We've all witnessed win after win for Cardi B, and her two Grammy nominations simply solidified that 2017 was the year that she dominated. From gracing countless magazine covers like Rolling Stone and New York magazine, to being the first female rapper to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart without any other billed acts since Lauryn Hill in 1998, Cardi B reigned supreme.

So what does a podcast have to do with Cardi B? Like Cardi, podcasts are experiencing a huge surge in popularity with surveys showing that one in four Americans ages 12-54 listened to a podcast in the past month, and 57 million Americans are listening monthly.

During one of the many instances where Cardi addressed what seemed to many like a rapid rise to stardom, she made it a point to let people know that her success was not overnight. Understanding her strengths, Cardi curated a loyal social media following, performed at intimate venues, and she also mentioned doing podcast interviews during her journey, even when she knew that the audience was minimal. She not only had ambition, but she possessed another crucial element that it takes to dominate in your life — direction.

Podcasts are quickly becoming the new go-to destination for ambitious, driven and educated professionals. They are great for discovering career tips, gaining health and wellness advice, opening your world to new experiences and more—all for free.

We've identified 12 podcasts that will guide, grow and show you how to dominate in the new year like Cardi B!

GETTIN' GROWN

Keia and Jade are honest and fun in their delivery of entertainment news, chats with guests and more. The weekly show will remind you of conversations with your girls. Listening to the ladies feels familiar as they chime in, one single and one married perspective, entertaining listeners as they navigate life as 30-somethings.

Therapy for Black Girls

When you’re not quite ready to make a move but looking to delve into the world of therapy, this podcast is a winner hosted by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist. Sometimes we just need insight on our behavior, typical life issues and how outside factors play a role in our lives. Covering topics ranging from mental health to personal development, this just might be your solution to learning to deal and more.

Food Heaven Podcast

In order to perform to maximum to capacity more people are becoming consumed with what they put in their bodies. If you’re on the fence of incorporating a more healthy diet or looking for ideas and insight this show is a must listen. Registered Dietitians and BFFs, Wendy and Jess explore healthy cooking and more.

Switch, Pivot or Quit

When you’re feeling like you need to be encouraged out of your rut or inspired into action, this is the go-to show. Host Ahyiana Angel does weekly 7 Minute Sunday episodes that are insightful and a quick pick-me-up, plus she chats with women weekly who don’t shy away from the real in their stories of making professional and personal strides.

Black Girl In Om

We’re all trying to figure out how to be our best so wellness, self-care and self-love tend to be areas of interest. This show is hosted by Black Girl In Om Founder Lauren Ash and Art Director Deun Ivory. They help to inform, pique new interests and make some of the topics in health and wellness more approachable with interviews, expert advice and more.

Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations

Launched in August, the show highlights Oprah’s personal selection of her interviews with recognizable public figures from thought-leaders to best-selling authors. If you’re a fan of the television version, SuperSoul Sunday, but just haven’t had a chance to catch up on all of the episodes then this is your solution for practical, spiritual, health and wellness insight on how to live your best life.

Style Your Mind Podcast

Hosted by author and life coach, Cara Alwill, this weekly show helps with clarity, inspiration and relatable stories for navigating life. She’s the author of the wildly popular book Girl Code, so if you liked the book you’ll love the podcast.

Good Life Project

All of your favs for inspiration drop by this show to share advice, experience and more on how to live an inspired and fully present life. The stories will keep you interested and make you enlightened.

How I Built This

A show for creators, innovators and even dreamers. Hosted by Guy Raz, this podcast is geared toward entrepreneurs but quickly helps to dispel the myths that entrepreneurship is like “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” and shares the real stories more like “E! True Hollywood Story.” It provides great insight for navigating the business world.

MoneyTalk with Melanie

Host Melanie has an energetic vibe that makes some of the complicated topics in life, like financial literacy, approachable. She interviews a wide range of guests that will help to make your knowledge base more well-rounded. From global topics to CEOs and politicos, this show covers it all.

The Code By BlackEnterprise

Created by Black Enterprise and hosted by Tech Editor, Sequoia Blodgett, hear about the journey of black founders in technology — from celebrities to financiers — and how they are taking risks, adding their flavor to tech and implementing strategies to win.

Words Well Said Podcast

A seasoned expert, host Amber L. Wright, helps guide us through everyday situations where we can use our words in power, communicate better and ultimately get what we want in life. This line says it all, “Listen to this podcast if you want to learn how to say your words well from the boardroom to the bedroom, with practical and easy-to-apply tips.”

Photo Credit: www.misskriscreative.com / @misskristagram

Jessica Johnson Smith