23 Self-Help Podcasts that Turn Life's Setbacks into Comebacks

Self-help podcasts have become a go-to source for motivation, practical advice, and personal growth, all while we commute, exercise, or tackle household chores. Here are the best self-help podcasts right now, organized by goal, length, and mood.

And if you enjoy podcasts but want to get insights on the go, the Headway app offers audio summaries of top nonfiction self-help books — from habits to anxiety — in 15 minutes. It's like a podcast, but distilled!

Quick answer: Top 5 self-help podcasts

1. 'The Happiness Lab' with Dr. Laurie Santos 

2. 'On Purpose' with Jay Shetty 

3. 'Life Kit' from NPR

4. 'PepTalk' with Coach J 

5. 'The Tony Robbins Podcast' with Tony Robbins 

A podcast alternative worth considering

If you love self-help podcasts but want the "highlight reel," the Headway app gives you audio summaries of bestselling self-help books in just 15 minutes. Headway is the #1 most-downloaded book summary app, with 50M+ users learning in bite-sized sessions.

Examples you can start with:

• 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear

• 'The Happiness Advantage' by Shawn Achor

• 'Deep Work' by Cal Newport

You can also discover our curated lists of the best crypto podcasts, top history podcasts, and essential investing shows to become a better version of yourself across different topics.

23 self-help podcasts for every goal in 2025

Finding the right self-help podcast can feel like dating — you'll listen to a few episodes, get excited about the potential, then realize the host's energy doesn't match yours. That's why we've organized these best self-help podcasts by what you're actually trying to fix or improve.

Whether you're dealing with burnout, seeking practical advice from thought leaders, or looking for actionable strategies from successful people, each category tackles different personal development challenges. That means you can jump straight to what matters most right now.

Podcasts for habits and productivity improvement

1. 'Happier with Gretchen Rubin' by Lemonada

What happens when a bestselling author of 'The Happiness Project' teams up with her skeptical TV writer sister to explore what makes us happy? You get one of the best self-help podcasts that turns happiness research into practical advice you can use in your daily life. Gretchen Rubin brings the science, while Elizabeth Craft provides the reality checks, creating conversations that feel like eavesdropping on two smart sisters who've figured out how to make life better.

Average episode length: 20-30 minutes

Frequency: Weekly 

What to expect? Real-life personal development strategies that actually work, from travel hacks and decision-making frameworks to handling procrastination and family dynamics. Recent podcast episodes cover everything from Olympic friendship stories to Real Housewives life lessons.

2. 'The Tim Ferriss Show' with Tim Ferriss

What if you could sit down with billionaires, Olympic athletes, and bestselling authors and ask them exactly how they built their success? Tim Ferriss, the world's best "human guinea pig" and author of 'The 4-Hour Workweek,' does exactly that in this legendary podcast. Instead of surface-level inspiration, you get the specific morning routines, productivity systems, and mental frameworks that create extraordinary results from successful people across every field.

Average episode length: 2-3 hours 

Frequency: 2-3 times per week

What to expect? Long-form interviews where Tim asks the same core questions to every guest, extracting tactical advice you can steal and implement immediately. Recent podcast episodes feature entrepreneurs building card games from scratch, health experts sharing fasting protocols for longevity, and Olympic athletes revealing mental training secrets.

3. 'Optimal Living Daily' with Justin Malik

What if you could get the best personal development insights without spending hours reading self-help books? Award-winning audiobook narrator Justin Malik curates and reads carefully selected blog posts from top thought leaders in personal growth, delivering bite-sized wisdom that fits perfectly into your morning routine. 

Average episode length: ≈ 12 minutes

Frequency: Daily

What to expect? Short bursts covering everything from managing perfectionism and emotional freedom to building simple happiness habits and conscious living practices. Recent podcast episodes explore topics like heart-centered motivation, intentional breaks for self-care, and how to start your day with purpose rather than distraction. 

4. 'The Jordan Harbinger Show' with Jordan Harbinger

What if you could learn from everyone, from ex-CIA agents and Fortune 500 CEOs to reformed con artists and digital detectives? Jordan Harbinger extracts practical tips from fascinating people who've achieved something remarkable. Instead of generic advice, you get real-world networking strategies, social dynamics, and human connection tactics that actually matter for your career and relationships.

Average episode length: ≈ 1-1.5 hours

Frequency: 3-4 times per week

What to expect? In-depth interviews with captivating guests plus weekly listener Q&A sessions addressing real-life problems from romance scams to family conflicts. New episodes cover everything from digital detective techniques and economic warfare tactics to coffee addiction myths and relationship boundary issues.

