Positive thinking podcasts, sometimes called simply “positive podcasts,” offer a powerful source of motivation and mindset transformation for anyone seeking a brighter outlook on life. These audio gems are a go-to for anyone eager to enhance their mental well-being, conquer negativity, and foster resilience. Ideal for commuters or multitaskers, these happiness podcasts provide a convenient means to insure optimism into daily routines, making personal growth accessible to all.
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21 Positive Thinking Podcasts
For those in pursuit of a sunnier mindset, the world of podcasting presents a treasure trove of resources. The best positive podcasts offer a beacon of hope, delivering an array of empowering stories, insights, and practical tips to cultivate a more optimistic outlook on life. Whether you’re facing life’s challenges or simply seeking a daily dose of positivity, these podcasts are your guide to brighter, more fulfilling days.
1. The Science of Happiness
The Science of Happiness podcast, hosted by the esteemed Dacher Keltner, founder of the University of California Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, is an example of authenticity in the realm of positive podcasts. Unlike anecdotal counterparts, this show offers a fact-based exploration of happiness. It delves into research-tested strategies for a happier, more meaningful life, drawing from the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe.
2. Happier
Gretchen Rubin, the #1 bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before, extends her wisdom to the airwaves with her podcast, Happier. An essential listen for those on the quest for a sunnier perspective, the show covers diverse topics, including avoiding disappointment, the power of friendly gestures, and unlocking happy memories. Joining her in this lively exploration is Rubin’s sister, Elizabeth Craft, a TV writer and producer.
3. The Kindness Project
The Kindness Podcast, hosted by journalist Nicole Phillips, is a heartwarming journey into the world of empathy and compassion. With over 100 episodes, Nicole engages in insightful conversations with a diverse range of notable figures, from bestselling author Laura Schroff to multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jason Mraz and the compassionate minds behind Minnesota’s Fix It Forward Ministry. Their stories and insights highlight the remarkable impact of kindness on people’s lives. The Kindness Project is one of the best positive podcasts to listen to for those who value compassion.
4. Best Friends
Comedians Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata, individually hilarious, join forces in the uproarious podcast Best Friends. The show captures the essence of a great stand-up performance, offering a freewheeling and observational vibe as the hosts riff on topics ranging from alien abductions to gigantic ladybugs and tattoos. Like your late-night chats with a close friend, Best Friends is refreshingly weird and spontaneous, providing a welcome remedy for those feeling overwhelmed, stuck in a negative cycle, or just simply down in the dumps.
5. Ten Percent Happier
Ten Percent Happier, hosted by Dan Harris, is a positive podcast that offers a comprehensive exploration of the obstacles that hinder our happiness and how to overcome them. Inspired by a panic attack during his time on Good Morning America, Harris delves into various factors affecting our well-being, featuring expert guests such as Jenny Odell discussing the value of “doing nothing” and Adam Grant musing on embracing imperfection. Meditation takes center stage, with regular guided sessions by professionals available in the podcast feed.
6. Live Happy Now
Live Happy Now, the podcast from Live Happy magazine, delves deep into the science of well-being, positivity, and happiness, offering a treasure trove of valuable insights. Through lively and informative interviews with experts, the show covers a broad spectrum of topics, from mindful eating to stress management and the pitfalls of toxic positivity. Whether it’s wellness, gratitude, or mindfulness, this positivity podcast is your guide to a more fulfilling, joyful existence.
7. Questlove Supreme
Questlove Supreme, hosted by the multi-talented Amir “Questlove” Thompson, offers a captivating blend of entertainment, education, and inspiration. Questlove’s wide-ranging interests come to life in intimate interviews with world-class singers like Mariah Carey, actors including Jason Sudeikis, and creators like Lin-Manuel Miranda. With each episode, listeners are treated to deep dives into the creative process and personal journeys of these cultural icons. This upbeat and irreverent podcast is a delightful mix of fun and education, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking positive podcasts.
8. The Happiness Lab
In a world hungry for happiness, there’s no shortage of options in the realm of positivity podcasts. The insightful The Happiness Lab by Yale Professor Dr. Laurie Santos dives into the science of well-being by offering practical strategies for a brighter outlook. Whether you’re looking to explore the depths of your happiness or simply looking for daily doses of positivity, this happy podcast is your trusted companion on the journey to a more contented and optimistic life.
9. How to Fail With Elizabeth Day
In the vast landscape of positive thinking podcasts, How to Fail With Elizabeth Day stands out as a refreshing departure from the norm. Host Elizabeth Day explores the invaluable lessons hidden within life’s setbacks. Each episode invites a new guest to candidly share their three biggest failures and the profound wisdom they’ve gleaned from these experiences. As the podcast celebrates the things that haven’t gone as planned, it imparts a powerful message of resilience and growth.
10. Happy Place
As far as happiness podcasts go, Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place is a top tier option. Fearne skillfully weaves her own experiences with enlightening conversations and expert advice, guiding listeners on a transformative journey from moments of gloom to daily joy. This positivity podcast is a sanctuary for those seeking to uncover the secrets of a fulfilling life. Hosted on Acast, Happy Place offers a delightful exploration of what happiness really means.
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11. Mental – The Podcast to Destigmatize Mental Health
Bobby Temps’ creation, Mental – The Podcast to Destigmatise Mental Health, is an effort to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and discrimination. In the company of special guests, this podcast discusses various aspects of mental well-being, offering firsthand experiences and surprising statistics. Whether you’ve personally encountered mental illness or not, each episode offers relatable content and serves as a heartening reminder that, above all, you are enough.
