7 Uplifting Podcasts To Reduce Overwhelm & Boost Your Mood

Podcasts are having a bit of a moment right now. They’re the perfect tool for learning about new topics, having a good belly laugh, and getting caught up with what’s going on in the world – all while you’re driving to work or running on the treadmill.

But if you’re like me, you find yourself listening to ALL the entrepreneurial and business podcasts, and you end up getting so many ideas from them that your brain can’t quite handle it (but if you do want recommendations for those, check out Pat Flynn and Jen Carrington).

In order to avoid feeling completely overwhelmed by podcasts, I make sure to also listen to some that will get me into a calm state of mind. After all, you don’t want to listen to podcasts that are going to make your life more stressful!

To help reduce overwhelm in your life, I’ve put together a list of my favorite podcasts that will boost your mood, get you thinking positively, and encourage you to slow down and be more mindful!

The Lively Show With Jess Lively

The Lively Show is hands down my favorite podcast. Jess asks such inquisitive questions, and her attitude is nothing but positive. The Lively Show is designed to add a little extra intention to your everyday by uplifting, informing, and inspiring listeners. You’ll find a lot of interviews with popular bloggers such as Dana from the Minimalist Baker, Courtney from Be More With Less, and Caroline from un-fancy, but this podcast goes deeper than just blogging strategies – it gets to the nitty gritty of people’s stories and how they got to where they are today.

+ Format: Interviews + monthly favorites
+ Frequency: Weekly
+ Perfect for: When you’re feeling a little down and need a mood booster
+ What to listen to: Approaching Holidays Intentionally with Courtney Carver

Magic Lessons With Elizabeth Gilbert

To be honest, I haven’t read any of Elizabeth Gilbert’s books (I know, I know), but I definitely want to after listening to Magic Lessons. This podcast is a road map to help you tap into your creativity and give you an extra nudge when you’re feeling stuck. Liz talks to those facing creative challenges, as well as guest experts who have all the tips you need to unleash your creativity (because all of us are creative, whether we think we are or not).

+ Format: Alternates between caller question + guest interview
+ Frequency: No longer running, 12 episodes total
+ Perfect for: When you’re doubting yourself and need a kick in the pants
+ What to listen to: Brene Brown on Big Strong Magic

The Chalene Show With Chalene Johnson

Chalene is a beast. She’s a life coach, motivational speaker, creator of Turbo Kick & PiYo, AND she teaches others how to grow their businesses. I’m pretty sure this woman doesn’t sleep. The Chalene Show is all about sharing resources and practical steps to help you improve your energy, balance, organization, health, fitness, relationships, and focus. I can honestly say that I always feel a thousand times more motivated after listening to Chalene. She has some really unique advice to offer, and I would highly recommend listening to her particularly if you need help in the exercise department.

+ Format: Interviews + monologues
+ Frequency: Weekly
+ Perfect for: When you have zero motivation to do anything
+ What to listen to: Meditation For People Who Don’t Get It But Really Need It

Anna Faris is Unqualified

Anna Faris is Unqualified is a brand new podcast, but I’m already hooked. I’ve always loved Anna Faris ever since her Scary Movie days, and the first two episodes of this had me belly-laughing during my commute. To be honest, it’s kind of all over the place because Anna just talks with her producer, a special guest, and a caller all at the same time – but that’s what makes it hilarious. You feel like you’re having a conversation with friends. Anna says this podcast is all about not-great-relationship advice from completely unqualified Hollywood types, so if you need to know how to deal when a tinder date doesn’t text you back, Anna’s got you covered. Warning: This podcast is not safe for work.

+ Format: Conversations + caller questions
+ Frequency: Weekly
+ Perfect for: When you’re feeling silly and need a good belly laugh
+ What to listen to: T.J. Miller Interview

The Simple Show With Tsh Oxenreider

Tsh is a big fan of simple living, but not just getting rid of stuff. She’s about living holistically with your life’s purpose. The Simple Show offers conversations on passion, projects, and living simply, and there’s tons of helpful advice for adding a little more minimalism into your life. Though not the typical topics you might expect from a minimalist podcast, Tsh always asks her guests what it looks like to them to live simpler, whether it’s to do with food, travel, writing, parenting, or fashion.

+ Format: Interviews
+ Frequency: Every other week
+ Perfect for: When you need to slow down and take a breather
+ What to listen to: Small Is My New Free with Emily Freeman

Happier With Gretchen Rubin

If you read and loved The Happiness Project, you’re definitely going to enjoy The Happier Podcast. The title of it sounds really cheesy, but I promise you it isn’t. Gretchen and her sister, Elizabeth, offer practical, manageable advice about cultivating happiness and good habits, and their advice is always about making small changes in order to eventually combat any larger issues such as clutter and procrastination. I especially love their One-Minute Rule: if you have a task that can be done in less than one minute, do it without delay.

+ Format: Discussion
+ Frequency: Weekly
+ Perfect for: When you need some practical advice about feeling happier
+ What to listen to: How To Put An End To Impulse Shopping

She Makes Magic With Koren and Alana Helbig

She Makes Magic is for women who crave soul-centered changed. Sound a bit woo woo? Fear not. The Helbig sisters are all about helping you stay grounded and motivated through doses of real-life practicality. I love practicality! The two Australians hosts interview women who are living kind-hearted and often unconventional lifestyles, and I’ve loved every single guest they’ve brought on so far. They speak with inspirational ladies who have done what others told them was a bad idea but went ahead and made it work for them anyway.

+ Format: Interviews
+ Frequency: Twice monthly
+ Perfect for: When you’re feeling like you need a change but don’t know where to start
+ What to listen to: Mindfulness, Embracing Fear, and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Have you jumped on the podcast bandwagon? What are some of your favorites?