24 Best Podcasts for Motivation That Actually Move You

Have you been feeling exhausted and unfocused at work? Sometimes, the right words can make all the difference. Talking shows are a powerful way to recharge your mindset, offering stories, strategies, and motivation you can take anywhere. This guide highlights the 24 best podcasts for motivation to help you face daily challenges with courage.

Top 5 best podcasts for motivation to fuel your daily drive

1. The Mel Robbins Podcast (by Mel Robbins) discusses how to take action, overcome procrastination, and master self-help.

2. The School of Greatness (by Lewis Howes) guides listeners into the world of start-ups, business success, and personal development.

3. Unlocking Us (by Brené Brown) addresses the benefits of vulnerability, empathy, human connection, a network of compassion, and belonging.

4. The Mindset Mentor (by Rob Dial) teaches the audience how to level up their mindset and make their psyche work for them and their goals.

5. The Tim Ferriss Show (by Tim Ferriss) shows how to stay consistently productive and succeed in what they pursue. 

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The 24 must-listen podcasts for motivation and why they should be on your playlist

This is a curated list of inspiring podcasts on self-care, relationships, career, mental health, finances, hobbies, and other popular topics. Choose a list and one of the podcasts that match your current priorities.

Best podcasts for motivation to rediscover self-love  

When searching for a great podcast on self-love, focus on confidence, optimism, and personal growth. These shows encourage reflection and healthier relationships.

1. On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Jay Shetty and guests like Selena Gomez and Dr. Becky Kennedy explore mindfulness, relationships, and the ways self-love lays the foundation for loving others. Listeners can expect to hear practical advice on how to develop useful daily habits that contribute to their physical and emotional well-being.

• Runtime: 30–60 minutes 

• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, YouTube, others

• Best for: Anyone who seeks balance and wants to grow as an individual

2. The 9-Step Negativity Detox

Author Domonique Bertolucci equips listeners with practical recommendations on how to stop negative self-talk and choose optimism. Each episode shows how to integrate a positive attitude into our daily lives.

• Runtime: 20–30 minutes

• Platforms: Apple Podcasts and Spotify

• Best for: Mental wellness enthusiasts who are beginning their journey of self-progress

3. Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast

Former First Lady Michelle Obama shares personal stories to inspire harmony and unity within communities and between individuals. The audience favors this podcast for its evidence-based advice on becoming resilient and adaptable.

• Runtime: 20–40 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify and Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Listeners seeking stories that encourage them to keep going

Best motivational podcasts to help you explore psychology and mental health

These podcasts help us understand ourselves and others, covering human behavior, mental health, and hidden influences.

4. Popcorn Psychology

Ben Stover, Brittney Brownfield, and Hannah Espinoza analyze human triggers and attitudes through movie and TV characters, drawing on their background as individual, child, and marriage and family therapists. They maintain an entertaining tone to raise awareness about behavioral patterns and their effects on people's lives.

• Runtime: 30–50 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Pop culture fans who are also interested in psychology

5. Hidden Brain

In this podcast, Shankar Vedantam uncovers subconscious patterns that dictate our decisions, habits, and how we behave in public. The episodes combine storytelling tools and in-depth research to explain the reasons behind our actions.

• Runtime: 30–50 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Curious minds who are eager to understand human behavior and its triggers better 

6. Personality Hacker

The podcast, hosted by Joel M. Witt and Antonia Dodge, explores how consistent yet intentional shifts in our thinking and behavior can be life-changing and make us feel more content. Many episodes discuss relationships and self-awareness.

• Runtime: 30–60 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Listeners prioritizing self-development and understanding of their inner world

Best podcasts to become a stronger person and a motivated leader

These podcasts reveal leadership strategies, intelligence, and tools to improve team and personal performance.

7. The EntreLeadership Podcast

Dave Ramsey shares leadership insights through real-world experiences and listener call-ins. This approach allows the host to offer his audience actionable guidance for effective team-building and business management.

• Runtime: 30–45 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Leaders, start-up entrepreneurs, business dreamers

8. The Leadership Antidote Podcast

Dr. Kim Hires provides tools to prevent burnout, encourage mindfulness, and maintain a healthy leadership mindset. The host accentuates learning practical strategies so that you can improve your creative potential, ability to focus, and team dynamics.

