Podcasts have quickly become my favorite way to multitask. After all, there’s nothing that makes cleaning out the inbox or commuting to the office go faster than backgrounding it with interesting conversations. If you’re looking to hop on the podcast trend — or supplement your current queue — I’ve compiled a few of the best career-focused options around that will have you heading into the New Year with a whole new sense of motivation. Take a listen to any of the shows below to find out why.

The Goal Digger Podcast

Creatives will quickly develop a soft spot for this workshop-style show. The voice behind the mic, Jenna Kutcher, uses her insights as a Target-employee-turned-wedding-photographer to encourage others to get out there and pursue what they love. The best part? She gives you concrete, actionable advice to get you there. No excuses.

Stuff You Should Know

Get your weekly dose of “fun facts” across a variety of categories. Whether they are work appropriate (think internships and broadcasting) or totally random (ghost fishing, anyone?) you’re bound to walk away with some awesome small talk topics to impress any co-worker with.

Boss Files with Poppy Harlow

For anyone with an interest in how the “big leagues” have made their mark in the business world, Poppy Harlow has you covered. The CNN star sits down with everyone from Bobbi Brown to Melinda Gates to get their take on what it means to run an empire. The socially responsible angle is merely a plus that will leave you admiring these leaders even more.

TED Radio Hour

If you’ve been a longtime fan of YouTube TED Talks, here’s a podcast worth checking out. The Radio Hour show simply takes the best of these video speeches and curates them into a commuter-friendly listen. Enjoy discussions ranging from new inventions to unconventional ways of thinking while you cruise into work. I promise you’ll feel a revived sense of energy as you tackle the day.

Reply All

Regardless of what field you work in, the internet has some sort of impact on your day-to-day. This show takes you on a journey of the in’s and out’s of how the digital world shapes us — and how we can use it to our advantage. If you weren’t tech-savvy before tuning in, you’re sure to be after.

Girlboss Radio with Sophia Amoruso

Tune into this series about inspiring female business women and their stories to success. The host of the show, Sophia Amoruso, keeps the conversation lighthearted and honest as she interviews ladies who’ve made it in their fields. After a full episode, I leave feeling like an empowered female employee (which is exactly how it should be).

Beyond the To Do List

Looking to become more productive? Search no further. This series delves into how to properly prioritize your to-do list, all motivated by the mistakes and mishaps of others. If there ever was a moment to learn, this is it.

99% Invisible

Okay, this one was a bit of a selfish pick because of my love of interiors and architecture. That said, I do think it’s quite intriguing for anyone in a design-based field. The series explores the make-up of all the things around us and why they were built the way they were. It will give you a new perspective on structures, whether or not you can directly apply the takeaways to your day job.

Happy listening!

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Image sources: top image / the rest are courtesy of linked sources.

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Sarah Schuh

Sarah Schuh is a copywriter and freelance writer living in Chicago. She loves idioms, alliteration, and any excuse to use an emoji. 😊  While not crafting content, she enjoys new #momlife (to daughter, Charlotte, born November 2020). Check out her site where she shares honest parenting inspo and insight at www.sarahschuh.com.