I’m Kayla Sox. I’m a mom, a project wrangler at work, and a repeat quitter of early morning yoga. I listen to podcasts while I fold towels, walk the dog, and wait in the car line. Some shows made me feel calm. Some gave me tools. A few? Fell flat.
Here’s the thing: I didn’t need big, fancy changes. I needed small wins I’d actually do. So I tested these shows for a month. You know what? A few stuck.
If you’d rather jump straight to a bite-size recap—complete with time stamps, favorite quotes, and the one episode I still replay on sleepy Tuesday mornings—you can skim my full field notes on the 7 shows in this dedicated rundown of self-help podcasts for women.
Before we dive in, a quick pit stop at HowMuchJoy.com will hand you bite-size prompts for claiming more daily joy—an easy complement to the podcasts below.
How I listen (the real-life way)
- I use Apple Podcasts on my phone. Sometimes Spotify.
- I play at 1.2x speed. I skip ads with the 30-second button.
- I set a “15-minute rule.” If I’m not into it, I switch. No guilt.
Now, the shows. With real examples from my messy life.
Quick picks if you’re in a rush
- Best for honest feelings: We Can Do Hard Things
- Best for a pep talk that actually moves you: The Mel Robbins Podcast
- Best for mental health you can use today: Therapy for Black Girls
- Best for money confidence: HerMoney with Jean Chatzky
- Best for simple habits: Happier with Gretchen Rubin
- Best for work and boundaries: Dare to Lead with Brené Brown
- Best for gentle wellness: Balanced Black Girl
We Can Do Hard Things — Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle
This one feels like sitting at a kitchen table with sisters. They talk about anxiety, parenting, sex, and rest. Real talk. Not shiny.
After one candid episode about reclaiming sexual agency, I poked around for more resources and stumbled on this straightforward rundown of why live cam experiences can sometimes feel healthier than a so-so bedroom encounter—it breaks down safety, consent, and self-confidence boosters in a quick read if you’re curious.
Curiosity about alternative relationship frameworks led me further down the rabbit hole; for women weighing the pros and cons of entering a mutually beneficial “sugar” arrangement in Ohio, this Columbus-specific guide at OneNightAffair lays out how matchmaking sites work, what safety steps to take, and how to set crystal-clear boundaries before any first date.
If you want to browse past conversations or check show notes, the official archive lives at We Can Do Hard Things.
One night, I listened while chopping onions. They were talking about telling the truth about your needs. I paused the show and wrote a tiny script in my Notes app: “I need 30 minutes alone after work.” The next day, I actually said it. My house did not fall apart. My stress dipped. I cried, then laughed at myself.
What I love:
- Honest stories that feel safe
- Clear language I can use
What bugs me:
- Episodes can run long. I break them into two walks.
The Mel Robbins Podcast — big energy, clear steps
Mel is loud, fast, and very “let’s go.” Some days, I need that. Her “Let Them Theory” episode made me stop chasing people who don’t text back. At my niece’s soccer game, a friend ghosted me on plans. I whispered, “Let them,” and watched the kids instead. My mood stayed steady. That felt new.
What I love:
- Simple tools: 5-4-3-2-1 to start, “Let them” to let go
- She repeats key ideas so they stick
What bugs me:
- Long intros and lots of ads. I use the skip button.
Therapy for Black Girls — Dr. Joy Harden Bradford
This show centers Black women and mental health. I’m grateful for that focus. The advice is kind and clear, and I learn a lot.
You can also explore episode guides and resources directly on the Therapy for Black Girls homepage.
One episode walked through a grounding method using your five senses. I tried it in a busy grocery store when I felt spinny. I named five things I could see (apples, a blue sign, a shopping cart…). My heart slowed down. I finished my list without rushing.
If you prefer turning pages to popping in earbuds, I also ran a side experiment with fresh titles from my nightstand—here’s what actually landed in my roundup of self-help books for Black women.
What I love:
- Gentle tone, real tools
- Guests who know their stuff
Heads-up:
- If therapy talk feels heavy, pick lighter topics first. The show notes help.
HerMoney with Jean Chatzky — money that feels human
Money used to make me want to hide. This show helped me face it without shame. I used their simple plan to bump my 401(k) by 1%. Tiny step. Big grown-up feeling. I also made a “fun money” envelope after an episode on spending with joy. I bought myself bright socks. Small joy, real lift.
What I love:
- Clear tips. No jargon storm.
- Real talk on debt, pay, and goals
What bugs me:
- Some episodes feel like radio news. A bit stiff. I still learn.
Happier with Gretchen Rubin — small habits that stack
Gretchen and her sister, Elizabeth, share tips that fit in pockets of time. The “one-minute rule” changed my mornings. If it takes one minute, do it now. I hang my coat, toss junk mail, and reply to one email. My kitchen looks less like a tornado hit it.
What I love:
- Easy ideas I don’t fight
- The “gold star” segment is corny, but sweet
What bugs me:
- It can get chatty. I’m fine with that on laundry day.
Dare to Lead with Brené Brown — feelings at work (yes, really)
When my team got prickly over who does what, I used a Brené line: “The story I’m telling myself is…” It opened the room. We named the worry. We set a clear next step. No blame game. This show helps me speak up without being sharp.
What I love:
- Language for hard talks
- Deep, steady vibe
What bugs me:
- Long episodes. I treat them like a class and take notes.
Balanced Black Girl — gentle, grounded wellness with Les Alfred
This show is calm. No hustle pressure. I took one idea to heart: “Move your body with kindness.” I stopped the all-or-nothing gym plan. I now stretch for 10 minutes while the pasta boils. My hips feel better. My mind does too.
What I love:
- Thoughtful chats on rest, food, and strength
- Guests who bring lived experience
Heads-up:
- You may want to skip around by topic. I do.
By the way, if your wellness routine spills onto the court, I also tried (and stuffed with snacks) a stack of accessory options—my verdict is in this review of the best pickleball bags for women.
What didn’t work for me
- Too much woo-woo with no steps. I need “how,” not just vibes.
- Long ad blocks. I skip and don’t feel bad.
- Shows that feel like a friend but never get to the point. Tell me what to try.
My simple podcast routine (steal it if you want)
- Pick one episode tied to a feeling I have today: money stress, low energy, hard talk.
- Give it 15 minutes. Switch if it doesn’t hit.
- Try one tiny thing the same day. Script, rule, or tip.
- Note wins in my phone. Short lines: “One-minute rule worked,” “Let them, soccer game.”
Final take: who each show is for
- We Can Do Hard Things: when you need honest care and words for feelings
- The Mel Robbins Podcast: when you want a push and a plan
- Therapy for Black Girls: when you want mental health tools centered on Black women
- HerMoney: when cash talk makes your tummy flip
- Happier with Gretchen Rubin: when you crave simple, steady habits
- Dare to Lead: when work needs bravery and clear talk
- Balanced Black Girl: when you want wellness with softness, not shame
You don’t need every show. Pick one that fits your day. Try one tiny thing. Then another. Change shows up quiet like that.
And if you see a woman in the car line smiling at nothing? That’s me, nodding along with my earbuds in, saving one small piece of my day.