February can be a tough month to stay motivated. The sparkle of the holidays fades, the days feel too short, and the dreary weather has a way of keeping us curled up under blankets instead of seeking outdoor adventures. But this quiet season also offers an opportunity to turn inward, recharge, and refocus on personal growth.
One of the best ways to spark that motivation? Diving into the self-help arena. Whether it’s an insightful book, an empowering podcast, or a thought-provoking video, the right content can feel like a jolt of inspiration when you need it most.
To help cull through the vast amount of content available, we asked our health coaches to share what they’re reading, listening to, and watching. From actionable advice to uplifting storytelling, these picks fuel your mind, nurture your soul, and set the tone for a positive year ahead.
1. Listen: Dr. Louise Newson Podcast
Host: Dr. Louise Newson
Available on: Apple and Spotify
“The Dr. Louise Newson Podcast is a must-listen for anyone navigating perimenopause, menopause, or simply wanting to understand hormone health better,” says Lifeforce Senior Health Coach Kelly Lynch.
Dr. Newson, a general practitioner and menopause specialist, breaks down complex topics in a clear and relatable way. She offers practical advice on managing symptoms, hormone replacement therapy, and long-term health. The podcast features a range of experts and real-life stories, making each episode feel both informative and personal.
“Beyond hormones, she covers nutrition, mental health, exercise, and overall well-being, helping listeners feel empowered and supported in their journey,” says Lynch. “If you’re looking for science-backed insights with a human touch, this podcast is well worth your time.”
2. Listen: The Pursuit of Wellness Podcast
Host: Mari Llewellyn
Available on: Apple and Spotify
Mari Llewellyn built her online following of over 2 million by documenting her mental and physical health journey of losing 90 pounds. She also co-founded Bloom Nutrition, which makes health supplements and greens powder. Her podcast sits down with experts from various fields and perspectives in wellness.
“What I find so inspiring and valuable about Mari’s podcast is her ability to share her knowledge and expertise in a humble and effective way,” says Lifeforce Health Coach Gina Viviano. “Having gone through an incredible health and weight-loss journey in 2017, she shares guidance and relatable personal stories and gives hope and motivation to anyone looking to start or continue their own journey.”
3. Watch: The Most Potent Anti-Death Foods
Host: Dr. Brad Stanfield
Available on: YouTube
Dr. Brad Stanfield, a New Zealand-based physician, shares captivating videos packed with insights on staying ahead of aging and staying up on preventative medicine — consider it your cheat sheet for a healthier, longer life. This video highlights the impact of diet on health and longevity, focusing on three key food groups that can improve lifespan and muscle strength and reduce risks of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. It also offers practical advice on integrating these foods into your daily diet.
If you’re serious about implementing evidence-based longevity practices into your diet, Vinnie Antonelli-Galizio, a Lifeforce Health Coach, recommends watching this YouTube video, which is full of tips. “These are conversations I have with Lifeforce members often,” he says. “I’ve seen firsthand how these changes can improve your health markers.”
4. Listen: The Mel Robbins Podcast
Host: Mel Robbins
Available on: Apple and Spotify
Every episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, hosted by the leading change expert herself, is filled with motivational tactics, personal stories, relatable topics and research-backed advice to help you create a better life.
Lifeforce Health Coach Sara Ramirez particularly connected with episode 246, which explores Robbins’ book The Let Them Theory and transformative theory on how to build stronger relationships and foster personal growth to lead a more fulfilling life. “Mel reminds us that we don’t have to settle for anything less than a life that we’re obsessed with,” she says.
Robbins and her daughter share their journey of healing and rebuilding their relationship, emphasizing the importance of addressing unspoken conflicts and releasing grudges. Through her personal experiences, including writing the book, Robbins unveils practical tools and mindset shifts to let go of resentment, show up differently, and create the deeper connection you’ve been longing for.
5. Read: The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts
Author: Kimberly Snyder
Available on: Amazon
Lynch also recommends The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts: Empower Your Thoughts, Balance Your Emotions, and Unlock Vibrant Health and Abundance, a heartfelt and inspiring read by nutritionist and wellness expert Kimberly Snyder that explores how five key qualities — kindness, gratitude, courage, forgiveness, and love — can transform your life. “It’s more than just a self-help book,” she says. “It’s a guide to shifting your mindset, deepening your connections, and creating more abundance in every area of life.”
6. Listen: The Drive
Host: Dr. Peter Attia
Available on: Apple and Spotify
If you're looking for reliable content on performance longevity, Senior Health Coach Patrick Doyle swears by Dr. Peter Attia’s podcast — it’s a goldmine of expert advice and insights. Episode 183 features James Clear, author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones.
In this episode, Clear provides insights into how both good and bad habits are formed, including the influence of genetics, environment, social circles, and more. He points to changes one can make to cultivate more perseverance and discipline and describes the profound impact habits can have when tying them into one’s self-identity.
One part stuck with Doyle: “If you’re going to be building habits anyway, you might as well understand what they are, how they work, and how to shape them so that you can be the architect of your habits and not the victim of them.”
For more inspiration from Lifeforce Health Coaches and Clinicians, head to our Instagram at @golifeforce.
This article was medically reviewed by Mary Stratos, PA-C, Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner.