In our busy daily lives, finding time for personal growth and self-care can be a challenge, yet the quest for improvement and well-being is universal.
Whether you're navigating through periods of transformation, seeking motivation, or yearning for strategies to cope with the complexities of life, tapping into resources like self-help podcasts can be a game-changer.
With intimate conversations, inspiring stories, and actionable advice, these auditory gems offer a treasure trove of wisdom at your fingertips (or, rather, ear-tips).
From the comfort that comes with knowing you're not alone in your struggles, to equipping yourself with the tools to forge a more fulfilling life, there is no shortage of expert guidance in the podcasts.
That's why we've curated a list of the 25 Best Self Help Podcasts that are sure to lend you insight, inspiration, and a roadmap to your best self.
Featuring renowned names like Gretchen Rubin and Tim Ferriss, and covering a broad spectrum that includes minimalism, maximal achievement, and everything in between, this selection offers a rounded perspective on self-improvement.
You'll find podcasts that transform your commute or morning jog into a personal masterclass on life enhancement.
From Oprah's heartfelt conversations to 10% Happier‘s practical mindfulness tips, these podcasts serve as your companions and coaches in the art of living.
Ready to uplift your spirits, refine your habits, and tap into your hidden potential?
Journey with us as we unveil podcasts that are both a solace and a catalyst for change, all peppered with the engaging charm only the best self-help guides can provide.
Now, let's get to the 25 best self help podcasts:
Let’s get to it!
Best Self-Help Podcasts to Improve Your Year in 2024
1. Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin is one of the most prominent icons in the podcast industry when it comes to self-help and personal development. Her goal is to help listeners find happiness in everything that they do, and to help them pursue their dream lives.
Rubin is a New York Times bestselling author whose works include “The Happiness Project,” “Happier at Home,” and “The Four Tendencies.” She hosts Happier with Gretchen Rubin every Monday with her sister Elizabeth Craft, and they usually talk about things that relate to finding real happiness.
People are fond of listening to this podcast because of how Rubin and Craft break complex ideas down into smaller details that the general audience can understand. If you are looking for a light, happy-go-lucky type of show that teaches people how to be happier, then we recommend listening to this one.
2. The Tim Ferriss Show
Another prominent podcast on our list is The Tim Ferriss Show hosted by none other than Tim Ferriss himself. If you search the web, you will find that Ferriss plays a lot of roles. He is also an author, entrepreneur, investor, and most importantly, a self-help professional.
Time Ferriss wrote the book 4-Hour Work Week, which is based on the Stoic principles. Just like in the book, his podcast is a reflection of how a person can go through the whole process of growth and personal development.
With a variety of guests ranging from investors and sportsmen to celebrities and a lot more, Ferriss teaches his audience how to be successful in their chosen fields. Some of his most notable guests have included Edward Norton, LeBron James, and Neil Gaiman.
3. The School of Greatness
If you are looking for someone who has undergone real hardship and incomparable challenges, then Lewis Howes is your guy. The School of Greatness is all about finding your life’s passion and purpose, and having enough motivation to pursue it.
Howes aims to spread positivity and inspiration through this podcast. In addition to telling his life story, he also interviews influential people like Tony Robbins and Alanis Morissette, who share a dose of goodness from their life experiences.
The topics discussed typically include inspirational thoughts, developing good habits, and maintaining strong relationships.
4. Tony Robbins Podcast
If what you are looking for is a self-help podcast that can help you deal with all the various aspects of your life, then we recommend listening to the Tony Robbins Podcast. This show not only provides tips on how to succeed in life and business, but also shares how you can be successful in your finances, health, and relationships.
Tony Robbins is one of the most influential figures in the self-help movement. He doesn’t just focus on one part of life, but instead emphasizes how you can be successful in whatever you do, wherever you go.
The show runs in an interview format, with notable guests such as Gretchen Rubin and Dana White. It is updated on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. If you want to achieve real happiness and life satisfaction, we recommend checking out this podcast.
