By Matt Hollowell Those of you who follow this blog will know that I *love* podcasts. It is hard to find me without a pair of earbuds attached. A couple of years ago, we published a list of podcasts that we believe are worth your listen each week. That list, found here, was spot-on for its time, and it is still quite relevant. But so very much has changed over the past two years that we think it’s time for an updated/additional list.
Below, you’ll find shows specific to marketing, leadership, and business, and other shows dedicated to smaller pieces of those larger topics (i.e., design, social, etc.). This list is far from comprehensive, considering how many great podcasts are published each week, so make sure to post your favorites and recommendations in the comments section below.
Disclaimer: These shows are not listed in any particular order. I’m not interested in ranking, so I literally just rolled the dice; it seemed the most fair way to handle the list. Also, none of these shows are clients, this post is not sponsored, and no shenanigans have occurred, meaning I truly listen to each one of these and personally endorse them all.
Now…dive in:
The Beancast
Hosted by: Bob Knorpp
Recommended for: Marketing
The Beancast, dubbed as “The Best Marketing Podcast Anywhere”, recently celebrated its seventh anniversary. Any show that survives 350 episodes is not only time-tested, but also prioritizes quality and consistency. It’s the first podcast that I listen to each week, usually first thing on Monday morning, and it never fails to deliver on high-quality guests, time-sensitive topics, and plenty of laughs. Bob pulls together a panel of experts each week to discuss the very latest in marketing and advertising, and it’s a must-listen for anyone connected to the industry. If you don’t already subscribe to The Beancast, go ahead and do that now. You won’t regret it. Guaranteed.
Listen In: http://www.thebeancast.com/
Social Toolkit
Hosted by: Jason Keath and Jason Yarborough
Recommended for: Marketing
Social Toolkit is another top-notch marketing podcast. If you itch to keep up with the nuts-and-bolts and how-to’s of the industry, then put this show on your list. As we all know, some of the hardest parts of staying current in the marketing space is, well, staying current. Lucky for you, Jason and Jason do the hard part for you. Tune in weekly, and you’re sure to walk away smarter, stand taller, and feel fresher. They always have a new tool to test out, and you get to benefit from their ever expanding kit. So benefit.
Listen In: http://www.socialfresh.com/podcast/
Read To Lead Podcast
Hosted by: Jeff Brown
Recommended for: Leadership
Jeff Brown puts out one of the smartest, most interesting, and well-produced shows around. The backbone of RTL is the belief that “consistent and intentional reading” is key to success in business and in life. Jeff has interviewed the laundry list of thought-leaders and experts in the leadership space, and hearing insights directly from the mouths of best-selling authors is powerful. It’s no surprise that Jeff was a finalist for “Best Business Podcast” at this year’s 10th Annual Podcast Awards. You might tune in for his amazing voice (and it is amazing), but you’ll stay for the amazing content.
Listen In: http://readtoleadpodcast.com/
Social Zoom Factor
Hosted by: Pam Moore
Recommended for: Marketing
If a topic, tool, or idea is related to marketing and/or social marketing, Pam has it covered in her Social Zoom Factor podcast. Speaking with a believable authority, she uses her experience and expertise to great effect. There is an archive of over 120 shows waiting to speak to you, and trust me, they will. If Social Zoom Factor is not on your subscription list, take care of that today. Her confidence is contagious, and there are great benefits to being infected.
Listen In: http://socialzoomfactor.com/
The Xero Hour
Hosted by: Saul Colt and Bob Knorpp
Recommended for: Small Business
Saul Colt, aka “The Smartest Man in the World”, launched The Xero Hour fairly recently, but the show is already making a big impact. Though the podcast is named after the company Saul works for, this show is no advertisement or infomercial. In fact, the most Xero-centric episode is labeled as a Bonus Episode, which is a smartly humble way of keeping their true focus. Saul keeps small business as the star with stellar interviews on a wide-range of topics related to marketing, innovation, networking, and business trends. If you’re looking for leading thoughts on business with humor at every turn, this podcast will be one of your favorites.
Listen In: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/xero-hour-bob-knorpp-saul/id977452702
Seth Godin’s Startup School
Hosted by: Seth Godin
Recommended for: Entrepreneurship
When I rediscovered podcasts back in 2012, Seth Godin’s Startup School was my very first listen. And it still one of my favorites. Though geared toward those in the early stages of entrepreneurship, there is huge value here for brands and teams of all stages and sizes. One of the beauties of this show is that it’s finite, meaning 15 episodes…drop the mic. You’re not on the hook forever; instead, you’re in for a 6-hour ride through the ups and downs of business: how to speed up, swerve, and survive. Startup School is often my primary recommendation for anyone within earshot, which now includes you. Go grab this series as soon as possible.
Listen In: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/seth-godins-startup-school/id566985370
100 Proof: The Badass Radio Show
Hosted by: Jason Falls and Mark Murdock (formerly Tania Dakka)
Recommended for: Leadership
As many of you know, Falls is the founder of this here blog, though I didn’t contact him for this post and 100 Proof’s inclusion has nothing to do with the relationship. Instead, I include it because I dig it. 100 Proof is unique here due to its stated mission: Talk to badasses. Not business badasses or marketing badasses; just badasses. One of the most appealing factors of this show is that badasses can exist and can manifest anywhere, and this show finds them regardless of “vertical”, “industry”, or any other defining terms. You’ll know pretty quickly if that is up your alley or not. It’s up mine, and I’m guessing it’s up yours (see what I did there?).
