If you live in the 21st century, you’ve probably heard a thing or two about podcasts. A podcast is just another method to bring you entertainment or education. Podcasts are only audible, similar to a radio show, and are created in the form of a TV show with various episodes revolving around a similar topic. The best part is that podcasts are free! You can subscribe to your favorite shows and get notified when there is a new episode – similar to following a Youtuber!
This month I decided to listen to a podcast a day because I typically listen to the same few shows here and there. It’s time to expand my knowledge in different areas. I typically focus more on personal development podcasts, because hello – that’s my forté! This month I am expanding my reach to become more culturally aware. If you want to take podcasts for a spin but don’t know where to start, these are the 30 best podcasts of 2021 that I enjoyed this month. I added a little notation for you to easily decide if it’s for you!
1. Her Life By Design
I’ve been following Christina Galbato on Instagram for the best of 2021. What I love about her is that I personally find her relatable – a girl in her late 20s who worked in Corporate America and decided she wanted more. Her Life By Design typically discusses topics such as being a digital influencer, creating an online career that allows flexibility and time freedom, all while interviewing other go-getter females who have done the same for themselves. While her podcast isn’t for everyone, this is a great place to start if you are looking to break out of the 9-5 and be your own boss.
Perfect for: Ladies starting or building their own business
2. Optimal Living Daily
Optimal Living Daily was recommended to me by a friend and I am completely in love! A guy basically reads to you the best content he has found that week on personal development, productivity, and just how to live your best life. Today, I listened to Episode 2059 (only 7 minutes!) on finding the balance between rest and hustle, which truly came at the perfect time as I am transitioning out of self-care month. Just scrolling through the titles I know I have found a podcast I will actually listen to daily after this month is over!
Perfect for: All my Personal Development Junkies out there
3. My Dad Wrote a Porno
If you are looking for a great laugh, My Dad Wrote a Porno is definitely for you! I started with episode 1 at the recommendation of my friend. Jamie Morton reads the erotica novels that his dad wrote, a different chapter each episode. He sits down with James Cooper and Alice Levine to critique his dads wildest thoughts and maybe even learns a bit more about his dad than he ever expected! I started listening to this one at work and couldn’t help but laughing out loud. It’s a bit of a racey topic, but still one to be enjoyed by anyone who loves a good play on 50 Shades of Grey!
Perfect for: Anyone who enjoys sexual comedy, and yes this one is Explicit 😉
4. Love Letters
I have to be honest here, this one was definitely not my favorite, I even listened to two different episodes trying to find one that would pique my interest. Just because it isn’t my favorite though, doesn’t mean it won’t be yours! Love Letters is hosted by advice columnist Meredith Goldstein of The Boston Globe. Goldstein interviews different people who share their story of love through different seasons of their life. It is extremely relatable no matter where you are on your journey of love and many of the lessons are applicable to your life as well.
Perfect for: Anyone who has been around the dating block a time or two
5. The Brain Candy Podcast
Sarah Rice and Susie Meister, from MTV’s The Challenge, host The Brain Candy Podcast. The duo balances out our right and left brains and they speak about a WIDE variety of topics. I checked out Episode 520: Power of Habit, Parallel Universe, and being Cheugy. Of course I scrolled through all the episode topics (which are all over the place) to find one that I thought I might enjoy. I really enjoyed the conversation on habits! I personally could always pass on anything pop culture, but enjoyed it overall nonetheless.
Perfect for: Any Millennial girl who enjoys figuring out her life while enjoying a little quirkiness along the way.
6. Lex Fridman Podcast
Ok first of all, it took 10 minutes for this podcast to get started after all of the ads which is crazy. Apparently, Lex Fridman does include timestamps so you can skip ahead. These episodes are anywhere between an hour and a half to over three hours! It’s a little insane but a total mindfuck the whole way though in all the best ways. I listened to Episode 189 featuring David Sinclair (my friend who recommended this podcast loves both of these humans) where they talked abut extending the human life. You can tell Lex Fridman is just such a smart dude and his mind works so differently. I hung onto their every word because it was just so fascinating to hear how they think! The Lex Fridman Podcast revolves mostly around conversations about science, technology, history, philosophy, and intelligence. Pick an episode and sit tight!
Perfect for: Anyone who geeks out over science and the wild world that we live in
7. Comments by Celebs
Now, we all know the HIGHLY ADDICTIVE instagram account, Comments by Celebs, but did you know they have a podcast too?! Emma Diamond and Julie Kramer cover everything and anything pop culture for your weekly routine. If you like any and all pop culture this podcast is for you. They cover all topics and do a special bravo show as well each week!
