There are more than 750,000 active podcasts in existence today that cover nearly any topic you can think of. From general categories like business, lifestyle and entertainment, to the super niche and obscure—like the history of gnomes (yes, gnomes)—podcasts are an easy way to digest content, particularly if you’re multitasking or on the go.
Business podcasts are particularly beneficial to entrepreneurs and other professional leaders, both aspiring and established. Yet with so many podcast options covering a broad range of business trends and topics, it can be overwhelming finding the right fit to get started.
If you’re new to the world of podcasting, or simply looking to add to your growing queue list, read on for our top thirteen recommended business podcasts for 2020.
General Business
Are you interested in a wide range of topics, and in keeping a pulse on the most-discussed trends in today’s business world? These three general business podcasts are a great way to stay informed.
1. Entrepreneur On Fire
Entrepreneur and author John Lee Dumas hosts “Entrepreneur On Fire.” Through interviews with leading entrepreneurs like Tim Ferrriss and Curtis Ray, Dumas inspires his listeners to live the life they’ve always dreamed of living. He also offers monthly income reports, advice on accomplishing goals and tips on topics like adjusting your business to COVID-19. Each episode includes three takeaways called “Value Bombs” that help people market, sell and live better.
This podcast is good for anyone looking to start their own business, or who feel “stuck” where they are today.
2. Outside The Valley
Presented by Arc, “Outside The Valley” caters to those working in the remote business community—a growing trend in today’s pandemic environment. The most recent show, “Recruiting and Remote Work in a Post-COVID World”, offers perspectives on how to transition to remote work during the pandemic. All podcast episodes focus on working through the unique challenges remote businesses face.
This weekly- to bi-weekly podcast is a great resource to help you make the transition more seamlessly, whether you are a business owner or employee.
3. The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss, author of “The 4-Hour Workweek”, hosts “The Tim Ferriss Show.” Ferriss’ podcast has over 500 million downloads and has been chosen as a “Best Of” Apple podcast for the past three years. His guests include high-profile athletes, entertainers and business people offering advice on how they found success—and how you can, too. Advice ranges including investment tips, finding inspiration, morning routines, time-management tools and more.
This podcast is for those interested in a mix of business and lifestyle, with a sprinkle of celebrity flash.
Leadership Podcasts
Adding a leadership podcast to your arsenal of resources can help you become a more effective and inspiring leader—whether you’re looking to grow in that capacity in your personal or professional life, or both.
4. A Bit Of Optimism
Simon Sinek, author of several best-selling books on leadership, encourages you to find your “why”. His new weekly podcast, “A bit of Optimism,” is only five episodes in, but already making our list of favorites—featuring Sinek in conversation with guests like Maria Shriver, Curtis Martin and Bob Chapman. Guests discuss many aspects of life: relationships, leadership, hope and optimism.
This podcast is great for leaders and rising leaders who are not only looking for advice and balance in today’s world, but looking for a positive and uplifting tone along the way.
5. Lead To Win with Michael Hyatt
Best-selling author and leadership expert Michael Hyatt hosts the podcast “Lead To Win with Michael Hyatt,” where he offers listeners actionable tips to use in their career and their lives. Focused not just on short-term wins but long-term success, Hyatt’s emphasis on the “Double Win”—where you win at work and succeed at life, without having to choose between the two—is clear. Recent podcasts have included tips on leading and adjusting in the post-pandemic world.
This podcast is great for leaders in any industry who are in it for the long haul and looking to stay on top of the constantly changing work environment.
6. The John Maxwell Leadership Podcast
“The John Maxwell Leadership Podcast” inspires and teaches listeners to become transformational leaders. Maxwell—a prominent American authority on leadership with a number of New York Times Best-Selling books — encourages listeners to make a positive impact on their own lives, as well as the lives of those they manage. He speaks with notables like Simon Sinek and Casey Crawford, and offers advice focused on practice and process.
This show suits motivated go getters who want to lead and influence others to affect positive change.
Marketing Podcasts
Marketing is a fast-changing landscape, and those looking to excel in the field must stay on top of evolving industry trends, tools and best practices. Whether you’re a marketing expert or novice, the podcast format can help you find the time to do just that—perhaps catching up on the latest updates on your commute, while doing dishes or simply during your downtime.
