I am on constant journey of self-improvement. I love personality tests – I know my Myers-Briggs type (ESFJ) and my CliftonStrengths (Positivity, Woo, Communication, Belief and Developer). I’m an Enneagram Two who desperately wants to be a Nine. I completely nerd out over anything personal development on my evolving quest to live my best life.
This used to include reading self-help books. More accurately, the first two chapters of self-help books. That’s how far I’d get before getting bored and stashing it on top of my night stand for the next two months to three years. Clearly, reading about maximizing my potential doesn’t help me reach my maximum potential.
Then, I discovered podcasts. Podcasts hold my attention, entertain me, and, best of all, motivate me while I multitask. I can listen in the car, at the gym, or on an airplane. I decided podcasts were going to finally change my life.
And they have, but not in the way I expected. I found that the podcasts I am most drawn to are the ones where I relate to the host and feel a connection to them as humans, not just because they are leadership development gurus. I’ve assembled my list of the best “secret” self-improvement podcasts. These are series that you might not find if you search “self-help,” but covertly weave in messages that will improve your life.
Secret Self-Improvement Podcasts
A Bit of Optimism – Simon Sinek
So, this first one isn’t really a secret; it’s obviously a self-improvement podcast. I had to include it though because Simon Sinek is incredible. You know how most people have celebrity crushes? Well, I have leadership crushes and the list is basically just Simon Sinek. He is thoughtful and insightful. He’s funny and inspiring. On his podcast he interviews individuals who inspire him. His guests share stories that will make you laugh, make you cry, and most importantly, make you think. If you like hearing from aspirational thought leaders, A Bit of Optimism will fill your cup.
Funny Cuz It’s True – Elyse Myers
If you’re not following Elyse Myers on Instagram, stop reading this right now and do it. Elyse Myers is a content creator who went viral in 2021 sharing a story about her worst first date. She is funny and awkward and so very relatable. On her podcast, Myers interviews celebrities and has an uncanny way of treating them like normal, everyday people. If you struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, or impostor syndrome, Myers normalizes these feelings and makes you feel seen.
Climbing with Coach Kiah – Kiah Twisselman Burchett
The secret of this podcast is that most people probably doesn’t know it exists. Coach Kiah is a West Coast cattle rancher turned life coach who shares about her journey to self-love and confidence through honest conversations. Her episodes are short and easy to digest while being uplifting. If you’re on a journey to love and accept yourself more, Coach Kiah is a great resource for positive affirmations.
Armchair Expert – Dax Shepard
Wait…how’d that dude from Punk’d end up on this list? Well, as the podcast’s tagline states, it celebrates the messiness of being human. Whether it’s Shepard sharing about his addiction battle or Monica’s journey to motherhood via freezing her eggs, these unlikely self-help gurus uncover the unfiltered humanity of each of their guests, no matter if they’re A-list celebrities or anonymous contributors. If you want to learn, think, or just hear incredibly funny, yet unfortunate and typically messy stories from other humans, checkout one of the podcasts from the Armchair Umbrella.
There are thousands of podcasts that can touch your heart, speak to your mind and set your soul on fire. These are just a few I’ve found helpful on my path to being the best version of myself. I’m always on the lookout for new ones too and I look forward to sharing them with all of you!