5. 'Beyond the To-Do List'  with Eric Fisher

What if productivity wasn't about cramming more tasks into your day, but about creating a life that actually makes sense? Erik Fisher hosts conversations with productivity experts and creatives who understand that real efficiency comes from aligning your work with your purpose. 

Average episode length: ≈ 40-50 minutes

Frequency: 2-3 times a week

What to expect? The podcast covers everything from decluttering your home and mind to building career clarity and breaking revenge addiction cycles. Recent podcast episodes explore a wide range of topics, including productivity with purpose, creativity psychology, and building daily habits that actually stick through simple methods. 

Ready to take your productivity mindset to the next level, but don't have 30+ minutes to listen to podcasts? Check out Dr. Robert Duff's approach in 'Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety.' You'll need just a few minutes to listen to the book summary in the Headway library and discover why sometimes the best self-help advice comes without sugar-coating.

Self-improvement podcasts

6. 'Huberman Lab' with Andrew Huberman

What happens when a Stanford neuroscientist decides to make brain science accessible to everyone? You get the world's most popular health podcast. Dr. Andrew David Huberman, author of 'Protocols: An Operating Manual for the Human Body' (2025), transforms complex neuroscience research into practical tools you can use immediately. 

Average episode length: ≈ 2-3 hours

Frequency: Weekly

What to expect? Deep dives into topics like dopamine control for motivation, brain rewiring techniques, and cortisol management for burnout recovery, all backed by peer-reviewed research. Recent podcast episodes explore ADHD and focus optimization, cooling protocols for strength training, and how nature impacts cognitive performance. 

7. 'The Happiness Lab' with Laurie Santos

What if everything you know about happiness is wrong? Yale psychology professor Dr. Laurie Santos, who teaches the most popular class in the university's 300-year history, uses rigorous science to debunk happiness myths and reveal what actually makes our lives better. Her honest approach cuts through Instagram-worthy advice to show you evidence-based strategies that create well-being rather than temporary mood boosts.

Average episode length: ≈ 30-45 minutes 

Frequency: Weekly

What to expect? Research-backed insights that challenge common assumptions about what makes us happy. From why our minds often mislead us to how simple activities like birding or good manners boost well-being. Recent podcast episodes explore everything from Stoic philosophy and music's healing power to smartphone impacts on childhood and Viking parenting approaches. 

8. 'Rich Roll Podcast' with Rich Roll

What happens when a former entertainment lawyer turned ultramarathoner creates conversations about transformation? Rich Roll, bestselling author and ultra-athlete, brings together thought leaders, wellness experts, and people who've overcome extraordinary challenges to explore what it really takes to unlock your potential. His personal journey from addiction and couch potato to elite endurance athlete in his 40s adds authenticity to every discussion about change, resilience, and self-development.

Average episode length: ≈ 1.5-2.5 hours

Frequency: 2-3 times per week

What to expect? Deep conversations covering everything from Olympic mental health crises and nutrition misinformation to meditation science and plant-based performance optimization. Recent podcast episodes feature discussions on overcoming ego and mental blocks, women's hormonal health, sleep's impact on brain states, and the intersection of addiction recovery with personal transformation. 

9. 'The Science of Happiness' with Dacher Keltner

What if you could access actionable advice for genuine well-being in bite-sized episodes that fit into any schedule? Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center brings you academic research translated into practical tools for compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and joy. This podcast delivers peer-reviewed insights without the academic jargon, making happiness and self-love science accessible to everyone.

Average episode length: ≈ 15-20 minutes (range from 5-25 minutes)

Frequency: Weekly to bi-weekly

What to expect? Short episodes covering specific happiness research findings and their practical applications, from Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping methods to how music connects us socially and why spending time in parks supports well-being. Recent podcast episodes explore topics like meditation for overwhelming moments, embodying resilience practices, and how poetry can serve as brain medicine. 

10. 'Ten Percent Happier' with Dan Harris

What happens when a skeptical news anchor has a panic attack on live television and reluctantly discovers meditation? Dan Harris, author of bestselling books and veteran journalist, brings healthy skepticism to mindfulness and mental health practices. His practical approach makes ancient wisdom accessible to listeners who want proof that this stuff actually works before investing time in it.

Average episode length: ≈ 50 minutes

Frequency: Twice weekly

What to expect? Honest conversations about meditation, stress management, and mental health with researchers, teachers, and practitioners who answer the questions skeptics actually have. Recent podcast episodes cover everything from normalizing failure and dealing with inner critics to finding joy in anxious times and stopping the habit of caring about what others think. 

