You’re not alone.

Finding the most interesting podcasts can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

This guide will help you discover some truly captivating podcasts that are worth your time.

Why Podcasts Are the Best Way to Learn and Be Entertained

Podcasts are more than just background noise.

They can be a source of inspiration, knowledge, and entertainment.

Think about it.

Where else can you learn about the history of ancient Rome while cooking dinner?
Or hear firsthand accounts of true crime stories on your morning commute?

Podcasts allow you to multitask while diving into a world of fascinating stories and insights.
Whether you’re into business, history, comedy, or science, there’s a podcast out there for you.

What Makes a Podcast Interesting?

An interesting podcast grabs your attention from the first minute and keeps you hooked until the end. People have 8 second attention spans, so the most interesting podcasts respect the listener’s time.

It’s all about storytelling, engaging hosts, and unique perspectives.

Let’s break it down:

• Compelling Stories: A good story can make even the driest topics interesting.
• Engaging Hosts: A great host can turn a simple interview into a riveting conversation.
• Unique Perspectives: Podcasts that offer fresh viewpoints on familiar topics stand out. This can be news, cultural discussions, history, or more.
  
  But the most interesting podcasts take an oblique angle on the subject.
  
  They challenge the listener.

The Top 14 Most Interesting Podcasts You Should Be Listening To

This American Life

Hosted by Ira Glass, this podcast explores a wide range of themes and stories that are both captivating and thought-provoking.

Each episode blends investigative journalism, essays, and memoirs that touch on universal human experiences.

Chartable Data: Consistently ranks in the top 10 for news and culture podcasts globally.

Serial

Hosted by Sarah Koenig, this true crime podcast redefined the genre and has kept listeners on the edge of their seats since its debut. Even if you aren’t a True Crime genre fan, this is one of the most interesting podcasts simply because it changed the game.

Each season explores a different real-life case, unraveling the complexities and mysteries involved.

Chartable Data: “Serial” has over 300 million total downloads and remains one of the most talked-about podcasts in the true crime genre.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.

Radiolab

For those who love science and philosophy, “Radiolab” is a must-listen.

Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser host the show, which makes complex topics accessible and engaging through a mix of storytelling and scientific inquiry.

The recent host change has been met with some mixed feedback. Changing hosts midstream certainly qualifies it to remain one of the most interesting podcasts.

Chartable Data: Regularly features in the top 50 podcasts across various categories.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.

The Daily

Stay updated with the most important news of the day with “The Daily.”

This podcast from The New York Times provides deep dives into current events with insightful analysis.

Hosted by Michael Barbaro, it offers a fresh perspective on the biggest stories of our time. And it does it in roughly 20 minutes a day. There’s no better way to get a handle on the day’s going ons.

Chartable Data: As of this writing, The Daily is the third most listened to podcast on Apple Podcasts. That’s impressive.

Listen to on Apple Podcasts.

How I Built This

If you’re into entrepreneurship and innovation, “How I Built This” will inspire you.

Host Guy Raz interviews the founders of some of the world’s most successful companies, delving into their journeys, challenges, and successes. In a capitalist economy, it ticks all the boxes for ranking as one of the most interesting podcasts.

Chartable Data: Frequently ranked in the top 20 for business podcasts, with over 200,000 downloads per episode.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.

Stuff You Should Know

Curious about how things work?

“Stuff You Should Know” covers everything from the history of sandwich bread to how black holes work.

Hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, it makes learning fun and accessible.

Chartable Data: Has amassed over 1 billion downloads, making it one of the most listened-to podcasts globally.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.

The Joe Rogan Experience

Known for its long-form interviews, “The Joe Rogan Experience” covers a wide range of topics with various guests. And yeah, it’s the most popular podcast around, but that’s largely because it’s such an interesting podcast.

Hosted by comedian Joe Rogan, the podcast features deep, often controversial discussions on everything from politics to health and fitness. Some of the best Joe Rogan episodes are those where he gets heated with a guest, or when he covers more lofty topics like science.

This show is interesting. It’s divisive. It’s eclectic. And, most of all, it’s one of the most entertaining podcasts no matter how you lean.

Chartable Data: One of the most downloaded podcasts in the world. It holds the top spot on the Apple Charts.

Listen on Spotify.

TED Radio Hour

Love TED Talks?

“TED Radio Hour” brings those ideas to life in podcast form.

