I listen to a lot of podcasts these days, so I put together a list of my favorite mind-blowing podcast episodes to save you time when deciding whether or not episodes are worth your time.
In this post I’ll share a bit about podcasts, the list of my favorite podcasts, their best episodes, other important listens, my all-time favorites list, and a shameless plug for my personal podcast. Let’s begin!
- What are Podcasts?
- The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE)
- The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
- Actualized.org
- 10% Happier with Dan Harris
- Under the Skin with Russell Brand
- Duncan Trussell Family Hour (DTFH)
- The Tim Ferriss Show
- The Deconstructing Yourself Podcast
- Other Important Listens
- My All-Time Favorites
- Thinking with David Podcast
What Are Podcasts?
For the uninformed, podcasts are on-demand radio shows streamed from the internet and they’ve quickly become one of my favorite passive activities. Here’s why I listen to podcasts:
- I feel smarter. It’s instant access to conversations between the smartest and funniest people on the planet. What’s awesome is that these podcasters also listen to each other’s podcasts.
- There’s something for everyone. Whatever your interests, there’s bound to be a podcast. I listen to podcasts about writing, meditation, and self-improvement.
- It fits into your day. Podcasts fill the in-between times of life. I listen while cooking and during car rides.
- It’s easy to get started. Check the podcasts app on your iPhone. Use Stitcher for Android or otherwise.
Note: I enjoy conversational, unedited podcasts. This means that missing from my list are shows like Serial, S-Town, or any murder mystery types. Just a heads up.
This list will be updated as time unfolds (Last update: 6/30/2020). The links on each episode title below take you directly to the iTunes podcast app. Enjoy!
THE JOE ROGAN EXPERIENCE (JRE)
Joe Rogan has slowly but surely undertaken society’s role as the greatest conversationalist and interviewer of our time, and if not the greatest, at least the most prolific and popular.
His podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, exceeds 1K episodes, which means he’s invested thousands of hours towards deep conversation and 1/3rd of the way to mastery in the realm of idea conversation. His podcast receives 150MM downloads/month, trending at over 1 BILLION downloads/year (stats as of May 2017).
Part of the reason why his podcast is so popular is that it operates in a salon-style format where conversation unfolds organically. Compared to television, traditional interviews, and other highly edited podcasts, salon-style gives guests the chance to explain their ideas in-depth and uninterrupted.
Also, Joe’s platform has become so popular that he’s able to fly out his guests to his California podcast studio for face-to-face conversations. This no doubt improves the content’s quality.
I tend to listen to every third or fourth episode. Episodes tend to range from two to three hours long and release every other day. His guests are diverse and reliably interesting enough to call for frequent listening.
The Must-Listen Episode: #958: Jordan Peterson, Purpose and Meaning
The Best Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) Podcast Episodes:
- #1498: Jon Stewart, Politics & Moving Forward
- #1494: Brett Weinstein, Free Speech & Democracy
- #1492: Jocko Willink, Police Reform
- #1419: Daryl Davis, Confronting Racism through Conversation
- #1171: Nick Yarris, A Wrong Conviction & Surviving Death Row
- #1169: Elon Musk, The Future Is Now
- #1159: Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Science & Rationalism
- #1149: Michael Scott Moore, Surviving Capture from Somali Pirates
- #1137: Duncan Trussell, Reliance on the State
- #1136: Hamilton Morris, Psychedelics & Drugs
- #1127: Jesse Itzler, Living with the Monks
- #1109: Matthew Walker, Sleep, Dreams & Neuroscience
- #1108: Peter Attia, Longevity & Diet
- #1104: Boyan Slat, Ocean Cleanup Project
- #1080: David Goggins, Discipline, Endurance & Human Limits
- #1075: Duncan Trussel, Life, Outer Space & Meditation
- #1073: Steven Pinker, Enlightenment & Progress
- #1070: Jordan Peterson, Free Speech & Responsibility
- #1035: Paul Stamets, Mushrooms and Fungi
- #974: Megan Phelps Roper, Leaving Westboro Baptist Church
- #930: William MacAskill, Effective Altruism
- #812: Russell Brand, Entertaining Philosophical Conversation
- #939: Chris Cage, Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail
THE JORDAN B. PETERSON PODCAST
Jordan Peterson, the author of Maps of Meaning and 12 Rules to Life: An Antidote to Chaos, is a professor at the University of Toronto most well-known for his popular YouTube channel. I’ve written a blog post about how Dr. Peterson’s lectures on the psychological significance of the Bible and other ancient texts broadened my perspective by shedding new light on old stories.
