In recent times, podcasts are a form of content that has completely soared in popularity.  According to research, over 80 percent of listeners are spending more than seven hours per week listening to podcasts — and it’s not hard to understand this growing interest when we take a look at today’s “strapped for time” generation.

Many of today’s busy professionals lack the time to fit in reading a novel about self-development or to watch a lengthy motivational documentary when there’s errands to run, a yoga zoom class to attend, and that 5k run they promised to conquer for the third day running. 

The power of a podcast lies in its convenience. This audible piece of content is perhaps one of the best ways to absorb valuable, actionable information on the go and hands-free. Podcasts enable content-hungry users to learn, laugh, and ponder, all while working through their to-do list.

As well as the convenience of podcasts attributing to its rising popularity, the intimacy and connection this form of content brings to the listener is another reason it’s so loved. 

Many people turn to podcasts when they’re alone with a focused mind and time to spend. This environment is the perfect ingredient to build a greater emotional connection between the content, the messaging, and the listener.

The format also perfectly lends itself to long-form, enabling the listener to take in streams of information through engaging storytelling techniques.

Amongst the most popular podcast categories, content around productivity proves to be a firm favourite. With the new year still fresh and exuberant, we have rounded up some of our favourite productivity podcasts designed to motivate, inspire, and help you keep focused on your 2021 goals.

1. For the aspiring start-up owner listener:

“How I Built This” is a podcast series designed to inspire budding entrepreneurs across all industries; from beauty to technology. It’s bursting with premium quality interviews with some of the top founders and innovators across the globe. Each episode explores their background and stories of how these individuals built some of the most successful and iconic businesses of today.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a business, you may have found yourself asking the following questions:

• How do you come up with an idea?
• Where do you find the money to start?
• How do you spread the word about your product or service?
• What do you do if your idea isn’t working?

This popular podcast answers these questions through inspiring stories from those who have built incredible things. Listeners can enjoy the fascinating stories behind high-growth startups such as WeWork and Bumble. And so if, like us, you love to find out the how super successful people got to where they are now, the “How I Built This” podcast is definitely one to give a listen.

2. For the overwhelmed listener:

If you’re one of the many people who are finding themselves overwhelmed with endless piles of to-do lists, growing obligations to meet, and many different career/family/homeschooling teacher hats to wear, then this next podcast recommendation is one to check out. 

Host Erik Fisher, who describes himself as a ‘Productivity Podcaster’, talks with a variety of guests who share their stories and advice on practical productivity strategies in his podcast “Beyond the to-do list”. From dealing with burnout and how to work smarter in your professional lives to cultivating a better work-life balance; this series truly helps the listener clear their mind and better manage productivity.

3. For the “I haven’t got time to listen to podcasts!” listener:

For those who are perhaps easily distracted or find it hard to focus on lengthy podcast episodes, Ted Talks Daily is the series for you. 

This hugely popular podcast series delivers bite-sized pockets of content packed with knowledge and thought-provoking ideas. It covers a wide variety of topics from Artificial Intelligence and blockchain to relationship advice and strategies, all in a 5 – 20 minute podcast.

Productivity and self-development is a hotly discussed topic on the series. Recent subject matters include “The 1-minute secret to forming a new habit” and “3 questions to ask yourself about everything you do”.  Despite the short and snappy length of the Ted Talks Daily episode ( hosted by the world’s leading thinkers and creator), you’ll be sure to come away feeling motivated, inspired, and with an ignited curiosity.

4. For the goal-getter listener:

If spending more time on your personal growth and development is a 2021 goal of yours, then we have just the podcast series for you. Enter: The School of Greatness podcast. This series consists of an impressive catalogue of episodes, hosted by Lewis Howes, an entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, and former professional American football player.

As Albert Einstein once said, “The only source of knowledge is experience,” —  and there’s certainly no shortage of experience in this series.

Throughout the series, Howes is joined by some of the most successful people in the world; from leaders in business, technology, entertainment, sports, health and more —  all of whom have made waves in their respective fields. Howes and his guests share their knowledge and advice accumulated throughout their journeys to inspire you – the listener – to unlock your greatness and ‘live your best life’. 

From conversations with Wim Hof (also known as The Iceman) that delve into the more spiritual side of self-development to chinwags with content expert and serial entrepreneur, Gary Vaynerchuk, on helping listeners achieve their entrepreneurial pursuits; on one thing you can always guarantee is that each episode is as informative as it is entertaining. 

5. For the ‘work hard, dream big’ listener:

Theres nothing more motivational than hearing about the accomplishments of others to kick start your journey to success. The High Performance Podcast offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of high-achieving, successful individuals.

Hosts, Jake Humphrey (BT Sport’s Premier League anchor and former face of BBC’s Formula One coverage) and leading organisational psychologist Professor Damian Hughes talk to a range of guests including Rio Ferdinand, Ant Middleton, Sean Dyche, Steven Bartlett, Tom Daley & Robin Van Persie to discuss their first-hand experiences on their path to success.

6. For the apprehensive listener:

Shake off that negative mindset and switch to a positive, can-do approach. The Mindset Mentor™ podcast is designed for anyone desiring motivation, direction, and focus in life.

Host Rob Dial has amassed a passionate following of over 2 million social media followers, including business professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners with his expertise and passion for helping motivate people to become the best version of themselves.

Tune in for tips on how to build the right attitude and reach your goals.

So there we have it: Grow with HdE’s top podcast picks for productivity! 

What’s your favourite podcast to listen to at the moment? We’d love to hear your recommendations!