Skip to main content

You've made a smart choice exploring podcasts on personal development.

I've immersed myself deeply in this niche, sifting through countless episodes. My goal is to guide you through the maze of personal development podcasts that are out there.

These podcasts offer a goldmine of insights and strategies—think of them as your toolkit for growth. Staying current with these will empower you to tackle life's challenges more effectively. So let's dive in and unlock your potential together.

Best Personal Development Podcasts Shortlist

Check out these top 15 personal development podcasts for expert insights:

  1. The Tony Robbins Podcast with Tony Robbins
  2. WorkLife with Adam Grant
  3. The Ed Mylett Show with Ed Mylett
  4. The Art of Charm with Johnny Dzubak and AJ Harbinger
  5. Soft Skills Engineering with Jamison Dance and Dave Smith
  6. The Jordan Harbinger Show with Jordan Harbinger
  7. The Marie Forleo Podcast by Marie Forleo
  8. Being Boss with Emily Thompson
  9. The Go-Giver Podcast with Bob Burg
  10. Motivation with Brendon Burchard by Brendon Burchard
  11. Coaching for Leaders with Dave Stachowiak
  12. Jocko Podcast by Jocko Willink
  13. The Cathy Heller Podcast: A Podcast for Soulful Entrepreneurs with Cathy Heller
  14. Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn
  15. Beyond the To-Do List with Erik Fisher

Best Personal Development Podcasts Overview

1. The Tony Robbins Podcast with Tony Robbins

The Tony Robbins Podcast - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

Tony Robbins brings a focused approach to career development and leadership in The Tony Robbins Podcast, offering actionable advice for professionals aiming to excel.

What You'll Learn:

Listeners will gain strategies for effective leadership, enhancing communication skills, and driving professional growth, alongside leveraging emotional intelligence in the workplace for career success.

Why You Should Listen:

Robbins' mastery in personal development provides listeners with profound insights into advancing their careers, making this podcast a treasure trove for anyone eager to climb the professional ladder.

Best Episode:

Secret Recipe for Success | Chik-fil-A’s Dan Cathy on Family, Faith & Exceptional Service - This episode is acclaimed as the best for its deep dive into the essence of brand building and leveraging your X factor, offering tangible strategies for entrepreneurs and business leaders aiming to elevate their product or service.

Dan Cathy's perspectives on uniting family values and faith with business practices provide a refreshing viewpoint on achieving success while maintaining integrity and delivering exceptional service, making it a must-listen for those looking to thrive in today's crowded market.

Links To Listen:

About The Host:

Tony Robbins is a celebrated life and business strategist, author, and speaker, renowned for his influential personal development and leadership work that has impacted millions globally. Find Tony Robbins on LinkedIn and his website.

Listener Review:

Great content! I love all the interviews with different business owners and hearing the story of how they rose to success. Tony for president!!!!!! - flreodieohrhrrorkhdgddhd

2. WorkLife with Adam Grant with Adam Grant

WorkLife - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

Adam Grant's WorkLife with Adam Grant searches into the science of thriving at work, offering a fresh perspective on workplace dynamics and how to build a more fulfilling career.

What You'll Learn:

The podcast covers creative problem-solving, teamwork enhancement, and fostering a culture of adaptability and learning in one's career path.

Why You Should Listen:

Grant's expertise as an organizational psychologist equips listeners with scientifically backed strategies to enrich their work life and develop critical soft skills.

Best Episode:

Brené Brown and Simon Sinek on the leadership skills we need to build - This episode shines as a beacon for current and aspiring leaders alike, offering a rare opportunity to hear directly from Brené Brown and Simon Sinek—two luminaries in the field of leadership and organizational behavior.

Their collective wisdom, combined with Adam Grant’s insightful moderation, provides a comprehensive guide on building trust, offering effective feedback, and fostering leadership in the next generation.

Links To Listen:

About The Host:

Adam Grant is an acclaimed organizational psychologist, Wharton professor, bestselling author, and TED speaker, celebrated for his insightful exploration of workplace psychology. Find Adam Grant on LinkedIn and his website.

