Many times, it’s easy to feel stuck, unmotivated, or unsure of how to move forward. That’s where self improvement podcasts come in. These shows are like having a wise, supportive friend in your ear, ready to help you redirect your mindset, build confidence, and take action toward a better life.
We’ve done the research for you. These are the 12 best self improvement podcasts that truly deliver real advice, powerful mindset shifts, and actionable steps.
If you think happiness just happens, Dr. Laurie Santos is here to prove you wrong. As one of the top self improvement podcasts, it breaks down the science of joy, using real research and surprising stories to show how we can actually train ourselves to be happier. Whether it’s gratitude, mindset shifts, or battling negative thoughts, this show gives you the tools—no fluff, just facts.
Brooke Castillo doesn’t sugarcoat things—and that’s why her self improvement podcast works. If you’re stuck in your own head, making excuses, or self-sabotaging, she’ll call you out (in the best way). Her no-nonsense coaching helps you take control of your ideas, emotions, and actions so you can finally start making real progress.
Alexis Barber gets it—being a high-achieving woman is exhausting when society keeps moving the goalposts. Her self improvement podcast is all about ditching perfectionism, setting boundaries, and building a life that actually fits you. With real talk on career, self-care, and personal growth, this show is like therapy with your smartest friend.
NPR’s self improvement podcast is like a cheat sheet for adulting. From money to relationships to mental health, experts break down big topics into simple, actionable steps. Each episode feels like a mini coaching session—short, practical, and packed with advice that actually works in real life.
Ever wish philosophy wasn’t so… confusing? Stephen West fixes that. This self improvement podcast makes big thinkers like Socrates and Nietzsche actually make sense—and shows how their ideas apply to your life today. If you want to understand yourself and the world better, this is like a brain upgrade in podcast form.
Dan Harris used to think meditation was nonsense—until it saved him. Now, his self improvement podcast helps skeptics (like you?) explore mindfulness without the woo-woo. Experts explain how meditation reduces stress, boosts focus, and just makes life easier. If you’ve tried and failed to calm your mind, start here.
Tim Ferriss is the guy who hacks everything—time, fitness, and success. His self improvement podcast digs into the habits of top performers (CEOs, athletes, artists) and breaks their strategies into steps you can steal. Want to work smarter, learn faster, or just stop wasting time? Consider this your playbook.
Dave Asprey (the “biohacking” guy) proves better living isn’t just willpower—it’s science. His self improvement podcast covers everything from sleep to nutrition to mindset, with research-backed tips to optimize your health and productivity. If you’re tired of feeling drained, this show is like a manual for peak performance.
Matt Bodnar’s self improvement podcast is like having a personal success coach in your pocket. He brings on experts from psychology, business, and neuroscience to break down exactly what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to achieving goals. If you want evidence-based strategies to improve your life, this show delivers the goods – no guesswork needed.
Joshua and Ryan prove that less really can be more. This is one of the best self improvement podcasts that isn’t just about cleaning out your closet (though that helps)- it’s more about making space for what truly matters. Their practical advice helps you cut through life’s noise to focus on relationships, purpose, and peace of mind. Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by stuff.
Marie’s energy is contagious, and her self improvement podcast feels like a pep talk from your most supportive friend. She blends business smarts with life wisdom, showing how to tackle challenges with creativity and courage. That thing you think you can’t do? After listening to Marie, you’ll believe it’s totally “figureoutable.”
Gregg Clunis gets that big transformations start with small steps. His self improvement podcast breaks down personal growth into bite-sized, doable actions. Stuck in a rut? Overwhelmed by big goals? This show gives you simple daily habits that actually add up to real change – no willpower superheroics required.
Whether you want to boost motivation, build better habits, or simply understand yourself more deeply, these self improvement podcasts offer the tools and inspiration you need. From science-backed strategies to practical life advice, each show brings something valuable to help you grow. The best part? You can learn while commuting, working out, or relaxing at home. Pick one that resonates with you, press play, and start making small changes that lead to big results.