I’m not afraid to admit that I love a lil’ bit of self-help advice, from Oprah to Chicken Soup For The Soul.
Self-help can mean a range of things, from general self-improvement to self-care techniques, “self-care refers to activities undertaken with the intention of enhancing energy, restoring health and reducing stress.”
As life gets busier, sometimes there just isn’t time to go through self-help books or a course, which is where a good audio podcast can come in.
With podcasts currently more popular than ever, now is the time to get self-help for when you’re walking to work or sitting on the bus.
‘Nine out of 10 Australian adults (91%) are now aware of podcasts, while one in three (33%) claimed to have listened to a podcast in the past month.” – ABC Survey, 2018
If you are needing a bit of uplifting advice in your ears and want to save your money, check out my top 10 choices below that are all free to download online or through iTunes.
1. Happier with Gretchin Rubin
Gretchin Rubin is an American #1 Bestselling Author of The Happiness Project (which can also be downloaded on Audible). The book focuses on the outcomes of Gretchin spending a year of her life dedicated to ‘being happier.’ The book has since sold over 1.5 million copies globally. Her free podcast Happier, co-hosted with her sister, focuses on practical advice on being happy, in a fun and personal way. With over 300 episodes, there is something for everyone, from ‘Put a Band-Aid On It’ to ‘Reasons To Go To The Doctor.’ The podcast is also award-winning and rated 5* by over 500 people.
2. Supersoul Conversations
If there’s ever someone to listen to for self-help, it’s Oprah Winfrey. For those that don’t know Oprah (where have you been hiding!?), she is an American talk show host, producer, and philanthropist. Her ‘Oprah Winfrey Show’ was one of the most highly rated television programs of its kind. This podcast is like a warm hug, with meaningful conversations about life between Oprah and her guest speakers, from Michelle Obama to Julia Roberts.
‘Awaken, discover and connect to the deeper meaning of the world around you with SuperSoul.’
4. Good Life Project Podcast
This community & education focused wellness project was started by author Jonathan Fields, designed to assist people to live a more meaningful and connected life. The weekly podcast feels like a chat with friends, with Jonathan and a guest discussing finding joy and meaning in life with ‘iconic world-shakers’ from Elizabeth Gilbert to Brene Brown.
5. Women of The Hour with Lena Dunham
Lena is a writer, director, producer and actress, most famous for hit HBO TV series Girls. She is also relatively outspoken and honest, which is why she makes a good podcast host. She recently opened up about having a hysterectomy at 31 years old for intolerable pain from endometriosis.
Women of The Hour is an empowering podcast with Lena talking to different wonderful women about friendship, love, bodies, work and more. If you feel like you need a girl gang in your ears, check out this free podcast.
6. The Minimalists
Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus have created a hugely successful enterprise (podcasts, coaching and now a book) on living with less crap, both physically and metaphorically. Since launching the podcast in 2010, they have had 20 million global listeners.
‘Minimalists don’t focus on having less, less, less. We focus on making room for more: more time, more passion, more creativity, more experiences, more contribution, more contentment, more freedom. Clearing the clutter from life’s path helps make that room.’
Everything about this podcast is excellent, with simple topics broken down from Self-Care to The Discomfort Zone. It also reminds us of all the valuable lesson that we need to live with less sh*t to survive in life.
7. Marie Forleo Podcast
Marie is a self-help and life coach, with an award-winning show and coaching platform. She was also coined by Oprah as the thought leader for the next generation. I’m a huge fan of Marie’s outlook to careers, realising her own unconventional journey of not fitting into the ‘9-5’ job, “I later coined the term “Multi-Passionate Entrepreneur” because I just didn’t (and never will) fit into a conventional box.”
Her successful podcast speaks to different experts, focusing on career advice, from Imposter Syndrome to How To Set Boundaries. Everyone needs this podcast in their lives.
8. The Struggle Bus
The struggle is real; thankfully The Struggle Bus is here to help you out. This podcast involves two best friends, Katharine Heller, and Sally Tamarkin, talking through listener-submitted problems to find solutions and advice. #NeverRideAlone
Important note – If you need help with any mental health issues, seek a professional. If you’re in Australia, Medicare can subsidise up to 10 sessions with a Mental Health Care Plan if eligible through a GP. Lifeline has 24-hour helpline 13 11 14.
