I grew up with a parent who was a talk radio addict in the car. We rarely listened to music. Instead my ears were fed a diet of NPR, Larry King, and news, and sports talk. Podcasts are the talk radio of our generation. Sure, there are music based podcasts, but that’s not where the medium really shines in my opinion.
Whether you’re in the car, working out, cleaning house, or relaxing at home – podcasts give you easy access to all of the news, information, and education you’re looking for, and you don’t even have to stop what you’re doing.
The challenge, with podcasts, is that the selection is huge. Practically anyone can start a podcast today so it’s hard to know which ones are worth your time.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of some of our favorites! This list has a set of podcasts that have consistently demonstrated value over the last year for our own business.
Startup Focussed Podcasts
These podcasts are for anyone looking to start or grow their businesses.
Startups for the Rest of Us – Rob Walling and Mike Taber have both launched several successful ventures and host an amazing conference for bootstrapped entrepreneurs twice a year. The show is tight, to the point, and packed with nuggets for anyone starting or growing their new business.
Bootstrapped with Kids – Scott and Brecht rock. I met them both at Microconf and can attest to how down to earth, genuinely good people they are. Every week now I listen in to find out if Brecht’s family has survived the most recent part of his bootstrapped journey across the country in a giant airstream trailer.
Bootstrapped.fm – Had a chance to meet Ian of Ian Landsman and Andrey Burtov at Microconf this year and it’s clear they’ve got the experience and knowledge to back up the advice they share with their journey. Give them a listen.
This Week in Startups – A weekly podcast hosted by Jason Calacanis. Whether you’re looking for insider tips and tricks, or just want to know what’s going on in Silicon Valley, Calacanis offers his listeners an insider’s look into the tech industry.
Mixergy – There are some really good interviews here, but some even more awesome classes taught by really neat founders.
Entrepreneur on Fire – John Lee Dumas provides his listeners with a new podcast episode 7 days a week. Each episode features a new entrepreneur who shares their successes, failures, best kept secrets, and more! This one is a favorite or mine. :)
Seth Godin’s Startup School – In this podcast mini-series, Seth Godin guides 30 entrepreneurs through a workshop to turn their startup dreams into successful realities. Although it’s no longer in production, it’s definitely worth a listen to be part of that class. Listen to the whole series.
Stanford University’s Entrepreneurship Corner – Entrepreneurship Corner only produces podcasts during school months, but with over 3,000 to choose from, I think there is plenty to keep anyone busy during the summer breaks. Pick and choose from the best ones in the catalog here.
TropicalMBA – Dan and Ian’s show brings you the inside story of bootstrappers travelling the world while working to make their businesses profitable and successful. You have to learn how people selling cat furniture made more money than you right?
The Rocketship Podcast – They have now passed 50 20 minute interviews with successful entrepreneurs. Every one I’ve heard contains several useful gems.
Marketing Focused Podcasts
The BeanCast – The BeanCast is the self-proclaimed “best marketing podcast anywhere” – well, it made this list, so it’s got to be doing something right. Listen in as Bob Knorpp brings you a weekly episode full of the best of the best in marketing, advertising, and public relations.
Marketing Smarts – A 30 minute, weekly podcast that interviews marketer’s from all walks of life. Listen in as the folks at Marketing Profs teach you how to market smarter.
Marketing over Coffee – Chris Penn and John Wall give their listeners bite-sized shows that are designed to be listened to while you drink your morning cup of coffee. Don’t let the show length fool you, you’ll hear everything from what’s new in technology to information interviews with industry.
HBR Ideacast– A weekly podcast by Harvard Business Review that features the leading thinkers in business and management.
Internet Business Mastery – A weekly podcast that focuses on becoming successful in Internet marketing and online business. Internet Business Mastery touches on everything you may ever need to know about running your own online business – step by step, from the beginning.
The Lede by CopyBlogger – Copyblogger’s Director of Content, Jerod Morris, hosts a short weekly podcast in which he interviews Copyblogger staff and a variety of special guests to bring you everything you want to know about copywriting, content marketing, Email marketing, and more!
Six Pixels of Separation – Mitch Joel from Twist Image blog discusses the complex world of social media and digital marketing, bringing you marketing and communications insights “from the edge”.
Internet Marketing – One of the UK’s most popular Internet marketing podcasts, Internet Marketing focuses mostly on digital and SEO marketing. Andy White interviews the likes of Avinash Kaushik and Seth Godin (to name a few).
SEO101 – If you are even slightly interested in learning about SEO, this is a must-hear podcast. Ross Dunn and John Carcutt break down the enigma that is SEO and teach you the ins and outs, from square one.
Smart Passive Income – Host by Pat Flynn teaches you how he has built his business to be able to support his family with passive income alone, so that you can do the same.
When You Need an Inspirational Break…
Sometimes you just need a good story or laugh in between all the quick hitting tips and tricks. Balance your listening out with the following:
Freakonomics Radio– Brought to you by the men who brought us Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics, Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner. Freakonomics Radio continues where the books left off by bringing you the things you never thought you wanted to know, and revealing that you may not know as much as you think!
This American Life – This weekly podcast is one of the most popular podcasts in the country. The podcast mainly features true stories about everyday people and the lives they live. Some notable subjects are babysitting, life aboard the USS Stennis, stories about summer camp, children switched at birth – the list is really endless and you’re bound to find a new appreciation for the people around you just by listening.
Ted Radio Hour – This podcast is based on the show TEDTalks. Guy Raz takes his listeners on a journey to discover Ideas Worth Spreading. You’ll learn about interesting new inventions, new solutions to old problems, and maybe even get a fresh perspective on how to create your own new ideas.
RadioLab from WNYC – RadioLab weaves compelling stories with music to create something truly captivating. Host Jad Abumrad will take you on a journey through science, philosophy and human experience meant to enlighten and broaden your mind.
What do you think?
Did we miss any? I should also include a shameless plug for our regular marketing chats. You can join them live at https://kickofflabs.com Not technically a podcast… but can watch the archive and participate in new shows. :)