On his podcast, Peterson’s episodes are divided into a few categories: independent lectures, a lecture series on Maps of Meaning (his first book), and a lecture series on the Psychological Significance of the Biblical Stories. I recommend diving into each of them, but before you do, check out the must-listen episode below to get an inspirational taste of his message.
The Must-Listen Episode: #15: How To Change The World
The Best Jordan B. Peterson Podcast Episodes:
- #47: Warren Ferrell, The Absolute Necessity of Fathers
- #18: Psychological Significance of Biblical Stories, #1: Introduction to the Idea of God
- #9: Lecture Series, Maps of Meaning #1 – 3
- #39: Dr. Iain McGilchrist, The Master & His Emissary
- #38: Jordan Peterson, Cathy Newman Interview & Analysis
- #53: Susan Blackmore, Do We Need God to Make Sense of Life?
WAKING UP WITH SAM HARRIS
Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, author (Waking Up, Lying) and avid meditator. He’s a true student of the mind and his background makes him knowledgeable and experienced from both objective and subjective perspectives. What I find most interesting about Sam is that he’s a wonderful communicator. His presence and speech are unparalleled, most evident in his word choice which is often ridiculously precise.
Sam isn’t afraid to discuss controversial topics like religion, politics, and free will, and his logic holds steady even as he moves toward the sharp edges of society’s hot-button topics. That being said, I enjoy the episodes where he discusses more wholesome topics like meditation and technology, which is what I’ve recommended below. Overall, he’s a fascinating listen.
The Must-Listen Episode: #68: Yuval Noah Harari, Reality and the Imagination (start at 12:22)
The Best Waking Up with Sam Harris Podcast Episodes:
- #207, Sam Harris Can We Pull Pull Back From the Brink?
- #138 with Yuval Noah Harari, The Edge of Humanity
- #134 with Colman Huges, Beyond the Politics of Race
- #132 with Chris Voss, Freeing the Hostages
- #129 with Dr. Nina Shapiro, An Insider’s View of Medicine
- #117 with Niall Ferguson, Networks, Power & Chaos
- #113 with Anil Seth, Consciousness and the Self
- #111 with Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson, The Science of Meditation
- #102 with Robert Wright, Is Buddhism True?
- #96 with Thomas Metzinger, The Nature of Consciousness
- #63 with Joseph Goldstein, Why Meditate?
- #71 with Tristan Harris, What is Technology Doing To Us?
ACTUALIZED.ORG
Actualized.org is a self-development platform run by a man named Leo Gura with content dedicated to personal development, self-help, and self-actualization. I only first heard about his content recently, but he’s been creating in-depth content on a weekly basis for the past few years. If you’ve heard of him, it’s likely from YouTube, as he has awesome and memorable marketing with his eye-catching thumbnails.
Leo teaches his audience various topics like meditation, yoga, relationships, life purpose, emotions, the mind, non-duality, and enlightenment. The must-listen episode is about Spiral Dynamics, a data-driven, psychological model on the development of the human psyche (but it won’t be found on his podcast, it’s only on his YouTube channel). I have yet to come into contact with a more powerful and life-changing model that can be applied to individuals, organizations, and societies. Leo’s episodes are long, but they are well worth your time. Enjoy the rabbit hole!
Update: I wrote a lengthy and hopefully useful blog post on Spiral Dynamics. I think this model can help us to reduce our judgments of others, find grains of truth in other worldviews and open our minds and hearts to new ways of thinking and loving. Enjoy!
The Must-Listen Episode: The Grand Model of Psychological Evolution Framework for Human Development (Clare Graves & Spiral Dynamics)
The Best Actualized.org Episodes:
- July 2019: How Authority Works
- August 2018: How Ideology Works
- July 2018: Understanding Recontextualization
- August 2018: Life is a Maze
- April 2018: Understanding Islam
- February 2018: How to Shop for Healthy Food
- December 2017: The Deep Problem of Marketing
- October 2016: The Mechanics of Belief
10% HAPPIER WITH DAN HARRIS
Dan Harris, no relation to the aforementioned Sam, is a self-described fidgety skeptic turned meditator, attributing his meditation practice as the solution for reducing his anxiety and panic attacks. He even wrote a book called 10% Happier about his experience that I really liked.
Dan’s podcast is unique because he brings the top dogs of the meditation world to his podcast, 10% Happier. From Jon Kabbat-Zinn, the man who started the Mindfulness movement, to the Dalai Lama himself, you’ll find practical conversations with some of the world’s deepest practitioners on Dan’s podcast.
