Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development & Self-Improvement

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Join award-winning audiobook narrator Justin Malik in this personal growth accelerator, delivering bite-sized episodes each day that are rich with wisdom and practical advice. Optimal Living Daily features a carefully selected mix of articles from some of the most influential voices in self-help, covering topics like minimalism, productivity, mental health, and personal development. Each episode is thoughtfully narrated to not only inform but also inspire you to make meaningful changes in your life.Whether you're seeking motivation, clarity, or strategies to enhance your daily life, Optimal Living Daily is your go-to source for personal development. It’s not just a podcast; it’s a daily habit that empowers you to live your best life, one insightful and uplifting episode at a time. Dive into episodes that cover the essence of self-help, minimalism, and self-improvement, offering actionable steps to foster personal development.This podcast is designed for those passionate about personal development and minimalism, looking to integrate self-help strategies and self-improvement techniques into their daily routines. By focusing on personal development, each episode provides you with the tools needed for self-improvement and minimalism, transforming your life with every listen.Listen now, and become an OLD friend--your optimal life awaits...

Recent Episodes
  • 3632: [Part 2] Overwhelmed? Eliminate Work by Reorganizing It by Tyler Tervooren of Riskology
    Jun 14, 2025 – 11:09
  • 3631: [Part 1] Overwhelmed? Eliminate Work by Reorganizing It by Tyler Tervooren of Riskology
    Jun 13, 2025 – 09:44
  • 3630: The Power of Timers by Rose Lounsbury on Boosting Productivity and Reducing Stress
    Jun 12, 2025 – 10:22
  • 3629: The 80/20 Principle and How It Can Change Your Life by Mark Manson on Personal and Professional Growth
    Jun 11, 2025 – 10:47
  • 3628: Proof by Steve Pavlina on Personal Growth and Intentional Living
    Jun 10, 2025 – 10:36
  • 3627: How to Transform Your Life Without A Fairy Godmother by Angela with Break The Twitch
    Jun 9, 2025 – 10:11
  • 3626: What You Can Do If You Are a Nobody by James Altucher on Creativity and Idea Generation
    Jun 8, 2025 – 12:08
  • 3625: 10 Toxic Personalities Living Inside You by Marc Chernoff on Self-Compassion and Emotional Maturity
    Jun 8, 2025 – 10:29
  • 3624: How To Break Old Habits Before They Break You by Rosalyn Palmer on Personal Development
    Jun 7, 2025 – 10:55
  • 3623: Letting Go Of The Past: Always Look At What You Have Left by Allison Carmen on Gratitude and Mindfulness
    Jun 6, 2025 – 10:26
  • 3622: Shifting Perspective as a Wellness Strategy by Kathy Robinson of Athena Wellness on How to Reduce Stress
    Jun 5, 2025 – 10:41
  • 3621: Loving What I Used to Hate AND My Loss by Derek Sivers on Self-Discovery and Personal Clarity
    Jun 4, 2025 – 09:25
  • 3620: 5 Lessons About Self-Confidence, Play and the Meaning of Work (That I Learned From a Toddler) by Ingrid Y Helander
    Jun 3, 2025 – 10:50
  • 3619: Why You Need to Take a Minimalist Vacation by Amy Slenker-Smith of SimplyEnough
    Jun 2, 2025 – 11:10
  • 3618: What Would You Do If You Had All The Money In The World by Margo Aaron of That Seems Important
    Jun 1, 2025 – 09:50
  • 3617: Why a Fixed-Rate Mortgage is the Best Choice AND To Do More - Do Less by Paula Pant of Afford Anything
    Jun 1, 2025 – 13:57
  • 3616: Want to Feel Balanced? Learn How to Start Each Day with a Sadhana by Kate Hesse of Nourish Nest Breathe
    May 31, 2025 – 12:02
  • 3615: Benefits of Mindfulness by Dr. Lisa Firestone of PsychAlive on Emotional Health
    May 30, 2025 – 12:08
  • 3614: Glory Days by Chris Guillebeau on Mindfulness and Living in the Moment
    May 29, 2025 – 09:53
  • 3613: 5 Inspirations for Being in the Moment by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Meditation and Mindfulness
