One of the best things about the arrant over-connectedness of the late twenty-tens is that if you’re looking to learn, there’s someone who can teach you.
Business podcasts are a gift to anyone with a long commute and a thirst for knowledge. But with so many out there, how do you choose the best one? We listened to a ton and have rounded up the top ten, in no particular order.
BEST FOR BIZ NERDS
Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world’s best-known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.
What people are saying
“Hearing the story of how well-known brands came to exist, in the words of the people who created them, is fascinating and inspiring. This is one of my favorite podcasts!”
Standout episode
At 27, Sara Blakely was selling fax machines and desperate to reinvent her life. So she came up with Spanx — hosiery that eliminates panty lines — and set to work building her business.
BEST FOR SPOTLIGHT DWELLERS
The Pitch is a podcast that takes you behind closed doors to the critical moment when aspiring entrepreneurs put it all on the line. Each episode delivers on the high-stakes promise of a live pitch without shying away from the nitty-gritty details of what happens after everyone shakes hands and walks out of the room.
What people are saying
“I have enjoyed it from day one. It only keeps improving. Entertaining and I tend to learn something in each episode on how either investors or entrepreneurs think and react.”
Standout episode
At The Pitch’s first-ever live show, three startups face off: Honeyfi, a budgeting app for couples; CBlocks, a cryptocurrency starter kit; and OpenBottle, an app to help people try high-end wines. But can the investors agree on which company should take home the prize?
BEST FOR READY-TO-TAKE-THE-LEAP-ERS
Every week, host, Amanda Boleyn delivers fresh content on productivity hacks, different business strategies, how to confidently transition out of your 9-to-5 and become a full-time business owner.
What people are saying
“Love, Love, Love! I started listening to podcasts at the beginning of the year and Amanda’s is the only one I have been able to keep up with and look forward to on a consistent basis. I also had the pleasure of meeting her at the She Did It Her Way Summit and she is AMAZING in person as well.”
Standout episode
Christy Wright is the #1 National Best-Selling author of Business Boutique, host of the Business Boutique Podcast, a Certified Business Coach and a Ramsey Personality with a passion for equipping women with the knowledge and steps they need to successfully run and grow a business!
BEST FOR STAR SHOOTERS
How do companies grow from zero to a gazillion? Silicon Valley investor/entrepreneur Reid Hoffman tests his theories with famous founders and brings out some hilariously honest stories. Guests include Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg & Sheryl Sandberg, Netflix’s Reed Hastings, Google’s Eric Schmidt, Spanx’s Sara Blakely.
What people are saying
“I am thankful to my friend who introduced me to this. At my early 40s, this podcast series has become a mini-MBA for me. I am learning so much and someone who travels extensively, this podcast series has made my plane travel productive as I can use the time to really learn, take notes and apply them for my day to day ambitious programs.”
Standout episode
If your company’s dominated by one type of person, you run the risk of tunnel vision. Truly scalable companies need a diverse portfolio of viewpoints to see the opportunities others miss. Sallie Krawcheck knows this well. She rose through the ranks of Wall Street and saw firsthand the challenges a lack of diversity brings.
BEST FOR INTERESTING DINNER-PARTY HOSTS
Fortune Favors the Bold is a podcast about the unique and changing role money plays in our lives—and about what happens when we take risks, take control, and redefine our relationship with it. Hosted by data journalist Mona Chalabi, the series will tell stories about the rules of the game when it comes to money and the people and organizations who are breaking them in ways that benefit us all.
What people are saying
“Great! It goes way beyond finance – Such great stories looped into each topic.”
Standout episode
There’s a misconception that small businesses are overshadowed by big companies when it comes to driving the economy. The truth? Small businesses punch way above their weight, creating positive ripple effects far beyond their local community.
BEST FOR BALANCE SEARCHERS
A show for entrepreneurs, for anyone who wants to know about business, or how to have a life while having a business. Founders Alli Webb and Michael Landau speak to budding and successful business owners whose ideas they love. Alli started their business Drybar by driving herself around to homes in Los Angeles to give blow-outs to clients, but then their business took off. What people are saying
“Beautifully honest! So good! Thank you, Alli and Michael- this podcast is so helpful for entrepreneurs!”
Standout episode
When Alli Webb and Michael Landau started Drybar eight years ago, they had no idea what would happen, but that’s the life of every entrepreneur. Risk everything, and you could gain or lose everything. So they’re talking to business owners of all kinds – moguls and beginners alike – including Sarah Michelle Gellar. When she started FoodStirs in 2014, she had no idea what would happen, and even for Sarah Michelle Gellar, it hasn’t been an easy road.
BEST FOR ETSY SELLERS AND SIDE HUSTLERS
Host Natalie Eckdahl helps women entrepreneurs own their role as CEO through her business trainings, on-air coaching calls, and expert interviews.
What people are saying
“Wow! She is captivating! I’m a new listener and am hooked on her style and her advice! Keep up the great work!!”
Standout episode
The BizChix Community shares advice on how women can building a side business while still working a full-time job. This advice also applies to women who are building a business while taking care of small children full-time.
BEST FOR INCOME DIVERSIFIERS
Entrepreneurs on Fire is an award-winning podcast (Best of iTunes) in which John Lee Dumas interviews entrepreneurs who are at the top of their game to learn how to find financial freedom. He and his partner, Kate, are radically transparent about their own business ventures and post their monthly income and outgoings on their website each month.
What people are saying?
“Love this show, straight up solid content. It’s obvious that JLD puts Extraordinary effort into finding guests that are authentic and truly care about being a positive force in this world. Thank you for making a difference.”
Standout episode
Sarah is the President and CEO of Sarah Robinson Co. She’s a business coach, strategist, advisor, speaker, and author who helps businesses and non profits small and large stand apart from the pack.
BEST FOR NINE-TO-FIVE DITCHERS
If you’ve ever felt suffocated by the traditional office slog, Unemployable might be for you. It provides actionable strategies for thousands of freelancers, consultants, coaches, and entrepreneurs. Brian Clark is an entrepreneur who has started eight successful businesses, and he draws upon his own evolution from solo to CEO to deliver valuable lessons and impactful interviews.
What people are saying
“Thanks for bringing the best! Thank you for providing the best guests for your audience! Keep it up!”
Standout episode
One person, armed with the internet, affordable technology, and a network of fellow unemployable people can do big things. So you won’t be surprised to hear that the number of one-person businesses earning a million dollars or more a year continues to rise.
BEST FOR BREAD GETTERS
Successful women executives, workplace pioneers, self-made entrepreneurs, industry trendsetters and money-savvy experts reveal insights on how to get ahead, reach your goals, and achieve professional success. Hosted by Veronica Dagher.
What people are saying
“I love everything about this podcast. I love how the women keep it so honest and are gritty in sharing. No matter where you are in your journey their stories are so relatable.”
Standout episode
As some of the top experts in the field of finance, Jean Chatzky, Sharon Epperson, Bobbi Rebell, Farnoosh Torabi, and Deirdre Bolton have all found success by being savvy about money. They share key financial tips for 2019.
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