12. The Gratitude Diaries
Inspired by author Janice Kaplan’s book of the same name, The Gratitude Diaries offers a daily dose of wisdom on living a more intentional, grateful life. With episodes lasting no more than seven minutes, it’s a convenient addition to your daily routine. Kaplan, a warm and authoritative host, translates her extensive research and fact-filled writing on gratitude into an engaging positivity podcast. Whether it’s unraveling the impact of appreciation on our brains or uncovering the secret of success, The Gratitude Diaries delivers practical, down-to-earth tips for infusing gratitude into your daily life.
13. The Constant
The Constant, hosted by Mark Chrisler, offers a refreshing perspective on positivity by exploring the humorous and sometimes bizarre aspects of human history. The podcast dives into the misconceptions, errors, and grand plans gone awry that have significantly influenced the course of history. Topics range from medicinal gold to cannibalism and even the flat Earth conspiracy. Overall, The Constant infuses history with humor, reminding listeners that even in mistakes, there’s room for positivity and laughter.
14. Mad Chat
Mad Chat, hosted by the charismatic Sandy Allen, offers an insightful and irreverent exploration of how popular culture portrays mental health. Alongside engaging guests like Hannah Giogis and Jonah Bossewitch, the show delves into the intricate ways beloved works like Donnie Darko and Bojack Horseman tackle psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. With a keen focus on deciphering the messages woven into our favorite pop culture narratives, Mad Chat invites listeners to engage in thought-provoking discussions about the portrayal of madness and mental health in the media.
15. The Lively Show
Hosted by the effervescent Jess Lively, The Lively Show, is an uplifting and motivational podcast that underscores the significance of a positive mindset in achieving both personal and professional success. Jess dives into a range of roadblocks, the negative feedback loops to the fear of mortality, offering insightful tools such as proper breathing techniques and guidance on living an “aligned” life. With over 300 episodes, the podcast covers an array of topics, from engaging interviews with thought leaders like Elizabeth Gilbert, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Brené Brown. It’s a valuable resource for those seeking to infuse more presence and positivity into their everyday lives.
16. The Minimalist
This positive podcast called The Minimalists is hosted by Emmy-nominated Netflix stars and New York Times-bestselling authors Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus. It’s a refreshing exploration of the profound positive mental health impact of minimalist living. In each episode, they delve into a range of topics, from the importance of unfollowing superfluous social media accounts to tips on helping your children get organized and celebrating holidays without excessive consumerism. With co-host T.K. Colreman, The Minimalists inspire millions of listeners to embrace a more meaningful life with less clutter and distraction.
17. Pepp Talk Podcast
Hosted by the no-nonsense love coach and influencer Breeny Lee, Pepp Talk is the perfect podcast to boost your spirits. Known as “YouTube’s Big Sis,” Lee fearlessly tackles every situation you may encounter in your daily life, offering unfiltered, straight-talking advice. From breaking free from people pleasing tendencies to debunking myths of fairytale relationships, there’s an episode that speaks to your current needs. If you crave unapologetic, no-chaser advice, Pepp Talk is for you, promising to blow your mind and crush self-limiting beliefs.
18. My Life in TV
The host of My Life in TV, Alison Hammond, is known for her laughter’s uplighting power. Just ask the Huffington Post! Now, in her very own podcast, Hammond invites celebrity guests to join her for heartwarming conversations and, you guessed it, more laughter! With behind-the-scenes stories, gossip, and personal anecdotes, this podcast is a delightful treat for any TV enthusiast. So, if you’re looking for a good laugh and some insider information, don’t miss out on My Life in TV.
19. Who Hurt You?
This podcast, “Who Hurt You?”, is an insightful and thought-provoking show hosted by multi-talented comedia, author, and campaigner Sofie Hagen. Known for her work on Bad People on BBC Sounds and Secret Dinosaur Cult, as well as her book, Happy Fat, Sofie engages in candid conversations with prominent individuals in the public eye. The podcast delves into the factors that have shaped and influenced their lives, including the impact of society, family, childhood, role models, and friendships.
20. MIMI
Mini Bouchard, best known for her appearance on Made in Chelsea, has transitioned from the world of reality TV to deliver positivity and inspiration through The Mimibee Podcast. In this bi-weekly show, Mimi dives into various facets of self-improvement, including motivation, success, transformation stories, health and fitness, and love and relationships. The podcast features deep, uplifting conversations with remarkable people who have achieved extraordinary success in their respective fields.
21. Explained With Lacy Phillips
Explained with Lacy Phillips is a leading manifestation podcast hosted by Lacy Phillips. It combines neuroscience, psychology, epigenetics, and energetics, with a dash of spirituality. While it’s recognized as one of the best spiritual podcasts, the primary focus is on the science and psychology behind manifestation. By featuring experts, thought leaders, spiritual teachers, scientists, and success stories, this podcast guides you through the process of expanding your subconscious beliefs, helping you “see to believe” that anything you desire is possible.
Continue Your Self Improvement Journey With Therapy
Positive thinking podcasts can be an incredible source of inspiration and guidance for personal growth, offering insights and strategies to foster a positive mindset. However, it’s crucial to recognise that they are not a substitute for professional therapy when someone is grappling with life transitions, significant challenges or deep-seated emotional issues.
If you’re ready to find a therapist to help you work through your challenges, consider using an online therapist directory to explore the best online therapy options, ensuring you receive the specialized care you need.
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