Listener Review:

I LOVE this show and Adam Grant. I’m a therapist and this is one of my favorite shows to get good, solid, factual, humorous, kind, thoughtful, responsible, and interesting content/information. Thank you! - 562Libby

Download our 2024 Workplace Trends Report to stay ahead in a transforming HR landscape. Get insights from leaders on trends that will define your strategies in AI, talent dynamics, and DEI.

Download our 2024 Workplace Trends Report to stay ahead in a transforming HR landscape. Get insights from leaders on trends that will define your strategies in AI, talent dynamics, and DEI.

  • By submitting this form, you agree to receive the requested content, our newsletter, and occasional emails related to People Managing People. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details, please review our privacy policy. We're protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

3. The Ed Mylett Show with Ed Mylett

The Ed Mylett Show - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

In The Ed Mylett Show, Ed Mylett shares his expertise on leadership and peak performance, guiding listeners on how to achieve success in their professional and personal lives.

What You'll Learn:

The focus is on goal-setting, building resilience, and developing leadership qualities that motivate and inspire, crucial for anyone looking to excel professionally.

Why You Should Listen:

Mylett's actionable advice and motivational narratives provide a blueprint for professional success and personal mastery.

Best Episode:

Strength And Redemption w/ Granger Smith - This episode stands out for its raw honesty and the deep vulnerability shared by Granger Smith. It's a moving exploration of grief, healing, and transformation that resonates with anyone who has faced loss, offering hope and a path forward.

Links To Listen:

About The Host:

Ed Mylett is a renowned entrepreneur, author, and speaker, recognized for his dedication to mentoring and coaching on personal and professional development. Find Ed Mylett on LinkedIn.

Listener Review:

Thanks for this awesome episode talking about comebacks, and then setbacks it was brilliant. - laurieonWARM

4. The Art of Charm with Johnny Dzubak and AJ Harbinger

The Art of Charm - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

The Art of Charm podcast, hosted by Johnny Dzubak and AJ Harbinger, provides a platform for expert interviews and insights into improving social skills, enhancing personal and professional relationships, and mastering the art of networking.

What You'll Learn:

Listeners will discover techniques for building confidence, effective communication strategies, and tips for personal and professional success.

Why You Should Listen:

This podcast is ideal for those looking to elevate their social prowess and professional networking capabilities, offering actionable advice from a wide range of successful professionals and experts.

Best Episode:

Success Myths Debunked: A Deep Dive into the Psychology of Money | Morgan Housel - This episode stands out for its thought-provoking discussion that blends the psychology of money with the pursuit of happiness in an unconventional manner.

Morgan Housel's expertise, combined with real-world examples of success and failure, provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what it truly means to find happiness and success in today's world.

Links To Listen:

About The Hosts:

Johnny Dzubak and AJ Harbinger are the co-founders of The Art of Charm, dedicating their careers to coaching men and women on confidence, networking, and relationship-building skills.

Listener Review:

These guys have an awesome show running. You will not be able to find a better regularly updated source for knowledge on the subject of social dynamics. They have big-name guests, an awesome community forum on their website, and they host some awesome events in various cities. Check 'em out! - Drew Silver

5. Soft Skills Engineering with Jamison Dance and Dave Smith

Soft Skills Engineering - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

Jamison Dance and Dave Smith host Soft Skills Engineering, a podcast that dives into the non-technical aspects of building a career in software engineering, focusing on the essential soft skills needed for success.

What You'll Learn:

The podcast covers effective teamwork, career development, conflict resolution, and the nuances of navigating the tech industry's workplace culture.

Why You Should Listen:

For software engineers and tech professionals looking to improve their interpersonal skills and career growth, this podcast offers practical advice and humorous insights into the often overlooked soft skills vital for tech industry success.

Best Episode:

Episode 377: Short Tenure Promotion and Too Much Free Time at Work - This episode excels for its direct applicability to modern work dilemmas—balancing ambition with patience and managing perceptions of productivity in remote settings.

Links To Listen:

About The Hosts:

Jamison Dance and Dave Smith bring a combination of technical expertise and soft skills mastery to the podcast, sharing lessons learned from their experiences in the tech industry.

Listener Review:

Thanks, guys, keep it up your unique way! - laconty

6. The Jordan Harbinger Show with Jordan Harbinger

The Jordan Harbinger Show - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

Jordan Harbinger hosts The Jordan Harbinger Show, where he interviews some of the world's most fascinating people, from public figures to psychologists, extracting actionable insights that listeners can apply in their personal and professional lives.