Podcasts for intentional living

11. 'The Minimalists Podcast' with Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, T.K. Coleman

What happens when two corporate climbers discover that owning less actually means living more? This is one of the best self-improvement podcasts, where Emmy-nominated Netflix stars and bestselling authors challenge everything you think you know about success and happiness. They're not just talking about decluttering your closet — they're questioning why we chase material possessions, toxic relationships, and meaningless achievements in the first place.

Average episode length: ≈ 45-50 minutesFrequency: Weekly

What to expect? Thoughtful conversations about intentional living that go far beyond just getting rid of things, covering everything from education system problems and identity clutter to navigating family dynamics and finding beauty in uncertainty. Recent podcast episodes explore topics like mental clutter from overconsumption, productive communication techniques, and what to prioritize when life forces you to start over after a disaster. 

12. 'Maximized Minimalist Podcast' with Katy Wells

What if decluttering isn't about perfection, but about finally feeling in control of your space and life? Host Katy Wells, a holistic decluttering expert with over 5 million listeners, understands why the mess keeps coming back even after you've tried everything. Instead of quick fixes, she teaches women how to declutter in a way that works long-term — physically and mentally.

Average episode length: ≈ 20-25 minutes

Frequency: Weekly

What to expect? Strategies you can implement right after listening, mindset shifts to help you let go of sentimental items, and simple systems to maintain progress without perfectionist pressure. Recent podcast episodes cover everything from time management for overwhelmed women and decluttering traps that keep you stuck to one-minute habits for summer chaos and breaking free from anxiety through purposeful living.

13. 'Intentional Living' with Dr. Randy Carlson

What if you could figure out what truly pleases God and then build your decisions around that? Host of this nationally-syndicated radio program on over 250 stations, offers biblically-based perspectives on the everyday issues that impact intentional living. Listen to it if you want to get faith-centered wisdom for navigating real-life challenges like marriage struggles, parenting decisions, and personal growth within a Christian framework.

Average episode length: ≈ 20-30 minutes

Frequency: Multiple times per week

What to expect? Practical, faith-based guidance on intentional decision-making, covering everything from overcoming worry and anxiety to navigating helicopter parenting and marriage challenges. Recent podcast episodes explore topics like dealing with adult children's issues, blended family dynamics, controlling people, and decluttering your life from a Christian perspective. 

14. 'Simplicity Parenting' with Dr. Randy Carlson

What if simplifying your family's life could actually solve most of your parenting challenges? Kim John Payne, bestselling author of 'Simplicity Parenting,' provides weekly insights on creating a more connected family life through intentional simplification. Instead of adding more strategies to your parenting toolkit, you'll learn how reducing overwhelm and simplifying routines can naturally improve your children's emotional regulation and your family's overall well-being.

Average episode length: ≈ 11-13 minutes

Frequency: Weekly

What to expect? Bite-sized episodes covering emotional self-regulation strategies, practical de-escalation techniques, and approaches to common parenting challenges like screen time limits, bedtime struggles, and sibling dynamics. Recent podcast episodes explore topics like helping children with meltdowns, understanding restraint collapse after school, and building impulse control through simplicity rather than complexity.

15. 'The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast' with Lee Warren

What if a neurosurgeon could teach you to perform surgery on your own thoughts and emotions? Dr. W. Lee Warren, MD, combines his medical expertise with deep faith and hard-won life experiences to deliver weekly insights on leading a healthier, happier life. His concept of "self-brain surgery" isn't about medical procedures — it's about intentionally rewiring your thought patterns to handle life's hardest moments with greater resilience and purpose.

Average episode length: ≈ 50 minutes

Frequency: Weekly

What to expect? Deep explorations of trauma, grief, and mental health challenges through a faith-based lens. Recent podcast episodes cover thought management with Max Lucado, staying on track with personal goals, and planning your self-brain surgery approach. Dr. Warren tackles difficult topics like trauma responsibility, grief navigation, and mind-brain relationships while providing practical tools for healing. 

Podcasts for better relationships

16. 'On Purpose' with Jay Shetty

What happens when a former monk meets the modern world? Well, this experience is definitely life-changing. Jay Shetty bridges ancient wisdom with 2025 challenges, delivering talks that actually matter. He combines spiritual insights with practical psychology, helping you find purpose and peace in a chaotic world through expert interviews and personal workshops designed to make you healthier and healed.