Perfect for: Anyone who loves to be in the know and LOVES pop culture
8. Earn Your Happy
While cooking dinner tonight, I enjoyed every second of Episode 520 featuring Jamie Kern Lima, the creator of IT cosmetics. Lori Harder, the host of Earn Your Happy already brings so much energy and fire to the show as she focuses on bringing you all of the tools and strategies to grow yourself. You could feel Jamie’s energy and emotions revolving around being persistent in starting her own business. This is a MUST LISTEN TO for anyone building their own business or looking to grow past the fear of rejection.
Perfect for: Anyone looking to start or in the process of starting their own business
9. The Mindset Mentor
If you only have 20 minutes, Brainwash Yourself or Be Brainwashed is the episode you need to be listening to today. Rob Dial, the mastermind behind The Mindset Mentor, will encourage you to step up and be the best version of yourself. He helps you understand how the brain works so that you can zero in on your goals and desires to make sure that you achieve them.
10. The Pat McAfee Show 2.0
The Pat McAfee Show is the perfect hour (or 2) filled with his take on a few different sport news each day. He typically produces a show Monday-Friday to keep you up-to-date on the hot topics in the sports world. Pat McAfee previously played for the Indianapolis Colts before moving into WWE and working on his own podcast.
Perfect for: Your everyday football lover
11. Nonsense and Nostalgia
This podcast was created by two TikTokers who came together to talk about all of the things we loved growing up as millennial. B Mo the Prince and Loren Raye drop a new episode of Nonsense and Nostalgia every Monday to bring pure entertainment and nostalgia to your ears as they reminisce on things that used to be a way of life. If you’re looking for a good walk down memory lane in under a half hour, this podcast is for you!
Perfect for: Any millennial living in a Gen Z world
12. Where Should We Begin
Where Should We Begin is a podcast that records the therapy sessions of of Ester Perel as she helps counsel people about their most intimate and personal struggles. Her podcast revolves around helping people couples by diving deep into their backgrounds and then their relationships to pinpoint where their actions and emotions come from. Each episode revolves around a different couple and it’s easy to see our own struggles through their relationships and find ways to improve upon our own relationships. Definitely worth checking out!
Perfect for: Anyone who enjoys podcasts about relationships and love
13. The Daily
The New York Times created The Daily for anyone who wants a quick update on the biggest story in the world today. The episodes are only 25 minutes long and posted by 6am (perfect for your morning commute)! They cover a wide range of topics so every day will be something different! I enjoyed a podcast on global warming and the impact on making significant changes globally for the fate.
Perfect for: Anyone looking to stay current on hot news topics without watching the negative news
14. Dear Hank and John
Brothers John and Hank Green have joined together to answer all of the questions that float through your brain through out the day. The audience writes in questions to Dear Hank and John about anything and everything that the duo answers throughout the podcast. You can listen to this show while doing anything (like cooking, cleaning, working) and still get a good laugh.
Perfect for: Curious minded people
15. She’s Here for It
Abbey Cappa is a young devoted Christian mom who will help you get from point A to Z in the social selling world. Each week Abbey comes to you with new tips and tools to move forward empowered and ready to live the life of your dreams. While I really loved episode 76 of She’s Here for It on Money Mindset, Abbey is a bit more religious than I am. I loved her energy, passion, and attitude, but found her podcast to include more scriptures and stronger Christian faith than I personally enjoy in a podcast. She’s Here for It is not for everyone, but might be perfect to motivate you to follow your dreams!
Perfect for: Christian Boss Babes
16. Deeper than Money
Chloe Elise dives deep into taking your finances into your own hands. Deeper than Money covers paying off debt, saving, and being smart with your money. She breaks things down into simple terms for everyone to understand – especially targeting towards a millennial gal with her shopping analogy. I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel like high school or college prepared me for how to manage finances, invest, save, and buy homes or cars. Thankfully most episodes are just 20 minutes, perfect for your commute to work or morning walk!
Perfect for: Any millennial who wants to step up their financial game
18. The Genius Life
Max Lugavere is a health and science journalist turned best selling author who focuses on your nutrition and health to help you live your best life. Every episode of The Genius Life is a mind-blowing experience that will make you re-evaluate what you do and how to change your ways too become your healthiest self.
Perfect for: All of my health and wellness lovers out there
19. Almost 30
LA-based besties Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik started the Almost 30 podcast when they were in their late 20s to talk about looking for more. They dive into conversations surrounding modern spirituality, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and my absolute favorite, personal development. These girls speak directly to where I am in my life right now, so I may be a little bias when I say that this is one of my favorite podcasts that I have found recently!