Hosted by Manoush Zomorodi, it features excerpts from TED Talks followed by interviews and deeper dives into the topics. It’s also worth checking out TED Talks Daily. One of the most interesting podcasts on the market.

Chartable Data: Consistently ranks in the top 50 for educational podcasts, with over 1 million downloads per episode.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.

Crime Junkie

True crime enthusiasts will love “Crime Junkie.”

Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, it’s addictive and well-researched, making it one of the most interesting podcasts in the genre.

Each episode tells a gripping story that will keep you hooked.

Chartable Data: Regularly features in the top 10 true crime podcasts, with episodes often surpassing 500,000 downloads.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.

You Must Remember This

This podcast dives into the secret and forgotten history of Hollywood’s first century.

Hosted by Karina Longworth, it’s a fascinating listen for movie buffs and history enthusiasts alike. This one is a little different, but we, as a country, have a wide fascination with Hollywood. Knowing the history is usually worth knowing.

Chartable Data: Frequently ranked in the top 20 for film history podcasts.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.

Freakonomics Radio

If you’re fascinated by the hidden side of everything, “Freakonomics Radio” is for you.

Hosted by Stephen J. Dubner, it explores the oddities and unexpected truths of various topics, often challenging conventional wisdom. Challenging assumptions is always a worthy task. This show will give you that mind blowing type of subject matter. What more do you want in your most interesting podcasts?

Chartable Data: Consistently ranked in the top 30 for economics and business podcasts.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Hosted by Dax Shepard, “Armchair Expert” dives into honest and deep conversations with celebrities, journalists, and academics.

It’s insightful and often hilarious, offering a raw look into the lives and minds of its guests.

Chartable Data: Often ranks in the top 20 for society and culture podcasts.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.

The Moth

For fans of storytelling, “The Moth” features people telling true stories from their lives.

It’s raw, real, and incredibly moving, capturing the essence of the human experience.

Chartable Data: One of the top storytelling podcasts, ranking in the top 100 for all podcasts, and number 1 for performing arts.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.

WTF with Marc Maron

Hosted by comedian Marc Maron, this podcast features in-depth interviews with a wide range of guests, including celebrities, musicians, and fellow comedians.

Known for its candid and often emotional conversations, “WTF with Marc Maron” is a must-listen for anyone interested in the personal stories behind public figures.

Chartable Data: Frequently in the top 50 for comedy podcasts, ranking 26th at the time of this writing.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.

Qanon Anonymous Podcast

If you’re curious about conspiracy theories and the impact they have on society, “QAnon Anonymous” is a must-listen.

Hosted by Julian Feeld, Travis View, and Jake Rockatansky, this podcast delves into the world of QAnon, exploring its origins, growth, and influence through insightful analysis and thorough research.

Chartable Data: Frequently features in the top 100 for society and culture podcasts, though not always. Fluctuating as high as 200.

It goes to show that not every interesting pod is going to be the most well-ranked. That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.

How to Choose the Right Podcast for You

With so many options, how do you find the most interesting podcasts for your tastes?
Here are some tips:

• Identify Your Interests: Are you into true crime, history, science, or something else?
• Read Reviews: Check out what other listeners are saying.
• Listen to a Few Episodes: Before you commit, try listening to a few episodes. Even listening to the snippets or clips can give you an idea.
• Check Episode Length: Make sure the podcast fits into your schedule.

FAQs About Podcasts

Q: How do I start listening to podcasts?
A: It’s easy!

You can listen to podcasts on various platforms like Spotify (the largest), Apple Podcasts (the OG), and a number of other podcatcher apps.

Just search for the podcast you’re interested in and hit play. Or check out our guide for the best Android podcast apps. Or our guide on listening to podcasts for the first time.

Q: Are podcasts free?
A: Most podcasts are free to listen to.

Some offer premium content for a subscription fee. While most podcasts are supported by ads or sponsorships, some will have a “paywall” or ask for contributions through platforms like Patreon.

Q: Can I download podcasts for offline listening?
A: Yes, most podcast apps allow you to download episodes for offline listening. Some apps add this as a feature in their paid or premium plans. Again, it’s a business, but this is a very convenient feature.

Q: How often are new episodes released?
A: It varies. Some podcasts release new episodes weekly, while others might have different schedules. A quality podcaster will have some regularity to their release schedule.

Why You Should Start Listening to Podcasts Today

Podcasts are a fantastic way to learn new things, stay entertained, and make the most of your time.
Whether you’re driving, exercising, or just relaxing at home, there’s always a podcast to keep you company.

