6 Positivity & Motivation Podcasts to Head Into the New Year!

With a challenging year coming to an end, most of us are excited to head into 2021 for a fresh start. A new year brings many new year’s resolutions, and what better way to recover from the events of the past few months than focusing on self-development and personal growth? Listening to podcasts is one of my favorite pastimes, and with topics ranging from true crime to news to comedy, there are a plethora of resources on any topic that might be of interest. For those who are up for the challenge of improving their mindset for a more positive outlook on life, here are some of my favorite podcasts that regularly provide me with bursts of motivation and confidence!

1. “Happier with Gretchen Rubin”

Hosted by the author of one of my favorite books, The Happiness Project, “Happier with Gretchen Rubin” offers easily implementable tips for approaching your daily life with a sense of gratitude. Rubin is relatable yet practical, coming to you as a friend who tells you what you need to hear. Her 30-40 minute episodes run the ideal length for listening on-the-go, and her “Little Happier” series provide short bursts of inspiration for a quick pick-me-up.

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2. "Optimal Living Daily: Personal Development & Minimalism"

Led by a different host every episode, “Optimal Living Daily” addresses commonly faced issues in brief anecdotes by specialists in the area, such as Mark Manson’s episodes on practicing patience, Greg Audino’s episode on the definition of success, and Brian Tracy’s episode on developing new habits. If you seek inspiration from diverse perspectives, this podcast’s variety is unmatched.

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3. "Unlocking Us with Brené Brown"

Brené Brown is a renowned research professor well-versed in the fields of courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. Having given TED Talks and been featured in her own Netflix documentary, Brené Brown: The Call to Courage, she invites top players in various industries to discuss the mindset behind their success. Some of her notable guests include President Barack Obama, Dolly Parton, Jason Sudeikis, and Laverne Cox among many others.

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4. "How I Built This"

Hosted by journalist Guy Raz, this popular NPR program dives deep into the stories of some of the most successful entrepreneurs and business owners. Raz chats with them to discover the genius behind their business ideas and their personal visions. One of my personal favorites, I have been listening to this series for years. The insight given by each of the guests pushes the listener to strive for bigger and better in their own lives.

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5. "On Purpose with Jay Shetty"

Jay Shetty is a prominent author and personal development coach who spent years as a monk gaining wisdom he now seeks to share with others. As the host of this podcast, Shetty discusses topics such as building confidence, addressing mental health problems, and identifying and living by your values. The episodes are a balance of solo talks and guests, welcoming some prominent figures including Gywneth Paltrow, Malcolm Gladwell, Jordan Belfort, Steve Aoki, and Khloé Kardashian.

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6. "Big Conversations with Haley Hoffman Smith"

A newer program to put on your radar, Haley Hoffman Smith’s show sees this young entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and author discuss topics of spirituality, business, and personal passions. She speaks from experience, giving personal anecdotes for each topic and inviting guests to jump in when needed. Smith’s career took off when she went TikTok viral, and she now uses her platform to inspire and motivate others to follow their passions.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

There is no better time to work on yourself than the beginning of a new year. With the convenience and quality of these podcasts, you can make 2021 the most positive and exciting year yet!