My Favorite Podcast (Episodes)

Personal & Spiritual Growth, Business & Marketing, Mindful Activism —Updated on June 26, 2016

Do you listen to podcasts? Any favorites?

I began listening in 2012 — and it’s greatly enriched my business & personal growth.

When I am preparing breakfast, doing chores, walking the dog, commuting, I often have a podcast playing.

Podcasts are a great way to keep learning — and maintain a positive perspective—with relatively small effort.

After listening to a great episode, I take a few quick notes on what ideas I want to apply and teach.

What I don’t recommend is listening while doing any kind of mental work. Mental multitasking erodes focus and actually costs more effort & time.
Also, sometime in the day, I like to have silence — no work, no podcast, just letting my mind rest. There are many subconscious benefits to having regular silence. Not taking every minute of downtime for learning is a healthy thing.
However — I do think more people can benefit by using some “mindless” time (e.g. chores) to listen to podcasts!
After listening to well over one thousand podcast episodes,
I share with you my favorites below.

Scroll down. Check out the titles below. As you come across one that calls out to you, click and listen. May it enrich your path!

Topics I’ve included:

Personal & Spiritual Growth

Business & Marketing

Mindful Activism

To get updates, follow this Facebook thread.

Personal & Spiritual Growth

The Life & Teachings of Peace Pilgrim
by Friends of Peace Pilgrim

Kind World (any episode)
by WBUR

Nudge
by TED Radio Hour

NDE Stories
by NDE Radio

Improving Your Communication in Relationships
by The One You Feed and Oren Sofer

Dream Jobs
by Hidden Brain, NPR

Resolutions (re: habit change)
by Hidden Brain, NPR

Derek Sivers Reloaded
on the Tim Ferriss podcast

Plan B
by Hidden Brain, NPR

How Philosophy Can Change Your Life
by Alain de Botton interviewed by Tim Ferriss

Comfort is not the same as Happiness
by The One You Feed and Mark Manson

From Corporate Lives to Cafes in Laos
by Expat Chat and Andrej and Karen Brummer

How Ordinary People Can Communicate With Loved Ones In Spirit (without a medium)
by Bob Olson and Dr. Trish Whynot

Why Accomplish Anything?
by Ask Altucher

The Radiance of Emptiness
by Gil Fronsdal on Audio Dharma podcast

3 Choose Yourself Exercises
by Ask Altucher

Amateur to World Changer
by TED Radio Hour

10 Keys to Brain Health & Vitality
by Jim Kwik on James Altucher Show

Letting Go
by Kusala Bhikshu at Against The Stream

Hardwiring Happiness into the Brain
by Rick Hanson on The One You Feed

The Neuroscience of Happiness
by Rick Hanson on the Greater Good Podcast

The Purpose of Life as understood through Past-Life Regressions
by Bob Olson and Brian Weiss on Afterlife TV

Understanding “Soul” vs. “Spirit”
by Bob Olson on Afterlife TV

Getting More Sleep & Resisting Temptations
by Gretchen Rubin

A Good Death — Buddhist Perspective on Death & Dying
by Kusala Bhikshu at Against The Stream

Reflecting on Our Relationship to Money
by Noah Levine and Against The Stream

Press Play (about the importance of play in work & life)
by NPR TED Radio Hour

Balancing Ambition & Acceptance
by Rich Roll & Julie Piatt on The One You Feed

10 Minute Mental Toughness
by Jason Selk on the Bryan Callen Show

Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets
by Carol Dweck on the Bryan Callen Show

Meet Your Happy Chemicals
by James Altucher and Loretta Breunig

Elizabeth Gilbert: Success, failure and the drive to keep creating
by TED Talks
Video
Audio

Panel Discussion on Refined (“Celestial”) Perception
by Buddha at the Gas Pump

Changing your Identity to Change your Habits With James Clear
by Unmistakable Creative
https://medium.com/@georgekao/my-favorite-podcast-episodes-bf1db024bf37
(one of the best episodes I’ve ever heard!)