    May 28, 2025 – 09:50
  • 3612: From Age to Achievement, it's Mind Over Matter by Jay & Heather Harrington of Life And Whim
    May 27, 2025 – 11:21
  • 3611: Living Small in a Big World by Kerry Ogden on Minimalism and True Fulfillment
    May 26, 2025 – 11:27
  • 3610: What To Do (When You Have No Idea What To Do) by Josie Michelle Davis on How to Improve Decision Making
    May 25, 2025 – 08:53
  • 3609: Does Brain Training Work? More Food For Thought by Dr. Jenny Brockis on Improving Cognitive Ability
    May 25, 2025 – 12:13
  • 3608: How to Practice Self Care When Travelling by Jennifer Burger of SimplyFiercely
    May 24, 2025 – 11:52
  • 3607: The Quiet Power of Rejecting "Comfort Creep" by Charlie Brown of Simple And Straight Forward
    May 23, 2025 – 12:31
  • 3606: This is My Most Expensive Habit by Ryan Holiday on Anxiety
    May 22, 2025 – 10:00
  • 3605: [Part 2] Does Minimalism Make You Happier? Simplicity and Happiness by Antonia of Balance Through Simplicity
    May 21, 2025 – 10:43
  • 3604: [Part 1] Does Minimalism Make You Happier? Simplicity and Happiness by Antonia of Balance Through Simplicity
    May 20, 2025 – 10:36
  • 3603: Valuable Things AND Can't Live Without by Colin Wright of Exile Lifestyle on Minimalism and A Simple Life
    May 19, 2025 – 10:40
  • 3602: One Daily Gratitude Ritual that Will Change the Way You Think by Marc Chernoff of Marc And Angel
    May 18, 2025 – 11:47
  • 3601: How to Practice Self-Compassion Through Anger by Kristine Klussman on Personal Growth and Development
    May 18, 2025 – 10:32
  • 3600: The Three Mantras I Adopted That Inspired Me to Leave My Traditional Life Behind by Julie B. Rose
    May 17, 2025 – 10:33
  • 3599: Make FOMO a No Go by Kerri Richardson on How to Live Life on Your Own Terms
    May 16, 2025 – 10:51
  • 3598: If You Don't Like Your Life, You Can Change It by Jenn Granneman of Introvert Dear on Growth Mindset
    May 15, 2025 – 11:01
  • 3597: 3 Ways People Become Stuck, Undeveloped, and Unsuccessful by Benjamin Hardy on Personal Development
    May 14, 2025 – 12:09
  • 3596: Trust Yourself, Not the Experts AND What's Your Optimism Ratio? by Steve Pavlina
    May 13, 2025 – 11:59
  • 3595: The Single Easiest Habit Change to Improve Your Life Forever by Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist
    May 12, 2025 – 12:02
  • 3594: There Is No Expert on You by Lori Deschene of Tiny Buddha on Inner Wisdom and Self-Trust
    May 11, 2025 – 11:23
  • 3593: Does Remodeling Pay Off - Probably Not by Sam of Financial Samurai on Real Estate Investing
    May 11, 2025 – 13:42
  • 3592: The Life-Changing Power Of Having Fun: A Thought Experiment by Michael Blankenship of Get Your Gusto Back
    May 10, 2025 – 10:45
  • 3591: How to Downsize Your Life from Negative People by Renee Benes of The Fun Sized Life
    May 9, 2025 – 11:44
  • 3590: Your Life is Always Just Beginning by David Cain of Raptitude on Personal Growth and Development
    May 8, 2025 – 11:26
  • 3589: Create a Daily Routine with Calendar Time Blocking (+ 7 Pro Tips) by Kyle Kowalski of Sloww
    May 7, 2025 – 10:14
  • 3588: Productivity and the Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs by Jacob Lund Fisker of Early Retirement Extreme
    May 6, 2025 – 10:18
  • 3587: Identity Clutter (this type of clutter is preventing your personal growth) by Shawna Scafe of Simple on Purpose
    May 5, 2025 – 12:58
  • 3586: How to Let Your Purpose Find You by Cylon George of Spiritual Living for Busy People
    May 4, 2025 – 12:07
  • 3585: Play Time and Why You Need It by Nia Shanks on How to Improve Mental Health and Resilience
    May 4, 2025 – 13:24
  • 3584: AFGO - The Best Personal Growth Mantra of All Time by Shana Olmstead on How to Cultivate Awareness
    May 3, 2025 – 11:40
  • 3583: Finding Zen In Everyday Life by Melani Schweder of A Brighter Wild on How to Reduce Stress
    May 2, 2025 – 12:11
Recent Reviews
  • Blu Peace
    Wonderful!
