In a recent episode of The Rich Roll Podcast, the popular lifestyle guru Tim Ferriss revealed a surprising shift in his perspective. Sixteen years after penning his bestseller, “The 4-Hour Workweek”, Ferriss is consciously choosing to slow down. It turns out many of us use work to mask unresolved pain in our lives. Who knew? Our culture’s emphasis on productivity has evolved from merely being a work cornerstone to a defining character trait for many. So when someone as influential as Ferriss deliberately distances himself from hyper-productivity, it’s indeed a notable statement. While we’ve previously expressed our reservations about the self-optimization trend in our list of the best self-help podcasts, Ferriss’s change in direction was unexpected.
So, where does this leave the “rise and grind” ethos? While the allure of 5am wake-up routines is likely to persist, it’s heartening to see a growing introspection across professional spheres. People are becoming more conscious of the pressures they impose not just on themselves, but also on their colleagues and subordinates. The productivity podcasts here attempt to strike a harmony between actionable work advice and the realization that we all need to pause and breathe occasionally. Achieving a perfect equilibrium might be elusive, but there’s no harm in striving for it.
Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Author of books such as Deep Work and A World Without Email, Cal Newport has turned his productivity insights into a weekly podcast exploring our relationship with work and technology. A computer science professor at Georgetown University, Newport believes that our inability to pay attention is harming our productivity. From endless scrolling to inefficient time management, a myriad of distractions stand in the way of a more efficient work/life balance. After all, working efficiently means more time for the activities we cherish — not just Netflix, but what Newport terms “valuable leisure.” Considering I just spent an unspeakable amount of time searching for books about productivity between writing the first and second sentences of this paragraph, I’m inclined to agree.
Newport dedicates large chunks of his show to analyzing productivity methods and techniques. Between this format and answering listener questions, he and his producer, Jesse Miller, manage to produce hours of content quite comfortably. While there’s only occasional (and nerdy) humor in Newport’s delivery, his largely deadpan style is endearing in its own way, not to mention his meticulously structured episodes. This show is an invaluable resource for anyone juggling multiple jobs and has grown skeptical of short-cuts.
Since 2012, Jonathan Fields has been on a mission to answer a seemingly simple question: What does it mean to live a good life? With over eight hundred episodes to date, it’s evident that this question doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. This vast number of episodes underscores the diversity of human experience; there’s no singular blueprint for a fulfilling life. For those wary of the push to “optimize” every facet of existence, the Good Life Project offers a more holistic approach, emphasizing joy, contentment, and fulfillment. Even with endorsements from heavyweights like Oprah and Psychology Today, the show has managed to retain its authenticity without veering into commercialism or gimmicks. Fields, a masterful interviewer, stays true to his foundational mission, regardless of the podcast’s acclaim. He boldly delves into spiritual and political dimensions when exploring life satisfaction. It’s also worth highlighting that the Good Life Project has a deep archive. If you have a favorite author or podcaster in this realm, chances are there’s a captivating episode awaiting your ears.
Thinking beyond productivity, podcaster Marie Forleo is dedicated to helping you become your best self. Aren’t they all? Absolutely, but Forelo is a bit different. She presents actionable strategies with a confidence and flair that can uplift your spirits about your own journey. Positioning herself as a relatable mentor, she’s open about her own challenges and setbacks. This authenticity, combined with insightful interviews, makes her podcast a go-to for those aiming to enhance their personal and professional lives.
The format of her show is full of variety. Forleo dives deep with her guests, with highlights including writer Elizabeth Gilbert and Byron Katie. In her shorter solo episodes, Forelo explores the everyday problems we face at work, from asking for help to what happens when you’re exhausted by too much self-help. If there’s one thing we look for in our gurus, it’s self-awareness. Forelo’s podcast is perfect for fans of The Mel Robbins Podcast and books like Big Magic. Prepare to be inspired.
Unless you’re an extraterrestrial or perhaps my mother, you’ve likely heard of Tim Ferriss. For those unfamiliar with the author and podcaster, let me catch you up. Ferriss, the brain behind the bestseller The 4-Hour Workweek, rose to prominence with his “optimization” strategies designed to enhance work, fitness, and overall productivity. Since launching his podcast, it has surpassed 900 million downloads. In each episode, Ferriss interviews an author, business leader, or “thinker” (whatever those are) about their professional journey and the insights they’ve gather along the way.
Part of this show’s appeal is Ferriss’s excellent interview rapport. You might think people come on his show for the publicity, but we’d wager that many are drawn to the host’s interview skills. A regular guest on other podcasts, Ferriss has honed his communication style to where his content feels accessible even to newbies. There are dozens of copycat Tim Ferriss podcasts out there. What makes the original special is his fallibility. Being able to adapt your method in a way that seems authentic, rather than hypocritical, is a difficult pivot to achieve — especially if you’ve built your brand on ruthless optimization. Ferriss has always grown alongside his show.
Former doctor-turned-YouTuber Ali Abdaal gained immense popularity with his videos on productivity hacks and study routines. Given his charismatic and internet-savvy persona, it’s no wonder Abdaal has leveraged this success. Many of his podcast’s episode titles resemble click-bait YouTube headlines, raising curiosity about how many of his followers will transition from video to audio. The topics covered on Deep Dive certainly target this demographic, tapping into entrepreneurial trends and self-improvement content circulating amongst Millennials and Gen Z, including “manifesting” and “dopamine detoxing.”
Predominantly an interview podcast, Abdaal has yet to finesse his style. At times, his questions feel stilted, even unnatural. In many ways, this show feels more like the extension of a personal brand than a fully developed project. And while it seems like a lot of people come on the show to flog a book, Abdaal does his best to get meaningful answers from them. All that said, there is huge potential here; many will find this style of podcasting to resonate with them, especially fans of his YouTube videos.
The nature of work is evolving. While this statement might sound clichéd, the podcast Eat Sleep Work Repeat offers fresh insights into our shifting work culture, grounding its discussions in data and pioneering research. Despite the show’s title, which might seem reminiscent of a cheesy poster, we promise the content is far more substantive. Hosted by Bruce Daisley, this British podcast is a stellar listen for those pondering questions like “How can we make work better?” and “Why do we act like that in the office?” Although perfectly suited to corporate workers, this show has plenty to offer anyone interested in how AI will affect a variety of job or how to embrace hybrid work. Regardless of whether you commute, it’s worth making time to listen to Eat Sleep Work Repeat if you’re interested in not just how we act at work, but why.
Perfect for pairing with your morning coffee, Before Breakfast is a concise 5-minute podcast offering daily advice to enhance your workday. As fewer individuals undertake the traditional office commute, podcasts like these fit seamlessly into evolving routines. Hosted by author Laura Vanderkam, Before Breakfast has quickly gained traction among leaders and thinkers. Vanderkam’s neutral delivery makes the podcast easy to engage with, though the frequent advertisements might irk some listeners. The advice spans from abstract concepts to everyday tips, making it suitable background content for various settings. What sets this podcast apart from other productivity-driven content isn’t a dominant personality but its unwavering consistency. Consider giving it a listen with your next flat white.
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Alice Florence Orr is a staff writer and assistant editor for Podcast Review. She is based in Edinburgh. You can connect with her on Twitter or read her work on aliceflorenceorr.com