Where do you turn for motivation?

When our cups run dry, it’s essential we return to the well for more water—or in this case, fresh perspectives and motivation from others. Whether gathering new tips and practical steps for pushing forward or simply listening to the plights and triumphs of those who’ve gone before us, turning outward for guidance is necessary for success. Even individual success happens, in part, because of the greater community.

When you find yourself seeking inspiration or wishing to be positively challenged by others, tune in to one of our five favorite motivational podcasts:

1. Beautiful Writers Podcast

Best For | Creative Motivation
Where To Tune In | iTunes; Spotify; Stitcher 

Despite the title, the Beautiful Writers Podcast isn’t simply for writers. A source of motivation for all listeners, we love this show for its deeply honest conversations with seasoned creatives and thought-leaders. Whether you’re seeking encouragement and how-to tips, or you wish to channel inspiration from your favorite authors, this podcast (aired monthly) is one of our favorites. Hosted by Linda Sivertsen (aka Book Mama).

Reviews | “I can’t even put into words how much this podcast has changed my world…I recommend it to anyone and everyone in need of inspiration, regardless of their interest in writing. It’s engaging, informative, funny, inspiring, and enlightening…pure magic.” – Brooke B, iTunes Review

Learn More About The Beautiful Writers Podcast

2. Switch, Pivot or Quit

Best For | Career Motivation
Where To Tune In | iTunes; Spotify; Stitcher 

Considering a career switch? Switch, Pivot or Quit can help with that (often) intimidating and terrifying transition. Host Ahyiana Angel—someone who switched careers herself—delivers actionable advice and motivation tips to propel you forward in your career goals. You won’t want to miss a single episode. Airing weekly.

Reviews | “Ahyiana and her stellar guests shine the brightest of lights on what it means to be a female in business and life! Bold, insightful, and engaging are just a few of the words I’d use to describe the time you’ll spend with them.” – Katie Joy B, iTunes Review

Learn More About Switch, Pivot or Quit

3. Good Life Project

Best For | Life Motivation
Where To Tune In | iTunes; Spotify; Stitcher 

Want to live “a fully-engaged, fiercely-connected, and meaning-drenched life?” Then The Good Life Project podcast is for you. It’s hard to succinctly explain this one, as every episode is as unique and profound as the featured guest. Hosted by best-selling author Jonathan Fields, the show has been praised by The Wall Street Journal as one the best for self-development. Expect deeply-moving conversation with creators, spiritual leaders, activists, and change-makers. Airing twice weekly.
Reviews | “Wonderfully mindful and honest. I’m so glad this is in the world. If you’re looking for media that is grounding and purposeful, you’ve found it.” – Erin D, iTunes Review

Learn More About The Good Life Project

4. Power Hour

Best For | Life Motivation
Where To Tune In | iTunes; Podtail; PlayerFM 

Airing from across the pond, Power Hour with wellness expert Adrienne Herbert is motivating listeners to pursue their passions and achieve sustainable success. Talking weekly with the UK’s leading coaches, creatives, change-makers, and innovators, Herbert examines the daily habits and life-shifts needed for ultimate success.

A podcast for our friends abroad, as well as for our US readers, we love this one for familiarizing ourselves with Britain’s best trailblazers and motivational figures.

Reviews | “This podcast gives me so much inspiration. I look forward to each episode so much, as each guest is so different and brings such a unique look on things. It always inspires me to have more confidence in myself after listening too!” – Charlie L, iTunes Review

Learn More About Power Hour

5. Armchair Expert

Best For | Life Motivation
Where To Tune In | iTunes; Spotify; GooglePlay 

Sometimes the best thing we can do to summon motivation is to listen to the stories of others; there we find ourselves. Enter, the Armchair Expert podcast. You won’t get bullet-point lists or how-to tips from host Dax Shepherd. You will, however, hear inspiring and honest conversations between Dax and Hollywood stars, iconic influencers, authors and musicians, and renowned experts (don’t miss the episode with Esther Perel). An “elevated experience” inviting listeners to contemplate their own sources of inspiration, Armchair Expert airs weekly.

Reviews | “I’m not exaggerating when I say Dax has already helped me live a happier life in just four episodes because of the little shifts in perspective I’ve been able to make after listening to him and his guests.” – Jay W, iTunes Review

Learn More About Armchair Expert

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Kayti Christian (she/her) is an Editor at The Good Trade. Growing up beneath the evergreens in the Sierra Nevadas, she returns to California after a decade split between states—including three years lived abroad. With an MA in Nonfiction Writing, she’s passionate about storytelling and fantastic content, especially as it relates to mental health, feminism, and sexuality. When not in-studio, she’s camping, reading memoir, or advocating for the Oxford comma.