In today's fast-paced (and often overwhelming) world, finding sources of inspiration, practical advice, and emotional support is more important than ever. Thankfully, self help podcasts are an easily accessible way to explore personal growth, mental health, and the pursuit of happiness.
Whether you're looking to improve your productivity, foster a positive mindset, or simply find a bit of inspiration for your own show, here are 20 of the best self improvement podcasts.
Best Self Help Podcasts
From the insightful and research-based discussions to the raw and relatable stories of personal struggle and triumph, these podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge and encouragement.
1. Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Drawing from her personal experience as documented in her book The Happiness Project, bestselling author Gretchen Rubin shares insides and practical advice on how to live a happier life.
Each week, Rubin explores tips, tricks, and practical hacks to improve your daily life in a meaningful way.
2. The Happiness Lab
Hosted by Dr. Laurie Santos, The Happiness Lab delves into the science of happiness through the lens of her renowned Yale course, acclaimed as the institution's most attended class ever.
The podcast navigates through groundbreaking happiness research, offering listeners transformative tales and insights intended to reshape perceptions of what it means to be happy.
3. Ten Percent Happier With Dan Harris
After having a panic attack on live television, Nightline anchor Dan Harris found himself desperate for mental wellbeing. His journey to emotional wellness resulted in a book and now podcast, Ten Percent Happier.
Through conversations with life coaches, neuroscientists and meditation experts, Harris offers actionable advice on how increasing your happiness by small increments can have a transformative effect on your life.
4. The Rich Roll Podcast
Hosted by wellness advocate Rich Roll, The Rich Roll Podcast dives deep into all facets of health, personal development, and spirituality.
Through engaging conversations with a diverse range of thought leaders and experts, Roll aims to inspire listeners to unlock their highest potential and pursue a more authentic, healthy, and fulfilled life.
5. The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss might be best known for his bestselling book, The 4-Hour Work Week, but his professional success isn’t just found inside libraries and bookstores. His podcast contains in-depth interviews with experts from a variety of industries—investing, sports, business, art, and more—to uncover the strategies, tools, and routines they use for success.
Ferriss's curiosity and insightful questions reveal actionable insights that listeners can apply to their own lives, making it one of the most popular business podcasts available.
6. The Good Life Project
The question, “How can I live a better life?” has plagued some of the best minds for centuries. If you’re one of them, The Good Life Project is for you!
Deep and thoughtful conversations on personal growth, physical health, and emotional fulfillment help listeners explore what it means to live a meaningful, connected, and vital life. This podcast stands out for its focus on the human journey towards happiness, fulfillment, and understanding, encouraging listeners to craft their own version of a good life.
7. Life Kit
Life Kit from NPR is a podcast that provides a plethora of practical tools to help listeners navigate the complexities of daily life.
Offering advice on a wide range of topics—from health and finance to parenting and personal growth—each episode is designed to offer expert tips and strategies that can be immediately implemented. This podcast aims to make the journey towards betterment manageable and understandable.
8. Help Me Be Me
Marketed as “self help for people who hate self help,” Help Me Be Me is for anyone working toward positive change.
Host Sarah May Bates tackles a variety of self-improvements topics, from anxiety and depression to creativity and gratitude. Episodes focus on finding solutions so listeners feel empowered to face life's challenges with strength and grace.
9. The Calmer You Podcast
Hosted by hypnotherapist Chloe Brotheridge, The Calmer You Podcast aims to soothe anxieties and boost confidence by diving deep into topics related to mental health, well-being, and personal growth.
Using her own professional expertise and fueled by conversations with leading specialists, Brotheridge helps listeners find peace, clarity, and a more composed state of mind. This podcast serves as a compassionate guide for those looking to reduce stress, enhance self-esteem, and navigate the journey towards a calmer, more fulfilled life.
10. The Angry Therapist
Hosted by John Kim, known as "The Angry Therapist," this podcast offers a refreshing take on traditional therapy and self-help by breaking down complex emotional challenges into digestible, actionable advice. Kim's approachable and candid style demystifies mental health topics, providing listeners with practical tools and insights for personal growth and healing.
The Angry Therapist distinguishes itself with its straight-talking, empathetic guidance, inviting listeners into a space where transformation is not only possible but encouraged.
11. The Tony Robbins Podcast
Hosted by the renowned motivational speaker himself, The Tony Robbins Podcast stares strategies for improving your life across a broad range of topics—from business and personal finance to health and relationships.
This podcast offers invaluable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to make significant, positive changes in their personal and professional lives.
