Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

17 Podcasts Worth Taking the 'Longer Way to Get There' Just So You Can Listen Podcasting as a medium allows someone to dive in deep on a specific theme or topic. What's your favorite topic?

By Jess Ekstrom

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

FlamingoImages | Getty Images

Okay, I'll admit it. I sometimes look forward to sitting in traffic or taking a longer commute when I'm into a really good podcast. I once drove five hours and then slowly rolled into my destination because I still had ten more minutes on a podcast I wanted to finish (you can't continue your life when you're just about to find out who did it in a crime podcast!).

Related: How to Start a Podcast With Almost No Money

The beautiful thing about podcasts is the variety of content out there. Whether you're in the mood to laugh, be inspired, learn new business techniques or solve a crime, there's a podcast out there for you.

I love helping women get a microphone in their hands through professional speaking, but podcasting is a different medium: It allows someone to dive in deep on a specific theme or topic and have her own creative free rein to cut it however she'd like, whether that means short, snackable 15-minute episodes or more intensive hour-to-two hourlong episodes. Regardless of the length, in today's digital world, the power of real conversations that podcasts offer, together with authenticity and transparency, is more important than ever.

That said, no matter what kind of mood you're in or what you're looking for, there are some amazing female podcasters out there serving up exactly what you need; and all you need to do is hit "play."

I've rounded up some of my favorites and asked around for recommendations. Grab your headphones and enjoy!

Related: 4 Podcasts That Will Help Boost Your Self-Confidence

For when you need an extra pep in your step…

Happier with Gretchen Rubin, by Panoply

Cultivate Your Life with Lara Casey, by Lara Casey

Earn Your Happy, by Lori Harder

And Especially You, by Hello Sunshine

RISE Podcast, by Rachel Hollis

Do It Scared with Ruth Soukup, by Ruth Soukup

Raise Your Hand Say Yes, by Tiffany Han

For when you want to launch or scale your business…

WorkParty with Jaclyn Johnson, by Dear Media

Don't Keep Your Day Job, by Cathy Heller

Being Boss with Kathleen Shannon & Emily Thompson, by Being Boss

The Goal Digger Podcast, by Jenna Kutcher

Christy Wright's Business Boutique, by Ramsey Solutions

For when you want to focus on your well-being…

Thrive Global Podcast with Arianna Huffington, by iHeartRadio

Love & Light Live, by Ashley Leavy

Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations, by Oprah

Over It & On With It, by Christine Hassler

Nourishing Women Podcast, by Meg Dixon and Victoria Myers

Related: 5 Social Media Podcasts to Take Your Marketing Skills to the Next Level

Jess Ekstrom

CEO and Founder of HeadbandsOfHope.com, Speaker and Author.

Jessica Ekstrom founded Headbands of Hope when she was a senior in college in 2012. She created the company to bring joy back to kids who have lost their hair and help fund childhood cancer research. Headbands of Hope has given tens of thousands of dollars to childhood cancer research and has donated headbands to every children's hospital in the United States.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Growing a Business

Want to Expand Your Market Overseas? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Global Logistics in 2024

With rising geopolitical tensions and changing market conditions it can be hard for businesses to navigate supply chain logistics even in a post-pandemic world. Here are three tips from the CEO of an international customs brokerage.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Elvis Presley's Granddaughter Fights Graceland Foreclosure, Calls Paperwork 'Forgeries'

The 13.8-acre estate was scheduled to be sold in a public foreclosure auction on Thursday. Presley's granddaughter and heir, Riley Keough, is fighting to save Graceland in court.

Business Culture

The Psychological Impact of Recognition on Employee Motivation and Engagement — 3 Key Insights for Leaders

By embedding strategic recognition into their core practices, companies can significantly elevate employee motivation, enhance productivity and cultivate a workplace culture that champions engagement and loyalty.

Business News

Kickstarter Is Opening Up Its Platform to Creators and Making Big Changes to Its Model — Here's What's New

The company noted it is moving beyond traditional crowdfunding and making it easier for businesses to raise more money.