The Obstacle Is The Way (Ryan Holiday)
by Lewis Howes (School of Greatness)
http://lewishowes.com/podcast/ryan-holiday/

Fixed Views
by Gil Fronsdal (AudioDharma)
http://www.audiodharma.org/talks/audio_player/4773.html

Scientifically Proven Advice For Becoming Happier
by Unmistakable Creative (Srinivas Rao) and Shawn Achor

How to Overcome Addictions and Be Courageously Vulnerable with Glennon Melton
by Lewis Howes (School of Greatness)
http://lewishowes.com/podcast/glennon-doyle-melton-overcoming-addiction/

The Man Who Gave Away 50 Million Dollars, Moved Into a Trailer Park
by James Altucher and Tom Shadyac

Procrastination is a Mindfulness Problem
by Leo Babauta (zenhabits.net) and Chris Calabro
http://podbay.fm/show/547065190/e/1393756200?autostart=1
Article here: http://zenhabits.net/read-now/

Wholehearted Dedication to the Task at Hand
by Gil Fronsdal
http://www.audiodharma.org/talks/audio_player/4632.html

Let Go of Judging People
by Leo Babauta (zenhabits.net) and Chris Calabro
http://podbay.fm/show/547065190/e/1391337052


2013:

Toss Your Expectations Into the Ocean
by Leo Babauta (zenhabits.net) and Chris Calabro
http://podbay.fm/show/547065190/e/1385289050

Your Soul’s Gift To You: Understanding The Life Your Soul Planned For You
by AfterlifeTV with Bob Olson
http://podbay.fm/show/529018781/e/1362158886

The Brahmaviharas
by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
http://www.audiodharma.org/series/16/talk/4549/

Daily Practice
by Diana Winston of Dharma Punx
http://podbay.fm/show/313540278/e/1381248000

Why Fear of Discomfort May Be Ruining Your Life
by Leo Babauta (zenhabits.net) and Chris Calabro
http://podbay.fm/show/547065190/e/1376213406

How to MacGyver Your Way Through Any Problem
by Art of Joyful Living and Lee Zlotoff
http://podbay.fm/show/314465617/e/1367337600?autostart=1

20,000 Days and Counting
by Jeff Brown & Robert D. Smith — ReadtoLead Podcast
http://readtoleadpodcast.com/002

Trust
by Gil Fronsdal of Audio Dharma
http://audiodharma.org/talks/audio_player/4124.html

Difficult Moments Are Our Path
by Lyndon Marcotte
http://podbay.fm/show/606563352/e/1372263821

What Inspires Me About the Dharma
by Andrea Castillo of Audio Dharma
https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKao/posts/10102095011447073

Preparing For The Great Transition
by Kardec Radio
http://podbay.fm/show/458109395/e/1364342400


2012:

The Practicing Mind
by Art of Joyful Living & Thomas Sterner
http://podbay.fm/show/314465617/e/1343145600?autostart=1

Finding Peace And Meaning In Death And Bereavement
by Bob Olson of Afterlife TV
http://podbay.fm/show/529018781/e/1351101995

Two Novels About The Afterlife
by Kardec Radio and Stafford Betty
http://podbay.fm/show/458109395/e/1342882800

Incarnation is not a Holiday
by Kardec Radio and Janet Duncan
http://podbay.fm/show/458109395/e/1347721200


Generally Worthwhile in Personal / Spiritual Growth:


The Little Book of Contentment
by Leo Babauta & ZenHabits
This isn’t a podcast but a complete free audiobook downloadable as a podcast… and one I like to re-listen to whenever I’d like to remind myself that happiness is always accessible here in the present.
http://podbay.fm/show/654417624


Business


Transcendent Collaborations
by Good Life Project: Jonathan Fields, Gabra Zackman, Daniel Lerner

Build a Successful Business With Your Passion
by James Altucher and Gary Vaynerchuck (#AskGaryVee)
Direct download

