Ever felt like you just wanted to escape from the noisy world, find a quiet spot, and just be with your thoughts? Yeah, me too! Sometimes, especially when I want to immerse myself in my own world, I like to listen to podcasts, which are like my own refuge.

So here I’ll talk about why I enjoy them, my top 3 favorites, and how they've influenced my mindset.

When I first discovered podcasts, I was in high school, tired of preparing for my math exams and often staying up late to finish the exercises. I found myself yearning for something different to pass the time at night. That's when I stumbled upon a podcast that was unlike anything I expected. It wasn't educational; instead, it felt more like a late-night conversation, where the host shared love stories from campus life — some with happy endings, others not so much, but all from real experiences.

While I can't definitively say that it helped with my math exams, it gave me a much-needed break. It felt like it was made just for me, a perfect getaway for those endless nights.

Over the years, podcasts have turned into my go-to friends, especially with all the job rejections and wondering if I'll ever land my first job in such a tough market. Seems like everyone's super stressed out. But podcasts have been my light in the dark. I'm excited to share my top three favorites with you. They've really helped me find some peace and make sense of things, especially now in my 20s when I'm trying to figure out life and what I'm here for.

💡The psychology of your 20s

I absolutely love this podcast by Jemma Sbeg for nighttime listens, especially when I'm feeling all the emotions and ready to deeply reflect on everything in my life, both good and bad. Jemma’s approach to emotions, combined with her really healing voice, makes it feel as if I'm having a spiritual conversation with a dear friend. She dives into the rollercoaster of experiences we face in our 20s, like career changes, relationship challenges, or feelings of burnout.

The biggest thing for me is how Jemma said we should deal with our negative feelings just like they're a friend—acknowledge them, don't push them away. For me, it's fascinating how she uses psychology to help us see things differently.

Every episode reminds me that it's totally okay to have ups and downs. Emotions are part of us, and that's perfectly okay.

💡UX IRL

This podcast by Michelle Chin and Mary Fran (Thompson) Goings dives into what UX work is really like. It's a goldmine of insights, perfect for students like me who are eager to see what UX is all about in the real world!

So, my journey with UX IRL began at the UX Y’all conference last year. What immediately caught my eye was a sticker featuring the cutest cat and dog illustrations. I mean, who can resist cute things? It was incredibly adorable!! Then, when I found out it was for a podcast, I didn't hesitate to add it to my library.

Now, listening to an episode is as crucial to my mornings as my Americano. It serves as my brain's wake-up call during the bus ride to school. The vibe of UX IRL is like chilling with two friends who just sit and chat about UX stuff. It’s got this relaxed, casual feel that really pulled me in. Typically, I brace myself for design podcasts to be somewhat dry, focused heavily on the technical aspects of learning. But UX IRL was totally different! It’s like they’re saying, 'Hey, wanna grab a coffee and talk UX with us?' And I’m like, 'Well, why not?'”

💡 UX Coffee 设计咖

Have you ever checked out UX Coffee? It's an awesome podcast from China by Hoka and Riseman, focusing on design and so much more. It's like sitting down for a coffee chat where guests dive into their design careers and life philosophies. It's not all about design tricks; it's about real-life, choices, and what goes into making something.

My go-to episode? The episode 86! I've hit replay on it many times, especially when I'm feeling lost. It's about a designer's journey, his significant career switch, and those monumental, life-shaking moments. The way he talks about handling tough times has totally resonated with me.

Listening to that episode really makes me value life more. It's like a nudge, reminding me how special it is to be here, experiencing the world and creating something that matters.

Well, that’s all for my podcast sharing. I hope it can bring you some pleasure and relaxation! 🎉🎉🎉