From Ricky Gervais’ jarring laugh, the Ahmad Syed case, and Joe Rogan DMT memes- podcasts have made a big dent in modern pop culture.
So much so, September 30th is now known as International Podcast Day. However, podcasts’ influence spans beyond entertainment and true crime.
They’re also an invaluable tool for entrepreneurs looking to learn more about their industries or gain valuable insights from interviews with prominent figures in various fields.
Furthermore, they also present another opportunity for businesses looking to get media wins. Brain Bytes Back host, Sam Brake Guia, had this to say about podcasts’ PR power:
“No matter what people are into, there is a podcast for it. Podcasts have become a fantastic resource to create and foster communities of their own. However looking at the data, there are unifying traits among avid podcast listeners. They are often young – middle-aged, well educated and wealthy. So, as an entrepreneur or startup founder, overlooking this demographic would be a huge mistake.”
However, before you look into creating your own podcast, let’s look at the eight podcasts that entrepreneurs should start listening to on international podcast day:
1. The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss defines himself as a ‘self-experimenter’ and his podcast is frequently rated #1 in the business category on Apple’s podcasts. It’s the most popular podcast on this list recently surpassing 400m downloads.
You may know Tim from his hugely successful book ‘The 4-Hour Work Week’. It spent seven years in The New York Times Best Seller List. On his podcast, he interviews the creme de la creme of a certain field. Every episode contains valuable insight into how they got to where they are and tips for others working in that niche. It’s textbook thought leadership content.
Some of the eclectic areas of expertise include burlesque, chess, hypnosis, and pro sports. However, for a more business orientated episode, I’d recommend the episode with Sir Richard Branson.
2. Brain Bytes Back
Brain Bytes Back is an essential listen for anyone in the field of tech or psychology.
Every Monday, BBB interviews prominent thinkers in the tech industry to talk about the trends shaping the future of technology.
Former guests include a Chemical Engineering professor from MIT, former NASA engineers, and various CEOs. Although a relatively new podcast, the caliber of guests and glimpses into how tech is impacting society indicate that this is one to watch in the future.
3. Masters of Scale
Masters of Scale is hosted by LinkedIn co-founder, Reid Hoffman. In each episode, Reid tells a tale that sets the stage for him to reveal a theory he has about scaling.
Much like a true-crime podcast, it unfolds like a detective story. He tests and dissects the idea with some of the most recognizable masters of scale on the planet. Previous entrepreneurs who have been ‘investigated’ by Reid include Facebook’s Mark Zuckerburg, Evite’s Selina Tabaccowalla, and AirBnB’s Brian Chesky. Guests are a big selling point of the podcast. The elusive Zuckerburg himself has been interviewed by Hoffman.
Masters of Scale state that, ‘this is a genre-defining series on how to think boldly and differently about the world’. Big words – check it out and see if you agree!
4. How I Built This
NPR is considered one of the most popular and respected podcast providers in the world. They produce podcasts in the fields of travel, music, crime, and education (and many more!) However, we’re gonna focus on one of their business podcasts.
How I Built This is hosted by Guy Raz. During each episode, he dives into the stories behind some of the world’s biggest startups and their founders. Raz’s interviewing style has been able to get invaluable insights and rare nuggets of information from some of the world’s most renowned entrepreneurs.
Like most NPR produced podcasts, it combines heavy research, great storytelling, and personable interviewing. Recent companies featured include Headspace, Shopify, and Dyson.
5. This Week in Startups
This Week In Startups is a weekly roundup of all the goings-on in the world of web-based companies.
Jason Calacanis and a rotating group of experts review the good, bad, interesting, and outrageous stories coming from different startups. Furthermore, Calacanis also features insights into how angel investing works and how he builds companies.
Alongside keeping abreast of the latest trends emerging in various business sectors, This Week In Startups is a great listen if you’re starting a business, looking for strategies for building your startup, or creative ways to motivate your team.
6. Re/code
In Re/code, one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent journalists, Kara Swisher, interviews some of the biggest movers and shakers in Northern California.
These candid interviews with tech executives, politicians, and celebrities delve into their big ideas and how they envisage them changing the world. Far from a press junket, Swisher doesn’t pull any punches with her guests and has a ruthless interviewing style.
Her interviewee alumni include Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk, Hillary Clinton and Apple’s CEO Tim Cook.
7. Equity by TechCrunch
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll be familiar with Tech Crunch. The publication has been the go-to news outlet for all things tech since it’s formation in 2005.
TechCrunch’s weekly podcast, Equity, crunches the numbers on the weekly news stories from tech. It’s a venture-capital focused podcast that dives into the data and dollars behind some of the biggest tech stories of the previous week.
Recent episodes have focused on the WeWork CEO reshuffle and compared Peloton alongside Apple. A must for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the tech industry.
8. The James Altucher Show
Much in the same blueprint as The Tim Ferriss Show, James Altucher interviews the world’s peak performers. James Altucher’s personable interviewing style gets deep into the lives of these ultra-successful individuals.
His guests have spun between billionaires, best-selling authors, athletes, astronauts, comedians, and actors. The one thing they all have in common is that they’ve forged their own paths, created a meaningful life, and found complete financial freedom. The things all entrepreneurs want, right?
Bonus tip: The Loudspeaker
If you’re looking to win more media wins for your startup, you can always try our own podcast, The Loudspeaker. Members of our team – including yours truly – break down how different tech companies can grow their business through PR. PR is essential to growth and we break down the concepts you need and make them readily available for your morning commute!
There you have it. These 8 podcasts are essential for any entrepreneur looking for tips on growing their own business and brand or seeking further insight into different industries.