Average episode length: ≈ 45-60 minutes

Frequency: Twice weekly

What to expect? Deep conversations with experts and thought leaders about overcoming challenges and finding meaning. Recent podcast episodes cover relationship compatibility myths with Jimmy Kimmel, parenting anxious children with Dr. Becky Kennedy, and career transitions with Kim Perell. 

17. 'Good Life Project' with Jonathan Fields

What does it mean to live a good life when things get hard? Jonathan Fields creates space for conversations about what makes life truly meaningful, exploring the deeper questions around happiness, health, friendship, love, work, wealth, purpose, and service. You'll leave with new perspectives on what success actually means and practical strategies for vulnerability management.

Average episode length: ≈ 50-60 minutes

Frequency: Weekly

What to expect? Thoughtful interviews with people who've built meaningful lives across different paths, including artists, entrepreneurs, healers, and change-makers. Recent podcast episodes cover headache treatments with Tom Zeller Jr., highly sensitive personality traits with Elaine Aron, and authentic living at age 50 with Sherri Dindal. 

18. 'Where Should We Begin?' with Esther Perel

Are you interested in observing real therapy sessions with couples navigating their most intimate challenges? Relationship therapist Esther Perel opens her office doors every Monday morning, letting you hear real people bare the raw details of their stories. It's like getting a masterclass in relationships from one of the world's leading experts while hearing your own story reflected in the lives of others.

Average episode length: ≈ 45-55 minutes

Frequency: Weekly

What to expect? Unscripted therapy sessions where you hear real couples working through their challenges, with recent podcast episodes covering friendship dynamics, falling for best friends, and being stuck in relationship patterns. Perel's insights reveal patterns in relationships that you'll recognize in your own life, exploring topics like romantic consumerism, dating fears in first relationships, and love bombing recovery. 

19. 'Life Kit' from NPR

What if you had a friend who could help you navigate everything from difficult conversations to major life decisions? NPR's journalism meets practical life advice in this series designed to help you get it together as a human being. Host Marielle Segarra talks to experts and life coaches to get the best advice on sleep, saving money, and parenting. It's a show without the hype that comes with most self-help content.

Average episode length: ≈ 20-25 minutes

Frequency: Multiple episodes per week

What to expect? Episodes covering relationships, career, health, and personal finance, with recent podcast episodes exploring the impact of eating disorders on the brain, everyday pep talks for small problems, and talking to parents about money. Topics include smartphone addiction solutions, houseguest etiquette, avoiding counterfeit products, and journaling through hard times.

20. 'PepTalk' with Coach J

What if you could have a personal cheerleader in your corner every day? Host Jamil Frazier delivers motivational content that feels like personal coaching sessions designed to shift your mindset and boost your confidence. His approach combines practical psychology with spiritual wisdom, helping you work hard and believe better.

Average episode length: ≈ 20-30 minutes

Frequency: The last episodes aired in 2024, but the content remains timeless and valuable. The core topics, such as confidence building, overcoming discouragement, unlocking potential, and defeating social comparison, are universal challenges that don't expire. 

What to expect? Short episodes on mindset, confidence, and personal growth, with recent releases covering flight lessons and life applications, defeating discouragement cycles, and improving life by focusing on the present moment. Coach J tackles topics like imposter syndrome, fear of failure, building self-worth, and escaping social comparison traps while sharing personal anecdotes about his own transformation.

Only 10 minutes? Try these three short self-help shows

When time’s tight, shorter episodes up to 10 minutes can still pack a punch:

1. 'Optimal Living Daily' – 10-minute motivational readings.

2. 'The Daily Motivation' – Fast bursts of inspiration.

3. 'RISING*SHINING' – Reflection on events from the host's life.

Which self-help podcast is right for you? Quick test

Answer each of the nine questions below with Yes or No, and you’ll discover what you need to improve right now, along with how.

Why self-improvement doesn't have to be a grind: The Headway approach

Self-improvement shouldn't feel like another chore on your endless to-do list. Headway transforms personal growth into something you actually look forward to by delivering the world's best self-help insights in bite-sized, 15-minute audio and text summaries. 

The app's personalized recommendations match your goals, whether you want to build better habits, improve relationships, or boost productivity. With Headway, you can be sure that every minute you spend learning moves you closer to where you want to be.

The built-in milestones tracker celebrates your progress as you complete summaries, creating a sense of achievement that traditional reading often lacks. You'll see exactly how much you're learning and growing, with daily streaks and completion badges that make personal development feel more like a rewarding game than hard work. Plus, with over 1,400 book summaries in your pocket, you never have to choose between living your life and improving it.

Download Headway and learn something amazing by the end of the day!