We sifted through an assortment of podcasts looking for business wisdom, so that you don’t have to
For many a year, it seemed as if Video really did kill the Radio star, with the emergence first of MTV, and then the Internet boom that democratised entertainment like never before. But in recent times, it seems that things have gone full circle as people tune into podcasts on their daily commute, in the gym, or even in the office. With some credence to the argument that podcasts are nothing more than a modern-day interpretation of radio, just in an anytime, anywhere format, it seems that Freddie Mercury’s proclamation that Radio was yet to have its finest hour really did come true!
The Tim Ferriss Show
Like your entrepreneurial wisdom served with a side of entertainment? Well then, look no further than Tim Ferriss, author of the wordily titled 2007 bestselling self-help book, “The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9–5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich”. Honest, open, and vulnerable, his podcast features an eclectic selection of guests from across academia, science, sports, entertainment, and of course, the wild, wide world of business. Offering a plethora of content ranging from business tips and strategies to book recommendations, lifestyle hacks, and just freewheeling fun, Ferriss’ podcast has had millions of plays.
How I Built This, with Guy Raz
This is a very popular podcast in business circles, with good reason. Engaging, warm, and extremely relatable, Raz offers a ringside view of the ideas and thinking underlying the development of some of the world’s most fascinating companies. Always inquisitive and brave in his line of inquisition, Raz peels away the layers of his guest’s mind to get to the heart of the matter, serving up a load of inspiration in the process. Use it to fuel your own dreams.
Masters of Scale
If you’d much rather hear about the life and times of some of the biggest names to grace the global business stage, look no further than this podcast. Right from Richard Branson (Virgin), Susan Wojcicki (YouTube), Phil Knight (Nike), Bill and Melinda Gates (Gates Foundation/Microsoft), Brian Chesky (Airbnb), and so many more, this podcast is a veritable cornucopia of the who’s who of the business world in one place.
This Week in Startups
This series from Jason Calcanis rounds up all the happenings from the world of tech, with views shared by experts from diverse backgrounds. Calcanis himself has seen it all, right from being part of the early dot com boom to bust cycle, to becoming a serial early investor in renowned brands such as Uber, Calm, and Robinhood. With his particular brand of humour, ego, and media-savviness, Calcanis dredges up interesting stories and helps listeners stay on top of all things tech, while offering insights and inspiration that can drive them on in their own startups.
BizChix
Women often talk about struggling to shatter the glass ceiling, and we’ve seen them talked about ad infinitum in industry trends such as the Great Breakup, Quiet Quitting, and so much more. BizChix, hosted by business strategist and coach Natalie Eckdahl, is made for women of the workforce and is the longest-running podcast of its kind, way before inclusivity and diversity was encouraged in the workplace. But even beyond being a meaningful resource for women, BizChix has something for everyone; after all, who wouldn’t like to glean tips for growth, or understand new-age strategies and business opportunities that are just emerging? We sure would.
The GaryVee Audio Experience
Gray Vaynerchuk is a successful, serial entrepreneur who has earned a name running a full-service digital agency servicing Fortune 500 clients, and is one of the most sought after public speakers in new media. As a venture capitalist, four-time New York Times bestselling author, and an early investor in companies such as Twitter, Tumblr, Venmo and Uber, he has insights aplenty to offer, including how he grew his family business into a multi-million dollar empire. This podcast is a cumulation of his best speeches, interviews, Q&As, and insights on all things business, earning it a spot on our recommendation list.
HBR IdeaCast
Can’t attend Harvard, or too cheap to spend on a subscription to the Harvard Business Review? Well then, have we got a deal for you. HBR IdeaCast is a weekly podcast featuring the leading thinkers in business and management. But even though it’s billed as a marketing and management podcast, it really is so much more. Featuring some great interactions with diverse industry professionals, scientists and journalists, each one covers a specific topic per episode, such as how to fight biases at work, how quitting can be good for you, the importance of emotional intelligence, what leaders need to know about a looming recession, and much more. A must-listen in our books.