Between major cultural and technological shifts and the ongoing challenges of day-to-day life, well-being continued to be a necessary priority this year. To support you on your personal journey, we searched for the top titles by experts in health, wellness, and motivation—whether you're saving up for a financial goal, strengthening your relationships, or just taking deep breaths and pressing on. Below, you’ll find some of the most entertaining, surprising, and engaging listens of 2024 to help you build and maintain your best life.
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Dr. Ramani Durvasula's It's Not You offers invaluable insights into navigating narcissistic relationships. Drawing from over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Durvasula (a.k.a. "Dr. Ramani" for those of us who follow her on social media) provides practical strategies for identifying toxic behaviors and protecting oneself from emotional harm. Her down-to-earth approach makes intricate psychological concepts accessible, empowering listeners to set healthy boundaries, overcome gaslighting, and reclaim their sense of self. This audiobook is particularly crucial for those grappling with self-doubt in challenging relationships, offering a path to healing and self-empowerment. It's Not You is an essential resource for anyone seeking to break free from narcissistic abuse and foster healthier interpersonal dynamics. —Rachael X.
Charles Duhigg rocked my world eight years ago when I first listened to The Power of Habit. I was just starting out in my career then, and the things I learned about habit from him shaped my working life. In Supercommunicators, Duhigg again does what he does best: He shows you what you already knew but didn’t realize, and then he tells you how to harness those skills. This time, it’s about communication, something we could all stand to get better at in our divided world. I can see how the lessons I’ve learned here will help me in my career for the next 10 years and beyond. Plus, he narrates it himself this time, so I think his communication comes through all the more clearly. To hear more from Charles Duhigg, listen in to our interview. —Melissa B.
A visionary to the end, legendary sex therapist Dr. Ruth Weistheimer left us with one final gift before, sadly, passing away earlier this year. This time, the diminutive force of nature set her sights on loneliness—and why not? Like sexual dysfunction, loneliness is mired in shame, and it’s an epidemic that continues to grow despite tech-enabled “connectivity” that often has the opposite effect. Knowing that meaningful relationships are the most foundational marker of human happiness, Westheimer deploys her famous matter-of-fact style to come up with 100 ways to foster connection, delivered in this engaging audiobook by narrator Tovah Feldshuh alongside contributors Allison Gilbert and Pierre Lehu. —Kat J.
Jamie Kern Lima is the founder and CEO of the billion-dollar brand IT Cosmetics. Getting her start as a Denny's waitress who struggled with her personal-image, Lima knows firsthand how self-worth impacts success. In her relatable and down-to-earth listen Worthy, Lima offers 20 life-changing steps to boost self-worth, break through barriers, and achieve your goals—even those you've been unintentionally sabotaging. Worthy delivers numerous "a-ha" moments, including insights on the crucial difference between self-confidence and self-worth. I also personally spoke to Lima and was even more inspired by her presence IRL. This audiobook is perfect for those who know what they want but struggle to overcome self-imposed limitations. —RX
The year may be coming to a close but just in case you didn't reach your 7-figure-salary goal, now is the perfect time to listen to one of our favorite personal finance titles of 2024. Rachel Rodgers's Audible Original Plan Your Year Like a Millionaire is a game-changing audiobook for those seeking financial empowerment. With her no-nonsense approach, Rodgers delivers strategies for goal-setting, time management, and wealth creation. Her expertise shines as she guides listeners through breaking financial barriers and making smart money decisions. This audiobook is a must-listen for anyone ready to elevate their financial game and embrace a millionaire mindset. —RX
Oliver Burkeman's Meditations for Mortals offers a refreshing approach to life's fundamental questions. Particularly appealing to newcomers or skeptics of traditional self-help, Burkeman's "imperfectionism" philosophy provides practical guidance for navigating daily challenges. His messaging and narration make complex ideas accessible and relatable. Through a blend of philosophical insights and actionable advice, Burkeman tackles topics like time management, decision-making, and embracing limitations. This audiobook serves as both a four-week mental retreat and a quick dive into living more fully, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking a more meaningful, realistic approach to personal growth. I also had a chance to talk with Burkeman in depth about Meditations for Mortals and the strategies he uses to stay sane in these frenetic times. To hear more from Oliver Burkeman, listen in to our interview. —RX
If you’re on a spiritual journey, Sage the House Down is a must-listen. Hosts William Sinclair Moore and Paige Gilbert bring enlightening conversations with dynamic healers covering diverse topics like astrology, shadow work, and ancestor veneration. Their infectious energy and fresh perspective will inspire listeners to approach spirituality with joy, authenticity, and a newfound sense of balance—not to mention that it has one of the most engaging soundscapes of any of the well-being listens I heard this year. Whether you're new to wellness or a seasoned practitioner, this delightful podcast offers valuable tools to "sage your house down, brick by brick." —RX
If there's one title that resonated the most with me this year, it's Sahaj Kaur Kohli's But What Will People Say? Written specifically for adult children of immigrants, Kohli's culturally aware insights on mental health and well-being offer more effective strategies for second-generation Americans who have struggled with traditionally Eurocentric therapeutic approaches to setting boundaries, navigating therapy, and communicating with loved ones. Building on her work as the founder of “Brown Girl Therapy” and utilizing hard-won insights from her own self-development journey as the child of Indian immigrants, Kohli’s revolutionary approach focuses on community-based healing, decolonizing therapy, and meeting her audiences where they are. Her insights and her comforting voice are what earn it a spot among the best of 2024. —RX.
This year, there was one title that repeatedly managed to come up in conversation, especially for parents of tweens and teens. Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation is a crucial audiobook for 2024, offering a comprehensive analysis of the youth mental health crisis in the digital age. With expert narration by Sean Pratt, Haidt presents compelling evidence on how smartphones and social media have reshaped childhood, impacting mental well-being. This thought-provoking listen provides essential insights for parents, educators, and policymakers, offering practical solutions to restore healthier, more balanced childhoods in our tech-driven world. —KJ
Benefits with Friends stands out as one of 2024's best well-being podcasts, featuring the dynamic duo of comedians Mae Martin and Sabrina Jalees. This audio experience feels like sitting in on an intimate, judgment-free conversation between two hilarious best friends. With over 20 years of friendship, Mae and Sabrina tackle taboo topics that are often avoided in polite company but are crucial for deepening friendships. From sex and money to religion and shame, they explore these subjects with candor, humor, and insight. Their engaging discussions redefine what it means to truly connect with a best friend. This podcast is both entertaining and enlightening, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking to enrich their friendships and personal growth. —RX
