After spending years moving away from radio to TV and digital outlets, auditory media is back in the form of podcasts. With over 700,000 podcasts to choose from, it can be overwhelming for new listeners to decide where to tune in. Check out these shows to begin your listening journey:
For Professional Development
Acquired
One of the highest-rated technology podcasts on iTunes, Acquired details the successes and failures of some of the biggest David-turned-Goliath companies in the world. The show focuses on companies including Uber, Pinterest, Spotify, and EA Sports, each with a different story and path to growth. By interviewing the entrepreneurs that pioneered these businesses, Acquired narrates the journey from startup to IPO and reveals what led to the boon of these companies.
A16z
A16z is a Silicon Valley-based venture capitalist firm that supports tech companies at all stages of development. Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz host the company’s podcast, which features discussions with thought leaders and entrepreneurs on the most impactful trends in technology. Bridging the gap between culture and tech, A16z creates a network of experts and influencers in biology, crypto, AI, cloud systems, business growth, and disruption, among other topics.
WorkLife
Three-time New York Times best-selling author Adam Grant has partnered with top organizations—including Google, the NBA, and the United States military—to design a stronger, more collaborative work culture for their employees. He hosts WorkLife, a weekly podcast that explores exceptional employee environments with the goal of informing and inspiring changes to optimize the overall working experience. As Grant puts it, “We spend a quarter of our lives in our jobs. This show is about making all that time worth your time.”
Exponent
Hosts Ben Thompson of Stratchery and James Allworth of Harvard Business Review tackle strategic issues at the intersection of politics, culture, and technology in the Exponent podcast. Focusing on topics such as the U.S.-China trade war, internet regulation, and data sharing, episodes break down real-world tech issues and discuss their implications on a greater scale.
The Twenty Minute VC
Harry Stebbings hosts The Twenty Minute VC, the world’s largest independent venture capital podcast, which seeks to inspire its 100,000+ worldwide following to start and pitch their business ideas. Learn from some of the best, including Geoff Ralston, President of Y Cominator and co-founder of the world’s first educational technology accelerator, and Michelle Romanow, founder/CEO of Clearblanc, which helps entrepreneurs grow their companies without selling off pieces of it.
Loose Threads
The consumer economy is a key driver of supply and demand. The Loose Threads podcast advises consumer companies on how to design long-term growth strategies. Many business leaders and entrepreneurs seek out the next innovation, often with only conventional wisdom at their disposal. Featuring interviews with individuals who have thrived in the constantly changing consumer economy, Loose Threads acts as the antithesis of this herd mentality.
GZero World
For an international take on business efforts, check out GZero World with Ian Bremmer. The show discusses the most significant international affairs stories with experts and newsmakers to find out what’s driving the global agenda. GZero presents profound insights through in a more entertaining way than traditional news media, making it a go-to for investors or members of international companies.
For Personal Development
The Tim Ferriss Show
The first business/interview podcast to pass 100,000,000 downloads, the Tim Ferriss Show is the go-to podcast for self improvement. The legendary author of “The Four Hour Work Week” hosts the top individuals of different professional backgrounds, including authors, actors, athletes, and artists. With nearly 400 episodes, The Tim Ferriss show offers extensive content to anyone looking to hustle their way to the top.
Making Sense
The Making Sense podcast is hosted by neurosurgeon and best-selling author Sam Harris. With episode titles like “Mental Models,” “What Do Jihadists Really Want?” and “The Map of Misunderstanding,” the talks go beyond the walls of business to take a deeply analytical look at what drives us in a variety of contexts.
Revisionist History
“Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance” is the motto of the Revisionist History podcast, hosted by Malcolm Gladwell of Pushkin Industries. The eclectic mix of topics discussed ranges from the exhaustive Saigon study during the Vietnam War to Wilt Chamberlain’s hapless free throw shooting. The podcast takes an unconventional look at history and the aftermath of key events.
The Bill Simmons Podcast
Bill Simmons is one of the most recognized voices in sports entertainment, so it’s no surprise that he hosts a self-named podcast on the subject. The show features players, coaches, executives, and media personalities to break down everything in the sports world.
Mysterious Universe
Started in 2006, Mysterious Universe takes a somewhat left field approach to the latest news and events. UFO encounters, past-life memory recall, psychic espionage, and the world’s wildest travel stories are just some of the topics that host Aaron Wright explores. In addition to the free episode, Mysterious Universe offers an upgraded subscription with extended content that dives even deeper down the rabbit hole.
Pod Save America
Pod Save America touts itself as a no-BS podcast about what matters in politics and what you can do about it. Hosted by Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor, Pod Save America presents a deliberately non-mainstream—albeit left-leaning—view of American politics.
Science Vs
Modern science meets mainstream hype in Science Vs. Like a modern MythBusters, Science Vs features fact-checkers who present scientific data to support or disprove common fads, trends, and beliefs, including the efficacy of from detox teas, accuracy of DNA kits, and power of the placebo effect.
.webp)
.png)
