8 podcasts to help fuel your career aspirations this year

Start making plans.

We’re three months into 2020 and the New Year productivity boost is starting to wear off. The air is still warm, but summer break is well and truly over and we’re falling back into routine.

If you’re anything like me, you’re on the hunt for some serious inspo and motivation to help you thrive this year. So, I’ve curated some podcasts likely to get the job done.

Podcasts are a dime a dozen, but if you stumble upon the right one, it can help change your mindset and switch up your routine for the better.

Here are 10 options, each tailored to a different line of work so you can find the perfect pod to suit your career aspirations.

Happy listening.

The fashion and beauty entrepreneur

If you’re a budding guru of all things fashion and beauty, Pia’s Pod will enhance your knowledge and offer some solid inside stories. It’s hosted by Pia Baroncini, creative director of women’s fashion label @lpa. Her guests range from ‘fashion people’ like designer-entrepreneur Emily Oberg and hairstylist Jen Atkin, to her mother Margit and husband Davide. The podcast also features listener Q&As over cocktails or pasta, so you know it’s going to be good.

The journalist

Are you keen on working in media? Are you a writer? Do you go after breaking news stories like the rest of us chase chocolate-covered donuts? If you answered yes to any of the above, try The Australian’s podcast, Behind the Media. Its host does weekly interviews with writers, presenters, journalists, editors and other figures in the industry. Like the media, it oscillates between having a laugh and keeping it serious, featuring the likes of Hamish and Andy, Mia Freedman, Helen McCabe and Julia Zemiro.

The climate warrior

The realisation that climate change is a serious, immediate threat has shaken most of us over the last few years. If you’re taking up the baton, fighting to make our voices heard and campaigning to prevent climate change (as we all should be), have a listen to Outrage+Optimism. It’s hosted by former UN chief Christina Figueres, political lobbyist and author Tom Rivett-Carnac, and their collaborator Paul Dickinson. As far as climate change podcasts go, this one’s definitely in the big leagues. It features David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg, just in case you don’t believe me.

The filmmaker

So you’re a film buff. If you’re constantly giving friends your expert take on the latest film to hit the box office, you might need a space to get it out of your system – and by that, I mean to fuel your obsession. Here’s what I’ve got for you: The Curzon Film Podcast. Curzon Cinemas is a UK chain of cinemas. Its main fodder is art-house cinema and it has its own own video on demand streaming service. You’ll hear from Bong Joon Ho (Parasite) and Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox), and none other than Quentin Tarantino.

The lawyer

True crime is trending, but if you’re keen to take it further and start working towards a career in law, the podcast you’re after is Law School Toolbox. Whether you’re interested in corporate law, human rights or criminal law, you’ll need to get through law school first. This podcast is hosted by Alison Monahan and Lee Burgess, experts on law school and the bar exam. They give advice on how to get a job while studying and develop skills like legal writing. Some episodes even cover topics like ‘Why are lawyers so unhappy?’ and ‘Networking 101’.

The wellness coach

Being dedicated enough to your health and fitness to sustain a routine for more than a month is no mean feat these days. Between work, study, your social life and family commitments, things can get hectic. If you’re keen to make a career out of helping others manage their wellness, KIC POD is a great podcast to get you inspired. It’s hosted by Steph Claire Smith (of Instagram and G-flip song fame) and Laura Henshaw, the founders of online fitness program Keep It Cleaner.  Episodes cover topics like mental health, fertility, sex ed and gut health. Guests include Bec Judd, G-Flip and Sammy Robinson as well as Laura and Steph’s mums.

The business mogul

If you want to make your fortune by investing, try the Young Investors Podcast. Appropriately, it’s hosted by two young Australian investors, Hamish Hodder and Brandon Van der Kolk. They discuss the best methods and strategies and explain key concepts. Google, Tesla, Apple and Myer are among companies discussed, so you can be sure there’s some worthwhile content – and lucrative business know-how – on offer.

The translator

Learning a language takes time and commitment, but it’s a skill that promises to make your resume sparkle. If you’re something of a polyglot yourself, you might be considering becoming a translator. To brush up on your fluency and pick up new vocabulary, you can use Duolingo’s podcasts in French or Spanish. It’s an easy way to develop your pronunciation, get familiar with the language and grow more confident listening and speaking. Each episode features a true story told in the target language, slowed down a little so it’s easy to follow. The pods also provide some parts in English for context, so you don’t lose track of what’s happening.

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