2024’s Best Books and Podcasts: Must Reads and Podcasts to Binge in 2025
Everyone loves a book they just can’t put down or a podcast that is so good you wait for each new episode to air.
2024 was one for the record books in terms of great new novels, memoirs, and inspirational books, but let’s not forget or ignore how many amazing podcasts launched or grew in the past year.
Whether you’re looking for page-turning fiction, soul-nourishing podcasts, or quick escapes between the chaos of motherhood, we’ve curated a list for every moment you can spare as you round things out for 2024 and look forward to 2025. Here are some of the best books and podcasts we couldn’t get enough of this year.
Bite-Sized Bliss: Quick Reads and Easy Listening for Your Coffee Break
There’s nothing better than the accomplishment of finishing an episode or a quick read on your coffee break or while you’re waiting for your kiddos in the pickup line.
Here are some of our favorite bite-sized podcasts and books from 2024.
Short and Sweet Podcasts (15-25 minutes per episode):
Consider This from NPR
Your go-to podcast for staying informed in quick, digestible episodes. With a runtime of just 10-15 minutes, it dives into the day's most pressing news stories, providing context, expert insights, and thoughtful analysis. Perfect for busy listeners, Consider This keeps you up-to-date during your morning coffee, commute, or afternoon break—because staying informed shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
15 Minutes with the Boss
A fast-paced podcast hosted by award-winning journalist Bina Brown. Each episode features candid conversations with top leaders, executives, and trailblazers, offering insights into their careers, challenges, and successes—all in just 15 minutes. With a sharp focus on leadership and ambition, Bina’s thoughtful interviews make this podcast a must-listen for professionals seeking inspiration and actionable advice, especially from powerful voices shaping the business world.
Arielle & Ned’s Daily Tips
A lighthearted and witty podcast where co-hosts Arielle and Ned serve up quick, quirky, and sometimes surprisingly helpful tips to navigate everyday life. From practical advice to laugh-out-loud suggestions, each short episode delivers a fun dose of humor and relatability, making it the perfect listen for anyone who needs a quick pick-me-up or a fresh perspective on the mundane.
Short Reads for the Semi-Committed Bookworm
Wisdom of Wildly Creative Women, by Angela Lomenzo
This photography book celebrates creativity, resilience, and authenticity. It features breathtaking images and powerful interviews with diverse women—artists, musicians, entrepreneurs—who have overcome challenges like depression, loss, and addiction. Their inspiring wisdom encourages readers to embrace individuality, deepen their creative lives, and live authentically. Ideal for those seeking bravery or a thoughtful gift, this book showcases the strength of women’s voices and the beauty of perseverance.
Let There Be Havens, by Liz Bell Young
a heartfelt celebration of gentle hospitality and human connection. Through simple yet profound acts—a door held open, a light turned on, a place thoughtfully prepared—this book reminds us of the beauty in taking care of one another. Whether among strangers or loved ones, it inspires us to create spaces of warmth and belonging where kindness lights the way and every home becomes a haven. A tender call to build trails of beauty, one open door at a time.
The Rest Is Memory, by Lily Tuck
A haunting and powerful novel that brings to life the brief, tragic story of Czeslawa Kwoka, a Polish Catholic teenager imprisoned and murdered at Auschwitz. Inspired by real photographs taken by Wilhelm Brasse, this 144-page work of fiction tenderly imagines Czeslawa’s too-short life while interweaving stark historical footnotes illuminating the unimaginable horrors she faced. Devastating yet beautifully written, this slim novel is a literary resurrection—a stirring, unflinching tribute to innocence lost.
No One Is Talking About This, by Patricia Lockwood
A sharp, genre-defying novel that explores the collision between life online and the stark realities of the offline world. Following a woman whose social media fame consumes her thoughts, the story delves into the absurdity and emptiness of "the portal"—a space dictated by endless scrolling, irony, and collective noise. But when a family crisis forces her to step away, she’s confronted with life’s raw stakes: love, loss, and human connection. Fragmentary yet profound, this quick read is both a meditation on modern existence and a reminder of what truly matters in a fractured, hyperconnected world.
Busy Mom-Friendly Picks: From 5-Minute Escapes to 30-Minute Zen
For the mom who needs an escape or just some inspiration to break up the day, we see you. Here are some of our mom-friendly favorites for a good listen or read.
