Graduating from university with a dual degree in English and French, it is assumed that I will do one of three jobs: teach, travel and teach, or go to graduate school and… teach. Just to be clear, the educators in my life (and that can only be considered the teachers in our lives) are the most inspirational people I know. But even though I have learned to read and write effectively, I am still not qualified to teach. Instead, like many book-obsessed-since birth literature students, I want to be a writer. And despite attending many information sessions at my university’s employment services office, I didn’t know where to start. That is, until I discovered the best career podcasts that could transform my trajectory and inspire a healthy relationship to work.
When I reread that last sentence, I realized that part of professional quizzes that is. It’s safe to assume that most of us are highly motivated people who like to dive into things first.
But it wasn’t until I realized that what I was doing was different from who I was that I discovered a real sense of self. passion and purpose in the work I produce.
The following CS editor-created best career podcasts cover everything from finding the process to building an online presence. Although the topics vary, the core aim is: learn how to design a dream career that aligns with your values, fits your schedule, and supports your entire being — your mind. , the body and indeed the soul.
Featured image of Riley Reed.
Keep scrolling for the 7 best career podcasts that help you find motivation and meaning.
How did I create this?
I have one thing to say about my favorite NPR news hosts (a calm and composed tone is a prerequisite). At the top of my list? Guy Raz. His work is always well researched and excellent. Raz delves into his interviews with insightful questions that expand the conversation. And even when I felt I knew the story of his subject, I always shied away from the illuminating information. How did I create this? dive into the origins of the world’s most famous companies (think: Discovery Channel, Headspace, Audible, and countless others). Conversations point to many twists, turns, and failures that can ultimately lead to success. I can never fail to be shocked, amazed, and utterly inspired by the end of each episode.
Best episode: Goodreads: Otis and Elizabeth Chandler
If you can’t speak, We are big on books here at CSand I’ve always enjoyed using Goodreads as a way to track and review my own completed books and discover new books to add to my list. There’s something about the site’s low-tech aesthetic that makes it feel like my own comfortable corner of the Internet. But the wealth of information and inspiration it contains cannot be put into words. Yes, its humble design matches its humble beginnings. This episode dives into how, with no resources and a desire to prove a colleague wrong, Otis Chandler built a website he believes in — and wants book lovers everywhere to enjoy. . – Isabelle Eyman, Editor-in-Chief
To listen How did I create this?.
The Career Contessa Podcast
My favorite podcasts not only inspire me, but they always provide me with useful lessons. As someone still navigating the early years of post-college life, The Career Contessa has been (continuously!) engaged in all sorts of things that pop up in the career world. How to turn sensitivity into a superpower? Check. Need help overcoming imposter syndrome? Check. The best tools to invest in personal development? Test, test and test. Everything you need to enter your business with joy and success, this podcast delivers.
Best episode: Chronic Overachiever? How did I dial the number to find the balance?
I’m sure I’m not alone in seeing myself as being overly respectful (it often goes hand-in-hand with perfectionism…). But it wasn’t until recently that I began to discover the ways it was holding me back. Career Contessa founder Lauren McGoodwin guides listeners on ways we can identify our need for continuity of achievement. I stepped out not only feeling better about the groundwork I’ve come across in my career so far, but also learned to constantly celebrate my small victories and see challenges as opportunities to grow. develop. – Isabelle Eyman, Editor-in-Chief
To listen The Career Contessa Podcast.
Too smart for this
Host Alexis Barber working full time in big tech at Google/Youtube as well as a content creator. Here’s the problem: she’s 23 years old. Alexis doesn’t claim to have figured everything out. This podcast is dedicated to how she and the women she interviewed found the inspiration and confidence to create the lives of their dreams. It’s a great balance of practical advice, personal stories, and thinking tips. It also perceives in a new way the social obstacles that women, especially the WOC, face on their way to success.