12. The Mel Robbins Podcast
Bestselling author and motivational speaker Mel Robbins (no relation to Tony!) offers powerful insights on overcoming life's challenges. Through her candid conversations, inspirational stories, and actionable strategies, Robbins empowers listeners to tackle procrastination, boost their confidence, and create meaningful change in their lives.
This podcast stands out for its relatable content and Robbins' ability to connect with her audience, making personal growth accessible and achievable for everyone.
13. The Minimalists Podcast
Dive into the philosophy of living a meaningful life with less! The Minimalists Podcast helps people find freedom, happiness, and peace by decluttering their lives from excess—whether that’s possessions, distractions, or unnecessary obligations.
This podcast offers insightful discussions, guest interviews, and practical advice on adopting a simpler, more focused lifestyle, resonating with anyone looking to embrace minimalism in various aspects of their life.
14. On Purpose with Jay Shetty
A former monk turned motivational speaker, Jay Shetty has a unique ability to apply ancient wisdom with practical modern insights. On Purpose aims to make timeless concepts accessible to a contemporary audience by covering topics such as relationships, health, and personal growth.
His engaging interviews with experts and thought leaders across various fields offer transformative perspectives and actionable advice, making On Purpose a standout for listeners seeking profound, life-changing guidance.
15. The School of Greatness
Hosted by Lewis Howes, a former professional athlete turned lifestyle entrepreneur, The School of Greatness combines personal stories of overcoming adversity with actionable strategies for achieving greatness. Howes's unique approach involves interviewing a diverse array of guests, from business moguls and bestselling authors to world-class athletes and visionary thinkers, providing listeners with a holistic view of success.
The podcast's focus on tangible lessons and inspirational journeys makes it a valuable resource for anyone looking to unlock their potential and pursue a path of personal and professional excellence.
16. The Huberman Lab
The Huberman Lab, hosted by neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, delves into the depths of how our brain controls our perceptions, behaviors, and health. Uniquely positioned at the intersection of scientific research and practical application, the podcast demystifies complex neuroscience topics and offers listeners actionable information on how to improve their mental and physical health, enhance performance, and increase well-being.
Dr. Huberman's ability to translate cutting-edge scientific findings into understandable and useful advice makes this podcast a standout resource for anyone interested in the science behind human optimization.
17. Terrible, Thanks For Asking
Hosted by Nora McInerny, this show stands out for its raw, honest conversations with real people who share their deeply personal stories of grief, vulnerability, and emotional struggles, offering a space where the messiness of feeling bad is acknowledged and embraced.
McInerny's compassionate approach and the podcast's commitment to breaking down the stigmas around suffering make it a profoundly relatable and healing listen for anyone going through tough times.
18. Unlocking Us
Hosted by renowned researcher and storyteller Brené Brown, Unlocking Us dives deep into the universal experience of being human—from courage and vulnerability to shame and empathy. Brown's unique blend of research-based insights and warm, engaging storytelling sets this podcast apart, offering listeners a thought-provoking exploration of the emotions and experiences that define and connect us all.
Unlocking Us stands out as a space for listeners to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others, encouraging personal growth and connection through shared humanity.
19. The Big Life Kids Podcast
The Big Life Kids Podcast is designed to help children develop a “growth mindset” to overcome obstacles and discover their full potential. Hosts Leo and Zara use entertaining stories to introduce young listeners to real-life characters and scenarios that teach important life skills such as resilience, gratitude, and perseverance.
Unique among children's podcasts, The Big Life Kids Podcast empowers its audience with the tools to tackle challenges, embrace learning, and build a strong foundation for a positive, can-do attitude towards life.
20. By The Book
By the Book stands out in the self-help podcast genre as hosts Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen Meinzer take a unique and immersive approach to self-improvement literature. In each episode, they live by the rules of a different self-help book, sharing their experiences, insights, and the impact on their lives with humor and honesty.
This podcast not only offers listeners a candid look at the practicality and challenges of applying self-help advice, but also serves as a lively and critical exploration of the self-help culture, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts of the genre looking for both guidance and entertainment.
Conclusion
Whether you're drawn to the scientific exploration of happiness, the practical steps towards personal betterment, or the comforting stories of resilience and courage, there's a podcast out there that speaks directly to your journey.
As we've explored some of the top picks in this genre, it's clear that these podcasts are more than just entertainment; they're a source of guidance, support, and community for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of life with a bit more ease and understanding.
So plug in, press play, and discover the transformative power of listening on your path to a fuller, more satisfying life.
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