5. The Minimalists
Many people—especially those who want to try the minimalist lifestyle—are fond of The Minimalists. Hosts Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus focus on teaching minimalist tips in each episode.
Minimalism, or the art of living a simpler life by eliminating things that are not essential, is becoming more of a trend in the self-help movement. A lot of people are trying to find ways to start such a lifestyle.
If you are one of these people and would like to try living meaningfully by having less, then this podcast is a must-try.
6. Ted Radio Hour
You surely have heard of the inspirational TED Talks taking over the Internet. TED Radio Hour is like an extension of these videos, with each episode going deeper into the new ideas and innovative approaches presented on the TED stage.
If you want to learn about new discoveries, thought-provoking ideas, and awe-inspiring inventions, then try listening to this podcast. Episodes are released every Thursday, with the host offering detailed explanations on what happened on the TED Talk stage.
Here are a few more TED talks, organized by topic, you can find online:
- TED Talks on Mindfulness
- TED Talks to Inspire Kids
- TED Talks on Procrastination
- TED Talks on Stress Management
7. Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations
Oprah Winfrey’s podcast is an excellent option if you want to learn how to live a mindful and soulful life. Her topics include how to reach your highest potential and become the best version of yourself. She also helps you reconnect with the world and rekindle your relationship with other people.
This podcast features guests that are personally selected by Oprah. Some of them are thought leaders and motivational speakers, while others are spiritual gurus and meditation masters. We recommend Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations to those who want to find their purpose in life.
8. The Art of Charm
The Art of Charm covers a lot of topics, ranging from personal growth to relationship improvement and a lot more things. It generally tackles human dynamics and how people respond to whatever life throws at them.
This podcast aims to help people become the best versions of themselves in all aspects of life. Whether in your career, relationship with other people, or social skills, this podcast can help you deal with whatever problems you may face.
We recommend this podcast, hosted by AJ Harbinger and Johnny Dzubak, to anyone who wants to learn how to approach life in the lightest, most enjoyable way possible.
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
9. Where Should We Begin?
Esther Perel, the host of Where Should We Begin?, believes that “the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.” She considers human connection to be one of the most powerful tools to fill our lives with satisfaction and happiness.
In this podcast, Perel shares her real-life conversations with couples who have sought her help while going through intimate and personal conflicts. Some of the frequent topics discussed are open marriage, racism within an extended family, and chronic infidelity.
We recommend this podcast to couples who’d like to listen and grow together. You and your partner may or may not be undergoing a difficult phase, but this podcast can definitely provide you some tips on how you can keep your relationship strong.
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
10. The Good Life Project
The Good Life Project is the perfect show for those who need to lift their spirits and boost their morale. Each episode features the story of influential people like Seth Godin and Brene Brown. During the shows, these people talk about how they were able to start living happy and purposeful lives.
This podcast is hosted by couple Jonathan and Stephanie Fields, and every episode lasts for around an hour. It is an excellent choice for those who have been feeling down lately and do not know how to start over again.
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
11. Optimal Living Daily
What is unique about Optimal Living Daily is that it is more of a narration than a live interaction. Together with a team, Justine Malik handpicks and reads the best-written content on various self-help topics. These include mindfulness, personal development, financial freedom, business growth, and a lot more.
Optimal Living Daily is best recommended for people who do not have enough time to read articles from their favorite authors or bloggers. Even if you are busy or always on the go, you still get that daily dose of inspiration and motivation you need.
Some of the most notable readings from this podcast include Leo Babauta’s Zen Habits and Ramit Sethi’s I Will Teach You to Be Rich.
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
12. The Jordan Harbinger Show
If you want to hear the stories and secrets of the most interesting and successful people, check out The Jordan Harbinger Show. It is like having a real conversation with your favorite personality and learning the skills and strategies they used to get where they are today.
While this show aims to be a source of fun and entertainment, its primary goal is to help people develop their sense of self-help to become successful in their fields. It provides tips and tactics for how a person can look on the bright side.