    Love listening to your thoughtful insights. Thank you for sharing a piece of heaven each day. Your words fuel my soul and keep life in perspective. Thank you from my heart!
  • Jhawk737
    Be more upfront about repeat episodes
    This show has a fair amount of good original content. However, I have noticed a lot more in the last year either (a) the podcast replays previously aired episodes (without mentioning this in the intro) or (b), airing very outdated podcasts (where there are mentions during the podcast that lead you to believe it was written 5 or 10 years ago and may not be fully relevant today). To not waste a listeners time, it would be nice if like other podcasts, they would mention if it was not a new episode or if first the time being played and it’s older, say “here is a new episode we haven’t featured from 2016”, etc. Otherwise I feel like I’m being played lol. Thanks!
  • SailingKame
    PPP
    Practical. Pleasant. Precious. Inspiring podcast with very useful content. Justin has a delightful voice and adds valuable insightful commentary after reading each article. Short and sweet. Perfect way to start the day. Definitely a treasure worth adding to your daily habits and sharing too.
  • Saasuma
    Wonderful Content
    Great podcast with so much valuable content from wonderful authors... And the quality is great! I've listened to all the episodes--I also love that they can be consumed quickly--right to the point. Excellent! Learning every day about inspirational living, motivations...feel awesome after listening to OLD podcast! Absolutely amazing!!!!! Another great article today with good reminder in life!!!
  • sjworkouts
    Upbuilding and encouraging
    I’ve been listening for a few years almost daily. Love the upbuilding and thought provoking content. Thanks!
  • Bluefinkillie
    Leave Religion Out of your Readings!
    I get a decent amount from this Podcast, due to the format alone. If I wanted a Religious viewpoint in my episodes, I would read that blog. God, in any form; doesn’t belong in a subjective format podcast that emphasizes well being while also not explicitly affiliating with a church. Why then, would you included a reading(s) that emphasize a spiritual aspect without deliberately stating so? Again, if I wanted that viewpoint, I would have gone to a church; I’m here for subjective, yet open learning. Including religion is a clear pass for me.
  • Kiitos!
    Good subject matter / less than ideal speaking
    Sorry but the cadence and tone of the speaker is just off. Lacking proper inflection and reads too fast. Subject / content I’m usually.Interested in but can’t overcome poor delivery.
  • Just Tamz
    Daily doses!
    Love listening to this podcasts and many other on the OLD network. Always good insights in short amount of time. Also appreciate the commentary from the narrators at the end.
  • J.Marie.M
    Highly recommend
    Looking for information about living mindfully, self-care, and personal development then check out this podcast! I enjoy the interviews and topics covered. Episodes are quick yet informative.
  • indianpalealetrail
    Very good information
    Any interest in self improvement should prompt one to give this show a try . I really do have my act together on any given day yet , snippets of useful info come through. I just binged several episodes as I’ve recently become a semi- empty nester … two down one to go :) I find new things and new ways and alternative perspectives to approach all of life’s situations while listening . Thanks !
  • Jamisa J.
    Love
    I love this podcast and how it’s something to listen to everyday. So much dedication goes into this and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Keep inspiring and sharing the amazing words from these authors. - jamisa (today will be amazing!) podcast
  • GBSPDX
    Thank you!