• Runtime: 20–40 minutes

• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

• Best for: Managers and leaders who welcome creativity in moderation

9. Jocko Podcast

In his podcast, Jocko Willink shares practical life lessons on self-leadership, discipline, and accountability. He believes that stronger leadership skills begin with self-discipline and the evolution of critical decision-making.

• Runtime: 60–120 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube

• Best for: Leaders who want to become more disciplined and resilient

Best podcasts to level up your entrepreneurship knowledge

These podcasts share stories and lessons from top business leaders to reignite entrepreneurial passion.

10. The Diary of a CEO

Steven Bartlett offers raw conversations (which sometimes feel like motivational speeches) on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and business building. Listeners learn about persistence, scaling, and a strategic mindset that forges your way forward.

• Runtime: 30–60 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts; 

• Best for: Budding entrepreneurs seeking guidance and community 

11. Mistakes That Made Me

Eman Ismail explores the "failure moments" of those who reached the top per aspera ad astra and whose lessons can help us avoid the traps they fell into. These stories serve as a lighthouse for overwhelmed enthusiasts who struggle to navigate setbacks and search for innovative solutions.

• Runtime: 25–40 minutes

• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

• Best for: Everyone willing to turn their moments of failure into the steps toward the next goal until they reach the top and set their eyes further 

12. The Tim Ferriss Show

Tim Ferriss interviews world-class performers to present the audience with their strategic secrets and the must-have habits they cultivated. Each episode gives away actionable growth tips and shows the ropes to their application.

• Runtime: 60–120 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube

• Best for: Highly-productive enthusiasts and aspiring leaders

Best podcasts for motivation to love better and build closer relationships

These shows combine real stories and expert advice to deepen understanding of romantic and platonic relationships.

13. The Love Drive

In this podcast, Shaun Galanos explores the pillars of lasting intimacy and emotional connection behind stable, fulfilling relationships. The primary focus is set on practical strategies accessible to anyone willing to work to improve communication and build trust with their loved ones.

• Runtime: 20–40 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Anyone who needs relationship advice 

14. Love Is Like a Plant

Hosted by the Mend app founder Ellen Huerta and YayWithMe.com creator Sarah May B., the program focuses on self-development and personal boundaries as a foundation for healthy relationships. Episodes (such as Ep. 77, Help Me Be Me) and Q&A sessions encourage listeners to self-reflect to make their relationship dynamics more intimate.

• Runtime: 15–30 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Personal development and relationship quality progress

15. Committed

Jo Piazza explores real-world relationship challenges, offering strategic solutions for building resilience, strength, and motivation to forgive and nurture love. The most complex yet controversial topics discuss how couples navigate conflict and compromise.

• Runtime: 30–50 minutes

• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

• Best for: Anyone (single or in a relationship) navigating relationship complexities

Best podcasts for motivation to learn financial management and master fintech

These podcasts teach financial literacy, wealth-building strategies, and smart money habits.

16. Money For The Rest Of Us

Drawing on his experience as a manager and Chief Investment Strategist, J. David Stein adapts financial concepts for a general audience and provides practical strategies for wealth growth and the "science" of smart investments. Those who tune in also learn the principles of moderate saving and the "right" reaction to economic trends.

• Runtime: 25–40 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Anyone who aspires to upgrade their financial management skills

17. Afford Anything

Paula Pant teaches how to optimize spending and save with moderation, so that you don't have to sacrifice the things that fill your life with joy and happiness. She advises listeners on the most practical tools for money management so that they can stay financially independent and live the lives they want.  

• Runtime: 30–50 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Value-driven savers

18. CoupleMoney Podcast

Christian and Elle Martinez guide couples through the tenets of joint financial management, budgeting, and shared wealth-building strategies. The podcast offers real-life examples and tools that strengthen the financial aspect of relationships.

• Runtime: 20–40 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Partners who learn to manage joint financial matters 

Best podcasts to make your outdoor adventures even more fun

These podcasts focus on adventure, sustainability, and connecting deeply with nature.

19. The Sharp End

The producer and creator Ashley Saupe shares real climbing accidents and survival stories, teaching risk management and personal growth. Be ready to learn the cost of growing resilient and instructions on how to push your limits safely.

