I am a true believer that we should always be continuing to grow ourselves mentally and physically. We should be learning things so that we can become the best versions of ourselves.

One way to do this is reading books. I definitely love reading, but as a busy working mom of 3, I don’t always have as much time as I would like to fit reading in. Plus, as much as I love educating myself, I also love reading fiction for entertainment. That also cuts into my educational reading time.

The next best thing that I have found for growing in knowledge and understanding of myself and the world around me is podcasts. Podcasts are audio talks that you can take with you wherever you go. I listen to them when I work out, and also on my commute.

I learn about health and wellness, fitness, life hacks, and mental and spiritual wellbeing. My goals are to feel good, live a long healthy life, and make a difference in the world around me. Listening to podcasts helps me do just that.

Below are my favorite podcasts that I listen to on a regular basis to help me live a healthier and fuller life.

The Chalene Show

This podcasts by Chalene Johnson is one of my favs. She talks about everything from healthy eating and mental health, to friend relationships and how to organize your home. Listening to this podcast is like hanging out with your older and wiser sister.

Chalene keeps it real by talking about the real struggles with working and moming and taking care of parents and trying to fit in health and friends and fun. She has truly provided me with so much guidance over the years.

If you want a fun well rounded podcast that talks about all kinds of health and lifestyle issues, then definitely check this one out.

The Model Health Show

If you are looking for a super informative health podcast that uses language that real people would understand, then this is the podcast for you. Shawn Stevenson is a health professional who really knows his stuff and has interviewed some of the greatest minds in medicine.

His podcast is fun and engaging with pop culture references and normal common language. On the other hand, his episodes are extremely well researched and he provides clear guidance on diet and lifestyle changes that can transform your life.

Not only does he take on physical health, but Shawn also discusses mental health issues as well. He talks about what you can do improve your brain and your emotional health. While the information can be enlightening, the fun and humor is there too. Definitely a fun listen.

The Doctor’s Farmacy

This podcast by Dr. Mark Hyman is a little more dense than the Model Health Show. On the other hand, you get to listen to a real medical doctor talk about real issues and how diet and lifestyle and certain supplements have healed some serious issues.

Dr. Hyman also provides opportunities to ask the doctor your own questions. This allows you to speak to a real functional medicine doctor about your health issues. While He can’t diagnose you on a podcast, he can provide guidance on possible solutions and where to get more info.

As a functional medicine doctor, Dr. Hyman doesn’t look to just treat symptoms, but to find the cause behind the symptoms. If you are looking for a cure instead of a bandaid, then he is someone you should be listening to.

Bulletproof Radio with Dave Asprey

Dave Asprey has written numerous health books and founded and been CEO of numerous health companies including Bulletproof Nutrition. He was doing fasting and high fat coffee before it was cool.

Dave is one of the original biohackers. These are people who take extreme measures to try to live the longest healthiest life. They experiment with different supplements and procedures to optimize their bodies.

While you may not want to or be able to afford all the techniques and supplements he talks about. He is always on the cutting edge of how we can optimize our health. He also provides information on simple and lower cost options that can do a lot to optimize your health.

You may not want to be as extreme as Dave, but knowing what’s out there can help you make the best decisions for you and your family.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

While Jay Shetty of course wants people to be physically health, this podcast is more geared toward mental health and relationships. As a former monk, Jay is exceedingly familiar with mental health and training your brain. He discusses issues like self love, and relationships, and finding your purpose.

This podcast is essential listening for people who want to be fully healthy, not just physically healthy. What you put into your mind and how positive you are, has a direct impact on your health. Diet and exercise are not everything.

Here you will find help with anxiety, relationships, facing fears, understanding beliefs, finding calm, and discovering your purpose. Instead of living life by accident, you will discover how to live a life on purpose.

Word on Fire Show

This podcast features Bishop Robert Barron, a Catholic evangelist and thinker. In it, he discusses spirituality and society and how the two interact.

While Bishop Barron is a Catholic, I believe any Christian can get a lot out of this podcast. In fact, I believe that it can provide new perspectives to the non affiliated as well. I love that Bishop Barron is not afraid of a good debate and actually encourages discussion and questioning.

Listening to this podcast encourages me to think analytically, to perspective take and also better understand God and the church’s teachings. No matter what your faith is, I believe we always have something to learn and we can always grow in our understanding.

If this podcast isn’t right for you, I’m sure that there are podcasts that would speak to you better. You might try Jordan Peterson or Confessions of a Crappy Christian. I’d recommend podcasts from other religious perspectives, but to be honest I don’t know any. If you do, share them in the comments.

While I do listen to a few other podcasts, these are my favorite health ones. If you have other recommendations, definitely leave them in the comments. I would love to check them out and I’m sure other readers would as well!

Cheers,

Emily