Inspiring Podcasts about Wellness, Entrepreneurship, and Self Development

Good morning, friends! This topic has been on my list for a Friday roundup for a while, so I’m so excited it’s finally live!! A little backstory – I never used to be a podcast girl. I mean, I obviously listened to Serial like everyone else (do you think Adnan is guilty or not?!). I’d also listen to an episode here or there when someone would recommend it, but I wasn’t a loyal listener to any specific podcasts. Until now.

Basically, I realized I was using a lot of phone data and the majority of that came from mindless scrolling on trains, buses and walks. Sure, a lot of my job  has to do with being connected, but if I don’t need to post something for Lake Shore Lady, I can make the choice to disconnect and learn something instead of getting sucked in to social media or the upsetting news cycle.

So, I dug into podcasts that inspired me. What if I could learn more about myself, how I treat myself, how I treat others, etc on the red line or the 156 bus?! Getting into health and wellness topics lead me to podcasts that covered entrepreneurship and blogging tips. And now I’ve discovered that pretty much all of my faves could be labeled as Self Development Podcasts. A way to self reflect, learn, AND lower my data usage? I feel like I’ve hit the commuting jackpot! ? Keep reading to hear which ones I love the most – and which ones YOU all recommend!

My Favorite Inspiring Podcasts:

Almost 30 Podcast

I discovered these ladies about 2 months ago, and I have been HOOKED ever since. These girls are the real deal, y’all. A lot of wellness podcasts can feel really pretentious, but this one is honest, funny, and incredibly insightful. Not to mention, their guests are crazy good. Some of my favorite episodes are Genius Foods with Max Lugavere, Women Supporting Women with Lori Harder, Redefining What It Means To Be Well with Candice Kumai, and an amazing episode with the CEO and Founder of The FLEX Company that lead me to order their (life changing!!) product as soon as the episode ended.

And as if I wasn’t already obsessed, I had the pleasure of meeting Lindsey and Krista in person at their Chicago meet up, and they literally couldn’t be nicer. They are exactly as you’d imagine them to be in person, and they created such an inspiring environment for like minded women to share and connect. #1 favorite podcast right now!

For the Love! with Jen Hatmaker

I already thought Jen was the coolest, but listening to her podcast takes it to a whole different level. For those that don’t know who Jen Hatmaker is, she’s a popular evangelical author and speaker, but she’s also a huge rebel who isn’t afraid of speaking up for what she believes is right. She interviews a wide variety of people, but these are my favorite episodes:

Jo Saxton – an amazing pastor, author, speaker, leadership coach, and more. Jo was born to Nigerian parents, raised in London and now lives in the US. Loved their conversation so much!

Sara Cunningham – an Oklahoma Mom and woman of faith who struggled with the news that her song was gay. You have to listen to the episode, but instead of pushing her son away, she ended up going to a Pride Parade with a poster that informed everyone she was giving away “Free Mom Hugs”. It’s so heartwarming and it makes me wish everyone could open their minds like this woman did!

Meredith Walker – FAVORITE EPISODE! If you are a sucker for female empowerment, I promise you’ll love it too. Meredith is the Co-Founder of Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, which is an organization that encourages young girls to be their authentic selves. She talks about her own career, her relationship with Amy, what inspires her, and the importance of teaching girls/women that they can do anything.

Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert

So, there haven’t been any new episodes of this since 2016… but I’m still including it on my favorites because it’s so good! Most of you probably know Elizabeth Gilbert from Eat Pray Love. I really fell in love with her work through Big Magic, which is kind of fun because that’s what this podcast stems from! The artists, writers, and other creatives that she has on the show all talk about their crafts and why it’s important to them.

Goal Digger with Jenna Kutcher

Most people know Jenna as an incredible photographer and body positive role model on Instagram. But she’s also a BOSS LADY who shares her wisdom on this podcast! I really like that most of these episodes feel like an informative workshop. Get ready to take notes!

