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11 Career Podcasts To Listen To If You’re Ready To Level Up At Your Job

Everyone knows that you have to work hard and put in extra effort to succeed at your job, but what if I told you that you could level up, get that promotion, and maybe even a raise – simply by listening to a podcast?

By Ella Carroll-Smith4 min read
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We all love podcasts. Whether you’re a true crime junkie, pop-culture fanatic, history nerd, political enthusiast, or simply a Joe Rogan fan, there is a podcast out there for you! One genre of podcast that I’d argue doesn’t get the love that it deserves are career-minded podcasts. 

That’s probably because we listen to podcasts so that we can relax, unwind, or learn something interesting. Few people want to be thinking about work on the weekends when they’re trying to relax or catch up on the latest episode of Morbid. But career podcasts aren’t as dull as they might seem at first, and many of them are actually applicable to far more things in life than just your job.

In fact, some of the podcasts on this list aren’t technically “career” podcasts at all, in that they’re not marketed that way. However, many of the guests that these podcasts have on and advice that they dole out will 100% help you in your career because a lot of career advice is really just life advice that’s applied in a different context. So here are 11 podcasts that will help you level up at your job (and in your life)!

1. The Goal Digger Podcast

Read that title twice before you skip this one! Host Jenna Kutcher is here to help you dig into your goals, enrich your mind, and unlock your more successful self. Jenna is the author of the best-selling book How Are You, Really?, and true to the title, you get the sense that Jenna genuinely cares about each and every person listening to her show and wants them to be successful and happy. If you have a dream of leaving your 9-5, starting your own business, or simply feeling more fulfilled at work, then this is the podcast for you. 

2. The Jordan Harbinger Show

This isn’t your typical “career” podcast because Jordan’s guests are all over the map, from detectives to psychologists to former mob bosses. But it’s important to listen to people whose experiences are completely different from your own because it broadens your perspective and makes you realize you have so many “unknown unknowns” or questions you never even thought to ask. Learning about things like human psychology is critical to succeeding at work because it helps you understand why people act the way they do and how to navigate the intricacies of human behavior. Even if you deserve that raise at work, if you don’t go about asking for it the right way, you probably won’t get it. Also, Jordan is hilarious and a great interviewer, so no matter what guest he has on that week, you know you’ll be entertained.

3. WSJ Secrets of Wealthy Women

Ever wonder how some of the world’s most renowned “boss babes” came to be so successful? Then look no further! In this podcast from the Wall Street Journal, you’ll learn about things like how to master a side hustle, build a business, and feel empowered financially. Whether you’re an entrepreneurial-minded gal or simply like hearing from successful women in a variety of fields, this podcast has something to offer you.

4. The School of Greatness

Lewis Howes wants to help you be great. He’s a professional athlete-turned entrepreneur who uses his platform to speak with leaders in business, entertainment, sports, and science. The self-stated goal of his podcast is “to inspire YOU to unlock your inner greatness and live your best life.” With guests like fashion phenom Kendra Scott and “Master Negotiator” Chris Voss, you’re certain to learn a thing or two about success!

5. Jocko Podcast

What does a retired Navy SEAL have to teach you about how to succeed at the office? As it turns out, a lot! Jocko Willink’s podcast covers a host of topics like discipline, leadership, and accountability. Jocko’s known for speaking bluntly about extreme ownership and how “Leaders must own everything in their world. There is no one else to blame.”While it’s certainly not a traditional “career” podcast, Jocko’s and his guests’ wisdom can often be applied to the boardroom. 

6. The Career Contessa

Whether you need advice on how to update your resume, negotiate a raise, feel more confident at work, or where to find interesting job openings, The Career Contessa has got you covered. It’s a weekly podcast by women, for women, to help us feel more fulfilled, successful, and happy in the workplace. In a world where we’re often inundated with professional advice on social media, the advice doled out on this podcast is refreshingly actionable.

7. WorkLife with Adam Grant

It’s very likely that even if you don’t realize it, you’ve read or heard something by Adam Grant. He’s a best-selling author who, in addition to his books and highly-viewed Ted Talks, has been featured in publications like The New York Times, Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. As you might have guessed from the title, his podcast aims to help you create a better work life. He’s got a range of great guests like Mark Cuban, Dolly Parton, and Michael Schur (the writer behind beloved shows like The Office and Parks and Rec!) who offer advice on morality, emotional intelligence, and why you shouldn’t follow your passions.

8. Pivot with Jenny Blake

Jenny Blake is of the belief that “if change is the only constant, we’d better get good at it.” She’s the author of the award-winning book Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One, and her podcast is in the same vein. Jenny hosts her friends, fellow authors, and other successful business people as they discuss topics like imposter syndrome, trust building, and how stealing wifi can be a great career strategy. 

9. BiggerPockets Podcasts

This is another podcast that, on the surface, might not seem like a traditional “career” podcast, but the advice offered on how to hustle, invest wisely, and find financial freedom can definitely aid your success in both work and life. BiggerPockets started out as a podcast about real estate investing, but they now have a number of spin-off shows about money, business, and real-estate for rookies. No matter what professional field you’re in, and even if you have zero interest in real estate, there’s a lot you can learn from the uber-smart and entertaining folks at BiggerPockets. 

10. The BossBabe Podcast

BossBabe is more than just a podcast, it’s an entire online community of ambitious women focused on achieving success and happiness in life. Hosted by co-founders Natalie Ellis and Danielle Canty, The BossBabe Podcast gets candid about how to navigate the realities of work and life, and how to find balance in our crazy world. One thing I love about this podcast is that in addition to hosting amazing guests, they also release one short episode each week called “BossBabe Business School” where Danielle or Natalie will dig into one specific, relatable topic and offer actionable advice about how to change bad habits, try something new, or shift your mindset. 

11. On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Jay Shetty is a former Hindu monk whose guests run the cultural gambit. On his podcast, he speaks with everyone from Dave Ramsey to Kendall Jenner about things like success, relationships, finding the right work-life balance, and more. While every episode is a little different and you may never know what to expect, you do know that regardless of who his next guest is, you’ll learn some valuable lessons. 

Closing Thoughts

The next time you’re going for a walk or commuting to work, try putting on one of these podcasts so you can learn something along the way! Using your commute as a time to learn and better yourself is a great hack to help you level up at your job and in life. 

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