I can hear you saying, what are the best podcasts for self-improvement?
Personal development is an essential part of life for most people. We all want to grow and change in a positive way that will make us happier, more fulfilled individuals.
One of the best ways to do this is by listening to podcasts! They are actually a huge part of my morning routine. There are tons of different podcasts out there on a variety of topics: dating, spiritual growth, self-improvement, learning and education, and so much more.
In this post, we’ll be talking about some of the best personal development podcasts you should listen to right now. I personally listen to each and every one of these (and even keep my favorite nuggets of wisdom in a dedicated podcast notebook).
*This post may contain affiliate and/or referral links. It doesn’t cost you anything extra to use the provided links to purchase any of the below products or services. Please check out my disclosure policy.*
By the way, I listen to all of these using Spotify, but you can use Apple Podcasts, Audible, or any other service you like.
Best Personal Growth Podcasts
These personal growth podcasts don’t cover a single topic but go into a myriad of different ways that you can grow as a person in your life.
You Can Heal Your Life
You Can Heal Your Life is a podcast published by Hay House, the publishing company of Louise Hay, who wroteYou Can Heal Your Life. This podcast has thought leaders from different spheres like spirituality, health and wellness, and everything in between.
If you want a podcast that will help you heal your life in any way, then You Can Heal Your Life is the best one to listen to. They have some amazing interviews with leading experts like Gabrielle Bernstein and Dr. Christiane Northrup so give it a try!
TedTalks Daily
I started listening to TedTalks Daily about a year ago. It features TedTalks from different people from around the world about different topics. Each Talk also usually has some kind of deeper message that you can take away.
If you want to learn about science, psychology, relationships, basically anything under the sun (or out in space), TedTalks Daily has something for you to listen to.
UnF*ck Your Brain
UnF*ck Your Brain is a podcast by certified life coach, best-selling author, and speaker Kara Lowentheil. The best way to describe the show’s format would be as an anti-self help show: it features interviews with people who have struggled in their lives but turned things around for themselves.
If you want motivation mixed with humor, UnF*ck Your Brain is the best personal development podcast to listen to.
Best Mental Health Podcasts
Therapy for Black Girls Podcast
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast was actually one of the first podcasts that I ever listened to. It is hosted by Dr. Joy Harden-Bradford, a psychologist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her goal is to provide a safe space for women of color and women in general who are struggling with mental health issues. This podcast covers topics such as managing depression, being an introvert or having anxiety, relationships (with friends/family/partners), spirituality, and much more.
Unlocking Us with Brene Brown
Brene Brown is one of the most well-known voices on vulnerability and shame. This podcast is essentially a series of conversations with people about their lives, which are then tied to some sort of learning lesson that you can take away from the conversation (e.g., how they overcame obstacles).
If you want another in-depth look at mental health issues like anxiety and depression as well as listening to the stories of people who have been where you are, then Unlocking Us is a great choice!
Not Another Anxiety Show
Not Another Anxiety Podcast is hosted by Kelli Walker, who is a nurse and certified health and wellness coach. She interviews mental health professionals about different topics on mental health. This is one of the best self-help podcasts for depression and anxiety. This podcast is best for people who want to learn more about the science of anxiety and depression as well as get practical tips on how to manage them.
Best Spiritual Growth Podcasts
Manifest with Sarah Prout
This podcast is all about spirituality and self-love. It’s best for anyone who is interested in learning about their spirituality and how to manifest the life they want.
The host, Sarah Prout, also wrote the book Dear Universe, which I love!
This podcast goes over specific ways that you can manifest the life that you want and how to best do it.
Manifestation Babe
Manifestation Babe is another manifestation podcast that will teach you how to best manifest the life and things that you want. It is hosted by Kathrin Zenkina, coach and founder of Manifestation Babe.
If you want to learn about manifestation techniques for manifesting your life path, then this would be another great choice.
Intuitive Souls Podcast
Intuitive Souls is one of the podcasts that I just recently started listening to. I’ve been wanting to learn more about connecting to myself and my intuition, and I just stumbled on this podcast while I was scrolling through Facebook.
The host, Erica Russo is a best-selling author and spiritual coach who believes that everyone has intuition. She interviews guests on how they connect with their own intuition, which is really helpful for anyone looking to do the same!
If you’re interested in learning more about your spirituality or just want a podcast where you can learn from other people’s experiences, then this is a great choice.
Best Productivity Podcasts
The Joy of Procrastination
I am a chronic procrastinator. I’ve been this way for as long as I can remember. The Joy of Procrastination really shifted the way I think about it.
The best way that I would describe this podcast is a guided meditation which helps you to gain perspective on your habit of procrastinating.
This podcast will help you learn how to best work towards the things that are most important and get them done!
If you struggle with getting stuff out of your head (e.g. me with my blog posts), this may be the podcast that you need to get yourself motivated.
