Most people I know listen to podcasts, but nearly all the entrepreneurs I know love listening to entrepreneur podcasts.
I think it’s because we’re all obsessed with multi-tasking and consuming as much information as we can. It’s hard to read books or watch videos while doing other things, but podcasts can be consumed while walking the dog, driving in the car, prepping dinner, or folding laundry. My favorite time to listen to podcasts is when I run, because I get so absorbed in the content that I forget about my heavy breathing and tired muscles!
So, if you’re an entrepreneur and haven’t yet given podcasts a try, I’ve compiled seven of my favorites for your listening pleasure. And even if you’re already podcast-obsessed, these seven shows are ones you’ll want to add to your feed:
Being Boss
I discovered this podcast a couple years ago through their Facebook group, and have been a loyal subscriber / listener ever since. Kathleen Shannon (Braid Creative) and Emily Thompson (Almanac Supply Co) are two entrepreneurs who do more than dole out business advice; they create community. Their podcast serves as a platform to interview other creative entrepreneurs and explore business trends. They also have a book and an online course to help you implement the tactics and philosophies they discuss on the show. But my favorite aspect of their brand is the Being Boss vacation, where their listeners come together each year to network, chat about business, and most importantly, have fun.
The podcast is a gateway drug; once you listen to a few episodes, I suspect I’ll see you on the vacation.
What Works
Host Tara McMullin doesn’t wear the “expert” or “guru” hat and she’s not keen to dole out one-size fits all advice. Instead, she has her guests simply share what’s working in their business and listeners can take away whatever is useful for them. Her guests are honest and knowledgeable, and Tara does a great job of getting to the meat of what’s effectively contributing to their success. You won’t hear the same advice over and over again.
So, if you want a show with a professional interviewer who knows how to help her guests shine, tune in to What Works.
Smart Passive Income
When I first heard about this podcast, I thought it sounded like a get rich quick scheme. “Make money in your sleep!” “Learn how to 10x your income!” I was skeptical. But once I listened to a few episodes, I realized that Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn was actually about building a business that can serve more people and give you a more fulfilling life. It’s just like his tagline says, he’s here to “help you earn more money, save more time, and help more people, too.”
While the interviews touch a bit on people’s business journeys, they are mostly focused on key takeaways for entrepreneurs and what we can learn from their experiences. Also, it’s specific. Topics like, “How to create an evergreen sales funnel” or “How to start a YouTube channel in 2019.”
If you’d like help with a specific topic, I recommend scrolling through the archives of Smart Passive Income. You’re bound to find what you’re looking for.
Life Coach School
I’m not a life coach, which is why I think it took me so long to find Brooke Castillo’s Life Coach School, but I’m so glad I finally did. My favorite episodes are the ones centered around emotions, brain chemistry, and mindset, topics that I find to be lacking in many business podcasts. I also appreciate her direct and frank style; no sugar coating here!
If you’re looking to explore the mental and emotional side of business, then tune in to Life Coach School with Brooke Castillo.
Smart Agency Masterclass
This one is more specific for agency owners, so I tend to listen to this one for inspiration or help with my PR company. With a mix of solo shows and guests, host Jason Swenk focuses on practical advice for agency owners looking to scale and grow their companies. From hiring employees to creating RFPs or even maximizing platforms like LinkedIn, these short episodes are packed with practical advice.
If you’re an agency owner planning to expand or scale your business, then tune in to the Smart Agency Masterclass with Jason Swenk.
Goal Digger
I view Jenna Kutcher, host of the Goal Digger podcast, as the ultimate online influencer. She’s just shy of a million Instagram followers, has successfully monetized her Instagram platform, blog, and podcast, and has developed a clear, consistent, and favorable brand. On the Goal Digger podcast, she has a mix of interviews and practical how-tos for business owners. The interviews mostly consist of people who have “made it.” They’re running multi-million dollar companies, they’re no longer hustling and grinding, which means the interviews are more inspirational and aspirational. But the solo shows feel like mini masterclasses or trainings for entrepreneurs at any stage in their business.
To get inspired, listen to the interviews. But to get to work, listen to the solo shows…and don’t forget a pen and paper!
How I Built This
At this point, I’m pretty sure I’ve listened to every single episode of How I Built This. When I first discovered the show, I devoured the entire archive in just a few weeks. Like the Goal Digger interviews, How I Built This focuses on entrepreneurs who have “made it.” Some of my favorite interviews include Richard Branson (Virgin), Jerry Murrell (Five Guys), and John Mackey (Whole Foods). These interviews go deep, starting from the very beginning of the entrepreneur’s journey and exploring all the ups and downs of getting to where they are today.
If you need inspiration or are curious about how some of your favorite businesses came to be, then tune in to How I Built This.
Do you have a favorite entrepreneur podcast? Drop a link to the show in the comments and let me know why you love it!
I’m a podcast junkie! I started listening to Brooke Castillo recently and was doing research which led me to your article. Several of these podcasts are new to me, so I will definitely be checking them out along with yours!