What You'll Learn:

The show focuses on practical strategies for improving communication skills, understanding human behavior, and building networks that can lead to success in both personal and professional arenas.

Why You Should Listen:

Jordan's interviewing skills reveal deep insights and practical advice from a diverse set of successful people, making this podcast invaluable for anyone interested in self-improvement and professional development through the lens of understanding human dynamics.

Best Episode:

946: Michael McQueen | Mastering the Art of Changing Minds - This episode stands out for its deep dive into the psychological underpinnings of persuasion and communication, offering listeners a rare blend of historical insights, practical advice, and ethical considerations.

Links To Listen:

About The Host:

Jordan Harbinger is a former Wall Street lawyer turned interview talk show host who deconstructs the playbooks of the most successful people on earth to share their strategies, perspectives, and insights with his audience. Find Jordan Harbinger on LinkedIn and his website.

Listener Review:

Always fascinating, funny, formal, and informal. Tons of interesting topics and guests. This one’s a keeper. - Woooohoo3326

7. The Marie Forleo Podcast by Marie Forleo

The Marie Forleo Podcast - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

Marie Forleo brings her energy and insights to The Marie Forleo Podcast, where she shares strategies for business, creativity, and personal growth, aiming to help listeners become the person they most want to be.

What You'll Learn:

The podcast covers a range of topics from overcoming self-doubt and creating a life you love to growing a business that’s aligned with your values.

Why You Should Listen:

Marie's practical advice, combined with her infectious enthusiasm, provides not only the tools but also the motivation needed to make meaningful changes in your personal and professional life.

Best Episode:

384 - Simple Daily Habits to Reverse Aging & Stay Young Forever with Peter Diamandis - This episode is exceptional because it bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and accessible, actionable advice for enhancing one's health and longevity.

The conversation between Marie and Peter is enlightening, offering hope and tangible steps for listeners eager to embrace a future where age does not dictate capability or vitality, making it a must-listen for those interested in personal health and longevity.

Links To Listen:

About The Host:

Marie Forleo is an entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. She is known for her multi-passionate approach to life and business, encouraging people to pursue meaningful growth in every area of their lives. Find Marie Forleo on LinkedIn.

Listener Review:

Words cannot express how grateful I am for your conversation with The Glucose Goddess! Informative, engaging, inspiring, and best of all — actionable. Thank you! - Bren Mel

8. Being Boss with Emily Thompson

Being Boss - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

Being Boss is a podcast for creative entrepreneurs by Emily Thompson focusing on the mindset, habits, and tactics needed to build a business and life that you love.

What You'll Learn:

Listeners will explore themes around entrepreneurial mindset, effective business strategies, and work-life balance, tailored for those looking to thrive in their creative ventures.

Why You Should Listen:

Emily shares not only her own experiences but also conversations with other successful entrepreneurs, offering diverse perspectives on making it as a boss in your own right.

Best Episode:

“#358 - Quitting with Purpose with Erica Courdae and Tasha L. Harrison” - This episode stands out for its honest and empowering discussion on the nuances of quitting with intention. It resonates deeply with creative entrepreneurs at a crossroads, offering them a blueprint for navigating career transitions without losing sight of their core values.

Links To Listen:

About The Host:

Emily Thompson is an entrepreneur and business coach with a passion for helping creative individuals embrace their role as the boss of their life and business. Find Emily Thompson on LinkedIn and his website.

Listener Review:

Following Emily through the ups and downs of starting her business is a great way to learn what it takes to find success. It was great to see how she overcame the bumps in the road and gave me new ideas on how to conquer some of my own. - Duck of Death

9. The Go-Giver Podcast with Bob Burg

The Go-Giver Podcast - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

Bob Burg hosts The Go-Giver Podcast, focusing on the power of giving, the value of building meaningful connections, and the impact of leading with generosity in business and life.

What You'll Learn:

The podcast searches into how adopting a giving mindset can lead to greater professional success and personal fulfillment, featuring stories and strategies from successful leaders and entrepreneurs.

Why You Should Listen:

Bob's insights into the principles of giving as a path to success offer a refreshing perspective that challenges conventional wisdom about success and achievement.

