Better Than Coffee: 10 Podcasts That Will Inspire Your Mornings

10 inspirational podcasts for entrepreneurs

Businesses thrive on creativity, innovation and motivation. To stay inspired on the daily, listen to these thought-provoking podcasts.

1. The Happiness Lab

Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos hosts “The Happiness Lab.” In each episode, Dr. Santos explores the scientific research behind happiness and why so many people do the opposite of what will actually make them happy. She shares inspiring stories, motivational tips and interviews with noteworthy individuals like Rob Lowe, Michelle Kwan and Dr. Dan Gilbert. With more than 13,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 stars, listener response indicates this podcast is well worth your time. 

2. Good Life Project

On “Good Life Project,” host Jonathan Fields speaks to experts and famous names like Brené Brown, Matthew McConaughey and Glennon Doyle. Each episode is designed to answer the question, “What does it mean to live a good life?” Fields isn’t afraid to go deep with his guests, and the episodes range from one to two hours. Since each guest brings something new to the podcast, you will continually feel inspired and motivated in different ways.

3. The Mel Robbins Podcast

Mel Robbins is a motivational speaker and bestselling author of books “The High 5 Habit” and “5 Second Rule.” She’s known for her no-nonsense and practical advice on things like building habits and becoming your best self. In this podcast, Robbins shares personal stories and motivational advice in episodes that range from 45 minutes to over an hour. This podcast can be found on Spotify and Apple podcasts.

4. The School of Greatness

“The School of Greatness” is hosted by Lewis Howes, a New York Times bestselling author, two-time all-American athlete, entrepreneur and keynote speaker. In this weekly podcast, Howes interviews some of the most successful people on the planet to reveal inspirational advice on how to be successful in your personal and professional life. With diverse interviews from the likes of business leaders, athletes, entertainers, scientists, health experts and more, you are sure to gain valuable weekly insights to stay motivated.

5. The One You Feed

“The One You Feed” is hosted by Eric Zimmer, an author and behavioral coach. The title plays on a parable about the “two wolves” that battle inside each of us. Each week, Zimmer interviews scientists, authors, researchers and spiritual teachers to talk about how we can live more fulfilling lives with work-life balance. The podcast has more than 600 episodes and has been downloaded more than 600 million times. 

6. Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin is known for her bestselling book, “The Happiness Project.” The podcast “Happier with Gretchen Rubin” continues the conversation about what it means to be happy. Rubin co-hosts the podcast with television writer and producer Elizabeth Craft, and each episode ranges from two to 40 minutes. If you’re looking for a quick way to add more happiness to your life, this podcast can help, and its length makes it appealing for a before-work listen. 

7. On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Mental health is an important part of a successful life, although it can be tough to manage without the proper knowledge or resources. In this podcast, Jay Shetty, a well-known mental health expert, shares insightful commentary aimed at helping listeners feel happier, healthier and more healed. In episodes ranging from 30 minutes to two hours, Shetty interviews experts, celebrities and thought leaders to uncover useful tips to help build better habits and grow mindsets. New episodes can be found on popular networks like YouTube, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Apple podcasts, every Monday and Friday.

8. How I Built This

“How I Built This” with Guy Raz Wondrey is an entrepreneurs’ podcast that interviews innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists. Learn from the people who built some of today’s biggest brands. Hear what worked for them, what obstacles they faced and how they overcame them. Take inspiration with every episode and see what you can do to make positive changes in your life and business. [Read related: 10 Proven Tips for Young Entrepreneurs]

9. The Verywell Mind Podcast

“The Verywell Mind Podcast” is hosted by Minaa B., a licensed social worker, mental health educator and author of “Owning Our Struggles.” Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker and former editor-in-chief of Verywell Mind, hosted episodes 1-263. The podcast is a combination of solo episodes and interviews. Every Friday, Minaa interviews experts, wellness advocates and others about mental health and shares strategies for developing resilience and reaching your full potential. 

10. The GaryVee Audio Experience

Gary Vaynerchuk is an established entrepreneur, CEO, investor, content creator and public speaker. This podcast serves as his platform to bring his biggest insights to business topics. The podcast is a mix of formats, including “Podcast with Friends” episodes, WineText recaps, keynote speeches he’s given on marketing and business, and interviews. 

5 more podcasts business owners should listen to

Of course, it takes a lot more than inspiration to run a successful business. Here are a few more worthy listens to round out your podcast diet. 

1. Entrepreneurs on Fire

“Entrepreneurs on Fire” is hosted by John Lee Dumas, and with over 100 million downloads, it’s one of the most popular business podcasts out there. Dumas has interviewed business experts like Gary Vaynerchuck, Seth Godin and Tony Robbins. The podcast is updated daily, so you’ll never run out of new episodes to listen to. 

2. Online Marketing Made Easy

Amy Porterfield hosts “Online Marketing Made Easy,” which explores everything you need to know about operating an online business. Portfield interviews other experts in business and marketing and tackles topics like content marketing, social media and how to build a quality email list. 

3. Smart Passive Income

Pat Flynn started “Smart Passive Income” as a blog, and it’s grown into an award-winning podcast. Flynn shares his best tips on building an online business, creating multiple income streams and effective marketing strategies. He’s interviewed notable business owners and experts like Tim Ferriss, Ramit Sethi, Vaynerchuck and Robbins. 

4. Startup Stories – Mixergy

“Startup Stories – Mixergy” is hosted by Andrew Warner. He uses his own grit-driven story to help listeners feel inspired and take decisive action to overcome obstacles. He shares real stories of startups and how they succeeded.

5. Masters of Scale

“Masters of Scale” features iconic business leaders who walk listeners through lessons and approaches used in building a big business. The battle-tested strategies can motivate overwhelmed entrepreneurs who value knowing they aren’t alone in facing struggles. It is moderated by various experts, including founding host Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn. 

Kimberlee Leonard contributed to this article.