Some of the podcast’s most notable guests include Eric Thomas and Seth Godin. It also features a segment called Feedback Friday where Harbinger interacts with the audience.
13. London Real
London Real is hosted by Brian Rose and broadcasted straight from Shoreditch, East London, on worldwide television. However, you can also find it on several online platforms like YouTube and iTunes. It is available as a podcast on iTunes, and has almost half a billion views and over two million subscribers.
This podcast “introduces you to the most fascinating people in the world.” Rose tells the stories of activists, authors, politicians, scientists, and even drug smugglers—uncut and uncensored. In some episodes, he also invites iconic guests to talk about their successes and experiences.
Brian Rose aims to help people transform into better versions of themselves. He also founded the London Real Academy, an institution that focuses on helping people achieve their lifelong dreams through self-transformation.
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
14. 10% Happier with Dan Harris
Dan Harris believes that to be a lot happier in life, you have to be mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. He started 10% Happier with Dan Harris after writing his book “10% Happier” due to an unfortunate event that happened to him while hosting “Good Morning America.”
Harris invites various health experts like meditation professionals, neuroscientists, psychologists, and yoga practitioners. He interviews them to provide useful tips on how to stay physically and mentally fit. The show offers new episodes every Tuesday morning.
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
15. Impact Theory
Impact Theory aims to empower the audience by providing quality entertainment and educational content. This podcast can help you achieve your dreams by developing your passions and pursuing your purpose. It aims to help you “make your mark on the world.”
The podcast is hosted by Tom Bilyeu, who is also Impact Theory’s co-founder, together with Lisa Bilyeu, his wife. Bilyeu gained recognition when he became a co-founder of Quest Nutrition. Some of the podcasts’ guests include Kevin Bacon, Adam Grant, and Andrew Yang.
16. The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych is hosted by South Californian psychologist Dr. Robert Duff. It focuses on providing answers to your questions about mental health, but without the “psychobabble bullshit.” Questions may include your concerns about anxiety, depression, and other things that affect your life and relationships.
Many people provide positive feedback about Dr. Duff’s podcast. This is because he provides real, scientific-based advice to his listeners. He’s a real psychologist, after all. But more importantly, it’s because he uses uncomplicated jargon. The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast is released every Thursday morning.
17. The Habit Coach
The Habit Coach is a podcast that teaches people how to create habits and actually live with them. Host Ashdin Doctor believes that “awesome lives start with awesome habits,” and so he aims to help people develop habits that are aligned with their passions and goals.
This podcast is good for people who are always on the go because each episode is short and typically takes less than five minutes to finish. Although brief and concise, they are still filled with helpful bits of information on how to live a healthier and happier life.
Episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Common topics that Ashdin covers include sleep patterns, de-stressing techniques, productivity tips, and relationship maintenance.
18. The Rich Roll Podcast
Rich Roll is a prominent figure in the running community. In addition to being a podcaster and a runner, he is also an author and an ultra-endurance athlete. He is a public speaker and a nutrition advocate as well.
The Rich Roll Podcast aims to help listeners unlock their highest potential by being the best versions of themselves in terms of health and wellness. Roll provides people with inspiration to become more mindful about their overall health.
If you are looking for a self-help podcast that focuses on your health, then you might want to try this one.
19. The Science of Success
The goal The Science of Success podcast is to help people “unlock their human potential.” Matt Bodnar (host and founder) believes that each person has something to offer to the world, and explores ways that people can improve their abilities to enhance themselves and become better individuals.
Bodnar interviews experts like psychologists, negotiators, entrepreneurs, and neuroscientists to explore the human mind. Some of his favorite topics are meditation, creativity, and limiting beliefs.
If what you are searching for a podcast that can provide evidence-based tips on how to achieve personal growth, then this one is the right fit.
20. Daily Boost
Scott Smith is the host of the motivational and entertaining Daily Boost podcast. He combines common sense with words of wisdom and a bit of humor to provide you with a daily inspirational boost.
