A year after graduation and a year into my adult life have come with a few learning hurdles and insight. A key factor into my continual search for knowledge and self-improvement is my establishments of tools that provide me with information on how I can continue to improve myself. These tools have also enabled me to stay focused and not get sidetracked by the success of others in my life or on social media. Grounding yourself and surrounding yourself in motivation and inspiration is a key way to stay focused on your entrepreneurial or life goals. Podcasts have been an essential aspect of my self-growth by providing me with topics and aspects of my life to focus on and hone to become a better person. Podcasts are also a good way to gain insight on pop culture, news and insight into people who have succeeded in a field you would like to reach.

Here are 5 podcasts that I recommend:

The Friend Zone: The Friend Zone Podcast is hosted by Francheska Ramsey aka Hey Fran Hey, Dustin Ross, and Assante and it gives a refreshing look into personal wellness. The opening of the show sets the tone as an inside look into “mental health, mental wealth, and mental hygiene, because who in the hell wants a musty brain?”. Segments of the show include responding to listener’s feedback on social media, the wellness segment, the TV Land segment, the music man segment, the listener letter segment, and the black business shout out segment. The podcast provides the perfect mix of fun and insight into your personal growth and if you’re into music a great way to discover new music. Black-owned businesses are also recognized on each episode to encourage community support. Listen here.

The Mattie James Show: The Mattie James Show is hosted by Mattie James who is a style blogger based in Atlanta. Her blog mattiejames.com is a great resource for style, beauty, and lifestyle tips. The Mattie James show as an extension of her brand provides further insight into her experiences blogging, branding and handling a business, as well as answering listener questions. Listen here.

Therapy for Black Girls: Therapy For Black Girls is hosted by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford who is a licensed psychologist in the state of Georgia. Her specialties include working with black women in both individual and couples counseling. Therapy for Black Girls is an extension of her expertise where she creates a space for black women and girls to talk about mental health issues and personal development. Listen here.

Switch, Pivot or Quit: Switch, Pivot or Quit is a women’s empowerment podcast hosted by Ahyiana Angel. Angel’s name is befitting as she uses her experiences as a creator of a jewelry line, author, and publicist to offer encouragement to women looking to make a switch up in their life. Switch, Pivot or quit creates a space where women that want more in their life can gain insight in how to make personal and professional changes. Listen here.

Heart + Hustle: Heart + Hustle is hosted by Angelica Yarde and Charisma Moran. Angelica Yarde is the editor and designer of Studio 404, which is a design blog. In 2014, she launched paper shop Studio 404 that includes greeting cards, note cards and prints. She also co-owns a branding strategy studio with her husband in Florida. Charisma also comes with expertise as the owner of 725 Creative, which is a social media, and branding firm that specializes in working with creative and non-profits. Angelia and Charisma fit their title as hustlers, creatives and entrepreneurs because it is with their skill and experiences that they can provide an inside look into business and relationships with their podcast Heart + Hustle. Listen here.

Hashtags + Stilettos: Hashtags and Stilettos is hosted by Sakita Holley who is the founder and CEO of House of Success. House of Success is a NY based lifestyle PR Firm. Over the years, Sakita has fine-tuned her expertise in the PR world and has created Hashtags + Stilettos to inspire others to reach the same level of success. The podcast provides valuable inside knowledge on business, lifestyle, PR knowledge and features interviews from entrepreneurs. This podcast is for the go-getter with a plan and Hashtags and Stilettos will help guide your plan. Listen here.