These are my favorite uplifting podcasts to listen to when I need motivation, inspiration, or even a few minutes of quick therapy.
I love podcasts! Not only do they make everyday chores like washing dishes and folding laundry so much more enjoyable, but I also find them really helpful. Most of the podcast episodes are less than 30 minutes, so it’s a quick and free way to boost my mood every week.
I’ve been listening to podcasts long enough now that they have become a part of my normal everyday routine. More recently though, I’ve noticed that not all of the podcasts I enjoy are mood boosters. I still want to listen to The Daily every day for a quick dose of news, but news first thing in the morning isn’t always a good idea.
So, I’ve been making a conscious effort to start my day off with more uplifting podcasts and save heavier podcasts for later in the day.
These are the 5 Uplifting Podcasts that I’ve been enjoying starting my day with. They inspire me and and motivate me to be a better person, a better mother, and to take better care of myself.
My 5 Favorite Uplifting Podcasts
Happier with Gretchen Rubin
This is my favorite podcast. I’ve never missed an episode! Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth offer quick happiness tips, answer questions about common happiness stumbling blocks, and give actionable advice for creating better habits. The two sisters are so fun to listen to and Happier always leaves me feeling more upbeat. The tips are simple, practical, and very manageable. It’s also such a thought provoking podcast and I find myself thinking about it long after it ends and quoting Gretchen and Elizabeth to everyone I talk to. It’s so good!
Try these episodes:
- Podcast 101: Do Something for Your Future Self, How Flying Wish Paper Eases Heartache, and “Ingegrator” or “Compartmentalizer”
- Podcast 80: A Very Special Episode Focused on Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages
- Podcast 130: 7 Myths of Happiness
- Podcast 134: Write a “Ta-Da” List, Discover More Great Podcasts, and Ask, “What’s My Level of Ambition?”
Live Free Creative with Miranda Anderson
This is a brand new podcast, but I’ve listened to 15 of the 16 episodes so far and thoroughly enjoyed them. Miranda’s goal is to give you inspiration and ideas for more intentional living and in my opinion, she’s completely succeeding. She’s so down-to-earth and it feels like a conversation (albeit one sided) with a good friend every week.
And if I didn’t already love her, she recently proved just how well she practices what she preaches, which only further endeared her to me. A few weeks ago, her house (which they’ve spent the last year remodeling) flooded and they were forced to move out just before the holidays. Through it all she’s been so positive, so accepting, and so inspiring – I’m really in awe. I love listening to her each week.
Try these episodes:
The Life Coach School with Brooke Castillo
This is, hands down, the best free therapy you’ll ever find. Brooke Castillo is a certified life coach and her podcast is AMAZING. I have been listening for about 6 months now and I’ve learned so much! Brooke knows how to motivate, how to use tough love, and how to really help you change your mindset and live a better life. She has what she calls her “framework” that she uses in all of her coaching, so start with Episode 1 where it’s outlined. After that, just pick an episode (she has almost 250 so far) that appeals to you. They’re all so good!
Try these episodes:
- Start with Episode 1 so you can understand her framework: Why You Aren’t Taking Action
- Podcast 17: How to Solve Any Problem
- Podcast 46: Self-Worth and Responsibility
- Podcast 36: Blame vs. Responsibility
- Podcast 179: Productivity
- Podcast 145: When You’ve Been Let Down
- Podcast 9: It doesn’t get better than this
Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations
Do I need to even introduce this one? It’s Oprah! And not just Oprah, but Oprah talking to people like Elizabeth Gilbert, Brene Brown, and Anne Lamott. If you’re looking for uplifting podcasts in 30 minutes, just pick an episode of this one!
Try these episodes:
3 in 30 with Rachel
This is one of the best uplifting podcasts for moms. The idea here is that in 30 minutes each week, Rachel will give you 3 actionable takeaways to help you be a better mom. She has fantastic guests on the podcast to help inspire and share their expertise. This one has helped me out so many times when I’ve been feeling overwhelmed as a single parent.
Try these episodes:
How and Where To Listen to Podcasts
You can listen to any of these podcasts online. Just click on the links I provided above.
However, I like to listen through an app on my phone so I can have it when I’m out driving or doing chores around the house and yard. If you use an iphone, the podcast app comes installed on your phone. Just search for these podcasts and subscribe to keep up with the new episodes each week.
I switched from an Apple phone to an Android earlier this year and since then I’ve tried several different podcasting apps. I’ve finally settled on Stitcher (at least for now) to subscribe to podcasts.
I make sure to download the new episodes to my phone each week (there are settings in the Stitcher App to do this automatically) so that I’m not using wi-fi when I’m out.
Rachel Nielson says
I feel so honored to be included on this of superstars. WOW! Thank you so much for listening and recommending!
somethewiser@gmail.com says
I LOVE your podcast – you’re definitely a superstar in my book. Thank YOU for the uplifting work you do.
Cathy says
I am really enjoying Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda, and would highly recommend it.
somethewiser@gmail.com says
I love Alan Alda – definitely checking this one out! Thanks for the recommendation.