Mom-Inspired Podcasts
The Mom Hour
A refreshingly relatable podcast filled with practical advice and genuine encouragement for moms at every stage. Hosts Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers, who have eight kids between them, share honest conversations about the ups and downs of parenting—from managing technology to building family traditions. With humor, warmth, and a “we’ve been there” approach, they cover everything from daily mom-life challenges to personal growth beyond parenting. Perfect for moms who need real talk, a little laughter, and the reassurance that they’re not alone.
What Fresh Hell
A hilarious and relatable take on parenting’s toughest moments. Hosts Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson tackle the chaos of motherhood with humor and heart, proving that laughter is the best way to survive the “fresh hell” of parenting. With a unique format—quick listener Q&As on Mondays, deep dives into parenting topics on Wednesdays, and expert interviews on Fridays—this podcast is a must-listen for moms who need advice, insight, and a good laugh.
Mom Enough
A thoughtful and informative podcast co-hosted by Dr. Marti Erickson, a developmental psychologist, and her daughter, Dr. Erin Erickson, a women’s health nurse practitioner specializing in maternal-child health. Together, this dynamic mother-daughter duo explores the challenges and joys of parenting, offering expert insights, research-based advice, and candid conversations to help moms feel supported and empowered on their parenting journey.
Books that Every Busy Mom Needs to Read
Tilt, by Marci Fair
An empowering and practical guide for working mothers navigating the delicate balance of work, family, and personal fulfillment. Drawing from her own experience as a mom of four, Fair offers over 100 guilt-free parenting tips, heartfelt wisdom, and candid reflections, including quotes from her children. Through stories from more than 80 working moms, this book inspires mothers to embrace “imperfectly on purpose” living, focus on what truly matters, and set an example of dreaming big while guiding their little ones. Balance may be impossible, but TILT shows us how to thrive.
Mom Truths, by Catherine Belknap
Best friends Cat and Nat—moms of seven between them—mix memoir, humor, and outrageously honest advice to share what no one else will tell you about parenting. From dodging postpartum sex to surviving endless laundry, they tackle the stress, guilt, and joy of mom life with fearless humor and zero perfectionism. Perfect for moms looking for real talk, belly laughs, and the comforting reminder that you’re already doing a great job.
Everyone But Myself, by Julie Chavez
A funny, honest, and inspiring memoir that feels like a heart-to-heart with a best friend. Written by Julie, an elementary school librarian and mom of two, it recounts her journey through debilitating anxiety, love, loss, and the chaos of modern motherhood. With raw honesty and humor, she shares her struggles—from panic attacks to disastrous family outings—while discovering the joy of a well-lived life. A must-read for overwhelmed moms, this USA TODAY Bestseller is a relatable and hopeful story about finding your way back to yourself.
Your 2024 Growth Toolbox: Books and Podcasts to Level Up Your Life
Have you ever noticed how leaders of life and industry are constantly learning and seeking out opportunities for growth? Whether it’s your bestie who’s always sending you new ideas for inspirational podcasts or your boss who seems to have all the answers and is always reading, these individuals have tuned into the secret to Leveling Up Your Life. It comes down to the power of small and intentional actions for growth.
Podcasts That Will Fuel Your Growth
The Liz Earle Wellbeing Show
Your trusted source for wellness wisdom, featuring insightful conversations with leading experts and familiar voices from the world of health and wellbeing. Covering topics from fitness and gut health to mood and menopause, Liz Earle helps you separate lasting wellness advice from fleeting fads, empowering you to live a healthier, happier life.
The Mel Robins Podcast
A powerful resource for personal growth and development, offering actionable advice and inspiring insights to help you take charge of your life. Hosted by bestselling author Mel Robbins, each episode delivers practical strategies on mindset, habits, and confidence, empowering listeners to overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. Real, relatable, and motivating, this podcast is your go-to for creating positive change.
Happier with Gretchen Rubin
A practical and uplifting podcast that helps you build habits for a happier, more fulfilling life. Hosted by bestselling author Gretchen Rubin and her sister, Elizabeth Craft, the show blends insightful tips, personal stories, and simple strategies to boost your daily happiness. From tackling clutter to improving relationships, each episode offers approachable advice to make life a little brighter—one small change at a time.