    This show has had a tangible difference in starting off my mornings on the right foot. They are short, simple and will often give actionable items to help you go forward with your days.
  • Bern or Sara
    Ads - bummer!
    I’ve been a frequent listener of these blog posts for years now, the addition of ads has just ruined it and spending five dollars a month is just not in the budget. I guess it just got too expensive to run.
  • JasonW87
    Amazing!
    Loved it
  • Maureen, AN OK BOOMER
    MaureenB
    Happy Birthday, Justin❣️
  • sherry xiangbo
    Thank you
    Thank you so much Justin to say happy Chinese New Year to us! I enjoy listening every episode!
  • MarieSherock19
    Can’t say enough great things!
    I can’t say enough great things about this podcast. My boyfriend’s mom bought me the workbook as a gift this past summer and I have since become a huge fan and listen to every episode, almost in real time! I’m gradually working through the workbook and find so much inspiration in the variety of topics and prompts. I’m really hoping they’ll come out with a second edition. I have also started listening to some of their other shows, which are also good depending on what topics you like to hear about.
  • tomanderson13
    It’s ok
    I gave it a try, and it’s not terrible. But it’s not great either. I wish the podcaster read from a more diverse set of races and ethnicities. Most excerpts are from a common background and mostly self-help entrepreneurs whose websites are mynamehere.com. The authors are basically trying to sell themselves, and all the excerpts start to sound the same after a while.
  • Ruth Moynihan
    Ten Minute Mindshifts
    I’m so grateful for Justin’s work finding inspiring blog content and sharing it with the world. These bite size audio-blog-casts are such an integral part of my life and have been for the last 5 years! Got me, they’re the perfect length to listen to on the way to the grocery store, errands around town, or other short commutes. I also appreciate how he now offers some of his own personal insights at the end of episodes. I’m a fan! Highly recommend.
  • Emmaneli
    Commercials
    I love all of the OLD podcasts! I can not recommend them enough! However… if they continue on with the commercials I might stop listening. Not the Adds of course you need adds. The straight up commercials with other people and a total different sound. It messes up the whole vibe.
  • EricaBushwell
    Awesome podcast!
    Justin, host of the Optimal Living Daily podcast, highlights all aspects of mental health, wellness and more in this can’t miss podcast! The host and expert guests offer insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone that listens!
  • This app is the ish
    Life
    Our destiny is not written for us but by us.
  • Sofa Q
    Great but doesn’t apply to mental illness
    I do really like this podcast! But a lot of the advice cannot be applied to people with mental illnesses or neurodivergency. Like, I absolutely can’t “choose my feelings” or “control my thoughts”, but still a good listen
  • christinejellybean
    A better me
    I love the little and big tips that encourage and empower me to live the life I want!
  • Margo Lovett
    Yikes this is amazing!
    What a great idea for a podcast. I subscribed and shall listen during my evening walks. Thanks - Margo Lovett
  • N@MRG
    Short and Sweet
    Great little tips and uplifting ideas to think on. Short and easy to listen to.
  • @Dr.Al.LifeCoach
    Binge-Worthy Podcast!
    What an awesome idea! Justin does a terrific job of providing daily motivation and inspiration. I love this podcast.
  • ST Rapps
    Great Show!
    Love these short episode so easy to consume even when the day is hectic. It makes sure your mind is primed in the right direction!!
  • Aphrodite anonymous
    5-Star Show
    The best start to my days. This show is so full of consistent and applicable value. Thanks Justin!
  • teepee94
    Like the idea, not so much the narration
    I really like the concept of this podcast, but I wish it was a different narrator. Justin’s voice is a little monotonous and droll for me and makes the content seem less interesting.
  • LaurenA16
    One of My Favorite Podcasts
    I find a lot of value from all the Optimal Living podcasts. It is a great concept to read articles or books as I don’t have time to find them on my own. Rating this 4 stars because the chime at the beginning and the end of the podcast drive me nuts. Would definitely be 5 stars if they got rid of this.