Best episode: How Lynette Adkins used her spirituality to skyrocket her foundation and leave America
This episode with fellow content creator Lynette Adkins explored one of my favorite topics: the practical application of expression. Both Alexis and Lynette balance spirituality, manifestation and meditation with systems and plans. Plus, as two Black women, they talk about moving away from the expected path/traditional definitions of success, despite what people might think of them. Lynette also talks about her struggle to balance values and politics with her work. It’s refreshing to hear her commit to never stop learning and not feel tied to a past version of herself. – Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Writer
To listen Too smart for this.
Working life with Adam Grant
I have always admired the work of organizational psychologist Adam Grant. He is the author of five books (the hugely popular book Original counted among them, though I can’t recommend all of his favorites), a top-rated Wharton professor, and was listed on our list of 40 coveted under-40s. Fortune. Grant helps people create lives rich in purpose and creativity. His podcast builds on this, exploring ways we can build better work lives. Grant can take a topic we think we know and go all-in on that topic. The podcast dives into the world of work and shares fascinating ways we can make the quarter of our lives we spend at work more enjoyable.
Best episode: How to stop the language and start finding the stream
I have found by Adam Grant New York Times article about fatigue fascinating, and in our uncertain world, extremely relevant. This volume approaches the concept in a similar way. It breaks down the what, why, and how to break out of the cycle of stagnation and connects with the always elusive idea of flow. As someone who feels trapped by her pandemic-induced emotional limbo, I find this episode illuminating in all of the most amusing ways. But I’ll let you discover his game-changing tips for yourself. – Isabelle Eyman, Editor-in-Chief
To listen Working life with Adam Grant.
Harvard Business Review Ideas
I swear the insights gained during these conversations are worth the school’s graduate tuition! Sarah Green Carmichael, Alison Beard and Curt Nickisch raise important intersectional questions about how we worked in the past, how we work today, and where we’re headed. It focuses on leadership, but the takeaways speak for any career trajectory, as well as all genders and identities.
Best episode: Thanks everyone for your help
Social psychologist Heidi Grant breaks down misconceptions around why people tend not to help others and the ways we miss out by not asking for support. We all suffer from “the illusion of transparency,” which means we think our thoughts and feelings are obvious to others. But we must ask for what we need and want, including help. This is truly transformative in the world of work. – Stacey Lindsay, Editor
To listen Harvard Business Review Ideas.
Podcast Goal Digger
Jenna is a master at transferring business themes maybe dry and boring (email lists anyone?) into the most engaging and valuable episodes I almost always listen to from start to finish. If you’re an entrepreneur or someone with a passion for creativity, you’ll love her being detailed and specific. But she doesn’t just tell you what you Candlestick doing. Jenna goes into detail exactly how, why, and when. I am always learning something new.
Best episode: How To Show Online Exactly As You Are (No, Really!)
This interview with Radhi Devlukia Shetty confirmed a lot of what I already knew about the importance of authenticity. But sometimes, it helps to get you back to the basics. Radhi tells of her journey to pursue what she is truly passionate about and to ensure that everything she shares online has value and meaning. And when she decides to give up the perfect, polished version of herself and just show up? That’s when the magic begins. – Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief
To listen Podcast Goal Digger.
The Marie Forleo Podcast
Marie Forleo was one of those people I heard about over a million other podcasters before discovering her own podcast. It makes sense though – Forleo is everywhere. (Even Oprah is a fan.) On the surface, her work seems similar to that of any other self-help agency, Forleo is the real job. I finished her book, Everything can be determined when I started diving into her podcast. I can say with confidence that nothing has provided me with a better path towards perfection. Topics all include: how to deal with failure and fear, how to make a meaningful contribution to your work, plus more helpful tips for career success (and happiness!) .
Best episode: The Power of Feeling Deeply with Glennon Doyle
I am not alone in feeling transformed by Glennon Doyle’s point of view and writing. Like many people, I’m always trying to be liked and win the approval of others — and that’s unfortunate for my work itself. Forleo and Doyle discuss what it means to live in your truth and why disconnecting from society’s expectations can be the best thing for your career and life. Sage advice we can all use. – Isabelle Eyman, Editor-in-Chief
To listen The Marie Forleo Podcast.