The Must-Listen Episode: #07: George Mumford, Flow in Sports and Meditation.
The Best 10% Happier with Dan Harris Podcast Episodes:
- #187: Daniel M. Ingram, Is Enlightenment Possible for Regular People
- #185: Brené Brown, Vulnerability: The Key to Courage
- #145: Light Watkins, Simplify the Approach
- #139: Diana Butler Bass, 100 Days of Gratitude
- #127: Lewis Howes, Former Pro-Athlete on Removing ‘Mask of Masculinity’
- #120: Tim Ferriss, Attending His First Meditation Retreat
- #16: Ali Smith, Teaching Meditation & Yoga to Troubled and At-Risk School Kids
- #71: Sam Harris, Deconstructing Consciousness
- #01: Dalai Lama, Meditation’s Impact on the Brain
- #81: Sharon Salzberg, Real Love
- #82: Cory Muscara, Mindfulness Teacher & Former Monk
UNDER THE SKIN WITH RUSSELL BRAND
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Russell Brand’s content for the last few years. Russell is an author (Recovery: Freedom from our Addictions) Englishman, spiritual romantic, and a visionary with witty and precise vocabulary. He’ll spout off fast-talking poetic, enlightening rants and his comedic influence always makes for solid entertainment. He’s only just started his podcast, but this episode is worth a listen.
The Must-Listen Episode: #005: Yuval Noah Harari, Is Humanity Finished?
The Best Under the Skin with Russell Brand Podcast Episodes:
- #52: Deeyah Khan, How Loving Extremists Will Defeat Hate
- #46: Jordan Peterson, Power vs. Kindness
- #45: Sam Harris, What’s the Biggest Threat to Freedom?
- #37: Ed Stafford, Extreme Survival & Exploring the Mind
- #44: Headspace (with Andy Puddicombe), Could Mass Meditation Change Everything?
- #40: Emma Kenny, How to Be Spiritually Healthy in Damaged Times
DUNCAN TRUSSELL FAMILY HOUR (DTFH)
Duncan Trussell is a man deep into the realms of spirituality, virtual reality, psychedelics, and other crazy stuff.
The DTFH is perhaps the most awesome and goofiest podcast I listen to. I’ve got to hand it to Duncan. Out of all the aforementioned hosts, Duncan is almost always at his most authentic self. He’s very self-aware, embracing his shadow through dark, apocalyptic rants while simultaneously spreading positivity and hope. He’ll be sure to take you aboard whatever recent adventures he’s embarked on whether it’s Burning Man or some random spiritual retreat on some island.
The Must-Listen Episode: #240: Sharon Salzberg, Love, Enlightenment and Shaping the Course of History
The Best Duncan Trussell Family Hour (DTFH) Podcast Episodes:
- June 23, 2019: Johnny Pemberton, Lots of Laughs
- June 9, 2018: Jack Kornfield, Tending to the Garden You Can Touch
- May 24, 2018: Doug Lussenhop, Burning Man & Asps
- April 10, 2018: Aubrey Marcus, Being a Student, Own the Day
- Feb 28, 2018: Jason Silva, Mainlining the Universe & The Problem of Death
- Dec 19, 2017: Steven Kotler, Flow States & Synchronicity
- Aug 8, 2016: Joe Rogan, VR & the Future
- Nov 29, 2016: Drew Carey, Struggle & Meditation
- Jan 14, 2016: Pete Holmes, Home, Boobs & Enlightenment
THE TIM FERRISS SHOW
Tim Ferriss is a human guinea pig and lifestyle experimentalist. His first book The 4-Hour Workweek
had a strong influence on my young mind’s desire to leave my corporate job. I fell deeper into the wonderful Tim Ferriss rabbit hole after he first released his podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, where he deconstructs world-class performers to find the tips, tricks, and techniques they use to excel. If you’re into self-improvement, this podcast is for you. I’ve highlighted a few of my very favorite episodes below.
The Must-Listen Episode: #298: Gabor Mate, New Paradigms, Ayahuasca, & Redefining Addiction
The Best Tim Ferriss Show Podcast Episodes:
- Greg McKeown, How to Master Essentialism
- Stan Grof, Lessons from ~4500 LSD Sessions and Beyond
- Sam Harris, How to Master Your Mind
- Michael Pollan, Exploring the New Science of Psychedelics
- Jack Kornfield, Finding Freedom, Love & Joy in the Present
- Sharon Salzberg, World-Renowned Meditation Teacher
- Brandon Stanton, The Story of Humans of New York and 25M+ Fans
- Solo Episode, One-Person Businesses that Make $1M+ Per Year
- Jamie Foxx, Workout Routines, Success Habits and Untold Hollywood Stories
- Tony Robbins, Achievement vs. Fulfillment
THE DECONSTRUCTING YOURSELF PODCAST
One of my new favorite podcasts, this on the subject of wisdom and insight through meditation. I’ve highlighted a few of my very favorite episodes below.