So why wait?

Start exploring the most interesting podcasts today and find your new favorite.

Remember, the world of podcasts is vast and diverse.

There’s something out there for everyone. There are a ton of genres and categories we haven’t covered in this vast, and I do mean vast, podcast landscape.

From true crime to comedy, history to science, the most interesting podcasts are just a click away.
The most interesting podcasts can change the way you see the world.

Be sure to check back often as we often find new gems to add to this list. Join our email list below, or follow us on (ugh…) X. No, it’s still Twitter.

The post The 15 Most Interesting Podcasts: The Ultimate Guide appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

At least, that’s what I aimed to provide with this list: a grouping of business podcasts that look at working, the workplace, and building a career from a healthy place internally. Yes, you’ll learn how to start a business, invest, and donate in a way aligned with your values, but more importantly, you’ll learn how to find out what you want and deserve in the workplace. Not only that, but there are also business podcasts for at-home creatives and people interested in designing their workplace to be a better place.

Well Workplaces

Well Workplaces features interviews with health and wellbeing leaders who help listeners find a sustainable work-life balance. They focus on all aspects of communication, wellbeing, and workplace ethics. Experts get into subjects like gamification, architecture, and even workplace design. Listeners who want to work healthily in this modern world will find a home in Well Workplaces. Well Workplaces is a great business podcast for both freelancers and in-house workers because it genuinely tries to push past barriers to make our connection to work better. I got a lot out of several episodes surrounding working from home and incorporating healthy systems to take care of my body and mind. There are also episodes surrounding addiction, mental health, and self-care that make Well Workplaces the perfect podcast for listeners interested in working in a healthier way.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Google Podcasts | Website

Own It: Starting a Business after Prison

Own It: Starting a Business after Prison focuses on helping people who were incarcerated understand how to start their own business. Through interviews with business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who were previously incarcerated, Own It: Starting a Business after Prison offers something that many business podcasts don’t. The business podcast provides real-life advice from formerly incarcerated people on how to build a career and a business after not only a long time away from the workforce but with a record. Though the last episode aired back in June, Own It: Starting a Business after Prison is still a relevant and vital business podcast. My favorite newly discovered podcast is coming from the standpoint of how entrepreneurship can help recently released people find security, careers, and purpose, Own It: Starting a Business after Prison.

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Website

Startup Stories-Mixergy

For listeners interested in startups and building their own companies based around unique ideas, Startup Stories-Mixergy gives behind-the-scenes interviews with the minds and people behind startups in a wide variety of industries. While Startup Stories-Mixergy doesn’t give listeners tutorials on how to start their own business. What Startup Stories-Mixergy does do is provide interviews with founders, business leaders, and executives where they drill into their origins and processes to give listeners tools, advice, and insight into how startups live and die. There are many multi-million-dollar businesses and startups featured, which made it seem unapproachable for the everyday worker since many featured people came from some sort of money. However, a lot of the information beneath the rich and luxurious lifestyle was helpful, like building sites that customers love or marketing sustainably.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website

The $100MBA Show

While Startup Stories-Mixergy didn’t offer tutorials, The $100MBA Show does! To say there are a plethora of lessons on The $100MBA Show is an understatement. Everything from how to build a business, level up your career, work as a freelancer, or even money management is covered on the business podcast. There are even a few episodes on reentry and moving from working full-time to owning your own business. As a freelance creative, I do want to note that there were a fair number of episodes useful to me and other content creators or writers. I also love that all the episodes were short, quick, and actionable. In under 20 minutes, I left The $100MBA Show with new strategies for my business and writing, which is my top marker for a business podcast. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website

Let’s Humanize the Workplace

Let’s Humanize the Workplace is a business podcast about building a better workplace for yourself to work and live in a way that satisfies you. The host gives both employers and employees tips on incorporating more soft skills into how people interact within business spaces. Using both social justice and behavioral science, Let’s Humanize the Workplace advocates for better work conditions inside and out. For new listeners, I’d recommend the spring 2021 episode “George Floyd’s Impact on the Workplace.” For people curious about the impacts of systematic racism in the workplace and how they can fight against it to create a truly safe and inclusive, that episode is a treasure trove of complex discussions and tools for the workplace.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website

Duct Tape Marketing

For listeners with their own business, Duct Tape Marketing provides advice from marketing experts on reaching customers and retaining them. Each episode gets into particular topics using a different expert to help listeners learn the lesson. I love that Duct Tape Marketing releases a new episode every couple of days and keeps each one relatively short. For both freelancers and in-house workers, Duct Tape Marketing teaches business owners ways to use copywriting, content marketing, and more in an easy-to-learn way. I found the episodes geared more toward people new to marketing, but Duct Tape Marketing does get into more advanced territory every now and then. There are also a fair number of episodes on general career advancement and specific workplace issues. 