The Influencer Podcast with Julie Solomon

If you are a blogger, add this podcast to your list. Julie’s whole focus is on influencer marketing – and she’s got a lot of insights to share! I personally love that Julie is all about helping people create their own unique and authentic audiences. It’s so refreshing!

Theory of Content

My contacts at Mediavine Publisher Network told me about this podcast, because it is full of wisdom from their founder, Amber Bracegirdle. If you’ve been wanting to learn more about how to create high performing content, SEO, and other internet tricks, add this one to your list!

How I Built This

Not sure this one really needs a description, because most people have heard about it by now! Basically, listen to how successful innovators and entrepreneurs built their companies, movements, and legacies.

Reader Recommendations:

Creative Empire Podcast – Great for creative entrepreneurs!

Dear Sugars – Hosted by Cheryl Strayed (Wild) and Steve Almond. I listened to their most recent episode (Trust Your Body) after a few of you recommended it and I’m excited to listen to more!

Dias Podcast – A few weeks ago, my friend Ali told me I needed to read “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis immediately. Well, turns out she also has a podcast, too! As one reviewer said “Funny, uplifting, informative and inspiring. Like a kick in the pants and a giant group hug.”

Happier – A lively, thought provoking podcast by Gretchen Rubin – all about practical, manageable advice for happiness and good habits. Umm yes please!

mindbodygreen – I’ve been a huge fan of mindbodygreen.com for years now, so I guess it’s time to start listening to the podcast too, right?! I’m always down to learn more about mental/physical/spiritual well-being, fitness, health, nutrition, self-help, and more!

Second Life – You know how you shouldn’t be afraid of trying new things or going down a different path? This podcast with Who What Wear co-founder, Hillary Kerr, is about just that!

The Chasing Joy Podcast – Everyone raves about this podcast’s positive approach to wellness. I can definitely get on board with that!

The Health Code – Obviously this one is about health, but they also talk about fitness, relationships, and building your dream career.

The Laptop Lifestyle – Surprise, surprise- this podcast is for virtual entrepreneurs! Alexis Teichmiller, a lifestyle blogger and digital creative, uses this podcast to educate, inspire and challenge you to build your online business.

The Lively Show – I actually used to listen to this one a long time ago, and I just fell off the podcast wagon for some reason! Jess is inspiring and relatable, and I’m excited to listen to all of the episodes I’ve missed!

WSJ Secrets of Wealthy Women – You all know I love female empowerment, so I’m SO excited to listen to this podcast all about crazy successful women like Bobbi Brown, Rebecca Minkoff, Sheryl Sandberg, and so many more!

Want something different? Try these reader recs, too!

Armchair Expert – Any Dax Shepard fans out there?! I loooved him on Parenthood, and now he has a podcast about “the messiness of being human.” So curious about this one.

Bitch Sesh – A Real Housewives Breakdown

Call Your Girlfriend – One reader recommended this by saying they talk about pop culture, women’s issues, and a feminist take on the news. They describe it as “a podcast for long distance besties everywhere.”

Embedded –Host Kelly McEvers takes a story from the news and goes deep.

Getting Serious with Jonathan Van Ness – from Queer Eye!

Guys We F****d – So many of you love this one! 

It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders – Pop Culture and Politics

Reality Life with Kate Casey – Reality Show recaps

The Daily – The New York Times presents this 20 minute news podcast 5 days a week.

The Ladygang – Three gals interview celebrity guests about what Hollywood is really like.

This American Life – A public radio program with a different theme each week.

Throwing Shade – A political comedy podcast with commentary on pop culture, women’s issues, and more.

Where Should We Begin? – One of my favorite gal’s recommended this one, describing it as “fascinating couples counseling with Esther Perel’s commentary. Deep issues and crazy resolutions!”

What are your favorite podcasts?!

Is your favorite listed here? If not, tell me what it is the comments below! Also, I’ll admit that I didn’t include every single reader recommendation. If you’re looking for more recs, check out this super helpful thread in my Lake Shore Lady Community Group on Facebook!

And, of course, you can shop my outfit in the widget below! Happy weekend, everyone!