Listen In: http://www.100proofshow.com/
StartUp Podcast
Hosted by: Alex Blumberg and Lisa Chow
Recommended for: Entrepreneurship
If you’ve spent any time at all researching podcasts, it’s very likely that you’ve run across StartUp. And there’s a good reason for that: it’s entertaining, smart, and delivers on the behind-the-scenes access that so many brands envy. Was it easy for Alex to put all of his hopes, fears, successes, and failures into Season 1? I highly doubt it. Don’t we all preach being authentic? Yah…this show is truly authentic and transparent, topics that we all talk about striving toward. Regardless of where you are in your business or career, StartUp will speak to you. Season 2 just kicked off, so there’s still time to get caught up. Get caught up, and strap in for some reality.
Listen In: http://gimletmedia.com/show/startup/
The Tim Ferriss Show
Hosted by: Tim Ferriss
Recommended for: Leadership
Tim Ferriss calls himself the “human guinea pig”, which makes him the most well-known and well-established guinea pig in the world. Tim’s show is eclectic and is sure to get your inspiration rising, regardless of which episode you dive into. It’s leadership-driven smart from some of the top leaders around. If you don’t know of Tim Ferriss yet, consider yourself educated.
Listen In: http://fourhourworkweek.com/podcast/
Unmistakable Creative
Hosted by: Srini Rao
Recommended for: Creativity
Marketing and creative go hand-in-hand, and Srini has the best show around for exploring the depth and breadth of creativity. Unmistakable Creative has hundreds of shows in the archive (each with a custom-drawn cover image, btw; totally worth exploring the gallery), so you might feel overwhelmed at first with the choices. Don’t be. Dive into past shows, subscribe to get new shows, and let your brain take a creative trip each week with fascinating guests, deep questions, and solid insights into the creative spirit. Srini is top-notch, and as such attracts top-notch guests. The show never disappoints. Period.
Listen In: http://unmistakablecreative.com/
Smart Passive Income
Hosted by: Pat Flynn
Recommended for: Business
Pat Flynn appreciates you, and it shows in his passion. If you geek out over how to’s, systems, tools, automation, etc., then you will definitely want to tune into SPI. You will absolutely find topics highly relevant to your business and brand, no matter what your size or speciality, and there is even a how-to on starting your own podcast (if you do, send it my way; I’m always looking for new shows). Pat is a well-known leader in his space, and he lives up to the hype. If “smart” or “passive” or “income” speaks to you, this is definitely your show.
Listen In: http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/category/podcast/
Jay Today
Hosted by: Jay Baer
Recommended for: Marketing
Here is our outlier, but it’s definitely worth mentioning. “Jay Today” is a video podcast where Jay Baer tackles the news/trend/idea of the day (or even moment) and brings you his three-minutes, every day of the week. And he very often hits it right out of the park. If you are interested in the video side of podcasting, check out Jay Today to see how effectively a micro-show can be. And if you are interested in literally anything related to marketing at all, check out Jay Today, period.
Listen In: http://jaytoday.tv
Radiotopia
Hosted by: Award-Winning Hosts
Recommended for: Entertainment
Okay, here is the one non-business-related suggestion (which is totally a cheat b/c I’m actually suggesting 11). If you have not stumbled across Radiotopia yet, it’s time to take the plunge. I subscribe to all 11 of these podcasts (and even have a collection of shirts to display my affinity). When you need a break from industry talk, choose a few Radiotopia shows to subscribe to. Love+Radio says of Radiotopia, “They’re like a drug dealer for the narratively addicted.” Spot on.
Listen In: http://www.radiotopia.fm/
Tropical MBA
Hosted by: Dan Andrews and Ian Schoen
Recommended for: Entrepreneurship
Are these words on your wishlist: location independent, digital nomad, workshifting, distributed team? What about just plain ol’ “How can I do what I want when I want from where I want?” Here at SME Digital, we are a 100% virtual team (and our newest team member Alex is a true digital nomad), so Tropical MBA is right in our crosshairs. If you work virtually, or if you are becoming more and more curious about how it’s done, this show is for you. When there’s a deep down voice that is calling you to uproot for a while (or forever), keep the Tropical MBA close by. Let them be your sherpa to getting out of the commute, the cubicle farm, and the grind.
Listen In: http://www.tropicalmba.com/podcasts/
The Rocketship Podcast
Hosted by: Joelle Steiniger, Michael Sacca, and Matt Goldman
Recommended for: Entrepreneurship
Storytelling, how-to’s, and why’s are constant themes on The Rocketship Podcast. If you like to hear the tales behind successes, failures, and learnings from the mouths of those on the front lines, you’ll love this show. Joelle, Michael, and Matt do an excellent job on sourcing interviews, remaining relevant, and providing value in every show. There is a solid archive of episodes, so make sure to swim in the deep end a bit; but also definitely subscribe for the newest shows. This podcast should absolutely be in your ears.
Listen In: http://rocketship.fm/
Online Marketing Made Easy
Hosted by: Amy Porterfield
Recommended for: Marketing
Amy is amazing, and her Online Marketing Made Easy podcast is such a gem. There are tips and tricks, for sure, but these are not your run-of-the-mill variety; I’m talking deep, well-thought-out, actionable tips and tricks. For example, instead of simply suggesting that you send out a survey to your audience, she recently spent well over an hour on every little detail of that tip: how, when, where, why, etc. That’s commitment, that’s depth, and that’s putting you and your needs absolutely first. Keep Amy close by; chances are, you need what she’s offering.
Listen In: http://www.amyporterfield.com/category/podcast/
Yes, this list is necessarily incomplete, so now it’s your turn. What are your hidden gems or must-listen shows (or episodes)? What am I missing and should definitely hook into? Help us continue building out this resource; the comments section is yours:
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