Google Podcasts | Player FM | Stitcher | Website

Read more: Upgrade Your Writing Business in 2021 with These Podcasts

The Mind Your Business Podcast

The Mind Your Business Podcast is a unique business podcast focused on the metaphysical, physiological, and emotional aspects of being an entrepreneur and professional. The Mind Your Business Podcast dates back to 2016, and with over 500 episodes, it’s a business podcast with a lot to offer listeners trying to align their mind, heart, and body with their business ethics to work smarter and happier. Billing itself as a non-business business podcast, The Mind Your Business Podcast aims to take a holistic and spiritual approach to work, business, and finding a career that fuels your soul. While The Mind Your Business Podcast won’t be for a lot of people, I think it is worth a listen. Like The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast, The Mind Your Business Podcast is all about authentic and intentional work. I found the episodes I listened to interesting, but not my spiritual style.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website 

The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast

From The Smart Passive Income Blog comes the companion business podcast, The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast. Another long-standing podcast on how to grow your own business from home, The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast combines interviews and the host’s own experience to help listeners scale their online business. As a freelancer, The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast was another one of the extremely informative and helpful business podcasts. But even if you’re not a freelancer, The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast is really aimed at full-time workers who want to make their side hustles lucrative so they can build secure futures. I appreciate the push for authentic business and behavior to bring in the clients and business you want.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website

Shopify Masters

Shopify has its own podcast all about using the platform to drive continued success for business owners who use it to conduct their business. Shopify Masters offers both inspiration and practical tips for business owners involving marketing, behind-the-scenes analytics, and more. Business leaders, CEOs, and startup founders take to the mic to get down to what they did to build their business and change the game using Shopify to propel their careers. Even if you don’t use Shopify, the episodes and subjects discussed on Shopify Masters go beyond just using Shopify. While listening, I felt like Shopify Masters was a general entrepreneurial business podcast for people who want to build their businesses or pick up lucrative side hustles. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website

Happiness at Work

Unsatisfied at work? Happiness at Work is a business podcast for the unhappy worker. They provide interviews with authors, business leaders, and coaches to help listeners find happiness at their jobs. Both employers and workers can find episodes and lessons on Happiness at Work. Out of all the business podcasts that I listened to, Happiness at Work was my least favorite. But I’m willing to say that it could have been the episodes I chose and the guests featured. There are a lot of hot button topics and hot takes that I always feel should be done by underrepresented voices due to the fact that they will often shine more of a light on the subject and say something new. But just because I didn’t like Happiness at Work doesn’t mean that it’s a bad business podcast or that many listeners won’t find it helpful, engaging, or thoughtful. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website

Spacecraft—The Workplace Design Podcast

Instead of giving listeners tips on growing their business or reaching better satisfaction in the workplace, Spacecraft—The Workplace Design Podcast looks at how the design of workspaces influences all those factors. The last episode aired back in September, but there are enough episodes in the back catalog to dive into. With the unique subject matter placed on design, architecture, and the way people are affected by the spaces they inhabit, Spacecraft—The Workplace Design Podcast is a must listen to for any business owner, leader, or human resource representative. Especially those who want to change their employees’ environment to something more inclusive, accessible, and aimed toward healthy work options. As a huge fan of how design and architecture play into our emotions, mental state, and wellbeing, I was super psyched to find Spacecraft—The Workplace Design Podcast. It also focused on a business topic that isn’t often discussed on other business podcasts, making it a refreshing listen.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher

Being Freelance

Being Freelance is a business podcast for freelancers of all types. Through interviews and introspections from other freelancers, Being Freelance gives listeners tips and advice to run their freelance business. Not only can experienced freelancers learn how to level up their business and get new clients, but I think a few of the episodes are helpful for beginning freelancers or people who are curious about how to make freelancing work for them. A few episodes also get into marketing and UI tips to help freelancers express themselves and their services better online that I found extremely helpful. New listeners are lucky, Being Freelance began in 2015, so there are TONS of episodes to catch up on. And new episodes are still dropping!

