The 20 best well-being audiobooks of 2023

Michelle Obama and her incredible lineup of friends (including Conan O’Brien, Oprah Winfrey, and David Letterman) absolutely wowed me in this inspiring and candid Audible Original series recorded in front of a live audience. While the podcast is based on the former first lady's latest bestselling memoir The Light We Carry, the conversations therein offer fresh insights about love, family, and identity, capturing my attention from one episode to the next. Mrs. Obama's on-stage performance delivered personal stories and valuable insights with her trademark humor, honesty, and empathy, diving into significant topics such as relationships, parenting, and much more. —Rachael X.

After narrating his last bestseller, Think Again, Adam Grant ups the ante by incorporating audio clips of his original interviews with many of his subjects, lending this motivational manifesto that much more authenticity. Can I use the straightforward lessons of the polyglots to suddenly master several foreign languages? Probably not, but by listening to them explain their process (hint: let yourself make mistakes and sound dumb), I've already broadened my mind in the process. Or, as Grant suggests—be a sponge and absorb it all. —Jerry P.

Comedian and actress Maria Bamford (Lady Dynamite, Teenage Euthanasia) has tried everything—12-step programs, How to Win Friends and Influence People, even Richard Simmons—to heal from trauma, manage her mental illnesses, and find a place in the world. In this candid memoir, Bamford invites listeners into her inner life battling the intrusive thoughts brought on by her OCD, making peace with past versions of herself, and navigating a tumultuous journey to self-acceptance. As emotionally challenging as her story is to hear at times, make no mistake—this listen is masterfully designed for audio enjoyment with a unique soundscape and Bamford’s talented voice acting. —R.X.

Arnold Schwarzenegger shares the mental tools that have helped him become the world’s most famous body builder, highest paid actor, and a recognizable celebrity-politician in this surprisingly emotional yet helpful listen. Insights into Schwarzenegger’s personal life and stories cataloging his rise from poverty to fame told in his own iconic voice provide a framework for actionable advice to inspire anyone looking to make change. This performance has replaced my daily mantra with two simple yet effective words: Be useful. —R.X.

Though many find the topic difficult to talk about, death is one of life’s non-negotiables. But like many unthinkable things, the better prepared we are for it, the less frightening a process it has to be. In The In-Between, hospice nurse Hadley Vlahos seeks to demystify death and dying, meditating on meaningful moments from her work in palliative care. Thoughtful and remarkably gentle, this profound, compassionate listen is both a testament to the power of empathy and a tremendous comfort through the grieving process. Vlahos’s storytelling is warmed further by her voice, a sweet Southern inflection that soothes with each syllable. —Alanna M.

Our catalog of listens about longevity boomed in 2023, and Outlive rose above the rest—both in popularity and substance. I was first drawn to Outlive for Dr. Peter Attia's expertise in making the most of your personal health habits and stayed for the captivating performance of science-backed strategies for living a longer and healthier life. With a perfect balance of engaging storytelling and actionable insights, this audiobook empowers listeners to make informed choices and take proactive steps toward optimizing their well-being. —R.X.

As an editor, I'm drawn to details. So, it's no surprise that this next listen caught my attention with its promise that tapping into my senses just might be the key to the happiness I've been searching for. Gretchen Rubin, the bestselling author of The Happiness Project, explores the benefits of connecting to the physical world in Life in Five Senses. Drawing on science, philosophy, and literature, as well as her own experiences, Rubin’s latest listen just might prove that savoring joyful moments is truly the secret to long-term contentment. —R.X.

Esteemed music producer, songwriter, and singer Maejor grabbed my attention in his worthy follow-up to his hit Audible Original, Maejor Frequency. Over the course of 10 kaleidoscopic episodes, Maejor and his cohost, fellow “psychonaut” Natalie Lyla Ginsberg from the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), interview a host of new spirit guides, scientists, wellness gurus, and musicians to unlock inner healing and creativity. Listening to the vivacious undulating sounds of Psychedelic Frequency is a trip in and of itself—no substances required. —R.X.

While unhealthy family dynamics are the fabric of many bingeworthy stories (just head over to our Memoir and Fiction categories), for those grappling with generational trauma, its effects can lead to a lifetime of negative emotions such as shame, guilt, and low-self esteem. Few titles are as important to changing the course of lives as Drama Free by Nedra Glover Tawwab, a licensed therapist and the bestselling author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace. Through her soothing voice and expert advice, Tawwab helps listeners understand and repair relationships with loved ones as well as provides critical advice on when it's time to leave a toxic situation. —R.X.

Record producer Rick Rubin's profound wisdom and expertise dazzled and enlightened me in this standout ode to art. With his authoritatively deep voice and insightful anecdotes, Rubin unlocks a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice for inspiring creativity. Plus, the attention-grabbing sounds carefully placed throughout each chapter kept me grounded in his message. This audiobook is an absolute must-listen for anyone seeking to invoke the Muses and unleash their expressive potential. —R.X.

