For all the avid learners out there, I put together a list of podcasts you can listen to on your way to work. They are all about success and productivity – the only two ingredients you need to start your day off on a positive note.

Have you ever wondered how great leaders keep up their knowledge in this fast-paced digital landscape? Harvard Business Review suggests that they are constant learners. In this fast-paced world, podcasts seem to be a wise choice.

In fact, it seems podcasts are becoming popular again. Every day, new podcasts are being launched. In October 2015, Muffinworks attempted to create a visual map of the world of podcasts and it’s HUGE! (click on the link to get a glimpse of the Podcast Universe)

Of course, you can’t listen to all of them. So how do you choose the ones that will actually help? First of all, start with your goal. For this particular topic, I chose “productivity” and in order to create my ultimate must-listen-to list, I searched for other articles out there to see what they recommend. The names that I came across most often landed on “the list”. But most importantly, I wanted to be sure the host of the podcast was deeply interested in this particular topic. So I chose people who actively share their own experience and findings on how to get more done and be successful at work.

Take a look at my shortlist and let me know what other podcasts you’d add to the list. Enjoy!

1. Back to Work

Back to Work is an award-winning talk show with Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin discussing productivity, communication, work, barriers, constraints, and tools.

Host: Merlin Mann (@hotdogsladies) is an independent writer, speaker, and broadcaster best known for creating 43folders.com, a very popular blog where he writes about productivity and creativity at work.

Recommended episode: #Fixed Points in Time. This episode is about time management, without the usual plans and to-dos. The hosts approach this thorny topic from a completely new point of view.

2. Good Life Project

In this podcast, Jonathan Fields shares inspirational and motivational conversations with renowned experts, like Elizabeth Gilbert, Brene Brown, Sir Ken Robinson, Seth Godin, Gretchen Rubin and many others.

Host: Jonathan Fields (@jonathanfields) is a serial entrepreneur and growth strategist. He is also a prolific writer and broadcaster, so in addition to listening to his podcasts on The Good Life Project, I recommend you to subscribe to his blog.

Recommended episode: Arianna Huffington: On Family, Success and Sleep. In this episode, Jonathan Fields interviews Arianna Huffington, co-founder, president, and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group, and author of fifteen books.

3. Getting Things Done

These podcasts are designed to support everyone who’s willing to try the GTD (“Getting Things Done”) practice. It features interviews with people from all walks of life about their journey with GTD, from beginners to those who have been at it for years. The podcasts include personal and professional stories, as well as practical tips about the GTD systems.

Host: David Allen (@gtdguy) is a famous author and the originator of the GTD, a work-life management system that has helped many individuals and organizations bring order into their routine.

Recommended episode: David Allen talks to Daniel Pink. Neither of the hosts need much introduction, so I hope their names alone will be enough to intrigue and you will give this podcast a real chance.

4. The Tony Robbins Podcast

This podcast is for CEOs, entrepreneurs, freelancers and generally everyone interested in business growth. Each episode highlights propriety ideas and strategies from Tony Robbins himself, as well as unique lessons and insights from outstanding achievers and experts.

Host: Tony Robins (@TonyRobbins) has conquered it all: #1 New York Times best-selling author, life and business strategist, philanthropist, entrepreneur – you name it! He’s done it all. Not to mention the fact that he’s the most popular coach and productivity expert on Twitter, with over 2.8 mil followers.

Recommended episode: Are you a wantrapreneur? This episode is about crossing a very important bridge: what it takes to get from “great idea” to “the first sale”.

5. Zen Habits Radio

If you enjoy Leo Babauta’s blog, you’ll be happy to know you can now listen to his blog posts. This podcast is all about turning his brilliant articles in a format that’s easier to digest for readers who are always on the move.

Host: Leo Babauta (@zen_habits) is the creator of ZenHabits.net, a great resource for everyone looking to live a “less is more” kind of life. You might have heard of his book: The Power of Less.

Recommended episode: Shannon’s Method: Overcome Habit Procrastination. On this episode, you’ll find out how to beat procrastination when you want to start growing a new positive habit.

6. The Tim Ferriss Show

In this show, the one of a kind Tim Ferriss deconstructs world-class performers from eclectic areas (investing, chess, pro sports, etc.), digging deep to find the tools, tactics, and tricks that listeners can use. Productivity is definitely one of the most talked about topics.

Host: Tim Ferriss (@tferriss) was once called “Indiana Jones for the digital age”. Forbes Magazine listed him among the “The Names You Need to Know”. He’s literally a “human guinea-pig” whose adventures you must follow. He’s also the author of the best seller The 4-Hour Workweek. 

Recommended episode: Productivity Tricks for the Neurotic, Manic-Depressive, and Crazy (Like Me)   

7. Extreme Productivity

In this podcast, Kevin Kruse aims to uncover the secrets behind “achieving productivity while also feeling a sense of peace and balance”. Each show is no longer than 15-minute and is based on insights gained from his interviews with over 200 extremely successful people.

Host: Kevin Kruse (@Kruse) is a New York Times bestselling author, Forbes contributor, keynote speaker and founder of several multi-million dollar companies. He has advised Fortune 500 CEOs, Marine Corps generals, and members of Congress.

Recommended episode: This company only holds meetings on Mondays. This episode explains how a radical decision can lead to a more productive work-life for everyone in an organization.

8. The 5 AM Miracle

The 5 AM Miracle is highly popular productivity podcast that exceeded 2.5 million downloads and ranked #1 in iTunes in the Self-Help and Business categories.

Host: Jeff Sanders (@JeffSandersTV) is a public speaker, productivity coach, and author.

Recommended episode: 10 Productivity Hacks for Working From Home [Podcast #153]. Working from home can definitely have a positive impact on your family life, but it can also be a burden. This podcast walks you through some very clever tactics you can use to beat distractions and improve your focus when working remotely.

9. The Minimalists

At age 30, best friends Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus walked away from their six­-figure corporate careers, jettisoned most of their material possessions, and started focusing on what’s truly important. In this podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss living a meaningful life with less stuff.

Hosts: Joshua Fields Millburn (@JFM) & Ryan Nicodemus (@RyanNicodemus) are the ones behind TheMinimalists.com, a highly popular blog with millions of readers.

Recommended episode: Declutter. How do you gradually declutter your home? How do you get rid of the things you don’t actually need? These are just a few questions that Joshua and Ryan discuss in this highly motivational podcast.

 

Don’t just become an avid listener!

Hope you enjoyed the list and you’ve already saved a few links for later.

One last quick tip: if you travel often or if commuting takes a lot of your time, podcasts are a great way to fill that gap with something very useful. You can listen to them anywhere: on the train, on the plane, when you’re jogging etc. But you can also read them. Unlike audiobooks, most podcasts come with a transcript of the recording. That’s very convenient when you want to put into practice an idea because you can just search through the text for it.

In the end, “put into action” is actually the best thing you can do, no matter where you get your inspiration from.

 

You might also like: 50 Productivity Experts You Must Follow on Twitter