Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had a book on the go. Novels, business books, spiritual and self-improvement guides. I love them all! The fact that my husband bought me this birthday card (and it’s still on the mantle 6 months later) shows how well he knows me. I kind of want to be this girl!
Happily, my love of a good storytelling and a desire to learn and grow is no longer limited to books. I have podcasts too. The joy of technology!
But man, there’s a lot out there, and all books and podcasts are not created equal. If I’m going to invest the time, it had better be well-written, easy to read/listen to, and substantive enough to leave me in better shape than it found me J. I know, I ask a lot!
So, if you’re always on the look-out for a new read/listen, or are just getting started, here are 10 recommendations for books and podcasts that help me win the day. And because I look at life through the lens of self-awareness and spirituality, health and wellness, and good business, you’ll find that blend here too.
1) What Works podcast with Tara McMullin
What I love about the What Works podcast with Tara is just how relatable and actionable it is. Tara interviews small, but growing business owners and asks what’s working for them. She has a great knack for drilling down to the takeaway that will have the listener saying “a-ha! I’ll try that in my business!”
2) You Are a Badass at Making Money, by Jen Sincero
I have a bunch of money book recommendations (knowledge is power, right?), but the reason this one made the list is for its combination of irreverence, hilarious stories, straight shooting advice, and powerful mindset shifting exercises. It’s an easy read or listen and, if you take it to heart, I believe will help you make more money.
3) The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Resistance, we all have it! In this book, Pressfield helps us identify the roadblocks to making our big ideas happen, whether it’s starting our dream business, writing a novel, or painting a masterpiece and outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe. This reminds me that I should read it again!
4) Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
I’m in the middle of this book and LOVE it. We’re all leaders in some way, shape, or form and this book shines a light on the obstacles we all face to doing it well (hint: it’s an inside job). If you’re looking to have more compassion and connection with yourself and others, and to “rumble” (aka have productive conversations) more effectively, this one’s for you!
5) The Reboot Podcast with Jerry Colonna.
I first came across Jerry Colonna when he was interviewed for the On-Being Podcast (which also makes this list) and loved his take on bringing your whole self to leadership. Again, you don’t need to be leading a huge team of people to get a lot out of this podcast. It’s as much personal development as professional. And I LOVE that this former finance guy is unabashedly woo-woo!
6) When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron
This is one of those books that I’d heard about from multiple sources forever and when I finally read it, wondered “What took me so long?” Not nearly as much of a downer as the title might suggest, Pema shares Buddhist philosophies on leaning into, and learning from, suffering to live a more joyful, present life. She’s relatable, throws in the odd swear word, and I loved it!
7) On Being podcast with Krista Tippett
Krista has one of those voices and ways of interviewing that always feels soothing and enlightening. She interviews fascinating people from all disciplines, from religious figures to neuroscientists and botanists. My all-time favorite episode was with the late Irish poet John O’Donahue. Listen to it, you’ll be happy you did.
8) Tara Brach podcast
You could be forgiven for thinking I’m a Buddhist! I’m not, but I love Tara Brach’s podcast on meditations and talks she gives. She shares such wisdom in a lovely goofy way (she’s queen of the bad jokes!). This one’s on constant rotation.
9) The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
Oprah recommended this book (personally, of course!) and I really enjoyed it. Positive psychology is a real science and happiness is something we can cultivate and benefit from and what’s not to love about that!
10) How I Built This podcast
As a business owner, I’m always interested in learning how other people built their businesses. While the What Works podcast (#1 on this list) is great because it’s people like me sharing what works, this podcast shares the stories of big businesses we all know of. What’s nice is how relatable and human they all are, which makes me think “Why not me?” Why not indeed!
So, that’s my round-up. Now, I’d love to hear from you. What books and podcasts help you win YOUR day. Leave a comment below. I’m always looking for a great new recommendation!!
