In times of strife and trial we look to inspirational voices for guidance (especially those of us who relish the self-development genre). This enlightening collection of supportive, hopeful, and uplifting titles are sure to add light and optimism to your day.
In this beloved memoir, television mogul Shonda Rhimes chronicles her experiment with being fearless and open to new possibilities. After her sister observed that she declined every opportunity, Rhimes set out to spend a year agreeing to commit instead, even when it meant confronting anxiety and panic. Infectiously written and narrated, Year of Yes shows what happens when you welcome what comes your way instead of fearing it.
When life gets hectic, it can be hard to bring our attention back to what brings us joy. But that's exactly what acclaimed poet Ross Gay does in his bestselling series of lyrical essays, The Book of Delights, and its follow-up, another treasured chronicle of daily wonders documented over the course of a year. As Gay explores everything from hummingbirds and sweet potatoes to his mother's homemade cookies, his exquisite reflections are a roadmap for finding your own gratitude.
In this empowering memoir, the adored Peloton instructor and SPEAK founder Tunde Oyeneyin shares how she transformed grief, setbacks, and flaws into growth, self-confidence, and triumph. Beloved by riders for her unique Tunde-isms, Oyeneyin is now helping listeners push past their limits off the bike. With each step of the SPEAK acronym—Surrender, Power, Empathy, Authenticity, and Knowledge—Oyeneyin shares the lessons she has learned to create an intentional, joyful life so you can too.
David Goggins, former Navy SEAL and renowned endurance athlete, has a world of expertise when it comes to strength and perseverance. He’s been well acquainted with pain and adversity—from poverty and abuse to racism—as well as success. Life is not easy, Goggins stresses, but your decisions and mindset can go a long way toward improving your happiness. If you’re looking for a large dose of inspiration or just a little push, there's no better place to start than with Can't Hurt Me.
The feminist icon bell hooks, who passed away in 2021 at age 69, was one of the world’s most conscientious thinkers on race, sexism, class, and capitalism. Her work was primarily about healing, and All About Love, one of her most enduring works, is no exception. Narrated by January LaVoy, this full-hearted listen offers optimistic and communal solutions to the problem it clearly defines: the dearth of romantic, spiritual, and familial love in a capitalist society.
Tabitha Brown nourishes listeners in this down-to-earth book stuffed with life lessons and some recipes good for the soul and appetite. More than preach, she offers help via her own life experiences, including a struggle with autoimmune chronic pain. For Brown, a good life follows the path of nonjudgmental kindness and love, and with humor and humanity, her title is one that calls for repeat visits as it gets her listeners back on course.
Written and narrated by the author, this engaging memoir covers the first term of Barack Obama's historic presidency. Tracing his journey from his youth, when he first realized he wanted a career in politics, to the White House, Obama lets listeners peek behind the scenes of some of the most pivotal decisions from his first term while ruminating on the powers and limitations of a president. The first volume in Obama's presidential memoirs, A Promised Land is an insightful and engrossing listen.
In this Audible Original podcast, Michelle Obama goes deeper into her memoir, The Light We Carry. Where the audiobook initiated a dialogue with listeners on some of life’s biggest challenges, the podcast explores these themes with Obama's friends and luminaries. With her trademark humor and compassion, the former First Lady elicits vulnerability and insight from guests including Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Tyler Perry in this inspiring series of intimate conversations.
You’ve seen Kevin Hart rule the stand-up circuit. You’ve watched him take over Hollywood. Now he’s going to help you own your monsters. Following his popular titles I Can’t Make This Up and The Decision, Hart shares the practical wisdom he’s gained from a profound, life-changing event. With Monsters and How to Tame Them, Hart reveals how to defeat the negative monsters within our psyches to live our best lives—all wrapped in his signature honesty and hilarious voice.
Ras Baraka’s story is like no other. A child of Newark and the poet Amiri Baraka, his journey continued to Howard University, where he was radicalized by profound Black scholarship. He is a poet, well-versed in hip-hop, and enjoyed success as a school principal. Now, he is a deeply respected mayor of Newark. Co-written by Jelani Cobb, this memoir rich in personal history also offers a unique soundscape befitting of an outstanding figure and his journey.
Best-selling author Brené Brown is widely known for her work in vulnerability and self-development, but its applications haven't always been easily accessible to people of color. With You Are Your Best Thing, activist Tarana Burke joins forces with Brown and writers including Kiese Laymon, Laverne Cox, Jason Reynolds, and more to acknowledge the trauma and shame faced by so many Black people, and create a space to address these hurts and make a better world.
Amanda Gorman’s exquisite collection tells us all that we already knew about the former inaugural poet—she is in a class of her own as she casts her Black girl magic on her magnificent way with words. She addresses the global pandemic with great poignancy, harnessing its collective grief. Formerly titled The Hill We Climb and Other Poems, this luminous poetry collection captures a shipwrecked moment in time and transforms it into a lyric of hope and healing.
As editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue and only the second African American to hold that title at Condé Nast, Elaine Welteroth ushered in a new era of social awareness for young women. In More Than Enough, Welteroth relives her revolutionary leadership at Teen Vogue, adapting her key takeaways from her experience for listeners. Treat yourself to the experience of Welteroth narrating her own book, a performance that brings an extra level of intimacy to an already candid memoir.
We all know John Lewis as an American hero and inspiring activist. In this Grammy Award-winning audiobook, acclaimed actor Don Cheadle narrates a powerful collection of words of wisdom from the late congressman and civil rights champion. Organized by topic ranging from justice, courage, faith, and forgiveness to the protests and the pandemic, Carry On shows what fierce determination looks like and what change needs to occur for the next generations.
Psychiatrist Dr. Jessica Clemons spent years answering Instagram's questions about mental health. With her Audible Original, Be Well, the social media star best known as "Dr. Jess" provides a comprehensive resource and user-friendly guide for anyone looking for answers, with a special focus on making mental health care universally accessible and to reduce stigma associated with mental illness, particularly in the Black community.
Author of the best-selling guide We Should All Be Millionaires, financial guru and self-made millionaire Rachel Rodgers returns with an Audible Original series that's redefining how you plan your year by elevating your game and setting goals like a seven-figure earner. In this wealth-inspiring listening journey, Rodgers reveals the secrets of how to set goals, manage time wisely, build support systems, and increase income, even when starting with limited resources.
Esteemed music producer, songwriter, and singer Maejor grabbed everyone's attention with Psychedelic Frequency. Over the course of 10 kaleidoscopic episodes, Maejor and his cohost, fellow “psychonaut” Natalie Lyla Ginsberg, interview a host of spirit guides, scientists, wellness gurus, and musicians to unlock inner healing and creativity. Listening to the podcast's vivacious, undulating sounds is a trip in and of itself—no substances required.
Best-selling author Ijeoma Oluo's newest audiobook explores the meaningful progress that is being made by antiracist activists. Profiling changemakers in policing, prisons, education, health, housing, and more, Oluo conveys their spirited resistance while providing community models for anyone looking to take their frustration to a place of action. And though their stories often have an undercurrent of burnout and frustration, the most vivid theme running through them is love.