Stages of She
A podcast that explores the many seasons of womanhood through candid conversations, shared stories, and practical advice. Co-hosted by Elisabeth (Lis) Thomas – that’s me!, along with Kristina Godfrey and Sara Strasbaugh, the show dives into topics that matter most to women—navigating transitions, embracing growth, and celebrating every stage of life. Warm, relatable, and insightful, it’s the perfect listen for women looking to connect, reflect, and thrive.
Books That Transform & Inspire
Dopamine Nation, by Anna Lembke, M.D.
Explores how modern life overstimulates our brains, flooding us with dopamine and fueling addictive, compulsive behaviors. Lembke argues that intentional abstention, embracing challenges, and creating mindful environments are key to restoring balance and finding true satisfaction. A must-read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the constant highs of modern living.
How to Do the Work, by Dr. Nicole LePera
Creator of the popular Instagram account The Holistic Psychologist—revolutionizes mental health by combining psychology, physical wellness, and spirituality. Frustrated with traditional therapy, she shares a groundbreaking approach to healing and self-awareness, offering practical tools to help you lead a more joyful, authentic life. A must-read for anyone ready to break patterns and take charge of their well-being.
The Discomfort Zone, by Farah Storr
An inspiring guide to embracing challenges and unlocking personal growth. Storr, former Elle UK editor-in-chief, encourages readers to step into “brief moments of discomfort” to uncover their untapped potential. With practical insights and empowering advice, she shows how facing fear can lead to extraordinary possibilities beyond your comfort zone.
Bonus Books & Podcast Picks
Because we can never just pick a few categories, here are some additional podcasts and books you should consider adding to your reading list for the new year!
Best Podcasts for Any Mood
Normal Gossip
hosted by journalist Kelsey McKinney, delivers the delightfully low-stakes drama you didn’t know you needed. Featuring outrageous yet relatable listener-submitted stories, this podcast serves up lukewarm tea that’s as entertaining as it is addictive. Perfect for anyone who’s ever lingered a little too long eavesdropping on strangers, it’s a hilarious and guilt-free escape into the world of everyday gossip.
Fat Mascara
A fun and engaging beauty podcast hosted by beauty editors Jessica Matlin and Jennifer Goldstein. From industry trends and expert advice to their own beauty adventures and behind-the-scenes gossip, this show is a must-listen for beauty lovers looking to learn, laugh, and unwind.
Death, Sex, and Money
a down-to-earth podcast that dives into the topics we often avoid—death, sex, money, and everything in between. Thoughtful and relatable, it offers listeners fresh perspectives on life’s tricky conversations, all without the awkward eye contact.
Books that Won’t Quit
Intermezzo: A Novel, by Sally Rooney
A powerful and exquisitely moving exploration of grief, love, and family. Following two brothers—Peter, a seemingly unshakable Dublin lawyer, and Ivan, a socially awkward chess player—the novel delves into their lives in the aftermath of their father’s death. Rooney masterfully captures a poignant interlude of desire, despair, and possibility as they navigate complex relationships and unexpected connections. Acclaimed worldwide, this is a beautifully written story about how much a life can hold without breaking.
The Most, by Jessica Anthony
A gripping and immersive novel set in 1950s America, following Kathleen Beckett, a former tennis champion turned housewife, who makes an unshakable decision: she enters her apartment complex's swimming pool one morning and refuses to come out. Set over eight riveting hours, as Sputnik 2 soars into space, this tightly wound story peels back the facade of a mid-century marriage, revealing the unspoken truths beneath. A must-read, The Most is a masterful exploration of identity, longing, and quiet defiance.
God of the Woods, by Liz Moore
A riveting family saga and mystery set against the backdrop of a 1975 Adirondack summer camp. When 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar, daughter of the camp’s wealthy owners, vanishes without a trace, her disappearance stirs up dark secrets—especially since her brother disappeared 14 years earlier. As the search intensifies, the novel unravels the complex ties between the privileged Van Laar family and the working-class community in their shadow. Ambitious, gripping, and brilliantly told, this is a story of secrets, survival, and second chances.
Whether you’re sneaking in a few pages at bedtime, tuning into a podcast on your daily walk, or carving out time to focus on growth, this list has you covered.