Podcasts have completely transformed the way I approach learning, inspiration, and entertainment. They turn my daily routines—whether it’s commuting, working out, or unwinding at the end of the day—into opportunities to explore new ideas, hear diverse perspectives, and gain insights on topics I might not otherwise dive into. Here are some of my absolute favorites right now, each unique in its style, topics, and what it offers.
Whether you’re a curious mind, a self-improvement enthusiast, or just looking for a good story, these podcasts are bound to add value to your day.
1. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Category: Psychology, Well-being
Style: Science-backed, conversational
Why I Love It: In a world full of advice on “how to be happy,” it’s refreshing to find a show grounded in actual research. Dr. Laurie Santos, a psychology professor at Yale, brings her knowledge to the podcast to explore what truly makes us happier, healthier, and more resilient. But it’s not all research-heavy: she explains concepts in an approachable way that makes it feel like chatting with a wise friend. Every episode offers practical takeaways and gently pushes you to reflect on your habits, assumptions, and mindset.
Episodes to Start With:
- “The Power of a Made-Up Ritual” – I loved this one because it reveals how our brains benefit from even the simplest rituals, and it shows how meaningful practices can emerge out of small, intentional habits.
- “Mistaken Expectations” – A great episode on how our expectations about happiness are often totally off-track, and what we can do to realign them.
2. How I Built This with Guy Raz
Category: Business, Entrepreneurship
Style: Inspirational, storytelling
Why I Love It: If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a business or launching a project that excites you, How I Built This is a treasure trove of stories and insights. Host Guy Raz interviews entrepreneurs and founders of some of the most iconic brands, like Warby Parker, Instagram, and Southwest Airlines, digging deep into their journeys. What I find so engaging is how open these leaders are about their setbacks, near-failures, and unexpected breakthroughs. It’s both humbling and motivating, showing the grit and creativity behind building a successful venture.
Episodes to Start With:
- “Spanx: Sara Blakely” – The founder’s journey from selling fax machines to creating a multi-million-dollar brand is incredibly inspiring.
- “Airbnb: Joe Gebbia” – This one is fascinating because it shows how unconventional ideas can thrive, especially when founders are persistent and open to adapting.
3. Science Vs
Category: Science, Myth-busting
Style: Data-driven, energetic
Why I Love It: Host Wendy Zukerman takes a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to exploring popular myths and trends with a healthy dose of science. Each episode examines topics that are often divisive or misunderstood, like detox diets or the link between social media and mental health. Wendy doesn’t shy away from busting myths or questioning assumptions, and she presents data and insights from experts in a way that’s both entertaining and informative. It’s a great show if you’re a skeptic at heart or just love knowing the truth behind what everyone’s talking about.
Episodes to Start With:
- “What’s the Deal with Fasting?” – An exploration into the science (and the hype) around fasting, with some surprising insights on its actual benefits.
- “5G and Coronavirus” – A hot topic debunked with real data; it’s a timely listen to clear up misinformation.
4. The Daily Stoic with Ryan Holiday
Category: Philosophy, Self-Improvement
Style: Reflective, concise
Why I Love It: If you’re intrigued by Stoicism or just looking for practical wisdom to apply in your daily life, The Daily Stoic delivers bite-sized insights that can shift your perspective. Ryan Holiday, who’s written extensively on Stoicism, shares insights from Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a quick but impactful reminder of how to handle life’s challenges with grace, patience, and a level-headed approach.
Episodes to Start With:
- “Want Less, Be Happier” – This episode is a powerful reminder of how less can be more, especially in a world that encourages us to constantly want more.
- “The Obstacle is the Way” – A fantastic takeaway on reframing challenges as opportunities for growth.
5. Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Category: Pop Culture, Psychology
Style: Conversational, humorous
Why I Love It: Dax Shepard brings a refreshing honesty to his conversations with a wide array of guests, from actors to psychologists and authors. Armchair Expert combines humor with introspection, and Shepard’s candidness often leads guests to open up in surprising ways. The podcast is both entertaining and insightful, diving into topics like relationships, mental health, personal growth, and life’s many ups and downs. It feels like eavesdropping on an interesting (and often hilarious) conversation between friends.
Episodes to Start With:
- “Esther Perel on Relationships” – Therapist Esther Perel shares her wisdom on modern love and the complexities of human connection.
- “Michael Pollan on Psychedelics” – An interesting dive into the science and history of psychedelics and their potential benefits.
6. Stuff You Should Know
Category: Educational, Curiosity-driven
Style: Fun, informal
Why I Love It: Hosts Josh and Chuck have a great dynamic that makes learning about random topics feel like fun trivia. Each episode unpacks something new and interesting, from historical mysteries to the inner workings of random objects and systems. It’s perfect for curious minds and great for keeping in your listening rotation because every episode is truly different. You’ll leave each one with a little more knowledge (and maybe a cool fact to share at your next gathering!).
Episodes to Start With:
- “How the Electoral College Works” – This is a great refresher on the history and workings of a unique political system.
- “How Gold Works” – An exploration of gold’s history, symbolism, and science; it’s fascinating even if you aren’t a science buff.
7. Lore by Aaron Mahnke
Category: History, Mystery, Supernatural
Style: Eerie, narrative-driven
Why I Love It: Lore dives into the strange and often haunting stories behind folklore, myths, and historical events. Host Aaron Mahnke has a knack for storytelling that brings a sense of suspense and mystery to every episode. Each story is well-researched and eerily captivating, making it perfect for late-night listening or anyone who enjoys the darker side of history. It’s a unique way to explore cultural legends and superstitions from around the world.
Episodes to Start With:
- “The Castle” – A thrilling look at the haunted history of castles and the secrets they hold.
- “They Made a Tonic” – This one dives into the strange history of elixirs and potions and how they’ve been used throughout time.
Why Podcasts Are My Go-To for Learning, Inspiration, and Escapism
What I love about podcasts is that they turn the “in-between” moments of life—like commuting, waiting, or even tidying up—into opportunities to learn something new or just escape into a good story. They’re so easy to integrate into any part of the day, and there’s something about hearing someone’s voice that makes the experience personal and immersive.
Whether I’m in the mood to be entertained, learn a new skill, or simply unwind with an engaging story, podcasts have a way of making knowledge accessible, engaging, and often unexpectedly inspiring. With these favorite shows, I’ve found new ways to think about happiness, business, history, and even the supernatural!
What Are Your Favorites?
Podcasts have a unique way of building connections and communities, even across miles. I’d love to hear about the podcasts you can’t get enough of, too—let’s share recommendations and keep finding new ways to stay curious, inspired, and entertained!
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