10 Podcasts to Listen to While Running: Fuel Your Hustle

At some point or another, we’ve all told ourselves that we’d “start our new running era tomorrow.” But what tends to actually happen? We make excuses, get busy, and lose sight of our goals. Like this episode of DITL dives into, EVERYONE falls into that vicious cycle—it’s totally normal. But here’s the thing: running is a simple, effective, and yes, even enjoyable way to move your body.

It’s not always about getting fit and losing weight. Instead, it can be about shifting your energy, creating an intentional routine, and changing the tone of your entire day. Want to know our little secret for making the most of your run? Turning on a good podcast. This helps you focus less on the miles and more on the experience. 

Depending on the type of content you prefer, you can learn, laugh, process feelings, or just feel part of a conversation. However, it’s no secret that there are TONS of shows to choose from. That’s why today, we’re sharing the best podcasts to listen to while running. Before you know it, you’ll actually look forward to lacing up, breaking your wellness rut, and getting out there! 

10 Podcasts to Listen to While Running: Fuel Your Hustle

Podcasts are such an important part of our everyday lives because they seriously help with so much. Hence why we’ve posted about everything from best podcasts to fall asleep to, to the best podcasts for women in their 30s. No matter the occasion, there’s a podcast (and a host) that can accompany you in your journey.

But when it comes to running, can listening to podcasts really be that beneficial? And how is it any different than shuffling some good music and getting at it? Don’t worry, that’s exactly what we’re here to talk about. Before we deep dive into our list of recs, we’ll tell you why podcasts are worth coupling up with during your run. 

Is It Good to Listen to Podcasts While Running?

Maybe you’re running for fresh air and stress relief. Or, maybe you’re running to crush goals and feel good. No matter what you’re after, pairing a run with a podcast totally changes the vibe for the better. It transforms a workout into something more immersive—like a mini escape, deep convo, or moment to learn something new. But is it actually good to listen to podcasts while running?

Short answer: Absolutely. Here’s why we love it: 

Boosts Physical and Mental Health

Running, obviously, is great for physical health. It helps with sustainable weight loss, improves cardiovascular health, and strengthens your muscles. But those mental benefits? They’re just as real. Think: released endorphins, reduced stress and anxiety, and, most importantly, increased confidence. 

Elizabeth Endres from The Wellness Process said it best—you gotta get it out instead of take it out. Whether you’re going trail running or taking a brief jog to the nail salon, that energy boost doesn’t lie. And when you listen to podcasts that talk about all the benefits, it’s like they hit you that much harder.

Keeps Your Brain Engaged

In the age of technology, more often than not, we’re all nose deep in a screen. And hey—no shame! We love binge-watching shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty and scrolling on socials as much as the next person. However, the truth is that spending too much time on screens can negatively impact concentration, perception, and overall well-being. Yeah, THAT’S a convo for a different day.

But in terms of stimulation, running is SUCH a powerful tool. And when you pair that with a podcast? You’re golden. It’s a fantastic way to stack habits and make the most of your time—and energy! For a deeper dive into screens and stimulation, tune into “Aligning Values, Love & Intimacy, Human Nature, & Managing Screen Time” from The Bossticks.

Helps Build Consistency

Some days, running is the last thing we want to do. But when you’re in the middle of a podcast series or looking forward to the next episode, you’re way more likely to overcome that rut and go for a run. Remember: It’s not about forcing yourself—it’s about genuinely wanting to tune in and make yourself proud.

“Life Coach Shares the Secrets to a Growth Mindset, Goal Setting, Perseverance, & Self-Belief” from House Guest is SUCH a powerful resource for getting in the right headspace. When you learn how impactful consistency is for your confidence and self-discipline, you stop chasing motivation and start creating your own momentum.

Feels Like Running with a Friend

For anyone out there who craves solo runs but also wants that sense of connection, podcasts offer the best of both worlds. You could be listening to a running coach giving you training tips that turn “just a jog” into a total main character moment. Or you could be listening to a pair of co-hosts dish out the latest pop culture drama. 

Whatever vibe you’re aligning with can provide that warmth, energy, and “I’m not in this by myself” mentality. For more on evolving your workout mindset, tune into this episode of The Dream Bigger Podcast with fitness icon Katie Austin. She delivers practical tips for building a routine that serves you, not drains you.  