Unlike most podcasts that are in interview format, this one features a monologue from Scott. He serves as a habit and motivation coach, and helps you live a better life. Some of the issues he discusses include eliminating distraction, stopping procrastination, and finding more happiness.
Daily Boost is a nine-minute show with episodes released every Monday on iTunes, Spotify, Radio.com, and other platforms. If you want to get a boost on a daily basis, you can subscribe for the paid service called Daily Boost Premium.
21. Brain Software
The Brain Software podcast is your self-help guide to hypnosis and strategies for self-improvement and raising your performance level.
Award-winning hypnotist Mike Mandel is at the helm of this podcast. Together with his co-host Chris Thompson, Mandel discusses core concepts of hypnosis and demystifies this technique for the layperson. He also shares anecdotes from his decades of experience in the profession.
Episodes run for an average of 45 minutes.
22. By the Book
Chosen as NPR’s Best New Podcast in 2017, By the Book is the podcast you need to listen to if you’re wondering if the advice written in self-help books actually works.
The podcast is described as “half reality show, half self-help podcast, and one wild social experiment.”
In each episode, hosts Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen Meinzer share their experiences after following the rules of different self-help books to find out which ones make an impact in the reader’s life. The hosts usually follow a book’s rules to the letter for two weeks and then share their discoveries.
Some of the topics they’ve tackled so far include body image through Sonya Renee Taylor’s groundbreaking work The Body Is Not an Apology, toxic positivity through Whitney Goodman’s book Toxic Positivity: Keeping It Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy, and wealth acquisition through the book Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.
23. The Angry Therapist
If you’re looking for a no-frills resource on topics such as relationships, trauma, and moving on, John Kim’s podcast is an excellent option.
John Kim is a licensed therapist and life coach. He co-founded the TAT Lab and Lumia life coach training program. He is also a bestselling author. One of his most well-known books is Single. On Purpose.: Find Yourself First, which is about learning to live a rich and meaningful life whether you’re in a relationship or not.
In the podcast, Kim delivers his takes on therapy in roughly 10 minute increments. His discussions are often raw and unscripted, making the podcast more relatable to listeners.
24. Help Me Be Me
Sarah May B. is the host of this podcast that offers practical tools to help you navigate and blast through emotional challenges.
Through this podcast, she helps listeners create positive change in their lives. The podcast is, as Sarah May describes it, “a self-help for people who hate self-help.”
Some of the important things you’ll learn by tuning in are:
Episodes run for an average of 45 minutes.
25. The Tao of Self-Confidence
The Tao of Self Confidence is a podcast designed to encourage and empower women on their journey to becoming more self-confident. It is a rich resource of stories and practical advice for those who need something inspirational to listen to during their commute to work or for an extra confidence boost throughout the day.
The show is hosted by Sheena Yap Chan, who was inspired to create a podcast that shares the experiences of Asian women on their journey of self-discovery, self-confidence, and success.
Each episode introduces a guest who is amazing in her own way. Their stories are filled with practical and actionable tips and strategies that you can apply in your life to become more self-confident and successful.
A Final Word On the Best Self Help Podcasts
Self-help can be difficult if you don’t know where to start. It can also be a bit stressful in the beginning, when you start to realize that there’s a lot you need to improve in your life. This is why seeking help from professionals is recommended. (Check out other personal development podcasts we've reviewed here.)
We hope that the list we provided above can help you start your journey of self-help and personal development. If you have the time, you may want to check more than one, or even all of these podcasts to see which one best fits your tastes and lifestyle.
Find more good podcasts for improving your life:
- 25 Best Philosophy Podcasts to Check Out
- 25 Best Meditation & Mindfulness Podcasts
- 23 Best Personal Finance & Investing Podcasts
- 17 Best Sleep Podcasts to Get a Full Night’s Rest
- 31 Best Educational Podcasts to Learn Something New
Finally, if you want to take your goal-setting efforts to the next level, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals.