DPG CIPD LOGO

The 7 Best Podcasts To Brighten Your Summer

Whether you're lounging on a sunbed, waiting in an airport queue, or just pretending it’s dry during a rainy UK afternoon, there's one thing that makes any of these moments better: a good podcast.

From laugh-out-loud comedy, to chilled out conversations that feel like catching up with old friends, podcasts are the ultimate on-the-go summer companion.

So, if you’re on the hunt for something new to this season, we’ve pulled together 7 of the best summer podcasts to keep you entertained in the hot sun (or lack thereof!).

Scroll on, press play, and get started…

 

1) Squiggly Careers

 

Founded by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis, Squiggly Careers is a podcast designed to act as your very own supportive mentor; through the ups, downs, and sideways ventures that come with navigating the world of work.

Providing listeners with tips, tricks, tools, and techniques that are actionable, the pair aim for their audience to finish a podcast episode feeling better equipped and more in control of their careers than they were before.

Each episode covers a different topic or theme, with Helen and Sarah often inviting entrepreneurs, philanthropists, authors, neuroscience experts and thought leaders in their funny, warm and personable discussions.

If you're looking for something thoughtful, inspiring, and genuinely useful to plug into this summer, Squiggly Careers is well worth a spot on your playlist.

Hit play on: “Why Finding your Purpose Might be Holding you Back” and “How to Focus on Outcomes to Reduce Overwhelm

Find Squiggly Careers on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, AmazingIf.com

 

2) Side Hustle Pro

These days, 43% of the UK population is earning extra income through side hustles, and it’s clear to see why! From creative freedom and extra cash to the chance to develop new skills, the benefits speak for themselves.

If you’ve been trying to find some inspiration of your own on this front, The Side Hustle Pro, hosted by the incredibly relatable Nicaila Mathews Okemo, is your go-to podcast for turning ideas, dreams and concepts into successful businesses.

Shining a light on Black female entrepreneurs, you can expect episodes fueled by real stories of what it is to build a side hustle from scratch. Plus, with plenty of smart, actionable advice and inspiring input from those who have done it first, each episode is like a catch-up with a friend that you don’t want to miss!

Listeners have praised Nicaila for her passion for storytelling, as well as her commitment to showcasing the experiences of underrepresented minorities and people of colour.

Hit play on: “Done is better than Perfect”, and “Master the Gram Challenge to Kick Off 2025!”

Find Side Hustle Pro on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SideHustlePro.com

 

3) Slaycation: True Crimes Murders & Twisted Vacations

 

Equal parts chilling and hilarious, Slaycation takes true crime to unexpected places- literally.

Hosted by a crime enthusiast, a comedy writer, and an Emmy-nominated TV producer, this sharp and twisted podcast unpacks real murders and mysterious deaths that happened during holidays! How fitting!

Each episode unpacks wild cases, from honeymoon tragedies and suspicious disappearances to twisted travel insurance schemes. It's gripping, clever, and just unsettling enough to make you rethink your next getaway.

And if real life whodunits is your thing, also check out our Study Break: Our Top 9 True Crime Podcasts for the Spooky Season” blog.

Hit play on: “A Hiking Not to Our Liking” and “There’s Something Troublin’ In Dublin”.

Find Slaycation: True Crimes, Murders and Twisted Vacations on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Slaycation.wtf.

 

4) The Good Life Project

We’re constantly reminded that our health and wellbeing matter; that true success is about creating a life of balance. However, amid climbing the career ladder and rallying your team toward the next big win, achieving that balance can feel nearly impossible.

This is where The Good Life Project podcast comes into play.

Host, author and entrepreneur, Jonathan Fields, is like a breath of fresh air for anyone looking to unplug, unwind and reset (in our humble opinion).

Each episode is thought-provoking (without making your head hurt!), packed with discussions about what it really means to live a good life.

You can expect stories and insights from authors, researchers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and wellness leaders, exploring themes like happiness, resilience, creativity, connection, purpose, and meaning.

Not just your classic self-help podcast, The Good Life Project encourages listeners to be curious, intentional and, most importantly, kind to themselves. Jonathan doesn’t promise quick fixes or rushed solutions either but instead, thoughtful reflections.

Perfect for summer days that call for something nurturing, not overwhelming.

With over 800 episodes, there’s something for everyone, making this podcast one that deserves a top spot on your summer playlist.

Hit play on: “Escaping survival mode: Rewiring Stress & Overwhelm” and “Can a Few Simple Words Really Change Your Life? | Gretchen Rubin”

Find The Good Life Project on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

 

5) Meditative Story

 

Aiming to bring an alternative approach to mindfulness, the Meditative Story podcast is perfect for calming that nervous system!

Hosted by Rohan Gunatillake, and featuring guests like astronauts and artists, the podcast aims to invite listeners to be as present as possible, while removing the pressure and preachiness that can sometimes come along with meditation.

Meditation can literally change your brain, is clinically proven to reduce stress and directly supports emotional regulation. However, getting started and training your brain to be instead of do, can be challenging.

The good news is, if you’re already in a relaxed state from your summer holidays, you could make the most of it with this great podcast.

Each episode of Meditative Story is made up of real storytelling, combined with soft mindfulness prompts and a relaxing soundtrack, creating a sensory experience that acts as part podcast, part guided meditation.

Hit play on: “Learning to heal by learning to feel, by Niall Breslin” and “Rewrite your inner monologue, by Kim Fields”

Find the Meditative Story on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music

 

6) The Clopen Effect

If you’ve ever had the joy (or chaos) of working in retail – or any customer-facing role – The Clopen Effect will be your new favourite podcast.

Hosts, Meredith and Cassandra, have created a lighthearted series that dives into the real, raw, and sometimes just crazy truths of what it is to work with the general public.

With sharp wit, and a healthy dose of “retail therapy,” these women share stories from the front lines of the service industry, shining a comical light on the behind-the-scenes moments that most people never see!

Whether it's difficult customers, troubled co-workers or the odd joys of the “clopen” shift (to close one night and then open the next), this podcast has been described by listeners as relatable and surprisingly comforting.

Hit play on: “The Do’s and Don’ts of Virtual Meetings” and “The Depresso Expresso Episode

Find The Clopen Effect on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

 

7) No Stupid Questions

 

Hosted by behavioural scientists, Stephen Dubner and Angela Duckworth (author of book, Grit!), this podcast dives into challenging questions about human behaviour, decision-making, and the quirks of life and work.

With a fun, conversational style, the pair explore topics like motivation, happiness, mental health, and how we navigate careers and purpose.

It’s perfect for anyone curious about why we do what we do, offering fresh insights to help you think differently about your work, wellbeing, and personal growth.

If you’ve tuned in to any of the podcasts we’ve mentioned so far, and enjoyed them, this one’s a smart, entertaining addition that deserves a spot on that playlist.

Hit play on: “How Much of Your Life Can You Actually Control?”, and “Do Checklists Make People Stupid?

Find No Stupid Questions on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music

Podcasts to Power Your Summer – No Matter Where You Are

 

We hope these podcasts don’t just kill some time for you this summer, but that they lift your mood, expand your perspective, and welcome a bit of humour to your day.

With topics spanning career growth, wellbeing, entrepreneurship, and retail hilarity, they’re perfect for professionals looking to unwind, re-charge and perhaps learn a thing or two along the way.

 

For skills that get you noticed, enrol on a 100% online qualification with DPG today.

Get in touch with us now

If the form below does not load, please email your enquiry to courses@dpglearn.co.uk and we will get back to you shortly.

Reason for enquiry