Today, I’m delighted to bring to you the 5 podcasts I believe you must listen to if personal and professional growth are important to you.

As I finished putting this list together, I realized all five happen to be hosted by authors. Go figure. It honestly wasn’t intentional on my part, but it doesn’t surprise me one bit. As you probably know, I consider today’s business book authors to be among our brightest minds.

So, in no particular order, here are five podcasts I strongly believe to be worthy of your time especially if you consider personal and professional growth a priority.

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48 Days Online Radio Show – Hosted by New York Times bestselling author Dan Miller

Dan has appeared twice on my show, most recently on episode #067. His first appearance was in our very first episode ever.

He has authored several books, his most popular no doubt is 48 Days to the Work You Love. Each and every week on The 48 Days Online Radio Show, which releases every Friday morning, Dan spends much of the show answering questions sent in via e-mail from listeners about, of course, finding the work you love.

If that’s something  you’re attempting to do – and maybe struggling with a bit – I highly recommend Dan’s podcast.

This is Your Life – Hosted by New York Times bestselling author Michael Hyatt with Michelle Cushatt

I’ve listened to This is Your Life since it first launched over three years ago. Michael desire is to help “high achievers acquire the leadership skills necessary to win at work, succeed in life, and reach their potential.” He is also the former Chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, and now writes, speaks, and coaches full-time.

On the show, and his blog, Michael talks about topics related to personal development, productivity, leadership, platform-building, publishing and more. If Michael’s 500,000+ subscribers are any indication, his content is well worth your time.

The Portfolio Life – Hosted by bestselling author Jeff Goins with Andy Traub

The Portfolio Life is the youngest on the list at about a year. Jeff specializes in helping your work get the attention it deserves; things like learning how to build an audience of over 100,000 blog readers in 18 months, what it takes to turn pro, and how to make a difference with your message.

Jeff says that finding your calling is not just one thing, it’s a few things, or, what he calls the portfolio life. Jeff also has the distinction of being the only person featured on this list who has interviewed with me for a job. He didn’t get it. You might say I’m single-handedly responsible for his success.

The Accidental Creative – Hosted by author Todd Henry

This is the oldest podcast on the list and the one I’ve been listening to the longest. In fact, I’ve been listening to The Accidental Creative since about 2007, when I first started consuming podcasts. Todd, like Jeff Goins and Dan Miller, has also been a guest on the show way back on episode #017.

Todd says that “for creative pros, the pressures continue to mount to produce better work faster.” We live in an on-demand world after all. The Accidental Creative podcast shares how to build practical, every-day practices that help you stay prolific, brilliant and healthy in life and in work.

Todd does a mix of solo shows along with interviews of artists, authors and business leaders like Seth Godin, David Allen and Steven Pressfield, and offers tips on how to thrive in life and in work.

The Ray Edwards Show – Hosted by Ray Edwards

The Ray Edwards Show is probably my personal favorite, in part because Ray’s background (radio) is quite similar to mine. You might say I have a bit of a man crush on Ray Edwards.

Ray has had the privilege of working as a communications strategist and copy writer for some of the most powerful voices in leadership and business. His clients include the likes of New York Times bestselling author Tony Robbins, Chicken Soup for the Soul authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen and Jeff Walker.

Ray has written three books of his own and runs what he calls a “Lifestyle Business” and says, “You can too!” The show is designed for small business owners and those who want to start a business. And Ray says, “God created you to be an entrepreneur. You were born for this and I was born to help.”

Chances are you’ve heard of some of these but I’m willing to bet a few are new to you. Regardless, I highly recommend each and every one.

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Finally, thanks for listening and remember, “Leaders read and readers lead.”

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