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website | Transcripts
(Transcripts available by clicking on each episode)

Brown Ambition

From one of the authors of Get Good with Money, Brown Ambition gets down to the real brass tacks of what it means to be money smart. Brown Ambition teaches listeners how to budget, save, and manage their money so that they can create a sustainable business model or work toward quitting their day job or becoming an entrepreneur. Brown Ambition stands out from the other business podcasts on this list because they have over 200 episodes to get listeners in the right money mindset to handle their finances and turn their earnings into more. On top of that, they focus on helping Black professionals and highlight issues related to investing as a person of color.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website

Being [at Work]

Aimed at business leaders and managers, Being [at Work] tries and help listeners center themselves in their business and practice. The business podcast also gives listeners tips, inspiration, and tools to help leaders in the workplace. Focusing on solving specific issues leaders and managers face, Being [at Work] blends interviews, real-world stories, and the host’s own experience to make leadership easier. Most episodes are short (under five minutes) and deliver quick and practical strategies to tackle workplace issues from the mindful leadership standpoint. For the interview portion of the show, check out the longer episodes and get a deeper look at the topic. Being [at Work] felt like one of the perfect business podcasts for small moments when leaders need a quick reality check and info throughout the workday.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website

The Broad Experience

There are a couple of business podcasts on this list for honest conversations about working as a woman and women-related issues in the workplace. Each one I highly recommend because they offer unique perspectives on gender inequality in the workplace based on real experiences. The Broad Experience not only focuses on working women and issues of interest to them, but they also get into being a person in the workplace and dealing with other aspects like neurodivergence, working with your partner, and so much more. I really liked The Broad Experience episode “Power and Body Language,” which dug into how to hold yourself in the workplace and its connections to gender and communication. While dealing with the harsh reality of gender inequality, The Broad Experience builds toward a positive and inclusive future for everyone.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website | Transcripts

Black Tech Unplugged

Black Tech Unplugged is a business podcast about Black people working within the tech industry. Instead of giving listeners tips on how to work better, though there is some of that, Black Tech Unplugged interviews and spotlights Black tech workers and their journeys in the industry. Listeners can learn strategies, tools, and advice to work better through their stories and honest responses to the host’s questions. Starting back in 2017, Black Tech Unplugged is candid and a business podcast that I found unique. Most business tech podcasts don’t give Black people the tools and inspiration they need to enter the industry or continue working within it. Black Tech Unplugged does. And all from other Black professionals working within the technology industry. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website

Women at Work

Like The Broad Experience, Women at Work focuses on issues relevant to women in the workplace. While The Broad Experience and Women at Work both give listeners more than just topics on women at work, Women at Work from the Harvard British Review is more about actionable steps to end discrimination in the workplace and offer women tools to face common hurdles. But again, I highly recommend both! Listening to Women at Work was even helpful in providing me tools as a solo freelancer. Similar to many business podcasts on this list, Women at Work gets into the personal and vocational. And with episodes dating back to 2018, there are a lot of episodes to choose from to help workers take charge of themselves and their careers. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Google Podcasts | Website

The Unmistakable Creative

Part creativity podcast and part business podcast, The Unmistakable Creative is all about helping creatives work better at their careers, side-hustles, and passions. Using interviews from professional creatives from every industry, The Unmistakable Creative is a one-of-a-kind business podcast for understanding how to make money and live as a creative. Over 1,000 episodes make up the enormous back catalog of information available, and a new episode is released every couple of days. I found The Unmistakable Creative to help center me in my craft and business and learn how to blend my life with my creative work. If you’re at a point where you’re not sure how to be creative at work or in a career, The Unmistakable Creative has quite a few episodes focused on helping beginners. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website

Workplace Hugs

Don’t be put off by the name; Workplace Hugs is a comprehensive workplace podcast centered around business and work topics related to workplace culture. Fun and upbeat, Workplace Hugs dives into recent reads or topics that the hosts have discovered. Together they explore the topic and go into their personal experiences. Some of the episodes are really eye-opening, while most of them are simply interesting topics to hear the hosts talk about. While not focusing on providing listeners business or work advice, Workplace Hugs is more of a workplace talk show for people who can’t get enough of talking about how they work, where they work, and what’s out there in the world. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Google Podcasts | Website

