Podcasts are one of my favorite and often overlooked way to take care of yourself. Whether you need a little motivation, want to learn something new, need a laugh, or just like having a calming voice in the background, there’s always one that fits the moment. The best part is how flexible they are; you can listen while you’re out for a walk, commuting, cooking dinner, or winding down at the end of the day.
What I love most, though, is how personal podcasts can feel. You get to pick voices that inspire you, push you, or simply make you feel understood. There’s something really special about listening to real conversations and stories, or even expert advice, in a way that feels more like a friend talking with you than a lecture.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few quick tips to find the right podcasts for you:
Think about what you need right now Are you looking to feel uplifted, learn something new, or just be entertained?
Search by keywords In your podcast app (like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.), try searching terms like “mindfulness,” “career advice,” “comedy,” or even something niche like “slow living” or “confidence.”
Check the reviews and ratings These can help you find high-quality content (and avoid the duds).
Don’t be afraid to sample Try a few episodes and see what clicks. The right voice and energy can make all the difference.
Here are a few of my personal favorites. Hopefully one of them will speak to you and become part of your self-care routine too.
If you’re curious about mindfulness but want it without the fluff, this podcast is a gem. Dan Harris, former news anchor turned meditation skeptic-turned-practitioner, interviews scientists, teachers, and everyday people about how to manage stress, build resilience, and show up more fully in life. What I love is how practical and down-to-earth it feels. No preachiness, just real tools for being a little calmer, clearer, and yes, about 10% happier.
This podcast is like having a supportive (but no-excuses) business coach in your ear. Amanda McKinney helps entrepreneurs cut through the noise, set realistic goals, and hold themselves accountable without burning out. What stands out is her mix of tough love and encouragement. You walk away with practical steps to actually move forward, not just inspiration. Perfect if you value structure, self-leadership, and building momentum in your work.
Brené Brown brings her signature blend of research and humanity to conversations that get beneath the surface of what it means to be human. From vulnerability and courage to leadership and connection, she talks with thought leaders, creators, and everyday people in a way that feels equal parts insightful and heartfelt. What I love most is how she makes complex emotions and big ideas feel approachable and immediately useful in both life and work.
Steven Bartlett dives deep with entrepreneurs, thinkers, and creators to uncover the real stories behind their success, and the struggles that shaped them. It’s part inspiration, part raw honesty, and always packed with lessons on leadership, resilience, and building something meaningful. What I appreciate is how Steven blends curiosity with candor; guests aren’t just telling polished success stories, they’re sharing the messy, vulnerable truths that we can all learn from.
If you care about leading with courage and humanity, this podcast is a must. Brené Brown explores what it takes to build brave, resilient organizations through honest conversations with leaders, change makers, and culture shapers. What I love is how she brings vulnerability into the leadership conversation, turning it from a “soft skill” into a superpower. Every episode leaves you with practical takeaways for leading with clarity, empathy, and impact.
Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, shares simple, practical strategies for creating more joy in daily life. Alongside her sister Elizabeth, she tackles habits, mindset shifts, and small tweaks that make a big difference. What I love is how approachable it feels: you don’t need to overhaul your life to be “happier”, just experiment, try little changes, and notice what works. It’s both uplifting and doable, perfect for anyone looking to boost everyday well-being.
Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos takes you inside the science of happiness, what really makes us feel fulfilled, and why our minds often get it wrong. Drawing from psychology and research, she breaks down practical strategies to boost well-being, resilience, and joy. What I love is how evidence-based yet accessible it is: you walk away with simple, research-backed tools you can actually apply in daily life.
Hidden Brain explores the unseen patterns that drive human behavior; why we make the choices we do, how relationships work, and what shapes our emotions and beliefs. Shankar Vedantam blends storytelling with science, weaving psychology and neuroscience into everyday life in a way that’s both fascinating and practical. What I love is how each episode leaves you with an “aha” moment—new insight into yourself and others that you can actually use in work, leadership, and relationships.
Former monk turned storyteller, Jay Shetty brings wisdom and practicality together in conversations about purpose, relationships, and well-being. He interviews thought leaders, celebrities, and experts while also sharing his own grounded insights. What I love is the balance of inspiration and action, you leave each episode not just feeling motivated, but with tangible tools to live with more intention and meaning.
Mel Robbins combines no-nonsense advice with motivational energy to help listeners take action in life and work. She covers topics like productivity, mindset, habits, and overcoming fear, often sharing personal stories alongside expert insights. What I love is her practical, actionable approach, you don’t just listen and feel inspired, you leave ready to implement changes immediately.