Good Podcasts to Listen to at Work: Your Workday Soundtrack

Nothing’s better than throwing on some headphones and hitting play on a good podcast. It honestly feels like a mental break, keeping us entertained yet still productive… unless it’s Believeable: The Coco Berthmann Story. In that case? We’re on DND. Nonetheless, podcasts generally aren’t like books or TV shows, requiring your complete and undivided attention. And honestly? That’s what makes them great for workdays.

If you’ve been keeping up with your podcasts strictly during commutes and breaks, you’ve been severely missing out. You can also totally tune in whether you’re knee-deep in paperwork or stuck behind a desk all day! Ultimately, listening to the right podcast at work is a total game-changer. It can help motivate you, spark new ideas, or just make the day feel a little less… work-ish.

Don’t know where to start? We get it—there are so many options to choose from. That’s why today, we’re dropping a list of the best podcasts to listen to at work. Whether you need a focus boost or a simple distraction, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

What Are Good Podcasts to Listen to at Work?

Before we discuss our list of recs, we have to talk about one important thing. Obviously, you could listen to podcasts at work… but should you? Wouldn’t turning on a podcast, instead of helping with productivity, just distract you from getting your work done? 

Good news: No! Podcasts are so much more helpful than you may think—ESPECIALLY during the work day. Let’s dive a little deeper into whether or not it’s okay to listen to podcasts at work, and then we’ll tell you which ones you need to be listening to. 

Is it Ok to Listen to Podcasts at Work?

Absolutely. Not only is it okay to listen to podcasts at work, but you honestly should whenever you get the chance. And, we get it—the Dear Media community is full of different people with different types of jobs. While one person tunes in while filing paperwork, someone else might tune in while they’re creating lesson plans. That’s why we can truly vouch for all of these recommendations—they’re great for any and everyone.

Maybe you’re trying to make time at work go faster. Or, maybe you’re trying to find ways to improve your mental health at work. Whatever your workday needs, there’s something out there tailored just for you.

We know what your next question is: “How am I supposed to listen at work and still get stuff done?” We’re not spilling our top tips just yet, though. First, let’s talk must-listen recommendations. Then we’ll tell you how to listen to them—totally distraction-free. 

What Is a Good Podcast to Listen to at Work?

Worklife with Adam Grant

There’s nothing like listening to a podcast about work, at work, right? Host Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist who studies motivation and potential. He channels that energy into super inspirational and intriguing episodes, all designed to improve your work life.

From personal branding to how to say no (we could all use some help there), he covers burnout, creativity, leadership, and more. The best part? It doesn’t sound like a lecture! Plus, we’ll never turn down a show with guests like Shonda Rhimes and Carline Fleck. It’s smart, entertaining, and easily digestible during a workday.

Ted Radio Hour

Our minds tend to wander most at two times of the day: bedtime and during work. That’s when you start thinking of all those “I have to Google this later” topics. Instead of deep diving into a Google black hole, just tune into Ted Radio Hour!

Host Manoush brings TED Talks to life with fresh takes, interviews, and fascinating ideas. One of the episodes, for example, is “How We Experience Time.” It sounds totally boring, but it’s actually incredibly fascinating—perfect background noise during your workday. 

Still struggling with your mind wandering before bed? Don’t worry, just check out “Podcasts to Fall Asleep to: Your New Nighttime Ritual.”

Pretty Basic

Sometimes all you want is a little girl chat with during your workday, which is exactly what Pretty Basic is for. Best friends and hosts, Remi and Alisha, know just how to make us feel like we’re part of the conversation. 

We get the TMI moments, “big sis” advice sessions, and no BS advice for everyday life. They take normal conversations and make them funny, engaging, and effortlessly relatable. Our recent favorite episode? “A Girl-Talk Q&A: Fashion, Therapy, ADHD, & Everything in Between.”

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

When you need a healthy dose of inspiration, On Purpose with Jay Shetty is here to deliver. Jay hosts “virtual workshops” designed to help you feel happier, healthier, and healed. What better way to spend your workday?

He doesn’t tackle these topics alone, though. He frequently invites celebrities and thought leaders that always add intentional insight to each conversation. It’s a great podcast for mornings when you’re craving a little gentle wisdom. Start with “Kendall Jenner On: Setting Boundaries to Increase Happiness & Healing Your Inner Child.” It’s a good one.

The Daily

If you like to start your day off with current event updates, skip doomscrolling and tune into The Daily! This NYT show is hosted by Michael Barbaro, Rachel Abrams, and Natalie Kitroeff, three extremely talented reporters. They give us easy-to-digest, bite-sized versions of the most prominent stories in the news every day.

It’s a great way to stay informed without feeling weighed down by everything that’s going on in the world. Sometimes the stories are political, sometimes they’re emotional, but they’re always accurate, informative, and straight to the point.

The Mel Robbins Podcast

Need to break out of a slump or push through procrastination? The Mel Robbins Podcast has you covered. Mel knows just the right things to say when we need an equal dose of tough love and encouragement. Each episode covers a new, insightful topic that you didn’t know you needed advice on before tuning in. 

