Every budding or current entrepreneur needs some encouragement, especially when it comes from someone who’s been in their shoes.
Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular, and many people look to them as sources of information and inspiration. There are podcast series dedicated to interviewing entrepreneurs: leaders of startups, creatives, and CEOs.
We spoke with multiple business leaders to determine what new podcasts are useful for entrepreneurs.
#1: Guy Raz’s “How I Built This”
Guy Raz hosts a podcast on NPR titled “How I Built This,” where he talks to the founders and leaders of well-known companies about their experience as successful business leaders. He often focuses on solopreneurs.
Lindsay McCormick, Founder and CEO of Bite, describes the podcast’s impact on entrepreneurs.
“Guy’s conversations touch on all aspects of entrepreneurship,” McCormick claims. “In the interviews, he dives into the inspirations behind the movements these business leaders inspired and the obstacles they encountered along the way. Starting a business is intimidating, especially when you’re doing it alone. Hearing these leaders’ stories, their victories and their challenges, gives an entrepreneur the courage to begin their project, and it gives current entrepreneurs advice and encouragement for the future.”
Donna Amos, a writer for Score, adds, “Though it may not be jam-packed with actionable steps for success on the small scale, Raz’s questions lead to intimate conversations about the difficulties of striking out on one’s own and the triumph of overcoming obstacles.”
Guy airs episodes weekly. One of the most recent episodes is with Andy Puddicombe and Rich Pierson, who founded the guided meditation app, Headspace.
#2: David Kadavy’s “Love Your Work”
In his podcast, Kadavy explores what it means to be a creator. He tackles topics like productivity, procrastination, Shiny Object Syndrome, and dissatisfaction. His intent? Just what the podcast’s title suggests, to help creatives and entrepreneurs enjoy what they do.
Michel Mosse, Co-Founder and Head of Revenue of Hoist, states, “This podcast is a must-have for makers. Kadavy playfully yet intentionally examines what it’s like to be a creator in various fields, including arts, sports, and engineering. All entrepreneurs face many of the same challenges and experience similar feelings even when their companies look vastly different from one another. When you’re leading a company or publishing creative work, you’re stepping into the great tradition of makers. You’ll probably experience something like imposter syndrome, or you’ll be faced with a choice to make a safe, low-risk decision or a bold, high-risk one. Every maker has been here. We all need storytellers like Kadavy to remind us that we’re not alone and to give us tools to continue loving what we do.”
Amanda E. Johnson, CMO of TatBrow, expands on the necessity of podcasts that highlight entrepreneurs and the creative process.
“Each guest on Kadavy’s show has their definition of success,” Amanda states. “They’re all entrepreneurs and creators, but their processes and journeys look different. Aspiring entrepreneurs need to recognize that there are many paths, and one person’s success might not look like your own. What’s great about ‘Love Your Work’ is that it invites listeners to commiserate with their creative community while honoring unique entrepreneurship experiences.”
#3: Side Hustle School
Chris Guillebeau’s podcast “Side Hustle School” helps listeners establish successful side hustles. It’s targeted toward people working full or part-time who want to make additional income.
Chris Bridges, CEO of VITAL, explains why this podcast is a must-have for both side-hustlers and full-time entrepreneurs.
He states, “Whether you’re looking to make some extra money, or you’re looking for a career change, Guillebeau’s podcast provides actionable tips and strategies for launching a business. It covers topics such as productivity, investing, and eCommerce. Many of the episodes are ‘How-To’s,’ and they’re all centered around the guests’ personal experiences in the business world. The advice given on this podcast is tried and true, so if you’re looking for your next steps in starting your business, big or small, this is the podcast for you.”
#4: Rework
Sandeep Mallya, a writer for 99 Signals, states that Rework’s hosts, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson “share startup stories and unconventional wisdom from their own experience and other business owners who have ebraced bootstrapping, staying small, and growing slow.”
John Berry, CEO and Managing Partner of Berry Law, describes how the Rework podcast is unique and helpful.
“Fried and Hansson examine general issues facing entrepreneurs, but they also explore topics that are usually ignored,” Berry claims. “Sometimes, their advice goes against the grain. One episode, for example, focuses on the need to stay present and willingly spontaneous as a business owner. In it, they suggest that sometimes, business plans aren’t necessary. The entire podcast is strikingly authentic, and it’s a great resource for entrepreneurs.”
Listeners connect to Fried and Hansson because of their genuine approach to business issues and their experience as entrepreneurs.
Michael Hennessy, Founder and CEO of Diathrive, explains that podcast hosts can serve as mentors, and your willingness to trust a mentor depends on their experience.
He states, “When you try and enter a career field, you’re going to turn to the people who have entered it before you. They’ll understand how the field works and how you can be successful in it. They’re also privy to the challenges and shortcomings that might be invisible to outsiders. As entrepreneurs themselves, Fried and Hansson fill their podcast with the wisdom of those who have gone before you. Better yet, they’re still active entrepreneurs, so you know that while listening to their podcast, you will learn what it’s like to be an entrepreneur right now.”
#5: The Strategy Hour
Abagail Pumphrey and Emylee Williams host “The Strategy Hour,” giving listeners strategies and marketing tips for their creative businesses.
Cody Candee, Founder and CEO of Bounce, claims, “Pumphrey and Williams cover a wide range of topics, including how to diversify products, build effective social media presences, craft engaging emails, and increase digital sales. In every episode, they make sure to provide steps you can immediately implement into your business strategy.”
The Strategy Hour helps listeners take their passions and turn them into profits.
Patrick Samy, CEO of Span Health, states that “in addition to all of the practical tools Pumphrey and Williams offer listeners, they invite their audience to remember why they became entrepreneurs or why they want to become entrepreneurs. It’s a necessary reminder. With all the responsibilities an entrepreneur takes on, it’s easy to lose sight of the excitement of running a business. ‘The Strategy Hour’ encourages listeners to keep passion at the center of all their projects.”
Span’s founders have also been guests on various podcasts on which they discuss health coaching and wellness. You can listen to some of these episodes here.
#6: The Goal Digger Podcast
Jenna Kutcher presents productivity and social media tips, business hacks, and entrepreneurial success stories. The goal? To help you create your ideal career.
Phillip Akhzar, CEO of Arka, describes his experience listening to the Goal Digger Podcast.
“Kutcher is set on giving her listeners advice that leads to business success and a work-life balance,” Akhzar states. “She is genuine and open, and she encourages her listeners to be the same as they launch their businesses. As a business owner, not only are you creating a brand, but you’re putting yourself in the brand, and that comes with pressure. Kutcher demonstrates that vulnerability is a strength. It helps you connect with your customers and remain true to your vision.”
Jeremy Gardner, CEO of MadeMan, states, “‘The Goal Digger’ podcast beautifully balances actionable business strategies with life skills, and both are necessary for healthy entrepreneurship. Kutcher and her guests are rich sources of business insights. While listening, you’ll learn about essential legal steps to take when launching your business and effective branding techniques. You’ll also learn more about different industries and keep up with the lives of the host and some of her guests. Altogether, it’s an extremely useful and uplifting podcast.”
#7: Bonus
While these aren’t new podcasts, we wanted to leave you with some additional recommendations as you continue to listen and grow your business.
Happy listening!