7. Online Marketing Made Easy
“Online Marketing Made Easy” is hosted by online marketing expert Amy Porterfield. Listeners can choose to learn practical, actionable tips from among three sections, depending on the current stage of their business: Start Strong, Scale Fast and Sell More. Advice ranges from how to build a lucrative email list to creating webinars. Each topic has more than 100 podcasts that include “cheat sheets,” should you only have time to look over the notes.
This easy-to-follow podcast is great for listeners in need of simple, clear “how-to” marketing tips to grow their business.
8. The Social Media Marketing Podcast
Presented by Social Media Examiner, the weekly “Social Media Marketing Podcast” focuses on weekly news and ongoing education related to social media marketing. Hosted by Michael Stelzner and frequently joined by industry experts, episodes help you learn how to grow your social media network and increase engagement—discussing trends, tips and strategies from leading industry experts.
This podcast is suitable for anyone looking to enhance their business’ social media efforts, and who learn best from real-life examples.
9. Marketing Over Coffee
This laid-back, conversational podcast offers insight into all things marketing, including content writing tips, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), social media marketing and more. Hosted from various coffee shops, creators John J. Wall and Christopher S. Penn offer insights for both experienced marketing professionals and those just learning how to navigate this side of their business. “Marketing Over Coffee” episodes are an easy-to-digest 20 minutes long, released weekly on Thursdays.
If you’re interested in brushing up on both new and classic marketing techniques but short on time or patience, this casual podcast may be just the approach for you.
Minority-Focused Business PodcastsAccording to a press release from the U.S. Census released in May 2020, there are 1 million minority-owned businesses in the U.S. and 1.1 million women-owned businesses. Are you among this growing number?
If so, there are a number of fantastic podcast options out there hosted by and geared towards minorities in business to address and discuss more niche issues and topics.
10. Online Business For Black Women
A business coach focused on helping women grow coaching, consulting, or service-based businesses online, Keshia M. White hosts the “Online Business For Black Women” podcast geared specifically to black female business owners. Discussing practical tips and interviewing fellow entrepreneurs, she takes both a personal and practical approach to educating listeners on how to more effectively monetize their expertise.
If you’re looking to not only attract more high-paying clients, but engage with a safe and supportive community for women—especially black women—this podcast is a must subscribe.
11. Goal Digger
Like many women in business, Jenna Kutcher wears many hats—mom, wife, CEO, influencer and role model. She discusses the challenges facing multi-tasking women entrepreneurs in her podcast, “Goal Digger” to help listeners tackle and achieve their biggest goals. The podcast effectively uses a live-workshop style driven by a casual, humorous tone—covering topics organized along four key categories: business, branding, marketing and inspiration.
If you’re looking for deep insight and advice from a relatable business coach focused on helping women redefine success and thrive, you’re likely to love this podcast.
12. The Veterans Business Podcast
The unique “The Veterans Business Podcast” was founded by a former U.S. Marine officer. Aaron Spatz, now founder and CEO of Bold Media interviews fellow veterans to share their inspiring stories of both hardship and success with regard to reentering the workforce and transitioning to life outside of military service.
Whether you’re looking to get into business following your own service stint or are already in the process, Spatz’ authentic and well-informed approach is sure to be a relatable resource to help you along the way.
13. Jennasis Speaks: The Transformative Power of Women’s Stories
Regardless of which podcasts you subscribe to, you’re ultimately tapping into the power of storytelling to connect, learn and grow. This is something we’re passionate about at Jennasis & Associates—which is why, in addition to being avid podcast listeners ourselves, our team is excited to announce the launch of our own podcast, “Jennasis Speaks: The Transformative Power of Women’s Stories” coming July 9th!
Hosted by Jennasis & Associates Founder and President Jennifer Malcolm weekly, the “Jennasis Speaks” podcast will serve as a platform to empower women to safely share their stories—promoting healing and growth through the power of collective vulnerability and acceptance.
A serial entrepreneur, Malcolm’s own story is driven by her desire to overcome overwhelming trauma and obstacles to have it all: a family she could nurture, a thriving career and a driving purpose to live a life of passion and intention. Her experiences have enabled her to build authentic relationships with other women, and to help connect and inspire them to find their own paths to passion and purpose.
If you’re interested in connecting with women’s stories across all walks of life as you seek out your own path, be sure to subscribe!