The New Way We Work

From the debut editor of Fast Company comes The New Way We Work, a business podcast about upcoming changes to the world of business. The New Way We Work gets into work culture, money, and diversity in the workplace. Aiming to provide listeners with insight from workers and leaders within various industries, The New Way We Work tries to show business leaders how to create businesses and workplaces that are inclusive, safe, and made for the future. The episodes and topics are genuine and honest, with a hard and unforgiving look at where we are today and where we need to become a healthy work culture. The New Way We Work is for more than just leaders but for workers who want to learn how to see their work and career progressively. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website

Transform Your Workplace

Transform Your Workplace is a human resource business podcast about creating a healthy workplace and building systems within your business that facilitate care, respect, and inclusion. Like a few other business podcasts on this list, Transform Your Workplace brings together workplace experts, self-help authors, and more to create a rounded view of how to make your workplace a better place to be. Despite the title, many of the episodes were more about how to transform yourself within the workplace, like how to attract good talent, deal with anxiety in the workplace, and take control of your career. It drives home the point that it’s not just about the work you do but the person you bring to your work. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website

As always, please go beyond listening or reading these podcasts. If you’ve learned anything from them, consider subscribing, reviewing, and sharing the business podcast. You can even go further if you have the means. Donate or subscribe to the podcast’s Patreon or other paid subscription community.

Bonus business podcasts

These business podcasts come from versions of this article past. We still recommend them! They remain some of the greats in business podcasts.

The Journal

If The Wall Street Journal and Gimlet Media are coming together to make a podcast, you know this is the perfect recipe for a must-listen show. Despite being a fairly new podcast (it was launched in June 2019), The Journal is already one of my top favorites. Hosted by Kate Linebaugh and Ryan Knutson, this daily, narrative news show breaks down the top business and financial news of the day with the help of WSJ reporters. And while yes, this harkens back to a format institutionalized by NYT’s The Daily, you can’t ignore The Journal’s impeccable business reporting and insider scoops which makes this show stand out amongst daily news shows. If you want to catch up with the day’s top business news, while also gaining a deep insight into the topic, then give The Journal a listen. 

NPR’s Planet Money

The original podcast that introduced narrative storytelling in business and economics, making a subject that is often associated with mustachioed professors in tweed jackets seem fun. A production of NPR, Planet Money’s famous motto has been: Imagine you’re meeting a friend at a bar and you ask them to explain what’s going on in the economy. The show tackles some of the nerdiest topics in economics and finance (repo market, anyone?) and explains them in creative and eccentric ways. Case in point (and two of my favorite episodes): An episode on negative interest rates explained using…meadows and boxes of gold, and an episode on the 17th century spice trade explained while cooking an actual peacock with a Dutch recipe from 1612.

The Indicator from Planet Money

And if you are pressed for time, but would still like a dose of Planet Money fun, you can turn to their daily podcast The Indicator instead! In 10 minutes (or less) this podcast aims to succinctly explain the day’s top economic and financial news or tackles random, quirky subjects. From discussing the monthly jobs report, exploring if there was a financial crisis the year Jesus died to using a string quartet to explain rising healthcare costs, The Indicator makes keeping up with financial news digestible and fun.

Business Wars

Have you ever been in a restaurant and had to face the audacity of someone offering you Pepsi instead of Coca Cola? *cue ominous organ playing*

Whether you’ve found yourself sweating through the Pepsi taste challenge, or been kicked in the shins during the Nike versus Adidas war, as consumers we have all found ourselves caught between the crosshairs of a business feud. In a 5 to 6 part series, Business Wars looks into each of these rivalries, digging into their histories and breaking down the business tactics introduced by these companies to stay ahead of the game. 

And much like in the fashion of many Wondery productions, what makes Business Wars especially compelling to listen to is how it narrates these stories with dramatic music, re-enacting insider conversations and scenes from the past to paint why these feuds became so iconic.  

50 Things That Made The Modern Economy

The diesel engine? Paper? The disposable razor? How did these innovations become everyday items that changed our world and the economy? Originally the show was meant to be a short series with only 50 episodes (hence the title), but thanks to its immense popularity, the show has been extended, with new episodes being released weekly. This show will make sure you’re the one person at the party with all the fun facts.

How I Built This With Guy Raz

If Terry Gross is the queen of the airways, then Guy Raz is a close second as the king of podcasting. 

There are enough shows out there where an entrepreneur is interviewed about their flourishing business, and is asked the standard question, “Oh, but where did you get the idea for this?” There will be light banter, a lot of humble bragging, a few Pinterest-able motivational quotes, and you will walk away none the wiser. But Raz’s show goes beyond your standard two-way interview. He does not stop at asking about the seed of an idea, he goes on to ask how they went about transforming that idea into a reality. The show digs into the stories and people behind some of the most well-known brands such as Steve Madden, Michael Dell and Eileen Fisher. 

Every episode is a narrative, giving us a glimpse of the guest’s personality with beautiful scoring that sets the tone for every interview. Every episode also has a moment, when the interviewee lets his or her guard down and reveals an intimate detail about their life or their views on money, leaving you appreciating the guest, the brand and the story behind how they built this. 

Freakonomics Radio

A spinoff from the bestselling books, and hosted by co-author Stephen J. Dubner, this podcast aims to uncover the “hidden side of everything.” Didn’t have time to read the latest paper on why minimum wage should be raised? Tune in to Freakonomics instead, where Dubner has riveting conversations with some of the biggest names in academia and in the world of business, uncovering the latest trends, research and findings in the field. 

My favorite series from this show was The Secret Life of a C.E.O, where Dubner has candid one-on-one conversations with famous C.E.Os of multinational corporations, such as Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Virgin’s Richard Branson and Pepsico’s Indra Nooyi. His interview with Nooyi, in particular, became infamous, as she revealed on the show how the company was looking to introduce a new line of Dorito chips designed specifically for female consumers, causing the Lady-Doritos-gate scandal online. 

Death, Sex & Money

Now I admit, this show isn’t always about money. But for the episodes that does tackle the topic, host Anna Sale uncovers personal stories about how money can affect our lives and shapes our social behaviors. What are we afraid to admit out loud when it comes to how we handle money?  

For example, the spectacular 5-part “Opportunity Cost” series, produced in collaboration with Buzzfeed News, tackles how economic class affects people’s daily lives and the kind of decisions they make, from whether one has access to fertility treatments to dealing with a sudden change in financial status after a divorce.

Business Casual

If two-way interview podcasts are your thing, then you should check out Business Casual, a new podcast launched by Morning Brew, a daily business and financial newsletter. In this show, host Kinsey Grant, sits down with C.E.Os and experts to have casual yet intriguing conversations about their work and what it’s like navigating through the ever-evolving world of business. If you want insider knowledge about cryptocurrency, the future of co-working spaces, and how TikTok is changing social media, not from analysts and observers, but from people who actually interact with and are from these industries, then Business Casual is the podcast to listen to.

Money Talks from Economist Radio

The reason I’ve included Money Talks into this list, apart from my love for British accents, is because of the breadth of its global coverage. Money Talks is a weekly podcast on markets, businesses and the world economy, and while the tone of the show is very radio-BBC-esque (it is The Economist after all), I enjoy how the show covers global business trends in every episode. This can be especially refreshing after being barraged for weeks by the endless coverage on WeWork and Adam Neumann’s shoulda-seen-it-coming failures — yes, I would instead like to hear about how Nutella is planning to take over the world, thank you very much.

This is Uncomfortable from Marketplace

Money is uncomfortable. It’s not just me, even business news behemoth Marketplace thinks so. In their show, This is Uncomfortable, host Reema Kharis looks into how money interferes with life and decisions. The show has tackled topics like: how do you navigate through the awkwardness of asking a close friend about money they owe you? Or how do ‘momagers’ strike that weird balance between being somebody’s parent and manager, and why has the term adopted a negative connotation? (Unfortunately, Kris Jenner does not make a special appearance.)

Scam Goddess

Let’s be real. The only time business news is genuinely fascinating, is when a scam gets uncovered. Whether it’s an opportunity for us all to collectively raise our fists in the air and rage against an unfair system that privileges a select few and disadvantages the masses, or whether it’s because we suffer from low-key Stokholm syndrome, scams are scandalous and fascinating. 

In this weekly show, host Laci Mosley along with a fellow comedian, digs into real-life everyday scams and historic hoodwinks — what she has dubbed “true crime without the death.” Tune in for Mosley’s quick wit and her sporadic comic outbursts, as she breaks down scams people have suffered from (and how we can avoid them ourselves) and digging into epic historic scams pulled off in the past.

The post The 21 Best Business Podcasts appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

NPR goes back to 1970, when approximately 90 public radio stations came together to form NPR, Inc. Over the next ten years, shows like All Things Considered and Morning Edition debuted, broadcasting nationally over the first nationwide radio satellite distribution network. In 2000, NPR debuted All Songs Considered, their first digital program, and just five years later entered the growing podcasting space with 17 NPR original podcasts and a broader directory of about 150 additional shows from member stations. 