  • KRob817
    I love this podcast!
    This is one of my favorite podcasts to binge on - uplifting topics that make you think. Justin has the perfect podcast voice. Great for long road trips when you just want to vibe and think.
  • cfdfree1
    Love show. But no shows after may 20. Any problem?
    Stopped playing?
  • Parentless
    Love it
    Thank you!
  • ingrid329
    Love this podcast
    Love the short episodes. They’re too the point and easy to listen to. Lots of valuable information as well.
  • Herbalone
    My favorite podcast
    This is my favorite podcast. I have been listening for about 3 years. The length and content is perfect. I especially like the minimalist Mondays.
  • Maghie
    This is a great podcast!
    Thanks so much for creating this podcast. I’ve been listening every day for over a month and really enjoying it. I look forward to sitting down with my coffee and you every morning. I even take notes on the ones that really speak to me and been inspired to implement some of the ideas.
  • Joannie1983
    My favorite podcast
    I don’t really have the time to read as much as I used to. Love listening to this while I get ready every morning ;) Thanks Justin!
  • Nufcrambo
    Amazing stuff
    Thank u for doing this This episode is the first one I heard-Episode 1333: The Joy of Enough by Chris Reining on Maximizing Happiness vs Making More Money This won’t be the last one
  • mommajudi
    This is great!
    I’m enjoying this podcast. Short. To the point. Full of a variety of wisdom. Thank you!
  • SCSchultz2019
    Best way to start the morning!
    I’m so glad I found this podcast! I had been looking for a while for a podcast with short-ish episodes (less than 10 min, but longer than 1 or 2) that featured inspirational thoughts to help get me going, first thing in the morning. I had tried out a few others that were way too much like traditional radio shows—the over-enthusiasm of the hosts’ voices grated on my nerves—and were so chock full of ads that there was barely any time left for actual content (I listened to 5 full minutes of solid ads on one, without ever getting to the content, before giving up). Then I did a google search for best morning motivational podcasts and Optimal Living Daily came up in a few lists so I decided to give it a try. Now, it is the first thing I put on after getting out of bed—I listen to it while doing my morning stretching/yoga and getting ready for the day. Justin’s voice is so soothing and easy to listen to! There are some ads, of course (no problem there, he deserves to be paid for his work), but he manages to insert them so tastefully into the podcast and in a way that actually piques your interest that you barely notice them. They are definitely not irritating and I might even look into some of the products. The blogs Justin chooses to read are generally in the self help/motivation/psychology genre which is perfect for helping me get into a positive and productive mindset. I also like that the titles are brief descriptions of the content so I can quickly scroll through and find something that fits my current needs. This podcast is awesome! Keep it up!!
  • gracie31415
    Essential Morning Routine
    This podcast is perfect for getting a quick dose of healthy, mindful, and inspiring advice every day! It’s become a part of my morning routine to listen in every morning and every time I feel happier and lighter after having listened. It brings a new perspective and allows to to try and see your day from a new angle.
  • Noboro
    An amazing every day podcast!
    I love this podcast! I love it every day and how quick I can get an easy dose.
  • Shel Lynn
    Short & sweet tips
    I’ve been listening since this podcast began, & I don’t intend to stop. Usually quite useful tips are delivered daily.
  • bmcc22
    Great Advise
    Your podcast is a well spring of inspiring and empowering content. Happy Birthday to Your Mother
  • ShayG.
    Love this!
    Short, sweet, and to the point.
  • Liz005
    1688 - Great episode
    Thank you for such a great message! The only way to happiness is to stop pursuing it.
  • islandlife242
    Improve your finances
    Great podcast. Timely. informative. practical and educational
  • Gbrewer01
    Improve your life
    This is a great podcast for quick tips, advice and resources for improving your life. Short, digestible articles are read each day of the week, take what you want from it and leave the rest! Always improving and looking for better opportunities!
  • ):73),,)&;8
    Investing Money in 5 easy steps
    A wonderful reference list of things you need to do for personal finance.
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