and this episode will make you feel like you can tackle anything. Fear? Doubt? That nagging inner critic? Not today. This one’s a game-changer.
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5. Exploring Our Senses as a Pathway to a More Peaceful Life with Gretchen Rubin
The Happiness Project author Gretchen Rubin’s insights into how our five senses shape our happiness are pure magic. You’ll walk away ready to savor every smell, sound, and taste. Bonus: You’ll finally understand why that lavender candle gives you life.
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6. Confrontation as a Path to Well-Being with Dr. Rick Hanson
Confrontation doesn’t have to be scary. Celebrated psychologist, author, and speaker Dr. Rick Hanson reframes it as a path to growth and connection, and honestly… mind blown. This episode is for anyone who has ever avoided a hard conversation (raises hand).
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7. Holding Space for the Laughter and Tears with Savannah Guthrie
This episode with TODAY show co-host Savannah Guthrie is a reminder that we’re allowed to hold space for all our emotions, sometimes at the same time. And it’s okay to laugh through the tears. (P.S. Keep tissues handy.)
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8. A Glimpse into the End of Life with Hospice Nurse Hadley Vlahos
Hospice nurse Hadley Vlahos brings profound insights into life, death, and everything in between. This episode is beautiful, tender, and surprisingly uplifting.
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9. No Cure for Being Human and Other Truths with Kate Bowler
Kate Bowler is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, and professor at Duke University. She also has waded through a stage 4 cancer diagnosis and recounts some of the journey in her book, No Cure for Being Human. Naturally, this episode is raw, real, and a much-needed reminder that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
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10. The Curiosity Cure: Martha Beck’s Guide to Befriending Anxiety
In a world where anxiety seems to be spiraling out of control, author, life coach, speaker, and sociologist Martha Beck offers a revolutionary approach to understanding and befriending anxiety that draws from cutting-edge neuroscience and what she calls the “Change Cycle.”
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11. A’ja Wilson on How Authenticity Is Your Superpower
WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson shares her playbook for empowerment with raw honesty and the importance of defining yourself instead of letting others do it for you. If you’ve ever felt the need to shrink yourself to fit in or been made to feel “other,” A’ja’s wisdom will inspire you to embrace all that makes you beautifully unique.
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12. Laughing Through the Chaos: Finding Joy with Tig Notaro
Comedy phenom Tig Notaro regales us with her journey as an Emmy- and Grammy-nominated comedian, the influence of her free-spirited mother, and how her family dynamics (and a few hilarious stories from her boys) have shaped her comedy. She also reflects on her journey of authenticity, what it means to be an icon in the LGBTQ+ community, and the significance of being true to oneself.
LISTEN INWhether you’re commuting, folding laundry, or sneaking 10 minutes of peace in the pantry (been there), these 12 episodes are your new BFFs. I think they will inspire, delight, and maybe even change your life a little.
There’s plenty more where they came from over on the For The Love podcast. So make sure to subscribe and follow the show!