We’ve recently had “How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Get Anything You Want in Life” on REPEAT. And every single episode is just as engaging! It’s perfect for sparking inspiration both inside and outside of the workplace. 

The Him & Her Show

Lauryn and Michael Bosstick, hosts of Him & Her Show, truly never disappoint. As successful entrepreneurs and unparalleled brand builders, they bring sharp insight, unfiltered opinions, and conversations that actually add value.

And, with such a WIDE range of guests, it’s a podcast that genuinely has something for every listener. Interested in health and wellness? Tune into “How to Create a Non-Toxic Home” with Lauryn. More interested in high-impact habits that can help you live a more fulfilling life? Listen to Michael discuss “Life Changing Habits Every High Performer Needs to Succeed.” 

A Better You

When you need a little boost during those slow workdays, A Better You is the perfect listen. Fernanda Ramirez covers all you need to know about how to become the best version of yourself. This includes falling in love with life, tapping into your confidence, and tips for dealing with heavy emotions.

Each advice-filled episode is delivered in a very “girl talk” way—it feels like you’re just chatting with a friend. It’s the best reminder to slow down, stay grounded, and level up with simple, easy-to-follow methods.

The Tony Robbins Podcast

We all get weighed down by responsibilities, expectations, and self-doubt—especially at work. The best way to combat those feelings? Tuning into The Tony Robbins Podcast. Tony’s mantra is “Why live an ordinary life, when you can live an extraordinary one?” We’re feeling inspired already. 

Tony discusses exactly how to succeed in business, relationships, health, and finances—all supported by proven strategies and tactics. He also invites some of the most prominent figures to discuss their successes and the methods that worked for them. 

Start with  “Incredibly Powerful Questions to Ask Yourself Every Day.” Then, hop on over to THIS episode of Him & Her Show to hear Tony talk about how to unlock your potential. 

What We Said

Hosts Jaci Marie and Chelsey Jade make What We Said feel like the older, unhinged sister to Pretty Basic. This podcast has a super similar vibe, they just approach their topics with a little more edge. 

It’s perfect for anyone looking to spice up their workday with a handful of laughs and a few “WTF” moments. We recommend starting with “I Married the Red Flag.” It’s funny, engaging, and will spark your love for the hosts instantly.

How to Listen to Podcasts at Work

Use One Earbud Only

No matter how bad you want to, you can’t keep both earbuds in. Unless, of course, you’re working from home and can kinda do your own thing at your own pace. Regardless, wearing just one earbud allows you to listen to your podcast AND your surroundings. 

Stick to Low-Effort but High-Vibe Shows

We’re huge fans of those mysterious, investigative podcasts— who isn’t? As much as we love those edge-of-the-seat vibes, they’re not super work-friendly. Instead, opt for those easy-going podcasts that won’t require your FULL attention. Think: cozy storytelling, daily updates, or fun pop culture recaps.

But once that workday ends? We’ve got just the line-up. Check out: 

• Podcasts Like Something Was Wrong: Messy, Moody, Addictive
• Binge-Worthy Podcasts Like Serial
• Podcasts Like Radio Rental: Strange Spooky, and A Bit Too Real

Time it Right

There’s a time and a place for everything, even when it comes to the podcasts you choose to listen to. Mornings, for example, are the best time to channel those daily positive affirmations for work. Anything that feels like a nice pep talk during your morning iced coffee is good in our book. In the afternoons, though, you can zone out to something a little more complex. Ted Radio Hour would be the perfect show to put on after that mid-day lunch break. 

Creating a queue is the perfect way to stay hands-free from your phone, and hands-on at the job. This routine also helps break up your day so you don’t feel like you’re listening to the same genre non-stop.

Match the Show to the Task

Matching your show to your task kinda goes hand-in-hand with timing it right. If you’re doing something mundane and repetitive, you have total permission to go full podcast mode. It won’t distract you from what you’re doing, but it’s just enough to entertain your mind (and keep you awake). 

But if you’re deep in a task and can’t risk losing focus, stick with something light and lowkey. You can zone in here and there, but you won’t feel distracted and pulled in two different directions.

Let Your Team Know

You don’t have to broadcast to the workplace that you’re listening to a podcast, but a little heads-up to your team is definitely nice. It helps you avoid that awkward, “Are you ignoring me?” moment from your boss or coworker. A simple, “Hey, BTW, I’m listening to a podcast in one ear while I work on this spreadsheet,” is perfect.

Listening to podcasts at work isn’t a distraction—it’s a tool that can inspire, encourage, and motivate.

If you’ve been getting through your workday without listening to podcasts, kudos to you—we have no idea how you’ve done it. Tuning into a podcast doesn’t just give your mind a break; it helps keep you focused, alert, and inspired. From easy-going girl talk to tips on how to organize your day, there’s a podcast out there for everyone.
Make sure to check out the Dear Media blog for even more podcast recommendations! And, of course, we have all the pop culture updates and love life advice you could ever need. Also, don’t forget to check out the DM shop for all the latest and greatest products. This “Successful Era” mug would look great at your desk—just saying.