Last updated on 15th March 2023
Welcome to the year 2023, where the world is more fast-paced and dynamic than ever before.
As we continue to adapt to the new normal of remote work, endless video calls, and digital meetings, our productivity levels are being put to the test.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we all need a little extra push to stay focused and motivated.
That’s where podcasts come in! With the right mix of entertainment and education, podcasts can be a powerful tool to help us reach our goals and increase our productivity.
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of 15 essential productivity podcasts for 2023.
These podcasts have been ranked based on their content, production quality, and overall impact.
So, sit back, grab your headphones, and get ready to take your productivity to the next level!
Article Contents
15. ProdPod
ProdPod was a bitesized productivity podcast that ran for 7 years, from 2011 to 2018. Each episode covers a lesson of personal productivity in two minutes or less, with a wide range of topics covered, from meditation to minimalism.
The podcast is hosted by Ray Sidney-Smith, an avid Getting Things Done practitioner (more on that later) and certified Evernote consultant.
It’s a great listen if you don’t have much time and want a quick boost of productivity to help you along in your day.
How often are new episodes released?
The podcast is no longer updated, but there are over 100 episodes available.
How long are episodes?
2 minutes or less.
Rating on Apple Podcasts:
Currently no ratings.
Where to find the show:
14. The 5AM Miracle
As the name suggests, The 5 AM Miracle podcast is designed to help you dominate your day before breakfast.
Hosted by Jeff Sanders, this wildly popular podcast has more than 10 million downloads and 6 award nominations. The podcast was also the inspiration for a book of the same name.
The core topics of the podcast include healthy habits, personal development, self-improvement and, of course, productivity.
Episodes are released every Monday and tuning in as you get ready for work is a great way to pump yourself up for an amazing – and productive! – week at work!
How often are new episodes released?
Weekly.
How long are episodes?
It varies but usually around the 45 minute mark.
Rating on Apple Podcasts:
Where to find the show:
13. No Office Required
This limited series podcast hosted by Bruce Daisley (also the host on an Apple #1 Business Podcast on happiness and work culture) is all about how to remain productive after transitioning to remote working.
According to the podcast, the number of people working from home is expected to double in the next five years. This 6-part series acts as a roadmap for a new way of working.
It’s full of practical information, tips, and insightful interviews with industry experts. Plus, it’s all available now so it’s a great binge-listen!
How often are new episodes released?
All available now.
How long are episodes?
Between 20-30 minutes.
Rating on Audible:
Where to find the show:
12. The Accidental Creative
The Accidental Creative podcast has been going strong since 2005! The weekly show explores how to stay prolific, brilliant, and healthy in life and work as a creative professional.
Host Todd Henry interviews artists, authors, and business leaders from all different industries to uncover their productivity and creativity tips and tricks.
Great episode topics include personal and organizational tips for dealing with creative burnout, staying mentally healthy at work, and discovering your productivity profile.
How often are new episodes released?
Weekly.
How long are episodes?
Usually between 20-30 minutes.
Rating on Apple Podcasts:
Where to find the show:
11. The Action Catalyst
The Action Catalyst aims to do exactly what it says on the tin – each episode is a catalyst to inspire you to take action to reach your goals in life.
The podcast is produced by Southwestern Family of Companies, one of the largest and oldest privately held companies in Tennessee. Guests include people from all walks of life, from American Idol winner Kris Allen to the governor of Oklahoma.
Each episode is designed to offer valuable insights and practical advice for listeners so they can overcome setbacks, defeat mediocrity, and get productive.
How often are new episodes released?
Weekly.
How long are episodes?
It varies but never longer than an hour.
Rating on Apple Podcasts:
Where to find the show:
10. Beyond the To-Do List
How many of us are just stuck in our to-do list? That never-ending list of tasks that just seems to be getting longer every day.
This podcast by Erik Fisher aims to take listeners beyond their to-do list, so they can stop feeling overwhelmed by all of the hates they have to wear and start living a meaningful life.
Each episode, Fisher talks with a productivity expert and they share how they implement practical productivity strategies in not just their professional lives, but their personal lives too.
How often are new episodes released?
Weekly.
How long are episodes?
Around the 45 minute mark.
Rating on Apple Podcasts:
Where to find the show:
9. Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik
Jim Kwik lives, sleeps, and breathes brainpower and productivity. He’s gone from a childhood brain injury that left him learning-challenged, to a world leader in memory improvement and brain performance.
His fun, fast-paced podcast Kwik Brian is for busy people who want to achieve a lot in as little time as possible.
Episodes often feature a conversation with an industry expert and/or actionable tips that listeners can start applying to their lives immediately to improve their productivity and get more out of each day.
How often are new episodes released?
Monthly.
How long are episodes?
Around the 20 minute mark.
Rating on Apple Podcasts:
Where to find the show:
8. Getting Things Done
Getting Things Done – or GTD – is a personal productivity methodology designed to help people redefine how they approach their work, and even their personal life.
