The Company You Keep: How Podcasts and Social Media Shape Your Mindset
It’s often said that the people we spend the most time with shape who we become. Today, that influence goes far beyond family and friends. We also form parasocial relationships, the one-sided bonds we create with media figures, influencers, and podcast hosts. Even though we may never meet them in person, their voices and perspectives can profoundly impact how we think, behave, and see the world.
Parasocial Influence in the Digital Age
Parasocial relationships are increasingly powerful in a world dominated by social media, podcasts, and online content. Whether it’s a favorite YouTuber, a motivational speaker, or a fitness influencer, the content we consume creates emotional resonance. This connection can influence how we think, feel, and act especially when the content aligns with our current life phase or goals.
Aligning Content With Growth
I’ve noticed my own podcast and social media choices shift over time. Some accounts fade away as I evolve, while others become go-to sources of wisdom and motivation.
When I signed up for the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon, I became very intentional about the voices I allowed into my daily life. I started asking myself:
- Does this podcast or account provide genuine, lasting motivation?
- Is it reputable, offering trustworthy and valuable information?
- Will it support me on tough training days?
- Do I feel uplifted, grounded, and focused after listening?
These simple questions helped me filter out the noise and stick with content that truly supported my training and mindset.
Podcasts That Fuelled My Training
1. The Rich Roll Podcast – Rich Roll
Rich Roll’s conversations with elite athletes, habit-change experts, and thought leaders are a masterclass in resilience and growth.
Notable Quote:
“In that zone, we experience our greatest levels of growth and discomfort. But discomfort is the price and admission to a meaningful life.”
2. Michael Ceely Podcast
Focused on overcoming perfectionism, this podcast reminded me that setbacks don’t define progress, they’re part of it.
Notable Quote:
“Keeping this negative self-talk journal and countering it with positive self-talk.”
3. Arnold’s Pump Club Podcast
Bite-sized, motivational, and practical—Arnold delivers no-nonsense advice on consistency, discipline, and accountability.
Notable Quote:
“Text someone, tell them you’re making a commitment to meet them tomorrow. Morning at a park or the gym or on your front porch, it doesn’t matter. Just create that accountability.”
4. The Ultimate Health Podcast
Deep conversations with world-leading experts in health and wellness. Great for learning tools to support both the body and the mind.
Notable Quote:
“Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.” – John Assaraf
Final Thought: Choose Your Influences Wisely
The company you keep—both in real life and in your earbuds—can either lift you higher or weigh you down. By curating your content with intention, you can align your media diet with your goals, your values, and the season of life you’re in.
📝 Media Audit Checklist: Curate Your Content for Growth
The voices you let into your head matter. Just like the company you keep in real life, the media you consume can lift you up or weigh you down. Use this quick checklist to reflect on your podcasts, social feeds, and go-to creators — and make sure they’re aligned with the person you’re becoming.
✅ Step 1: Spot Your Top Influences
Think about the podcasts, YouTubers, and social media accounts you spend the most time with right now.
🔍 Step 2: Reflect on Their Impact
- Does this content leave me uplifted, motivated, or inspired?
- Does it align with my current goals and values?
- Is the advice or insight actionable and trustworthy?
- Do I feel energized or drained after engaging with it?
✂️ Step 3: Take Action
- ✅ Keep the voices that empower and inspire you.
- ✂️ Mute or unfollow those that drain your energy or create self-doubt.
- 🔄 Add one new podcast or creator this month that supports your growth.
✏️ Step 4: Make It Practical
- Pick one actionable takeaway from each “kept” creator this week.
- Journal briefly: “What did I learn, and how can I apply it today?”