Despite musing extensively about how the growing backlash against self-care is linked to societal forces like capitalism and racism, I never quite figured out what to call this shift. Anticapitalist wellness? Systemic well-being? Healing in a Sick Society hits it bang on the head. This second installment of the audio series The goop Pursuit features insights from Gabor Maté and Rick Doblin. But the program’s heart is host Will Siu, a psychiatrist who digs deep into how his own mental health struggles have been both unaddressed and amplified by the medical establishment. His compassionate and authentic approach creates a soothing space for absorbing the many “aha” moments within. —Kat J.

My favorite former monk, Jay Shetty, offers a new perspective on relationships in this mind-opening exploration of the heart. Expanding on the messages of kindness and self-reflection that he popularized in his bestseller Think Like a Monk, in 8 Rules of Love he provides a roadmap for every stage of romance—from butterflies to heartbreak and beyond. I was once again captivated by Shetty's delivery, which can only be described as an unhurried, down-to-earth chat with a delightfully unassuming British accent. I hope everyone who's ever cried during a rom-com takes a listen. —R.X.

For parents who long to break the cycles of weight stigma and diet culture that have defined our relationships with our own bodies (not to mention our parents before us), Virginia Sole Smith is a beacon of light. Though the topics she tackles are difficult to confront, Sole’s narration is as encouraging as it is impassioned—we may be outraged, but, as she assures us through voice and words, we are not alone. As a parent, this listen left me feeling empowered to foster my child’s healthy relationship with food and her body as well as inspired to repair and nurture my own. —Sam D.

Mother-daughter duo Susan Tan and Megan Tan won my heart with their unorthodox guide to modern dating for women-of-a-certain-age, told through a series of intimate phone calls, As they explore dating for Boomers, the Tans inspire all of us to have hope when it comes to finding love. Don't just take my word for it. Audible Listener Jan said, "It was about time that someone my age talked about getting back in the game to meet new men. This gave me encouragement to try something new and exciting." And listener CapeCodLady agreed. "I have been in the online dating trenches as a 60+ woman," she shared, "and Susan Tan’s story rings very true for me ... I felt I had a comrade in those dating trenches." —R.X.

By now, Rainn Wilson hardly needs an introduction. Since his breakout role as Dwight Schrute on the legendary sitcom The Office, Wilson has had a steady stream of acting, directing, and producing roles. (He's also, unsurprisingly, one hell of a narrator.) In 2008, Wilson cofounded SoulPancake, a multimedia company built on the philosophy of making the world more spiritually connected. His audiobook Soul Boom gathers together and distills the spiritual lessons he's gleaned through his various projects, with his unmistakable voice as the guide. —Seth H.

I am terrible at running. My best time maxes out somewhere around 5 MPH, distances longer than a quarter mile make me wheeze, and if I didn't stop to drink water every few minutes, I'm convinced I'd collapse on the track. So when I stumbled on Martinus Evans's listen, I downloaded it immediately. What I love most about his story is that he used his adversity as someone struggling with health issues to inspire others who aren't typically considered athletes. Martinus is breaking stigma with humor and truth, a winning combo. This is one running club I'm proud to be a part of. —R.X.

I'll admit, this listen made me blush when I first added it to my Library. Even though I intellectually understand there's nothing shameful about it, on some level the word "sex" still makes me a little uncomfortable—and that's exactly why we need to talk about it more. Thankfully, Emily Morse has done just that ... a lot. In fact, she's compiled insights from thousands of Q&As with people to identify the building blocks of sexual intelligence, clear communication, and pleasure. And after several hours of listening to Dr. Emily's welcoming voice, I'm convinced more people need to hear what she has to say. —R.X.

If you find yourself drained from social interactions, practicing internal monologues while keeping mum during meetings, and needing extra alone time to recharge, then you just might be an introvert. In her Audible Original podcast, comedian Aparna Nancherla interviews fellow successful homebodies—such as social justice advocate Deepa Iyer, social media influencer Elyse Myers, and Late Night host Seth Meyers—to hear how they navigate a world built for extroverts. Through candid conversation and personal insights, this listen changed my perspective on wallflowers, and I hope it'll change yours too. —R.X.

Jeezy's motivational listen blew me away—with well-placed lyrics, straightforward advice, incredible storytelling, and, of course, his star power. The wisdom Jeezy imparts, drawing from his hard-earned lessons, coupled with his considerate reflections on how others can benefit from them, is truly one-of-a-kind. His life journey—from poverty and association with gang members to becoming a successful artist and entrepreneur—offers a unique perspective that somehow manages to resonate universally. Listening to his words, I had several "aha" moments that encouraged me to confront and overcome my own shortcomings. In other words, "I Luv It." —R.X.

The "Millennial Therapist" Sara Kuburic takes a revolutionary approach to self-awareness in It's on Me. Among insightful lessons on boundaries, authenticity, and mental health, she also introduced me to the concept of "self-loss." In her words, shared with us in a recent interview: "Self-loss is being estranged and lacking con­gruence, resonance, and alliance with who we truly are." The way I see it, Kuburic has managed to reveal a new view of loneliness—one that beckons listeners like me to take ownership of our choices and prioritize the decisions that help us lead our most authentic lives. —R.X.