Inspiration, Motivation, Mindfulness

LILLY SULLIVAN shares her Top 4 podcasts – from mindful moments to a series of ologies

If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for new podcasts to dive into - whether it's to get inspired, learn something new, or just pass the time during the commute to uni.

After falling down the rabbit hole last year, I’ve found podcasts are slowly becoming my go-to source of entertainment, offering everything from in-depth interviews to moments of reflection.

With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start, so I’ve rounded up my Top 4 favourites that are the perfect podcasts for inspiration, motivation, and mindfulness.

The Diary of a CEO with Stephen Bartlett

  Created in 2017, Stephen Bartlett’s The Diary of a CEO podcast offers an authentic and insightful look into entrepreneurship and the struggle for success. It's made up of 565 episodes (and counting) with two new episodes released weekly.

Bartlett’s attention to detail and thorough research into his guests' pasts opens the door for vulnerable, deep conversations making each episode thought-provoking but still relatable. His openness about mental health, failures in life, and self-doubt sets the podcast apart from more common business shows that preach the rhetoric of the ‘grind-mindset’.

The diverse range of guests, from actors to athletes, provides valuable perspectives on success and resilience from all walks of life. While some episodes can feel lengthy, the blend of business advice and reflective monologues from Bartlett himself makes the podcast engaging and easy to follow.

It's a must-listen for those interested in the stories behind the worlds most successful people.

Must-listen episodes:

• Andrew Huberman: You must control your dopamine!

• Casey Neistat (the untold story).

• Russ Cook (Hardest Geezer)

Mindful moments with David Larbi.

  Mindful Moments with David Larbi is a much more soothing podcast that offers listeners a chance to pause and reflect on a world that’s often too busy.  

Larbi’s calming voice and down-to-earth anecdotes make the episodes feel like a peaceful escape. Mindful Moments is structured around the idea of being more grounded, and throughout, Larbi stresses the importance of slowing down and being deliberate with the choices you make throughout the day. Whether he’s discussing how to manage stress, find balance, or practice gratitude, Larbi consistently maintains his slow pace, making it easy to connect with his words.

If you’re looking for low stakes listening, the short and sweet episodes are perfect for busy schedules, making this podcast a go-to for anyone looking to add a pinch of calm and balance to their day.

Must-listen episodes:

• Episode 25 – Being Present.

• Episode 22 – Make the most of motivation!

• Episode 33 – Building Consistency.

Ologies with Alie Ward

 Ologies by Alie Ward is a quirky and comedic science show that explores a wide range of obscure scientific fields, or ‘ologies’, specifically designed to make science fun and accessible.

Each episode features an expert ‘ologist’ who breaks down their area of study—whether it's entomology (insects), testudinology (tortoises), or even nephology (clouds). Her curiosity and easy-going sense of humour makes Ward’s genuine excitement feel infectious ensuring even the most obscure topics feel fascinating.

She balances the more complex scientific details with light-hearted moments where she breaks ‘the fourth wall’. In these solo segments she elaborates and explains the more complicated terms that are mentioned ensuring the episodes never feel overly technical. And if this is still too much, she also produces Smalogies, small episodes for when you don’t have much time!. These are designed to be safe for work episodes that highlight all the main discussion points of the full-length episode.

It's perfect for anyone who loves to nerd out over science, no matter their background or knowledge level and at the end of each episode, she even spotlights a charity of her guests choosing.

Must-listen episodes:

• Phonology

• Indigenous cooking (smalogies)

• Kalology 

Huberman Lab

 Huberman Lab podcast is hosted by neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman and offers an in-depth exploration of the brain, body, and human performance. Huberman uses much of his own research to give practical advice on topics like sleep, focus and optimising your own body’s biology.

One of the podcast’s strengths is its evidence-based approach. Huberman draws on the latest research in neuroscience to provide listeners with science-backed strategies for improving well-being, ensuring he makes complex biology accessible to a wide audience. On the other hand, episodes are often lengthy and packed with detail, which might feel overwhelming to some. However, it does serve as an incredible resource for students who are unsure how to structure academic podcasts for their own assignments (where this is an option).

Overall, The Huberman Lab is great listen for anyone interested in understanding how their brain works and how to use that knowledge to improve their overall health and performance.

Must-listen episodes:

• Optimal protocols for studying and learning.

• AMA # 18 – skin health tips, motivation and learning strategies.

• AMA#8 – balancing caffeine, decision fatigue and social isolation.

Written by LILLY SULLIVAN (BA English Language student, University of Chester, UK)