The Podcasts That Made Me Smarter, Healthier, and Happier in 2024

Another year has flown by, and podcasts have remained my go-to source for learning, growth, and inspiration. Despite my best intentions to cut back, I found myself diving deeper into my favorite shows, uncovering new insights and ideas along the way.

Since I started listening back in 2017, podcasts have profoundly enriched my life. This year, my focus shifted towards health — learning actionable strategies and putting them into practice has led to tangible improvements in both my well-being and daily routines.

For me, the best time to listen is during outdoor walks or commutes. There’s something about the combination of moving my body in an easy, natural way while actively absorbing new knowledge that feels perfectly balanced — working both body and mind simultaneously.

Interestingly, I rarely listen at the gym (except during cardio) or while working; I find it hard to focus in those situations. For podcasts to truly capture my attention, I need to be physically moving; otherwise, my mind tends to wander.

If you’re new to podcasts, I encourage you to give them a try — especially on a walk. You might even find yourself walking a little longer, just to finish an episode!

The top 5 podcasts I listened to in 2024

Before diving into the top five, let’s take a look at some interesting stats from my podcast journey this year.

This year, I clocked 14,481 minutes of podcast listening — roughly 10 full days of non-stop audio! While it’s a staggering number, it’s still a little less than last year, so technically, I did cut down… just a tiny bit.

Since Spotify tracks total minutes listened and I usually listen at 2x speed, I’ve actually consumed close to 29,000 minutes of content. That’s an insane amount of podcasts.

My go-to genre this year was Business & Technology, and according to Spotify, I’m in the top 1% of listeners. Yes, I’m one of those people.

But enough about stats, what really matters is the value I’ve gained from these hours of listening.

Not much has changed from last year’s list. Four familiar names remain, albeit shuffled around, and one new addition managed to sneak in. So, without further ado, here are my top five podcasts of 2024, ranked from least to most listened to:

5. The Tim Ferriss Show

I’ve been a longtime listener of Tim’s podcast and enjoy most of his episodes. His deep-dive interviews with world-class performers are consistently insightful and inspiring.

This year, The Tim Ferriss Show made its debut on my list, securing the 5th spot.

Here are some episodes I liked.

4. Hidden Brain

I adore this podcast. Hidden Brain helped me uncover patterns in my own decision-making and relationships, making it a deeply reflective and practical listen. Shankar Vedantam masterfully blends science and storytelling to unravel the hidden behaviors and patterns that shape our lives. It’s an incredible resource for self-improvement and understanding how our choices affect our relationships.

Some of my favorite episodes include:

3. The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish

Shane Parrish’s interview series focuses on mastering the lessons that others have already figured out. Whether it’s business, decision-making, or life strategies, each episode feels like a masterclass with leaders in their fields.

Favorite episodes:

2. Lex Fridman Podcast

Lex Fridman’s journey from The Artificial Intelligence Podcast to a broader interview format has been fascinating to follow. His intelligent questions and diverse guests—ranging from scientists and technologists to philosophers and historians—make every episode a learning experience. Topics span everything from consciousness and intelligence to love and power.

Must-listen episodes:

1. Huberman Lab

Huberman Lab, a science-driven podcast where Dr. Andrew Huberman dives into neuroscience and its connection to human behavior. What I love most is how practical and actionable his advice is, whether it’s understanding brain signals or optimizing daily routines.

Unsurprisingly, Huberman Lab topped my list this year. With a strong focus on improving my health, I turned to this podcast for a wealth of actionable insights. Many of the concepts and strategies I’ve adopted as part of my “Pillars of Health” were inspired by the knowledge I gained from listening.

Episodes that left a lasting impression:

Here is the image from Spotify Wrapped

This year’s podcast journey has been packed with knowledge, inspiration, and plenty of “aha” moments. Each show has left its mark, helping me grow in both my personal and professional life.

Reflecting on 2024, I’m amazed at how these podcasts have fueled my curiosity and improved my life. They remind me of the endless opportunities to learn and grow.

Happy listening!

Google Anaytics (functional)

The top 5 podcasts I listened to in 2024#

5. The Tim Ferriss Show#

4. Hidden Brain#

3. The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish#

2. Lex Fridman Podcast#

1. Huberman Lab#