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Better Than Coffee: 14 Podcasts That Will Inspire Your Mornings
The right podcast can help you improve your habits, grow your business and elevate your mindset.
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If you’re looking for an easy way to energize your day and shift your mood, listen to a podcast. There are few things better than enjoying a podcast during your morning routine, on a walk or during a break from work. Thousands of podcasts are available on various topics, like business strategy, personal development, and health and wellness. If you’re new to the world of podcasts, here are some of the top offerings you should check out for inspiration and entrepreneurial advice.
14 inspirational podcasts for entrepreneurs
Businesses thrive on creativity, innovation and motivation. To stay inspired on the daily, listen to these thought-provoking podcasts.
1. The Happiness Lab
Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos hosts “The Happiness Lab.” In each episode, Dr. Santos explores the scientific research behind happiness and why so many people do the opposite of what will actually make them happy. She shares inspiring stories, motivational tips and interviews with noteworthy individuals like Rob Lowe, John Green and Dr. Dan Gilbert. With thousands of five-star reviews across podcast platforms, listener response indicates this podcast is well worth your time.
2. Good Life Project
On “Good Life Project,” host Jonathan Fields speaks to experts and famous names like Brené Brown, Matthew McConaughey and Glennon Doyle. Each episode is designed to answer the question, “What does it mean to live a good life?” Fields isn’t afraid to go deep with his guests, and the episodes range from one to two hours. Since each guest brings something new to the podcast, you will continually feel inspired and motivated in different ways.
3. The Mel Robbins Podcast
Mel Robbins is a motivational speaker and bestselling author of books “The High 5 Habit” and “The 5 Second Rule.” She’s known for her no-nonsense and practical advice on things like building habits and becoming your best self. In this podcast, Robbins shares personal stories and motivational advice in episodes that range from 45 minutes to over an hour. This podcast can be found on Spotify and Apple podcasts.
4. The School of Greatness
“The School of Greatness” is hosted by Lewis Howes, a New York Times bestselling author, two-time all-American athlete, entrepreneur and keynote speaker. In this weekly podcast, Howes interviews some of the most successful people on the planet to reveal inspirational advice on how to be successful in your personal and professional life. With diverse interviews from the likes of business leaders, athletes, entertainers, scientists, health experts and more, you are sure to gain valuable weekly insights to stay motivated.
5. The One You Feed
“The One You Feed” is hosted by Eric Zimmer, an author and behavioral coach. The title plays on a parable about the “two wolves” that battle inside each of us. Each week, Zimmer interviews scientists, authors, researchers and spiritual teachers to talk about how we can live more fulfilling lives with work-life balance. The podcast has more than 600 episodes and continues to deliver wisdom for personal and professional growth.
6. Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin is known for her bestselling book, “The Happiness Project.” The podcast “Happier with Gretchen Rubin” continues the conversation about what it means to be happy. Rubin co-hosts the podcast with television writer and producer Elizabeth Craft, and each episode ranges from two to 40 minutes. If you’re looking for a quick way to add more happiness to your life, this podcast can help, and its length makes it appealing for a before-work listen.
7. On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Mental health is an important part of a successful life, although it can be tough to manage without the proper knowledge or resources. In this podcast, Jay Shetty, a well-known mental health expert, shares insightful commentary aimed at helping listeners feel happier, healthier and more healed. In episodes ranging from 30 minutes to two hours, Shetty interviews experts, celebrities and thought leaders to uncover useful tips to help build better habits and grow mindsets. New episodes can be found on popular networks like YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple podcasts, every Monday and Friday.
8. How I Built This
“How I Built This” with Guy Raz is an entrepreneurs’ podcast that interviews innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists. Learn from the people who built some of today’s biggest brands. Hear what worked for them, what obstacles they faced and how they overcame them. Take inspiration with every episode and see what you can do to make positive changes in your life and business. [Read related: 10 Proven Tips for Young Entrepreneurs]
9. Smart Passive Income
Pat Flynn started “Smart Passive Income” as a blog, and it has grown into a podcast with a dedicated community. Flynn shares tips on building an online business, creating multiple income streams and implementing effective marketing strategies. He’s interviewed business owners and experts like Tim Ferriss, Ramit Sethi, Gary Vaynerchuk and Tony Robbins.
10. The GaryVee Audio Experience
Gary Vaynerchuk is an established entrepreneur, CEO, investor, content creator and public speaker. This podcast serves as his platform to bring his biggest insights to business topics. The podcast is a mix of formats, including “Podcast with Friends” episodes, WineText recaps, keynote speeches he’s given on marketing and business, and interviews.
11. Entrepreneurs on Fire
“Entrepreneurs on Fire” is hosted by John Lee Dumas, and with over 4,000 episodes and millions of downloads, it’s one of the most established business podcasts available. Dumas has interviewed business experts like Gary Vaynerchuk, Seth Godin and Tony Robbins. The podcast is updated regularly, so you’ll have a steady stream of new episodes to listen to.
12. Online Marketing Made Easy
Amy Porterfield hosts “Online Marketing Made Easy,” which explores everything you need to know about operating an online business. Porterfield interviews other experts in business and marketing and tackles topics like content marketing, social media and how to build a quality email list.
13. Masters of Scale
“Masters of Scale” features iconic business leaders who walk listeners through lessons and approaches used in building successful companies. The battle-tested strategies can motivate overwhelmed entrepreneurs who value knowing they aren’t alone in facing struggles. It is hosted by Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, along with other business experts.
14. Coaching for Leaders
Host David Stachowiak, who honed his leadership expertise at Dale Carnegie, talks to researchers, authors and business experts about what makes a good manager. “Coaching for Leaders” covers subjects like how to build relationships, effective listening and how to navigate the challenges of doing business.
Why podcasts are essential for entrepreneurs
Podcasts offer flexible professional development for business owners and entrepreneurs, with accessible, on-demand learning that fits easily into busy schedules. They can expose you to diverse perspectives and challenge your assumptions. Many successful entrepreneurs credit podcasts with refining their thinking, showing them new business models and offering motivation during difficult times.
The podcasts listed above represent just a starting point. As you explore the medium, you’ll likely discover other shows tailored to your specific industry, challenges or interests. The key is to make podcast listening a regular habit — even 15 to 30 minutes per day can result in personal and professional growth.
Skye Schooley and Kimberlee Leonard contributed to the reporting and writing in this article.