Best Episode:

175 Magically Making the Impossible … Happen - Mahdi Gilbert - This episode excels for its profound message and the inspirational example set by Mahdi Gilbert, making it a standout in the series. It challenges listeners to reconsider their perspectives on limitations and adversity, emphasizing the role of personal choice in achieving success.

Links To Listen:

About The Host:

Bob Burg is a sought-after speaker, author, and advocate for the idea that shifting one’s focus from getting to giving is not only a more fulfilling way to live but the most financially profitable way as well. Find Bob Burg on LinkedIn.

Listener Review:

Bob's tips and ideas are just on point, I agree with him on many levels. I like the Go-Giver podcast it's very insightful and enriching. - Health_ Coach

10. Motivation with Brendon Burchard by Brendon Burchard

Motivation with Brendon Burchard - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

Brendon Burchard's podcast offers deep insights into personal and professional motivation, aiming to inspire listeners to reach their highest potential and live a fully charged life.

What You'll Learn:

Techniques for maintaining high performance, strategies for personal development, and methods for achieving clarity and courage in your personal and professional life.

Why You Should Listen:

Brendon's energy and expertise make this podcast a beacon for anyone seeking to elevate their motivation and impact in all areas of life.

Best Episode:

See it, Solve it, Sell it - This episode equips listeners with a clear, actionable framework for entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving. Brendon's insights are not only thought-provoking but also immensely applicable, offering a roadmap to innovation and success in the competitive business landscape.

Links To Listen:

About The Host:

Brendon Burchard is a world-leading high-performance coach, bestselling author, and one of the most watched, quoted, and followed personal development trainers out there. Find Brendon Burchard on LinkedIn and his website.

Listener Review:

Brendon is not only super motivating but truly knows how to engage us. He is warm, authentic, and hilarious! Joining his app! - Polar Growth

11. Coaching for Leaders by Dave Stachowiak

Coaching for Leaders - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

Dave Stachowiak's podcast bridges the gap between management theories and practical leadership skills, offering actionable advice to leaders at all levels.

What You'll Learn:

Skills for effective leadership, techniques for better communication, and strategies for personal and professional development.

Why You Should Listen:

Dave's practical approach and interviews with leadership experts provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to enhance their leadership capabilities.

Best Episode:

659: Ways to Thrive When the Ground Keeps Shifting Under You, with Jen Byyny - This episode stands out for its timely and practical advice on managing change—a constant in today's work environment.

Jen Byyny's insights, rooted in her extensive experience in health tech, offer a blend of professional wisdom and personal encouragement.

Links To Listen:

About The Host:

Dave Stachowiak brings his background in leadership and management to help listeners lead more effectively and with greater confidence. Find Dave Stachowiak on LinkedIn and his website.

Listener Review:

Thank you for all the amazing info and content shared. - Cholita2012

Jocko Podcast - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

Jocko Willink explores the importance of discipline, leadership, and the mindset needed to succeed in life and work, drawing from his experience as a Navy SEAL.

What You'll Learn:

Discipline strategies, leadership principles grounded in military experience, and the mental toughness required to overcome challenges.

Why You Should Listen:

Jocko's direct approach and practical advice offer a unique perspective on leadership and personal growth that can be applied in any area of life.

Best Episode:

422: How to Effectively Interrogate Someone - This episode stands out for its depth and specificity, providing listeners with a rare glimpse into the methodologies of military interrogation.

It transcends ordinary podcast content by offering insights grounded in official military doctrine, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the complexities of communication, psychology, and strategic thinking.

Links To Listen:

About The Host:

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL commander, bestselling author, and leadership instructor. His experiences in the military form the foundation of his teachings on leadership and discipline. Find Jocko Willink on LinkedIn and his website.

Listener Review:

The Jocko podcast has benefited me greatly. Being introduced to many cool people and hearing their stories. My only suggestion is to bring back BOOK REVIEWS. I miss old-school combat memoirs and their lessons explained by Jocko. - Trooper288

13. The Cathy Heller Podcast: A Podcast for Soulful Entrepreneurs with Cathy Heller

The Cathy Heller Podcast A Podcast for Soulful Entrepreneurs - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

Cathy Heller's podcast is a beacon for creative professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to inject more soul and passion into their business endeavors. It's about breaking through barriers to create a life and career that feels authentic and fulfilling.