The methodology was created by productivity consultant David Allen, and was originally presented to the world in book format all the way back in 2001.
Fifteen years after the release of his book, Allen started the Getting Things Done podcast to support people in their GTD journey.
The podcast includes personal and professional stories from beginners all the way through to GTD experts, as well as practical tips for listeners.
How often are new episodes released?
Weekly.
How long are episodes?
Episodes vary from 2 minute tips to hour-long interviews with leaders in productivity.
Rating on Apple Podcasts:
Where to find the show:
7. Habits for Action (part of the “Habits” series)
This Audible exclusive podcast is similar to The Action Catalyst. It’s a series designed to propel listeners into finally taking action and ridding themselves of excuses.
The series is hosted by Dr Tim Sharp, AKA Dr Happy. He is a clinical and consulting psychologist and founder of The Happiness Institute.
Over 8 episodes, Dr Sharp busts 15 common excuses for not taking action. The podcast offers practical advice and tips on how to create habits that make it easier to take action and achieve your goals, in your professional and personal life.
How often are new episodes released?
All available now.
How long are episodes?
Between 20-40 minutes.
Rating on Audible:
Where to find the show:
6. Mindful Productivity Podcast
The Mindful Productivity Podcast has over 250,000 downloads, and counting! This popular podcast is designed as a go-to resource for people who want to learn and incorporate practical applications of mindfulness and stress free productivity into their daily routine.
Topics covered include realistic productivity strategies, goal execution, and how to achieve an entrepreneurial mindset. The host, Sarah Steckler, also occasionally interviews other productivity experts to share even more helpful tips with listeners.
How often are new episodes released?
Fortnightly.
How long are episodes?
Between 20 minutes and an hour.
Rating on Apple Podcasts:
Where to find the show:
5. The Tim Ferriss Show
You’ve probably heard of Tim Ferriss. And if you haven’t then maybe you’ve heard of a little New York Times bestseller he wrote called The 4-Hour Workweek.
In this podcast, Ferriss interviews world-class performers from eclectic industries to tease out any habits, lessons, tools, tactics or tricks that listeners can use in their own lives.
This podcast has an impressive list of guests, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tony Robbins, and Sir James Dyson.
How often are new episodes released?
Weekly.
How long are episodes?
It varies but usually between 1 and 2 hours.
Rating on Apple Podcasts:
Where to find the show:
4. Extreme Productivity with Kevin Kruse
Kevin Kruse is a New York Times Bestselling author and host of the Extreme Productivity podcast. As the name suggests, this podcast focuses on ways people can maximise their productivity.
In each episode Kruse shares his own time management tips, tools, and advice, as well as that of some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs, self-made millionaires, Olympic athletes, and anyone in between who has some productivity hacks to share.
How often are new episodes released?
The last episode was released in January 2021, but there are over 60 available to listen to right now.
How long are episodes?
It varies a lot but the longest is 47 minutes.
Rating on Apple Podcasts:
Where to find the show:
3. Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee
On the surface, the Feel Better, Live More podcast is not about productivity. Hosted by Dr Rangan Chatterjee (one of the UK’s most influential GPs), this is a general health podcast designed to help people take charge of their mental and physical health.
Topics covered include health life-hacks, the debunking of common health myths, and of course, productivity.
Each week, Dr Chatterjee speaks with an expert from a different field in healthcare. Two episodes great for people looking to improve their productivity are #118 How to work less and get more done with Alex Pang and #145 How to build good habits and break bad ones with James Clear.
How often are new episodes released?
Fortnightly.
How long are episodes?
Usually around the 2 hour mark, but there are also bitesize 15 minute episodes.
Rating on Apple Podcasts:
Where to find the show:
2. Before Breakfast
Before Breakfast is similar to The 5 AM Miracle in that this podcast is designed to give you a boost first thing in the morning, so you can start your day feeling pumped and ready for anything.
A huge benefit of this podcast is that it’s daily, so you can really build it into your routine and create a habit of listening to it. Another plus is that the episodes are short and to the point.
Every day, host Laura Vanderkam shares a time management strategy or an answer to a listener’s schedule question. The aim of the show is to give people the practical tools they need to feel less busy and get more done.
How often are new episodes released?
Daily.
How long are episodes?
Always under 10 minutes.
Rating on Apple Podcasts:
Where to find the show:
1. How I Built This
How I Built This is a podcast that dives into the stories behind some of the world’s best known companies – from Ben & Jerry’s to BuzzFeed.
Unlike most of the podcasts on this list it doesn’t overtly give listeners actionable productivity tips and advice, but it is great for boosting productivity because listening to these stories is so inspiring – especially for aspiring entrepreneurs.
How often are new episodes released?
Weekly.
How long are episodes?
Around an hour.
Rating on Apple Podcasts:
Where to find the show:
Final thoughts
It’s always important to ensure you’re being as productive as possible. These podcasts should give you the boost you need to stay motivated. But if you need a little more, check out our article: 10 Remote Work Practices to Keep You Productive (and Sane!)