The Best Deconstructing Yourself Podcast Episodes:
- Loch Kelly — Awareness, Freedom & Mindfulness
- Douglas Tarayn — Meditation, Emotions and the Bio-Emotive Framework
- Daniel Ingram — Doubt, Faith & Fun in Meditation Practice
MORE IMPORTANT LISTENS
I’ve found these via recommendations from others. If you have a recommendation, please send it my way!
- On Being with Krista Tippit, Paulo Coelho — The Alchemy of Pilgrimage
- On Being with Krista Tippit, Bessel van der Kolk — How Trauma Lodges in the Body
- The Aubrey Marcus Podcast, with Gabor Mate — Addiction, Stress, and the Way Out
- Jocko Podcast #98 w/ Jordan Peterson — Breaking Your Wretched Loop
- The Past Weekend w/ Theo Von — Duncan Trussell, Orwellian Jimmy Buffet
- The Past Weekend w/ Theo Von — Jordan Peterson, Light Outweighs Darkness
- H3 Podcast — Bo Burnham, Anxiety & Social Media
- The Rocking Self-Publishing Podcast — Highly recommend for indie writers/self-publishing
- Freakonomics — Fascinating stories rooted in economic research.
THE ALL-TIME FAVORITES LIST
- The Joe Rogan Experience — #958: Jordan Peterson, Purpose & Meaning
- Waking Up with Sam Harriss — #68: Yuval Noah Harari, Reality & the Imagination
- Waking Up with Sam Harriss — #63: Joseph Goldstein, Why Meditate?
- 10% Happier with Dan Harris — #07: George Mumford, Flow in Sports and Meditation
- 10% Happier with Dan Harris — #16: Ali Smith, Teaching Meditation & Yoga to Troubled and At-Risk School Kids
- The Joe Rogan Experience — #930: William MacAskill, Effective Altruism
- The Joe Rogan Experience — #812: Russell Brand, Entertaining Philosophical Conversation
- Under The Skin, Russell Brand — #005: Yuval Noah Harari, Is Humanity Finished?
- Duncan Trussell Family Hour –#240: Sharon Salzberg, Love, Enlightenment & Shaping the Course of History
- 10% Happier with Dan Harris — #71: Sam Harris, Deconstructing Consciousness
- 10% Happier with Dan Harris — #01 Dalai Lama, Meditation’s Impact on the Brain
- The Joe Rogan Experience — #936: Chris Cage, Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail
- Waking Up with Sam Harriss — Tristan Harris, What is Technology Doing To Us
THINKING WITH DAVID PODCAST
In a shameless act of self-promotion, if you share a similar taste in podcast episodes, it’s likely you’ll enjoy my podcast and the topics we cover including meditation, spirituality, religion, psychology, self-help, society, culture, artistry, books, philosophy, thru-hiking and consciousness. I’ve become fascinated with why people believe what they do and the stories we tell ourselves. Guests include long-term meditators, ex-Jehovah’s Witness, bitcoin millionaire, holistic nutritionist, shamaness, nomads, experiments in radical honesty, and much more. Subscribe and let me know your thoughts.
The Must-Listen Episode: #2: Bradley Lovell – Psychedelics, Meditation & Our Inner-Compass
The Best Thinking with David Podcast Episodes:
- Calum Shallenberger, Living into Authenticity
- Christina Dietz, Practical Spirituality
- Alex Skold, Finding Yourself through Craft, Flow & Spirit
- Jake Glenn, The Power of Revelation in Music
- Leslie Prince, Big Change (Hiking the El Camino, Teaching Yoga, Defining Values)
- Mikey Aldape, Bitcoin & Beliefs (The Story of Bitcoin)
- Morgan Molidor, Sustainability, Social Media & Ayahuasca
- Cristina Schooler, Venturing into Business and The Outdoors
If you enjoyed this post please share, comment, and consider following my journey:
Love,
David
PS – You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram.
PSS – I’ve also written a hiking memoir called The Trail Provides with stories and lessons learned from my journey walking 2,650 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail.
If you could only read one piece of my work and never return, check out my post on ending suffering:
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