7 Best Motivational Podcasts to Listen to in 2021 - growth mindset, health, and wellness. Including podcasts on leadership, setting boundaries, anxiety and self-compassion, meditation, biohacking, and more.
Listening to podcasts is one of my favourite activities to spark creativity and new ideas. It's probably no surprise that my favourite podcasts to listen to are usually health, wellness, or growth mindset-related! I truly believe in the power of positive affirmations and positive thinking, so you may see a theme here.
Some of the best motivational podcasts I listened to recently really helped to shift my mindset, and bring new habits into my life. I shared these realizations in a recent Instagram post, and it seemed that others could relate.
This is a more complete round-up of must-listen (life-changing) motivational podcasts to listen to in 2021! At the end of this post, you will find a Spotify playlist with each of these episodes listed, so that you can find them all in one place.
Jump to:
1. On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Jay Shetty is the host of the #1 Health Podcast in the world; On Purpose. Jay is not only an amazing storyteller and public speaker, but he is also a former Monk. Jay shares the wisdom he acquired in his 3 years as a Monk with the world, in a way that is easy to relate to and understand. He has interviewed some of the most influential people in the world on his podcast, and many of the episodes are so good I have re-listened. I'd recommend listening to any and all of them, but recently my favourite episodes include:
Must Listen:
- Will Smith on: owning your truth and the power of unlocking manifestation
- 7 Habits of highly confident people and how to build confidence
- Evy Pompouras on: how to instantly read people, create connections, and influence people
2. We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle
I read Glennon Doyle's book Untamed last year and really enjoyed it. But I probably enjoy her new Podcast We Can Do Hard Things even more. Each week, Glennon and her sister Amanda bring their "hard thing" to discuss on the podcast. Sometimes, Glennon's wife Abby Wambach joins them as well.
Their discussions "Help each other carry the hard so we can all live a little bit lighter and braver, more free and less alone." In each episode, Glennon, Amanda, and Abby - discuss and dissect the topic; from boundaries to anxiety, fighting well, addiction and self-care.
There's truly something for everyone to learn in each episode, and one of the best things about listening to Glennon and Amanda is that you realize many of the internal struggles you face, are struggles that we all collectively have. If you listen to just ONE episode of We Can Do Hard Things, make it this one!
Must Listen: Boundaries: Are too few (or too many) why are we stuck?. You can read the transcript for this episode here.
3. The Genius Life with Max Lugavere
The Genius Life Podcast is hosted by Max Lugavere: filmmaker, health and science journalist, and author of the New York Times best-selling book Genius Foods: Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive While Protecting Your Brain for Life. Max was motivated to begin his journey into learning about health and wellness when his mother was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia. In his books and on the podcast, Max shares what he learned through consuming scientific research and speaking with leading scientists around the world about brain health and neurological aging. It's hard to choose just one episode of The Genius Life to share because I have enjoyed so many of them, but here are three of my favorites that stand out:
Must Listen: Biohacking the female body to feel amazing with Alissa Vitti
Must listen: How propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly can fix your health today with Carly Stein.
4. Owning it: The Anxiety Podcast with Caroline Foran
As a new listener to this podcast, I can't wait to drive into more episodes soon! My sister shared this episode with me a few months back, and it has really allowed me to practice more self-compassion and become more aware of my habits around compassion.
Caroline talks with Dr Kristin Neff, a self-compassion researcher, author and teacher. They discuss the science of self-compassion, how to bring more compassion into your life, what the benefits are, and what happens to our brain and body when we choose to be more self-compassionate. In addition, they discuss how self-compassion can contribute to reducing anxiety, and how to practice self-compassion.
Must Listen: The Science of Self Compassion for Reducing Anxiety with TED Talker DR Kristen Neff
5. Dare to Lead Podcast with Brené Brown
I am a very big Brené Brown fan, after reading her book Daring Greatly earlier this year. I also enjoyed her Netflix special; Call to Courage. The Dare to Lead podcast is based her book, Dare to Lead. In her own words, the podcast features "conversations with change-catalysts, culture-shifters and more than a few troublemakers who are innovating, creating, and daring to lead."
An episode I really enjoyed was with Abby Wambach, on the new rules of leadership. Abby is an Olympian, activist, author, and motivational speaker. She shares how she came to the realization that she could have a huge impact by "leading from the bench", and how that decision strengthened her relationships with her teammates. I can't even do this one justice, so you'll just need to listen, it's so good!
Must Listen: Brené with Abby Wamback on the new rules of leadership
6. A Bit of Optimism with Simon Sinek
Speaking of Brené, I also enjoyed her chat with Simon Sinek (who you probably remember from his famous TED Talk). These two visionary thinkers chat on Simon's Podcast about the finite mindset vs the infinite mindset. They unpack what it means to be a finite thinker vs infinite thinker in today's world. I really liked the point that was brought up about not judging the moment; whether good or bad. Every moment shall pass, and there is no "winning" at life. As Simon says, there are no good days or bad days, just "ahead" days and "behind days.
Must Listen: The one with Brené Brown
7. Master your mindset with Marisa Peer
I first heard Marisa Peer on the School of Greatness podcast with Lewis Howes, and I was hooked. Marisa Peer is a bestselling author, world-renowned speaker, and Rapid Transformational Therapy trainer. She shares self-hypnosis meditations to help you become your best self.
In this podcast episode, Marisa is interviewing Emily Fletcher, who is also a world-renowned meditation teacher, the author of Stress Less Accomplish More, and the creator of the Ziva technique. When I saw that these two amazing women recorded a podcast episode together, I knew that it was going to be good!
Must Listen: Transforming your mind and body through meditation
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to let me know by leaving a comment below, or by sharing on Instagram. Tag me @nourishmintkitchen if you share this post, and don't pass this on to your friends who enjoy listening to podcasts!
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