Better Than Coffee: 10 Podcasts That Will Inspire Your Mornings

10 inspirational podcasts worth a listen

Businesses thrive on creativity, innovation and motivation. To stay inspired on the daily, listen to these thought-provoking podcasts.

1. The Happiness Lab

Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos hosts The Happiness Lab. In each episode, Dr. Santos explores the scientific research behind happiness and why so many people do the opposite of what will actually make them happy. She shares inspiring stories, motivational tips and interviews with noteworthy individuals like Rob Lowe, Michelle Kwan and Dr. Dan Gilbert. With more than 12,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.8 stars, listener response indicates this podcast is well worth your time. 

2. Good Life Project

On Good Life Project, host Jonathan Fields speaks to experts and famous names like Brené Brown, Matthew McConaughey and Glennon Doyle. Each episode is designed to answer the question, “What does it mean to live a good life?” Fields isn’t afraid to go deep with his guests, and the episodes range from one to two hours. Since each guest brings something new to the podcast, you will continually feel inspired and motivated in different ways.

3. Start Here with Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins is a motivational speaker and bestselling author of books The High 5 Habit and 5 Second Rule. She’s known for her no-nonsense and practical advice on things like building habits and becoming your best self. In this podcast, Robbins takes 13 different topics and breaks each down into a 30-minute episode. This podcast is an Audible original, so you’ll need to download the Audible app to listen.

4. Think Like a Spy

Think Like a Spy is another Audible original, and it’s a new twist on the world of self-help. The podcast is hosted by three ex-officers from the CIA, FBI and British Royal Marines. All of them have been through some of the most mentally and physically challenging situations imaginable, and they bring this experience to the podcast. In eight episodes, they discuss techniques for setting and achieving your goals, making good decisions under pressure, and deciphering truth from lies. 

5. The One You Feed

The One You Feed is hosted by Eric Zimmer, an author and behavioral coach. The title plays on a parable about the “two wolves” that battle inside each of us. Each week, Zimmer interviews scientists, authors, researchers and spiritual teachers to talk about how we can live more fulfilling lives. The podcast has more than 400 episodes and has been downloaded more than 25 million times. 

6. Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin is known for her bestselling book, The Happiness Project. The podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin continues the conversation about what it means to be happy. Rubin co-hosts the podcast with television writer and producer Elizabeth Craft, and each episode ranges from five to 30 minutes. If you’re looking for a quick way to add more happiness to your life, this podcast can help, and its length makes it appealing for a before-work listen. 

7. The Pursuit of Healthiness

NBA superstar Blake Griffin hosts The Pursuit of Healthiness, which is also an Audible original. The podcast is designed to help listeners make choices that will help them feel good in their bodies. In 10 episodes ranging from 30 to 50 minutes, Griffin explores confusing and often contradictory health advice. He does this by interviewing people like Ariana Huffington, Deepak Chopra and Michael B. Jordan about a wide range of health-related topics, including sleep, redefining success, cooking and mental health. 

8. The Science of Success

Matt Bodnar hosts The Science of Success, where each episode focuses on bringing listeners easy and actionable personal development advice. He does this by interviewing a variety of guests like Greg McKeown, Dr. Adam Grant and Dr. Carol Dweck. This podcast will help you recognize your untapped potential so you can become the best version of yourself. 

9. The Verywell Mind Podcast

The Verywell Mind Podcast is hosted by Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker. Morin is the author of the international bestseller 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. Her podcast is a combination of solo episodes and interviews. On Mondays, she interviews authors, musicians, athletes and other experts about how they’ve overcome challenges in their own lives. On Fridays, she shares strategies for developing resilience and reaching your full potential. 

10. Tiny Leaps, Big Changes

Tiny Leaps, Big Changes is hosted by Gregg Clunis, who takes a deeper dive into the daily habits that shape our lives. In each episode, Clunis and his guests share simple strategies for improving your habits and progressing toward your biggest goals. The title comes from his book of the same name, with the podcast serving as a complement to Clunis’ written work.

5 more podcasts business owners should listen to

Of course, it takes a lot more than inspiration to run a successful business. Here are a few more worthy listens to round out your podcast diet. 

1. Entrepreneurs on Fire

Entrepreneurs on Fire is hosted by John Lee Dumas, and with over 100 million downloads, it’s one of the most popular business podcasts out there. Dumas has interviewed business experts like Gary Vaynerchuck, Seth Godin and Tony Robbins. The podcast is updated daily, so you’ll never run out of new episodes to listen to. 

2. Online Marketing Made Easy

Amy Porterfield hosts Online Marketing Made Easy, which explores everything you need to know about operating an online business. Portfield interviews other experts in business and marketing and tackles topics like content marketing, social media, and how to build your email list. 

3. Smart Passive Income

Pat Flynn started Smart Passive Income as a blog, and it’s grown into an award-winning podcast. Flynn shares his best tips on building an online business, creating multiple income streams and effective marketing strategies. He’s interviewed notable business owners and experts like Tim Ferriss, Ramit Sethi, Vaynerchuck and Robbins. 

4. How I Built This with Guy Raz

How I Built This with Guy Raz explores the stories behind some of the world’s best-known companies. Raz interviews the founders of businesses like PayPal, JetBlue and Canva. It’s an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at how successful companies got their start – and what you can learn from them. 

5. The Chillpreneur Podcast

The Chillpreneur Podcast is hosted by Erin May Henry, and as you can guess from the name, it’s not your typical business podcast. Henry is focused on empowering women in their business and personal development journeys. This listen is perfect for anyone in the early stages of their business who wants to learn more about personal branding and how to build an online company.