5 Podcasts That Actually Make You Think Outside the Box

In the world where things seem to move so quickly and make us jump from one task to another without much thinking, I’m so glad Podcast exists.

Not only it helps me gain more knowledge, but also I’m in love with the convenience it brings. Most Podcasters now have put their every episode on their website or Spotify, make it so accessible for those who aren’t iTunes users.

There are more benefits of listening to Podcast episodes every day when I think about it now. The fact that you can listen to it everywhere is still a mind-blowing for me.

You can listen to your favourite shows while doing dishes, waiting at the bus stop, or just sitting on the beach during weekends. I found it really refreshing and most days I feel so much better right after I did it.

If you are looking for a new way to be more productive by filling up your day with positive thoughts and actually make you dream bigger, then check out these 5 Podcast shows:

#1 Don’t Keep Your Day Job by Cathy Heller

This is the first Podcast that I listened to back in 2018 and has actually helped me quit the job that made me feel miserable inside for years and years.

Hence, when I looked back in those dark days, I don’t think I would have the strength to hand my notice to my manager and have this confidence that there’s indeed something better out there waiting for me.

The thing is, it’s hard to think that we deserve something better if we don’t surround ourselves with positive and uplifting people in our lives.

At that time, I didn’t have those kinds of people so I seek different sources from outside and this podcast really got me.

There are hundreds of stories from successful people from different fields that will help you recharge your energy every day. One of my favourites is from Zanetta Kok who’s inspired by this podcast and built her own coffee store called Kitty Town Coffee

If you are looking for more connections, they also have a Facebook page dedicated to people who regularly share their wins, which I find really inspiring. You won’t be feeling alone in your journey.

Recommended Episodes:

• How a Florist Designed A Life with No Regrets with Emma Elizabeth Bates
• How to Move Past Fear & Step into Your Purpose
• Ken Coleman’s Proven Strategy That Will Lead To The Career You Love

#2 Tim Ferris Show By Tim Ferris

Those who like Entrepreneurship would know about this show. People like Seth Godin already gave his deep thoughts in this show and the best advice for those who somehow feel lost in life.

Tim is very humble and open to every topic. There’s even one session in which he is willing to tell his personal thoughts and answering some deep questions from Jerry Colonna so that the listeners could have a better insight from the episode.

It’s the incredible thing what he did because it makes us, the listeners can resonate better in some ways.

The content of every podcast is incredibly inspiring and I love the way Tim explains things in a slow and calm voice. The guests of the show are also amazing people who have been in their expertise for years.

Not only that but sometimes Tim will also make Q&A sessions with the listeners. So he would call 20 people on his list and ask how can he help them with their personal questions.

Recommended Episodes:

• Seth Godin on How to Say “No,” Market like a Professional, and Win at Life #343
• Jerry Colonna — The Coach With the Spider Tattoo #373
• Tea Time with Tim — How to Find Mentors, Decrease Anxiety Through Training, and Much More #363

#3 AKIMBO By Seth Godin

Who doesn’t know Seth Godin? A best-selling author who likes to challenge people to think deeper. At least that’s what happens to me every time I listen to his podcasts.

The podcast itself is very unique even just reading the titles. It’s not fully all about entrepreneurship but also covers topics such as humanities and life lessons in general.

This podcast is perfect for you who likes to think deeper about certain things in life.

Recommended Episodes:

• Publish yourself
• It’s your turn
• Stop stealing dreams

#4 Smart Passive Income By Pat Flynn

Pat Flynn who is known by his website which talks about different ways to create passive income is very popular because it helps so many people to build their own new revenue streams.

He shows people how it’s possible to earn money (much of them) with passive income.

On his show, Pat is not only hosting some incredible entrepreneurs for the readers, but he is very supportive and helpful to his listeners. Even his first episode is dedicated to his listeners.

I found this really helps to make you gain new perspectives, especially when you are currently stuck in a job that you don’t like.

Recommended Episodes:

• SPI 326: From $50k in Debt to Business Success in Less than a Year — How to Be Mindful and Ruthless
• SPI 331: The Story You Tell Yourself (That Could Crush You) — with Dr. Shannon Irvine
• SPI 350: Massive Transformation in Six Months — Before/After with Walid Azami

#5 Side Hustle School By Chris Guillebeau.

I’ve found this show from his interview with Cathy Heller on Don’t Keep Your Day Job Podcast. He really is amazing and humble. He has traveled the world and used his side hustle income to cover the expenses.

On his podcast, he mentioned how important it is for everyone to at least have more than one income stream so that they don’t depend on one thing at a time. He also shows that doing side hustle doesn’t have to be a big thing.

What makes this podcast unique is the duration of it. It’s only 11 to 18 minutes in every episode and he uploads a new one every single day. It makes us more focused and grasps the entire episode easier without distraction.

However, we also know that some people do love their day jobs. In this podcast, Chris will show you how to create or do something else and earn more money without quitting your day job.

Sounds good? Check out these recommendations episodes to start.

Recommended Episodes:

• Beer Blogger Crafts Side Hustle from Craft Beer #881
• Physical Therapist Turns Memes Into $22,000 #875
• Frustrated Mom Grows Hair Brush Hustle to Seven Figures #831

Final Thoughts

Most of the time, we won’t get inspired or feel motivated if we just sit around doing nothing. One of the easiest ways for you to have that positive energy back and actually get things done is by listening to podcasts.

Believe it or not, no matter how lazy or dull your day is, once you hit that ‘play’ button and start listening to other people’s success stories, chances are you would start thinking of ideas too on how to improve your own life.

Most stories I’ve heard from the Podcasts have a similar saying that nothing’s special about them. Focus and consistency are the two things that helped them reach their goal. If they can do it, so can you, right?

So start small by surrounding yourself with activities that can actually make you think outside the box. Because nothing feels worse than being stuck in the same situation with no guidance.

This story has originally appeared on Medium.