What You'll Learn:

The show dives into the strategies for building a personal brand, harnessing your unique strengths, and creating meaningful work that resonates with your true self. Listeners will discover how to monetize their passion, overcome self-doubt, and build a supportive community.

Why You Should Listen:

If you're an entrepreneur at heart looking to lead with authenticity and purpose, Cathy's insights and the inspirational stories of her guests will guide you toward creating a business that aligns with your soul's calling.

Best Episode:

Be the Hero of Your Story - Bonus Minisode - This episode is exceptional because of its focus on actionable steps towards self-improvement and its ripple effect on the broader community.

Links To Listen:

About The Host:

Cathy Heller is a singer-songwriter turned business coach and podcast host, dedicated to helping others find more purpose and joy in their work. She excels at inspiring entrepreneurs to take meaningful action toward their dreams. Find Cathy Heller on LinkedIn and her website.

Listener Review:

Great content, great energy, great voice. There’s healing in just listening to this podcast. - itsjou

14. Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn

Smart Passive Income - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

Pat Flynn's podcast serves as a masterclass in building and growing a successful online business with a focus on generating passive income. It's packed with actionable strategies, case studies, and lessons learned from Flynn's own experiences and those of his guests.

What You'll Learn:

Listeners will be equipped with knowledge of various passive income streams, from affiliate marketing and online courses to podcasting and niche sites. The podcast also covers essential topics like SEO, email marketing, and audience building.

Why You Should Listen:

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or looking to expand your online business, Pat's practical advice and transparent approach to sharing his successes and failures make this podcast an invaluable resource for anyone interested in passive income.

Best Episode:

SPI 750: Why You Have to Bring People Together - This episode stands out for its timely and insightful examination of the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital era's impact on social cohesion.

Pat Flynn's discussion is not only thought-provoking but also actionable, offering listeners practical strategies for fostering community and connection in their online endeavors.

Links To Listen:

About The Host:

Pat Flynn is an entrepreneur, blogger, author, and podcaster renowned for his success in building passive income businesses. His approachable and honest style has made him a trusted voice in online marketing and business strategy. Find Pat Flynn on LinkedIn and his website.

Listener Review:

Solid episode, per usual. Solid podcast. - WManly

15. Beyond the To-Do List with Erik Fisher

Beyond the To-Do List - Personal Development Podcast

Summary:

Erik Fisher's podcast is a deep dive into the productivity strategies that help individuals achieve more while balancing work and life. It tackles the practical aspects of time management, efficiency, and goal setting with insights from productivity experts and successful professionals.

What You'll Learn:

The show provides listeners with tips on how to optimize their day, combat procrastination, and set achievable goals. It also explores the importance of rest, mindfulness, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Why You Should Listen:

For those feeling overwhelmed by their to-do lists or seeking to enhance their productivity without sacrificing well-being, Erik offers a wealth of knowledge that can transform how you approach your daily tasks and long-term objectives.

Best Episode:

Charlie Gilkey on Improving Team Habits and Creating a Better Work Environment - This episode stands out for its practical and insightful exploration of improving team habits and creating a positive work environment.

Charlie Gilkey's expertise in productivity and leadership, combined with real-world applications, offers listeners a valuable roadmap to transforming their teams and workspaces.

Links To Listen:

About The Host:

Erik Fisher is a productivity coach and podcast host with a passion for helping others achieve efficiency and effectiveness in their personal and professional lives. His expertise in time management and productivity tools has made him a sought-after voice in the field. Find Erik Fisher on LinkedIn and his website.

Listener Review:

This podcast hit a high note with the Gretchen Rubin episode. Their talk on productivity and happiness is pure gold. A must-listen for actionable tips. If you’re seeking a balance between well-being and efficiency, this episode tackles it. Five stars for an enlightening conversation! - kristamischell

To remain up to date on all the latest in people management, subscribe to our newsletter for leaders and managers. You'll receive insights and offerings tailored to leaders and HR professionals straight to your inbox.

By David Rice

David Rice is a long time journalist and editor who specializes in covering human resources and leadership topics. His career has seen him focus on a variety of industries for both print and digital publications in the United States and UK.