Creates a Ritual You Actually Look Forward to

When you pair a “not so fun at first” habit with one you already enjoy (aka listening to podcasts), you transform a workout into a ritual. It starts to feel like your own personal quiet time—minus the bed-rotting. And honestly, it simplifies decisions and helps you evolve habits. 

Just listen to “Lauryn Bosstick’s Ultimate Health Hacks: Change Your Habits, Change Your Life” from Wellness Her Way! Lauryn helps us realize that whether you’re long-distance running or going for a quick sunset shakeout, commitment to routines is KEY for success. 

What Are Good Podcasts to Listen to While Running?

Ali on the Run

No matter where you are in your running journey, Ali on the Run is the perfect podcast to tune into. She doesn’t just interview runners, she gets to know them. And with this, she has candid conversations about why people run, what it does for them, and how it impacts their overall well-being. 

This podcast is all about building a sense of community. Sometimes it’s through an interview with a pro runner about marathon training. Other times, it’s an honest solo spill that feels open, raw, and relatable. Each episode features real people with real stories that leave you feeling seen, uplifted, and ready to move.

Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story

Sometimes, while running, we don’t always need an extra boost of motivation. (THX, preworkout!) Instead, we want to listen to something that keeps us on the edge of our seats, craving the next run so we can tune into the following episode. One of our top recs? Believe: The Coco Berthamann Story.

Talk about CAPTIVATING. Serving as Dear Media’s first true crime podcast, you’ll be so into the story that you’ll almost forget you’re even running. Plus, the episodes are well-paced, typically matching up to a medium to long run without requiring pauses or abrupt changes right in the middle of an exercise.  Start with episode 1, “Something’s Not Right,” and enjoy the journey! 

Once you finish this show and start to crave more, check out our post, “Podcasts Like Scamanda: Lies, Scams, and Shocking Truths” for more recs!

For the Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

If you enjoy Ali on the Run, then you’ll LOVE For the Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running. Host Jonathan Levitt approaches the topic in a similar, relatable way. He interviews everyone from Olympians to business owners with the same goal: to create a “you can do it” attitude.

Whether you’re a long-time runner facing a rut or someone just trying to get into the groove, this podcast feels like that friend cheering you on each step of the way. Jonathan gives you all the encouragement you need to keep a healthy relationship with fitness.

The Bossticks

Multi-taskers, this one’s for you. If you want your daily run served with a side of tangible advice and unfiltered conversation? Hit play on The Bossticks. Hosts Lauryn Evarts Bosstick and Michael Bosstick interview some of the most interesting and accomplished figures, turning your run into a masterclass in mindset, business, wellness, and everything in between. 

There’s nothing that this entrepreneurial duo doesn’t cover—seriously. It’s like a double shot of motivation—for your hustle and your heart rate. Want something more fitness-focused? Start with “Lauryn’s Weight Loss Journey & How to Implement Tactics That Work for You.”

Another Mother Runner

Host of Another Mother Runner, Sarah Bowen Brown, keeps it real AF. She’s a mom of three, a veteran of 14 marathons, and always has a rotation of co-hosts, guests, and topics that feel as relatable as they do intriguing. While she does offer running tips and training inspo, she also explores the real and raw side of running. 

Think: Nutrition struggles, motivation, mental toughness, and the TMI stuff no one else wants to talk about. Whether you’re training for your next 5K race or figuring out how to ease back in, do it with a host who’s witty, authentic, and inspirational.

Girls Gotta Eat

If you’re someone who counts the clock each time you’re running, this podcast is a must-listen. Hosts Ashley Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg transform Girls Gotta Eat into that late-night girl talk sesh we all know and love. With discussions on everything from pop culture to dating, you’ll feel like you’re actually a part of the convo.

It makes running feel more like catching up with your besties than a workout. The hot takes, comedic comments, and unexpected insights keep your feet moving and your mind totally entertained. If you’re just diving in, start with “Taylor and Travis Engagement, Ashley’s Bach, and Cracker Barrel Uproar.”

The Running for Real Podcast

Whenever we see people running in movies and TV shows, they make it look soooo… whimsical, right? No red faces, no doubled-over deep breaths, and no lying on the floor as soon as they’re done. But The Running for Real Podcast with Tina Muir? She totally gets it—and she talks about it. 

