INSPIRATIONAL PODCASTS: THE BEST WAY TO STAY MOTIVATED
When you’re an entrepreneur, it’s easy to feel uninspired and burnt out. It takes an incredible amount of fuel to feed that entrepreneurial engine. Sometimes you need to throw another log on the fire by getting some motivation from an outside source. Where can you turn for some entrepreneurial motivation? Listen to some inspirational podcasts, my friend.
I LOVE listening to podcasts. I have them on while I’m cleaning, when I’m driving, when I’m walking my dogs…basically any time I’m not working, interacting with a human, or reading a book, I’m listening to a podcast.
And I’m not alone. 73 million people listen to podcasts monthly. That’s more than the entire population of the UK! They’re great because they allow you to learn while you’re doing other things. Scrubbing the shower seems like less of a drag when you’re learning about the fascinating history of the laugh track, right?
I listen to a pretty diverse range of podcasts, including narrative fiction (fave), music discovery (fave), true crime (fave), storytelling (fave), and even dating advice (fave).
LISTENING TO PODCASTS MAKES TOILET SCRUBBING AN INSPIRATIONAL, EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE. REALLY.
But inspirational podcasts are my absolute favorite. I like them for a few reasons:
Listening to inspirational podcasts first thing in the morning is a great way to set a productive, positive tone for the day.
These podcasts typically feature interviews with other successful business owners and entrepreneurs. Learning someone else’s story can help you to visualize what success will look like for you, and the steps you’ll need to take to get there.
The best way to cross a minefield is in someone else’s footprints (not sure where I heard this quote…probably a podcast). By learning from others’ experiences, you may be able to avoid some of their pitfalls.
Inspirational podcasts are also a great way to find more books to read, since the interviewees are often promoting a book.
I don’t know a lot of other people IRL who are on the same path as me, so podcasts make me feel like I’m not alone in my entrepreneurial struggles.
I’ve tried a lot of different inspirational podcasts on for size, and these are the ones that I think are the best.
THE BEST INSPIRATIONAL PODCASTS FOR ENTREPRENEURS
This is the OG of entrepreneurial podcasts. The premise is simple: NPR’s Guy Raz interviews various entrepreneurs about how they created their empire. I’ve listened to almost every episode, so I’m noticing some patterns in these stories. Apparently, building a successful business basically boils down to three things: being bold, being clever, and doing the work.
Favorite episodes: Kate & Andy Spade, 1-800-GOT-JUNK, Spanx, and Virgin
This is a must-listen for anyone who is a creative entrepreneur. Hosts Reina and Christina interview entrepreneurs about their businesses and the advice they have for others.
I had to no idea what was possible until I started listening to this podcast. The sky is truly the limit for creative entrepreneurs.
I literally get overwhelmed by the amount of valuable information they give away on this show. I can never listen to it on 1 ½ speed like I do with my other podcasts. There’s just SO MUCH TO LEARN!
Whether you’re side hustling or working full-time to create your own dream, this is a great podcast to get you pumped up and learn a thing or two at the same time.
Favorite episode: Episode 197 Processes + Procedures, with Laura Neff (TRULY CHANGED MY LIFE)
Cathy Heller’s interview on The Creative Empire Podcast was so freaking fantastic, I started listening to her podcast as well. Cathy Heller was an aspiring singer-songwriter in Hollywood before she switched gears and started writing songs for TV, movies, and commercials. On her show, she interviews incredibly successful people about how they found and followed their true purpose. So much great info here. I just started listening to this one, but I’m excited to keep going on.
Favorite episode: How to Make the Jump with Mike Lewis. A must-listen for anyone who is considering making their side hustle into a full-time gig. I wish I would have read Mike Lewis’s book before I made my own jump!
Join Up Dots is another interview-based entrepreneur podcast, but I love this one because host David Ralph is just so FUN. Like, don’t get me wrong, these other podcasters I’ve mentioned seem like really nice people. But for me, David Ralph bridges that gap between earnest inspiration and just being goofy. I dig that. I just started listening to this podcast, so I don’t have a favorite episode yet, but I will report back when I do.
AKIMBO
Seth Godin is a genius. If you don’t already know this, you need to look him up ASAP. Anyways, I was SO excited when he started his own podcast because his outlook on life is just fascinating. His unique perspective will help you to look at your business from different angles and inspire you with ideas you’ve never considered before.
Favorite episode: “Genius” in which Seth Godin points out that there is genius inside all of us. The trick is to learn how to identify your genius and create the right situation for it to thrive.
I hope you check out those podcasts and listen to them! If you don’t listen to podcasts, I encourage you to find a way to add them to your morning routine. Get inspired while you brush your teeth or drive into work. It will set a positive tone for your day, and as your days add up, it will set a positive tone for your entire life.
I have an ask for all of you who do listen to podcasts. Do you have a system for taking notes from podcasts? How can I better remember what I hear? I’m listening to all this incredible information, but I feel like I’m not absorbing nearly as much as I could. I look forward to your recommendations!