If you’ve read (and changed) your life thanks to her book The Happiness Project or Five Minute Journal, Happier will resonate with you. Co-hosted together with her younger sister Elizabeth Craft, the thought-provoking podcast – in both 30+ minute bits, and smaller bite-size chunks, some less than three minutes – covers a range of topics. These include things such as why not throw a celebratory party especially during stressful times; navigating difficult family discussions; and scheduling a playdate with yourself — all good reminders that there are easy ways to handle life with a little more grace and pleasure.

How to listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.

You’re already familiar with TED Talks so you’ll know the general format of this podcast. Just shy of an hour long – so save this for the weekend suntanning session or an extended commute home – each weekly episode covers topics together with advice from a number of TED speakers or noted personalities. Hosted by Guy Raz, the episodes point at areas of self improvement, such as how to become a better you; why practicing gratitude with a simple ‘thank you’ changes how you look at the world; the evolution of the #metoo movement; and our complicated relationship with food – is it nourishment or pleasure/guilt?

How to listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts

The title itself is a dead giveaway but how could we talk about personal and life-changing motivations if we didn’t include Oprah Winfrey, the queen of talk shows? Championing the concept of taking time to be more fully present, the episodes – naturally hosted by Oprah – with key opinion leaders (Suze Orman on women and money), authors (Michelle Obama on her book Becoming), wellness experts (Dr. Phil on the keys to a contented life) and spiritual luminaries (Deepak Chopra on creating harmony) all conveyed what Oprah’s famous for: That inimitable ability to create a meaningful connection through a raw and authentic conversation that leaves you feeling capable of taking on the world.

How to listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Player FM.

If you’re already a fan of NPR’s excellent content then this podcast will be a natural addition to your download list. Rather than motivating via intangible, inspirational content, episodes delve into the why, i.e. what drives motivation and what compels people to do what they do. It’s artfully hosted by NPR’s Shankar Vedantam who uses a digestible blend of science and storytelling to engage listeners. Tune into the popular You 2.0 summer episodes that explore everything from dream jobs, getting unstuck (who doesn’t need that) and other more thought provoking topics such as innovators and what it takes to be an original and the issues surrounding modern day marriage (spoiler alert: you might need to ask less of it).

How to listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Created by Eric Zimmer and Charles Forbes, this self-help podcast aims to inspire, motivate and leave you with tools to conquer life’s challenges — all with the ultimate goal of inspiring you to live better. Using the parable of the good and bad wolf (and which you choose to feed), episodes (ranging from 30 to 45 minutes) are composed of conversational teaching-style interviews with well-known authors and professionals who aim to enlighten through stories, scientific research, and applicable techniques on topics such as time management, mindfulness, procrastination, success and happiness and meditation.

How to listen: Available on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts and Spotify

When it comes to motivation, it’s hard not to mention Gary Vee who is synonymous with the concept of crushing it. The household name may have detractors who don’t approve of his abrasive, straight speaking (read: plenty of expletives) style but the content is engaging and full of actionable insights. With podcast episodes – a blend of interviews, marketing ideas and business talks – co-hosted with celebrities (Jessica Alba, Larry King) and top opinion leaders (Simon Sinek, Tim Ferris), some of the more popular podcasts to bookmark include Drop One Loser Friend, the 79/21 Rule To Build a Long Term Business and Being Unemotional When It Comes to Business.

How to listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.

You know you’ll get a morning dose of honesty with former Nasty Gal CEO Sophia Amoruso behind the mic. Each week the OG #girlboss talks to fellow power women such as Glossier founder Emily Weiss, Goop’s Gwyneth Paltrow and Ouai Haircare’s Jen Atkin on their personal #girlboss moments and what makes them feel empowered. The episodes vary in length (from 20 minutes) and the roster of power women is certainly impressive. But what we like are the topics touched on: such as how/when to strike out on your own, navigating working with family and more water cooler topics (with Michelle Phan no less) on the difference between an influencer and creator and why bravery is better than perfection. Definitely a must-listen.

How to listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.

Who else but the master of coaching (and his gravelly voice) to get you revved up and ready to take on the world? As expected, each episode (every two weeks) features the power coach interviewing a roster of A-list guests (sportsmen, activists, actors, business leaders etc…) but what’s more impressive is the authentic emotional content in them. Luminaries such as Olympian Michael Phelps talking frankly about his own struggles as a sportsmen and life after the Olympics, while delving into more self-illuminating topics such as turning stress into success, why love isn’t enough in marriage and breaking patterns to find inner peace.

How to listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Player FM and Spotify.

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Text: Charlene Fang