Read on for a list of the best podcasts in 2020 for fitness, money and personal development, based on my experience. I have found all of them to be transformational, and they've helped me reach new levels of success in health, wealth-building and life.
Podcasts can change your life.
I first started listening to Kimberly Wilson's podcast back in 2008(ish) when I longed to escape my cubicle job for a creative career in entrepreneurship. It was because of her that I left my corporate job and traveled to India to learn how to teach yoga.
I was ready for an adventure, and having Kimberly in my ears every week, gave me the courage to take the leap. I still listen to her to this day, along with a TON of other great podcasters. They have transformed me with their personal stories, knowledge and fascinating interviews. I hope this list impacts you the same way.
Best Podcasts in 2020 for Personal Development
What's Essential - Based on his best-selling book, The Essentialist, Greg McKewon interviews different people who are struggling to find what's most essential to them. His insights and coaching are applicable to anyone who feels overwhelmed, scattered or lost (<-hello, that's me). BTW, Essentialism is my all time favorite book and I recommend reading it if you haven't already.
Lessons from a Quitter - this is a show for anyone who is feeling stuck in life and needs some tell-it-like-it-is perspective on how to get out of it. She's an ex-lawyer turned life coach, but I love her no-nonsense advice and stories. I look forward to hearing from her every Tuesday.
The Life Coach School By Brooke Castillo - Brooke is a Master Life Coach and a really smart lady. Much like Jim, her focus is on helping listeners control their thoughts to improve their lives. This is a transformational skill that, more than anything else in my opinion, can make the biggest impact on your life. I've been following her work for years and it's been so enlightening!
The Rachel Hollis Podcast - I love Rachel's honesty about the road to success and the truth about how hard it is to reach a goal - so pick your goals and use your time wisely. I can't agree more. She's motivational, but in a very useful, hands on way. Zero fluff.
Expanded, by Lacy Phillips - If you're a fan of manifestation (as I am) or a student of the Law of Attraction (I am not), then you will love this podcast. It's a little "out there", but her takeaways are interesting. One in particular that I love - find people who are living your dream and leverage the fact that if they can have what you want, so can you. It's a powerful concept and I have been using it with great success.
The Chalene Show - Chalene is one of my favorite online mentors. She's smart, sassy and knows how to crush a goal. She'll help you up your game in fitness, business and life and it never gets old or boring.
Impact Theory - Tom Bilyeu, one of the founders of Quest Nutrition, managed to make podcast that is as intense as he is. He's not for everyone, but if you're driven, ambitious and slightly OCD, he will resonate with you. Even if you're not those things, he's worth listening to as he has super interesting guests. I just listened to an episode he did with Mathew McConaughy and it's really good!
Best Podcasts for Wealth Building
Earn & Invest - If you're a fan of the FIRE movement, then you'll want to listen to this podcast. The host, a former Dr., turned podcaster, retired early and now talks about the ins and outs of money, finance and life with his guests. I love how thought provoking he can be and his intro stories are always entertaining.
Friends on Fire - this is another FIRE podcast, but it's more pragmatic as the two hosts, who are not retired, but working professionals with families, talk details about how to approach personal finance. I love their banter, the topics they cover and the occasional guests they bring on. If you appreciate a casual, but practical approach to finances, this show is for you.
Personal Finance Daily - this guy reads from the most popular blogs in finance and minimalism. It’s a daily dose of financial wisdom which I LOVE.
Afford Anything - Paula Pant is best defined as a personal finance blogger/podcaster because that’s where she’s made a mark for herself, but her content is really focused on helping you make smart decisions about life in general so you can be freaking awesome at both work and life. She’s super smart, asks great questions and she has a very quick whit. I think she’d be the person I’d most want to go have drinks with (well, her and Juli Bauer).
The Minimalists - Not quite a finance podcast, but a discussion around enjoying a life with less, but not in a derivational kind of way. I love their content, although they repeat themselves a lot, probably because there's only so much you can say about minimalism? Anyway, I love listening to these guys on my walks. They give me this sense of comfort and knowing that everything will be okay because #minimalisthavetheirshittogether
Stacking Benjamins - they’re funny, irreverent and full of info, although they guarantee you won’t learn a freaking thing from them (it’s all lies, you will learn tons).
Choose FI - most of the people I listen to in personal finance space have funny or light-hearted perspectives on money. I wouldn’t call these guys “funny” per se, but smart, useful, passionate and curious - heck ya. They’re worth the listen, to be sure.
Best Podcasts in 2020 for Fitness Motivation & Health!
Honestly, I don't listen to a ton of fitness podcasts, mostly because I get frustrated with some of the bad information out there, but also because I don't find the topic that interesting to listen to. But these podcasts keep me connected to my "why" and motivate me to keep pushing, even when I don't feel like it!
Age is Irrelevant - I first came across Helen, the host of this podcast on Instagram. She stands out not just because she is a fitness competitor and athlete, but because she is crushing it at 63. On her podcast, she interviews everyday women in their 40s, 50s and 60s doing amazing things in fitness. If you're struggling with the idea that you're too old to get fit over 50 - this podcast is a must-listen.
Rich Roll Podcast - If you're an endurance athlete (running, cycling, etc), you're probably already aware of this guy, but if he's not on your playlist yet, you're missing out. I love the way he interviews his guests. He's smart, thoughtful and interesting. He's also plant-based but isn't dogmatic about it.
The Fit Habit Podcast - one part health and wellness, one part mindset coaching with a mission to take you from feeling burned out, tired and out of shape to living your best life.
Goop Podcast - More of a focus on wellness and their topics that always draw me in. The host, is smart, asks great questions and always has remarkable guests. This podcast is produced by Gwyneth Paltrow, although she is rarely on it. It's definitely worth the listen.
Want more recommendations for inspiring books and resources?
- Personal values and how to live them intentionally
- How to change anything about yourself
- Best reads for girl-bosses
Leave your favorite podcasters in the comments below! I'm always looking for new people to listen to and learn from!
Caren is a certified yoga teacher, fitness instructor and author of The Fit Habit. Here she shares simple, low carb recipes, quick home workout ideas and practical ways to foster mind + body wellness.
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