10 Best Podcasts on Mental Performance

In the world of personal growth and mental performance, podcasts have emerged as one of the most accessible and impactful ways to gain wisdom, inspiration, and practical tools.

I love podcasts, and according to my 2024 Spotify Wrapped I spent almost 7,000 minutes listening to them this year (that’s over 2 hours a week) and I was in the top 2% of listeners worldwide to educational podcasts.

Here are some of the best mental performance podcasts, including standout titles like Finding Mastery, Mind Strong, The Rich Roll Podcast, and Modern Wisdom.

1. Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

My personal favourite. Dr. Michael Gervais, a renowned high-performance psychologist, hosts Finding Mastery, a podcast that dives deep into the minds of world-class performers. Whether it's athletes, CEOs, or artists, Gervais explores the psychological tools and strategies these individuals use to thrive under pressure. Episodes cover topics like mindfulness, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to master their own mental game.

2. Mind Strong by Lewis Hatchett

I know Lewis as we studied together at Bangor for our Performance Psychology MSc and his Mind Strong podcast is excellent. It offers unique insights from his experiences as a professional cricketer and features interviews with athletes, experts and academics providing practical advice on cultivating resilience, mindfulness, and grit. Perfect for listeners who want to harness mental strength to achieve their goals.

4. The Rich Roll Podcast

Rich Roll is a bestselling author, plant-based advocate, and endurance athlete who shares conversations with thought leaders, athletes, and changemakers on his eponymous podcast. While the show covers a broad range of topics, its recurring themes of personal transformation, mental endurance, and the power of habits make it a go-to resource for mental performance enthusiasts.

5. Modern Wisdom with Chris Williamson

Chris Williamson’s Modern Wisdom podcast brings a fresh perspective to personal development and mental performance. Featuring a mix of solo episodes and interviews with leading thinkers, Williamson delves into the science of self-improvement, productivity, and philosophical insights. This podcast is ideal for listeners seeking intellectual stimulation alongside practical advice.

6. The Daily Stoic with Ryan Holiday

For those drawn to timeless wisdom, The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday delivers bite-sized episodes rooted in Stoic philosophy. Holiday’s insights on mindfulness, discipline, and mental fortitude provide a steady source of inspiration for navigating life’s challenges with grace and resilience. The mid-week episodes are super quick, and I listen to them first thing every day when making my kids packed lunches. Then, at the weekend there are longer episodes that dive deeper into Stoicism.

7. Huberman Lab Podcast

Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford, takes a deep dive into the science of the brain and behaviour on the Huberman Lab Podcast. Episodes explore topics like focus, sleep, and the neuroscience of motivation, providing actionable insights backed by cutting-edge research. The episodes tend to be quite long and go into a huge amount of detail, but Dr. Huberman manages to keep them accessible to all.

8. On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Former monk and bestselling author Jay Shetty brings wisdom and mindfulness to the masses through his On Purpose podcast. Featuring conversations with celebrities, thought leaders, and wellness experts, Shetty offers practical advice for living a life aligned with purpose and clarity.

9. High Performance Podcast

Jake Humphrey and Professor Damian Hughes co-host The High Performance Podcast, interviewing athletes, entrepreneurs, and coaches about the mindset and habits that drive success. Each episode provides actionable insights and inspiring stories from elite performers, blending science and personal experiences to help listeners cultivate their own high-performance mindset. Perfect for athletes and anyone striving to achieve their best. I can recommend this one if you’re new to podcasts and want a good introduction. The list of guests they’ve had on is stacked, so take a look through the back catalogue and pick a guest you want to learn more about.

10. The Sport Psych Show

Hosted by Dan Abrahams, a leading sport psychologist, The Sport Psych Show dives into the psychology of sports performance. The podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and experts, focusing on topics like building mental toughness, managing pressure, and creating winning habits. It’s an excellent resource for athletes, coaches, and anyone involved in sports who wants to understand the mental side of competition.

Why Podcasts Are Key to Mental Performance

Podcasts provide a unique opportunity to learn directly from experts, often in a conversational and relatable format. They’re perfect for people with busy lives, as you can listen while commuting, exercising, waking the dog or doing household chores. These curated podcasts cover a wide range of topics, from actionable strategies to profound philosophical insights, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your focus, build resilience, or simply gain new perspectives, these podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge to elevate your mental performance. Dive into these shows, take notes, and most importantly, put what you learn into practice. Your next level awaits!