Experimentation
by Peter Diamandis and Dan Sullivan

Hyperconnectivity Welcomes The Rest of the World
by Peter Diamandis and Dan Sullivan

Make marketing about “determining fit” rather than “making sales”
by Tad Hargrave and Natasha Senkovich

Amanda F*ing Palmer — Lead With The Truth / The Art of Asking
by James Altucher

Austin Kleon — How To Be A Creative Genius
by James Altucher

Entrepreneurs Get It Wrong Most Of The Time
by James Altucher of AskAltucher

Seth Godin: “What to do when it’s your turn (and it’s always your turn)
by Six Pixels of Separation (Mitch Joel)

2014 Favorites:

Team Leadership: How To Stop the Blame Game and Win
by Entreleadership

Discover, Define & Target Your Audience
by Fizzle Show

Leadership & Life Lessons Atop The World’s Highest Mountains
by Lewis Howes (The School of Greatness) & Alison Levine
http://podbay.fm/show/596047499/e/1395685172?autostart=1

Building an Ecosystem for Your Life and Career
by Michael Fishman and Srinivas Rao / Unmistakable Creative
http://j.mp/1gSgTC3

What If Money Were No Object?
by Austin Netzley / Yo Pro Wealth
http://yoprowealth.com/040-what-if-money-were-no-object

How To Get It Done
by David Allen of GTD & EntreLeadership Podcast
http://podbay.fm/show/435836905/e/1393259700?autostart=1

Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Everyday
by Todd Henry & Jeff Brown, ReadToLead Podcast
http://readtoleadpodcast.com/017

Are Your Selling Tactics Outdated?
by Brandon Allen & Derick Van Ness (Jan 29, 2014) — New Work Revolution
http://podbay.fm/show/284099096/e/1391002895

The Power of Follow Up with Judy Garmaise
by The Sales Evangelist
http://podbay.fm/show/788738885/e/1389923719

The Economy of You
by Jeff Brown & Kimberly Palmer — ReadToLead Podcast
http://readtoleadpodcast.com/029


2013:

The Future of Online Publishing
Fizzle Show hosted by Chase Reeves, Corbett Barr, Caleb Wojcik
With Guests: Leo Babauta, Nathan Barry, Barron Cuadro, Scott Dinsmore
http://fizzle.co/sparkline/the-future-of-online-publishing-4-experts-6-principles-fs030

Dave Ramsey & Seth Godin
Entreleadership
http://podbay.fm/show/435836905/e/1378792800

The Business Secrets of Trappist Monks
by Jeff Brown & August Turak — ReadToLead Podcast
http://readtoleadpodcast.com/025

Alexis Ohanian founder of Reddit
by Smart People Podcast
http://podbay.fm/show/409450648/e/1381115332

Do More Great Work
by Julie Ann Turner (ConsciousShift) & Michael Bungay Stanier
http://podbay.fm/show/372801994/e/1383171730

Success
by TED Radio Hour
http://www.npr.org/2013/10/25/240777690/success

How Do You Get People To Pay For Music (or other content?)
by Amanda Palmer & TED Radio Hour
http://www.npr.org/2013/07/05/181868750/how-do-you-get-people-to-pay-for-music

Give & Take (Why Givers Often Succeed)
by Adam Grant and Julie Ann Turner (ConsciousShift)
http://podbay.fm/show/372801994/e/1368671901

Selling by Serving
by Entreleadership with Lisa Earle McLeod
http://podbay.fm/show/435836905/e/1358229600


2012:

The Five Things You Need to Know About Finding the Work You Love
by Leo Babauta & Chris Calabro
http://podbay.fm/show/547065190/e/1356859837

Workers as Owners
by Annie Leonard (Story of Stuff)
http://podbay.fm/show/506549857/e/1355166628

Improve Your Process, Improve Your Results
by Brandon Allen — New Work Revolution
http://podbay.fm/show/284099096/e/1346249069