Tina interviews sports psychologists, nutritionists, scientists, and runners to share no-BS takes and real-life experiences. She acknowledges that, yeah, running should help you achieve your goals. But ultimately? You can’t create a community without being real about all the parts of it. Remember: you have to build a wellness journey that works for you—not against you!

The Readheads Book Club

As an adult, sometimes running can feel like giving up one habit for another. We’re booked and busy (AF)! But take it from us: it doesn’t have to be that way! The Readheads Book Club is a fantastic way to enjoy old habits while starting new ones.

Each month, host of The Toast Jackie Oshry is joined by some of her best friends to dissect and chat about a new book. Sometimes it’s spicy books with good plots, and other times, it’s trendy novels with deep backstories. Running and tuning into a virtual book club at the same time? Sign us up.

Run, Selfie, Repeat

Sometimes you need that gentle push to get you going, and Kelly Roberts, host of the popular podcast Run, Selfie, Repeat, is here to be that for you. Each episode feels like a short burst of energy full of pep talks, goal-setting, and lots of laughs. 

And honestly, sometimes that’s all we need! She also, of course, sprinkles in discussions about injuries, struggling with motivation, and dealing with doubt. But as soon as you listen to the “Big Doubt, Big Dreams” episode, this show will instantly become a routine listen for each run. 

Dear Gabby

Maybe you’ve started running because you’re trying to become more in tune with yourself and your energy. First off, bravo! Second off, you need someone who understands where you’re coming from and can motivate you to achieve your goals. And who better to do that than Gabby Bernstein?

Dear Gabby is a podcast all about life-changing transformations, personal growth, and spirituality. She’s someone who believes that to manifest the life you desire, you have to feel good about yourself and what you’re doing to get there. On your next run, tune into “How to Raise Your Vibration FAST to Manifest Anything You Want.” Trust us, her content is LIFE-CHANGING.

How to Listen to Podcasts While Running

Choose podcasts that match your pace.

It’s sooo important to choose a podcast that matches your pace for the day. Training for something big and raving that high-energy motivation? Or are you keeping it chill with a leisurely, relaxing jog? Whatever the case may be, the right podcast keeps your energy flowing and your mind hooked. This episode of The Bossticks talks allll about this very topic.

Use wireless earbuds for maximum freedom.

Look, we’re not ashamed to admit that we love the nostalgia of wired headphones. But when we’re heading out for a run? We’re going wireless all the way—especially for trail runs. You don’t want to be ducking and dodging limbs just to realize they took your headphones on the way by.

Adjust the volume to stay aware of your surroundings.

SUUUPER important tip here—you need to adjust your podcast volume according to where you’re at. You want it loud enough to enjoy it, but low enough to catch what’s going on around you. Not as important if you live alone and are hitting the treadmill, but definitely a must if you’re in a public place or running outdoors. Safety first, good vibes second. 

Download episodes before you run.

Nothing is more irritating than the dreaded “buffering break.” You know what we’re talking about—where you’re totally immersed in an episode and suddenly it just… stops working. The. WORST. To avoid that, download any episodes you plan on listening to before you head out for a run. This way, your run and your podcast can remain smooth and uninterrupted.

Create a running podcast playlist.

Instead of scouring through each podcast to search for episodes, just create a running playlist! You’ll know that it’s already packed with your favorite hosts, and you won’t have to stop mid-run to shuffle through episodes when the first one has ended. It’s the best way to turn miles into minutes.

Don’t run alone—run with some of these incredible podcast hosts!

Running can seriously feel like a solo experience. Even if you hit the gym with a friend or partner, our fitness journeys, ultimately, are super personal. Some of us are trying to hit our goals, while others need an outlet to release stress and anxiety. Whatever the reason, building a sustainable fitness routine doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Podcasts can motivate, encourage, and enlighten you, all while keeping you company. 

Fitness isn’t the only thing we cover here. For everything related to health and wellness, love life advice, and pop culture updates, head to the Dear Media blog! Let the hosts keep you busy during your runs, and let us keep you busy in your free time. And, of course, you can’t miss out on all the latest products we have in the DM shop. Not only would this “Transform” hat look cute with your workout fit, but it also really speaks to the goals here.