Prognosis

Can’t Sleep? These Podcasts Are Better Than Counting Sheep

Deliberately boring audio has become a central part of a $1.5 trillion global wellness market

Drew Ackerman’s podcast gets about 3 million plays each month across its archive of 600 shows.

Photographer: Chris Duffey

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Benjamin Boster was driving in a car with his boss, trying to relay an exciting anecdote, when he discovered that his main talent as a storyteller lies elsewhere.

“He was like, ‘Ben, I’m sorry, your voice is so soothing that I just kind of fell asleep,’” recalls Boster, a 42-year-old father of three.