The Art of Handling Criticism Gracefully
by Leo Babauta & Chris Calabro
http://podbay.fm/show/547065190/e/1344159012


Activism


Basic Income
by Scott Santens on Singularity Bros

Environmental Extremism?
by Ethical Society of St. Louis

Is Philanthropy Fueling Wealth Inequality?
by Tiny Spark

Unfair: The New Science of Criminal Injustice
(An episode that affects everyone, not just lawyers / judges)
Adam Benforado with Bryan Callen, Hunter Maats

Is Shame Necessary?
Jennifer Jacquet with Bryan Callen, Hunter Maats

Does Altruism Exist?
David Sloan Wilson with Bryan Callen, Hunter Maats

The Primacy of Emotions in Changing Society
by Bryan Callen and Hunter Maats

Nuns on the Bus
by All Together Now

Fed up with the economy?
by The Good Fight

The Importance of Identity Politics (Andrew Solomon)
by TED Talks
http://podbay.fm/show/470623803/e/1400684635

Putting The Freeze on Global Warming
by Bill Moyers
http://podbay.fm/show/492735082/e/1398432080

Lawrence Lessig: The unstoppable walk to political reform
by TED Talks
http://podbay.fm/show/160904630/e/1396623525?autostart=1

Social Class & Powerful Social Action, with Betsy Leondar-Wright
by Spirit in Action (Northern Spirit Radio)
http://podbay.fm/show/282799445/e/1396202400?autostart=1

The Money Paradox
by TED Radio Hour
http://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/295260995/the-money-paradox

Solving It
by TED Radio Hour
http://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/288586249/solving-it

Putting Political Corruption on Ice
by Bill Moyers, David Simon, Lawrence Lessig (Feb 14, 2014)
Video: http://billmoyers.com/episode/putting-political-corruption-on-ice/
Audio: http://podbay.fm/show/492735082/e/1392396897


2013:

Everything is Connected
by TED Radio Hour
http://www.npr.org/2013/09/27/216098121/everything-is-connected

Girl Scout Cookies, Orangutans and Palm Oil
by Annie Leonard
http://podbay.fm/show/506549857/e/1373576496

The Value Set of The Zeitgeist Movement
by TZM Global
http://podbay.fm/show/334102952/e/1369252800

Comicbook Economics
by C-Realm
http://c-realm.com/podcasts/crealm/338-comicbook-economics/

Occupy the USA — Emma’s Revolution
by Spirit in Action
http://podbay.fm/show/282799445/e/1353261600

Banking on Greed
by Bill Moyers
http://podbay.fm/show/492735082/e/1342205195

Failed Wisconsin Uprising — what issues & what hope?
by Spirit in Action
http://podbay.fm/show/282799445/e/1378058400

Unexpected Journey of an Activist Entrepreneur and Local-Economy Pioneer — Judy Wicks
by Spirit in Action
http://podbay.fm/show/282799445/e/1374429600

Yoga & Mindfulness in the Inner City — The Holistic Life Foundation
by Spirit in Action
http://podbay.fm/show/282799445/e/1368381600?autostart=1

Walk In Their Shoes: Can One Person Change the World? Education & Service As Transformation
by Spirit in Action
http://podbay.fm/show/282799445/e/1380477600?autostart=1

How You Show Up in the World
by Annie Leonard
http://podbay.fm/show/506549857/e/1341210215


Other


TED Radio Hour
by NPR
Though I’ve listed my favorite episodes above, this podcast in general is worth hearing… almost every episode has something enlightening that makes me want to re-listen.
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_detail.php?siteId=151446218

Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me
by NPR
I don’t have any specific episodes I’d consider all time favorites but I do listen to almost every episode… clean humor and about world news, mildly informative ☺
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_detail.php?siteId=5183214

Intelligence Squared
by NPR
Very smart people talking about important societal topics… feels like my brain grows everytime I listen.
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_detail.php?siteId=7457039

******

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