• Runtime: 30–50 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Climbing fans and adventure seekers

20. Humans Outside

Amy Bushatz explains how spending even 20 minutes in nature can make you feel more confident. The podcast's episodes provide easy tips to help you build lasting outdoor habits.

• Runtime: 15–25 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Casual outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking to strengthen their immunity

21. The Dirtbag Diaries

Fitz Cahall tells humorous and humbling outdoor stories from travelers and extreme sports enthusiasts. Each episode warmly nudges the audience to cherish and respect nature and wildlife while enjoying their beauty in return.

• Runtime: 30–50 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Nature lovers who love sharing stories about their adventures

Best podcasts to motivate you not to neglect your creative side

For music lovers, these podcasts reveal hidden stories, artistic secrets, and the craft behind legendary artists.

22. Lost Notes

All hosts, from Solomon Georgio in season 5 to Dylan T. Rupert in season 5, explore overlooked stories in music history and the realities of competition in the industry over the years. Listeners learn how cultural background and artists' perseverance shape the music world, much like it did with the R&B scene in the 1950s to the '70s.

• Runtime: 30–50 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Music history geeks and inquisitive music creators 

23. Questlove Supreme

In their podcast, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and his co-host Team Supreme present in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes from the life and work of musicians and artists. The audience enjoys quizzes and trivia challenges while getting a peek into the creative minds and stories of legendary minds across various genres.

• Runtime: 60–90 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube

• Best for: Fans of music and storytelling

24. Slow Burn: Biggie and Tupac

​​Leon Neyfakh and Joel Anderson examine the rivalry between the hip-hop legends Tupac Shakur (2Pac) and The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls), their murders, and the massive impact of the iconic East Coast vs. West Coast feud. 

The podcast contextualizes cultural, business, and political factors (including Watergate and Bill Clinton's impeachment) that defined and shaped the music industry for decades to come.

• Runtime: 30–60 minutes

• Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

• Best for: Hip-hop fans and cultural enthusiasts

Discover your best motivational podcast with our quick quiz and beat the daily grind

Sometimes, the most challenging part of feeling inspired is figuring out where to start. Why not try a simple quiz to find out what you really need? It'll help you discover the perfect podcast to guide your journey.

With your personalized recommendation in hand, let's move forward and diversify your collection of resources for ongoing listening and meaningful self-improvement, enjoying all the benefits along the way.

The benefits you enjoy by tuning into the best podcasts for motivation 

Motivational podcasts are your catalyst for change. They don't just inspire, but (1) ignite your inner fire for productivity; (2) forge an unshakable mindset, and (3) empower you with the self-awareness to turn your biggest goals into reality.

1. How does listening to podcasts fuel your productivity? 

Motivational podcasts can transform your time-management habits and help you stay diligent in your progress. You'll learn practical tips for overcoming mental blocks and maintaining your focus to remain effective.

2. How can motivational podcasts help you forge a resilient mindset?

Podcasts like Happier with Gretchen Rubin accentuate positive thinking and mental strength. The speakers share stories from their own lives and the lives of others, encouraging the audience to build self-confidence and emotional control, which are necessary for an optimistic outlook.

3. How can motivational podcasts help you achieve your personal goals? 

Beyond inspiration, How I Built This with Guy Raz and similar podcasts draw a practical roadmap for achieving your goals. Check "Best Motivation Apps for Goal Setting and Personal Growth" for strategies on effective goal-setting, learning from mistakes, and improving decision-making. 

Deeper self-awareness empowers you to see obstacles as opportunities, magnifying your resolve and resilience to conquer each ambitious summit ahead.

From motivation podcasts to real growth — Move forward with Headway

To take your personal growth a step further, consider pairing your favorite podcast with the Headway app — or even using it as a smart alternative for self-development. 

While podcasts offer inspiring conversations and expert interviews, Headway provides concise, 15-minute summaries of bestselling books on personal growth, goal-setting, mental health, and leadership. 

Its mix of audio and text formats makes it easy to learn on the go, while interactive features like spaced repetition help you retain knowledge and apply insights effectively. For anyone exploring personal growth apps or self-development tools, Headway offers a structured, accessible way to stay motivated, sharpen your skills, and grow every day.