Merve Başıbüyük is a clinical psychologist, author, podcast host, and speaker from Türkiye. Through her podcast, books, and digital platforms, she makes psychology accessible to millions, focusing on relationships, trauma, emotional wellbeing, and human behavior. Her work combines evidence-based psychology with compelling storytelling to help people better understand themselves and the people around them.
How many years have you worked in podcasting or audio?
3–5 years
What is your current role, in your own words?
I’m a clinical psychologist, author, podcast host, and educator dedicated to making psychology more accessible through storytelling. Across my podcast, books, videos, and educational programs, I help people better understand themselves, their relationships, and the science behind human behavior.
What types of projects do you typically work on?
I create psychology-focused podcasts, interview series, educational videos, online courses, and books that translate evidence-based psychology into practical, engaging content. I’m especially interested in projects that combine storytelling, education, and emerging technologies to expand access to mental health knowledge.
How many years have you been a Signal Awards judge?
This is my first year!
What excited you about joining the Signal Awards Judging Academy?
As a psychologist, I know that stories have the power to change how people think, feel, and connect with one another. I’m excited to celebrate creators who use audio not only to entertain, but also to educate, inspire, and create meaningful impact. I’m also looking forward to learning from outstanding work being produced around the world.
What separates good audio storytelling from great audio storytelling?
Great storytelling doesn’t just inform, it transforms. A great podcast leaves listeners seeing themselves differently after it ends. Technical excellence matters, but what people remember is how a story made them feel.
What project are you most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of creating Terapist Koltuğu, one of Türkiye’s leading psychology podcasts, which has helped make conversations about mental health more accessible to a broad audience. Alongside the podcast, I also wrote a self-help book to reach people in a different format and provide practical tools they can return to whenever they need them. Whether through audio or writing, my goal is the same: to help people better understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and realize they are not alone in what they’re experiencing.
What podcasting trend, challenge, or opportunity has your attention these days?
As AI makes content creation easier, I believe the biggest opportunity isn’t creating more content—it’s creating more meaningful connection. Audiences are becoming increasingly selective. Podcasts that offer genuine insight, emotional depth, and a distinctive perspective will stand out far more than content produced at scale.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to emerging creators?
People rarely connect with perfection—they connect with honesty. Create work that makes your audience feel understood, and they’ll keep coming back.