Beyond the To-Do List
Beyond the To-Do List is a podcast that helps you to best plan out your day, week, and month so that you can best work towards the things that are most important.
This podcast is best for people who want to learn about how they can get tasks done in a more effective way!
It’s hosted by Erik Fisher whose goal is to help everyone harness strategies that help them lead a more free and joyful life.
If you are interested in best productivity practices, this would be one to listen to!
Tiny Changes, Big Leaps
Tiny Changes, Big Leaps is a podcast hosted by Gregg Clunis. It is all about examining your behavior and how you can make micro changes to it for big leaps.
This podcast challenged me to look at my own behavior and see what small changes I could make in my life. My health coach mentioned to me that people often try to make huge sweeping changes, but when they don’t see results immediately, they go back to old habits.
Listening to this podcast reminds me that changes don’t have to be huge to make a big difference.
Best Health and Wellness Podcasts
Food Psych Podcast with Christy Harrison
If you want to learn more about the psychology behind eating and food, then this is the best health and wellness podcast for you. The host (Christy Harrison) has a Ph.D. in Applied Psychology and works as an intuitive eating counselor. She helps people change their relationship with food through listening to her podcasts!
If you are interested in learning more about how your mind affects what you eat or want advice on changing your eating habits, I highly recommend this podcast.
Body Kindness: Transform Your Health and Never Say Diet Again
Body Kindness is another great podcast that focuses on body image and how we see ourselves.
I love this podcast because it’s all about loving your body no matter what size you are, which is something I think everyone needs to hear! The host Rebecca Scritchfield has a way of opening people up to the idea that they can be happy no matter what they look like or what the numbers on the scale are.
Best Personal Finance Podcasts
The Clark Howard Podcast
What I like most about the Clark Howard Podcast is the advice that he gives towards retirement savings. The tips feel bite-sized enough that I’m able to put them into action. I also love that he answers audience questions on his show. I love hearing the advice that he gives to actual people (and hearing their responses as well!).
The host Clark Howard has been on TV as a consumer advocate since 1996, so you can trust his advice when it comes to finances. He covers all types of topics like credit cards, retirement, investing, and more.
Millennial Money
Millennial Money is a great podcast for millennials and anyone who wants to learn about money in a safe and welcoming space. Hosted by Shannah Compton Game, Millennial Money is a great podcast for learning about personal finance in the best way possible.
This is one of my favorite podcasts because Compton Game does an amazing job at making money feel like something that’s attainable and not scary or intimidating! The tips she gives are timeless (and super helpful!) no matter what stage you’re at in life.
HerMoney with Jean Chatsky
If there’s a topic about money, Jean Chatsky has probably covered it on HerMoney.
I love listening to this podcast because she always has a different guest on her show, which means you get some great money advice from all sorts of people. Every episode is so interesting and it’s really easy to listen along!
Like Clark Howard, Jean also takes audience questions from her “mailbag”. I love hearing about different situations that others are dealing with.
The Clever Girls Know Podcast
The Clever Girls Know Podcast was created by Bola Sokunbi, Founder and CEO of Clever Girl Finance. Bola is not only the host of this podcast but also a best-selling author, certified financial planner, and entrepreneur.
This show covers all things personal finance for women like debt reduction strategies (e.g., how to retire with more money), saving money when you don’t have any left at the end of the month, investing your first stocks, and more.
I love listening to this podcast because it’s all about women and finances. It helps me feel excited about the future and not so stressed out when I look at my bank account.
Best Dating and Relationship Podcasts
Why Won’t You Date Me with Nicole Beyer
This podcast is both insightful and hilarious. I started listening to it when I was struggling with being single. Nicole and her guests always have great advice when it comes to dating in today’s world. And I need alllll of the advice that I can get.
What I like most about the show is that Nicole talks with people of all genders, so you get a well-rounded perspective on what people are thinking when they’re out there looking for love.
Where Should We Begin
Hosted by Esther Perel, a relationship therapist, Where Should We Begin is the best podcast for anyone who wants to learn about relationships and how they work.
I love listening to this because it takes away the shame and stigma around counseling and therapy for couples. Many couples (and people in general) believe that they have to go to therapy because something is “wrong”. That’s not true at all. Anyone can seek support from a therapist for any reason (or no reason at all).
When it comes to podcasts, I’ve got you covered. Whether you need a boost in your confidence or want some new ideas on how to accelerate your personal growth, my list of the best personal development podcasts should have something for everyone.
So what do you think of my list? What are some other good options that didn’t make this list? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
Briana Hollis is a licensed social worker and self-care coach. She earned her Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University in 2014 and her Master of Education from Tiffin University in 2019. She has spent the last 5 years working in crisis intervention. Her passion for serving others is the heart of this site. She started Learning To Be Free to assist others in bringing freedom to their lives.
Briana is also the author of The Self-Care Journal for Young Adults.