Perfect for: Anyone mid-20s to mid 30s girl who is looking for more out of life
20. My Day Friday
Carla Marie and Anthony left Z100 back in the day to start their own podcast in 2014. My Day Friday launches a new podcast each Friday to kick off the weekend. They are the kind of BFFs that you want to just hop in and have a conversation with as they bounce from topic to topic. They cover a wide variety of topics but I weirdly found it all relatable.
Perfect for: anyone who has a half hour to hang out with their fast talking friends!
21. The Lively Show
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Perfect for: X
22. Brine Time
Brine Time is a goofy podcast following the Portland Pickles, a summertime baseball team. Jake and Jeremiah chat about the game of the week and bring in a bit of history around some older games. This one may be most interesting to you in you live in Portland and know who the Portland Pickles are (I do not qualify here LOL).
Perfect for: Those who follow the Portland Pickles
23. You’re Wrong About Princess Diana
Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall rehash big events and topics from the past on their podcast, You’re Wrong About. A friend recommended the mini series that they put together on Princess Diana. I truly don’t follow a lot of the Royal drama, but I know that Princess Diana was loved by many and can remember how upset my mom was when she died when I was a kid. Michael and Sarah breakdown the ins and outs of titles, royals relations, and more with a little bit of humor!
Perfect for: Anyone who loves Princess Diana, or knows nothing about her and curious to learn more. Also for anyone who is just curious to learn more about the Royal family!
24. Hardcore History
Dan Carlin looks back at history to compare it to where we are now in his podcast Hardcore History. This podcast is perfect for a LONG road trip as most episodes are over 4 hours long! I listened to Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History: Addendum just because the episodes were much shorter! He has an interesting take on what we are living through today by finding parallels through history.
Perfect for: Anyone who loves a little history and learning more about what’s happening in the world today.
25. Foundering
Foundering takes a look at different aspects of the technology industry to bring you inside the drama. This past season revolves around TikTok – its inception, its impact on our culture, and the bigger issues that w should be looking out for. The show is done like a documentary, interviewing different people in the industry. It’s less of your typical podcast format and truly more of a documentary. This one kept me on the edge of my seat!
Perfect for: Anyone who enjoys a look inside of the world of technology – you may have also enjoyed The Social Network and The Social Dilemma.
26. We Can Do Hard Things
Glennon Doyle’s We Can Do Hard Things podcast features her sister, Amanda, and her partner, Abby Wambach. The three of them cover topics and situations that we all experience. These topics are the highlight reel of your life, they are real, hard, common things that we have all experienced throughout our life. While the subjects are tough, these three ladies will have you laughing along as you reflect on your own experience, thoughts, and emotions. Highly recommend this one!
Perfect for: Anyone who wants to know they aren’t going through the tough stuff alone.
27. Goal Digger Podcast
Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger Podcast talks about everything involved in running your own business and turning your passion into profit. She helps you navigate through the messy parts of starting your own business venture! The Goal Digger Podcast often features highly successful female entrepreneurs who are paving the way for your success with their tidbits of advice. I listened to episode 488 involving three tips to creating new habits – it’s perfect for any car ride under a half hour!
Perfect for: Any girl boss who is trying to step out of the 9-5 and onto her own path!
28. Marie Forleo Podcast
I have been a huge fan of Marie Forleo since I read her book Everything is Figureoutable! The Marie Forleo Podcast feels like a major extension of the book and I don’t hate it! Her outgoing and warm personality makes you feel confident in moving forward to be the person you want to become. Marie leaves you with strategies to achieve more success, motivation, productivity, and fulfillment. You will leave each episode feeling more confident and ready to create the life you are dreaming of at this moment!
Perfect for: Any women who is trying to take her business to the next level!
31. My Favorite Murder
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark tell each other their favorite hometown crime stories on My Favorite Murder. These girls are huge fans of True Crime stories and wanted to share their take on crime with you! They somehow put a spin on crime so it doesn’t have that dark feel like many crime shows. Their humor lightens the mood of the whole murder thing.
Perfect for: Anyone who loves a good crime story
30. On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Jay Shetty is one of my favorite people on Facebook. If you have ever seen a Jay Shetty video, you know what I am talking about. On Purpose with Jay Shetty records amazing conversations with different people that will inspire you to move thought different areas of your life. He drops new episodes every Monday and Friday!
Perfect for: Anyone who needs a little push in the right direction
And just like that August has come to a close! This month challenged me to
- Listen to a podcast everyday
- Listen to things I would never in a million years seek out
- Really carve out time to focus on what I am listening to
No one said it would be easy, but it’s always worth it. I am excited that the month is over because I have SO MANY podcasts to keep listening to as we move into September! I highly recommend The Mindset Mentor, The Genius Life, You’re Wrong About, and Goal Digger Podcast! Let me know which ones are your favorites!
xoxo
Krysta
