Whether you admit it or not, chances are, if you own a smartphone, you’ve fallen into the mindless scrolling vortex. We’ve all been there. One minute, you’re checking a single notification; the next, you’re deep in a stranger’s vacation photos from 2017. Or maybe it’s Netflix—just one episode, you tell yourself. But suddenly, it’s 3 AM, and you can’t stop clicking on “Watch Next Episode” while simultaneously scrolling through TikTok. Our brains? Running on autopilot. Our attention spans? Practically non-existent.
If your mind feels sluggish, it’s time for a reset. Instead of feeding the algorithm, why not feed your brain? Podcasts are an easy, screen-free way to break the cycle without investing too much time. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or doing chores, pop your earphones in, et voilà. And we’re not talking about mindless chatter. The right podcasts can sharpen your thinking, spark creativity, and introduce you to ideas you didn’t even know you needed. Here are some that do exactly that.
ACQUIRED
Even if you don’t think you care about business, Acquired will change your mind. This podcast dives deep into how iconic companies—think Nike, Hermès, LVMH, and SpaceX—became global powerhouses. The hosts, Ben Gilbert andDavid Rosenthal break down these success stories with the kind of detail that makes you feel like an insider.
CREATE TOMORROW, THE WGSN PODCAST
If you like knowing what’s next—whether in fashion, tech, or culture—the Create Tomorrow, the WGSN Podcast is a must-listen. WGSN is a trend-forecasting powerhouse, and its podcast delivers sharp insights on what’s shaping industries worldwide. Want to know why Quiet Luxury replaced logo mania? Or how Gen Z is redefining beauty? This is where you get the intel before it hits the mainstream.
THE BUSINESS OF FASHION PODCAST
Fashion is more than just clothes; it’s business, culture, and innovation. The Business of Fashion Podcast offers in-depth conversations with designers, executives, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of fashion. Whether it’s the rise of AI-driven design, sustainability challenges, or the next It-brand, this podcast gives you the insider knowledge you won’t find in a press release.
HOW I BUILT THIS
Ever wondered how billion-dollar brands started as nothing more than an idea? How I Built This with Guy Raz is an inspiring deep dive into the journeys of entrepreneurs who turned their visions into reality. From Spanx to Airbnb, you’ll hear the ups, downs, and near-disasters that shaped their success. If you love hearing about ambition, resilience, and the wild ride of entrepreneurship, this one’s a must.
HUBBERMAN LAB
Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford, makes complex science wildly digestible. Whether he’s explaining how to optimize sleep, improve focus, or increase motivation, he backs everything with actual research (not just self-help fluff). Huberman Lab is for anyone who wants to function at their highest level, minus the pseudoscience.
THE DIARY OF A CEO
Steven Bartlett doesn’t do small talk. His interviews with CEOs, athletes, and creatives go deep, unpacking not just their success but their failures, insecurities, and what really drives them. Expect raw, unfiltered conversations with big names like Richard Branson and Mel Robbins. If you need motivation with a side of brutal honesty, this one’s for you.
HIDDEN BRAIN
Ever wonder why people make the choices they do? Hidden Brain mixes psychology, storytelling, and science to explain the invisible forces that shape our behavior. Host Shankar Vedantam has a gift for making big ideas feel personal and relatable. Whether it’s decision-making, happiness, or relationships, you’ll walk away seeing the world (and yourself) differently.
SMARTLESS
Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett have mastered the art of the casual-yet-brilliant interview. SmartLess is part comedy, part deep-dive, and 100% entertaining. One host invites a surprise guest—think Obama, Matt Damon, or Billie Eilish—while the others go in blind. The result? Conversations that feel refreshingly real and often hilarious.
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