Read more: Over 200 Audio Professionals Sign Anti-Racist Open Letter to Public Media

The influence NPR has had on podcasting (not to mention radio as a whole) has been instrumental. Going back to the early 2000s and the beginning of podcasting, it was NPR affiliate station WGBH that became the first station to release its daily radio programming as podcasts. Today, NPR is the most popular podcast publisher with over 175 million downloads and streams every month according to Podtrac. While this guide will only focus on programs produced by NPR, we also encourage you to explore the full NPR Podcast Directory where you can find additional shows distributed by NPR.

Fresh Air

Hosted by Terry Gross, Fresh Air is one of NPR’s most popular podcasts and consistently is one of the most downloaded podcasts globally. The show began in 1975 at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia, and most episodes consist of an interview for about thirty minutes, followed by shorter segments such as film or music reviews. Guests range from presidents and Hollywood stars to authors, historians, and scientists, all of whom are greeted with the same curiosity, persistence, and analytical questioning. 

Where To Begin:

In 2004, Gross published All I Did Was Ask, where she highlighted several of her favorite interviews with guests such as Johnny Cash, James Baldwin, Chris Rock, and many more. Many interviews from before Fresh Air became a podcast have also been re-released, such as an interview with legendary musician Ray Charles (originally broadcast in 1998) and one with the prolific cooking teacher and author Julia Child (originally broadcast in 1989). With over 40 years of interviews, it is hard to pick a selection of “the best,” but Gross’ selections from the book will serve as a good initial guide. Another great resource is the Fresh Air archive, where interviews are categorized and searchable by name, topic, or year. 

In the past decade, notable interviews include a 2016 discussion with Anthony Bourdain two years before his death, and career-spanning interviews with author Toni Morrison in 2015 or actor Meryl Streep in 2012. In addition to famous guests, Fresh Air’s podcast feed is also filled with less recognizable authors, academics, and scientists discussing their work and expertise.

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Planet Money

Planet Money is NPR’s economics podcast, but don’t be scared off if you are not a fan of the subject. While some episodes do go deep into the nuts and bolts of things like the Federal Reserve or how mints work, many of the shows 1,000+ episodes are more anecdotal and less wonky. 

Several producers and hosts work on the show, with the two best known being Robert Smith and Stacey Vanek Smith, and most episodes have an entertaining, witty, and sometimes humorous flair to them. Planet Money episodes are on the shorter side, usually in the range of 15 to 30 minutes, so it is a great podcast to squeeze into a quick commute or turn on while out on an evening walk. For a complete list of our favorite episodes, read this list from 2019. 

Where To Begin: 

The Planet Money T-Shirt Project (multiple episodes from 2013) was an in-depth look at the journey of a t-shirt from start to finish, including episodes about Indonesian yarn factories, discarded clothes that get sent to Sub-Saharan Africa, and the shipping containers that bring clothing to the United States. A similar series, Planet Money Buys Oil (multiple episodes in 2016), involved buying 100 barrels of oil and following the production process from the ground to a refinery, and finally into a gas tank. Both are incredibly informative and great binge listens. 

Planet Money also does a great job analyzing and explaining pricing, such as in Why The Price of Coke Didn’t Change For 70 Years (May 19, 2019) or Why A Dead Shark Costs $12 Million (March 20, 2019). These two episodes put a fun spin on the concept of supply and demand and would be great episodes to listen to with children, or just to refuel your own curiosity in the economy. 

Another one of Planet Money’s best-known episodes is Peanuts and Cracker Jack (May 6, 2016), which is a character-filled narrative about the micro-economy of baseball stadiums. It gives a new angle to look at sports stadiums with and will make you rethink everything you know about concessions. 

Read more: Best Planet Money episodes

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Code Switch

Although it is significantly newer than some other NPR podcasts, Code Switch has developed a massive audience since its inception in 2016 and quickly became one of NPR’s most popular podcasts. The weekly episodes cover topics such as race, ethnicity, immigration, and other social issues. Produced by a team of journalists of color, including reporters Shereen Marisol Meraji and Gene Demby who host the show, Code Switch excels at answering sometimes complicated or difficult questions in an approachable and comprehensible way. 

Where To Begin: 

Many Code Switch episodes are inspired by current events, including some that continue to be especially relevant. On The Shoulders Of Giants (February 27, 2019) is presented by Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei of the podcast Throughline and tells a history of Black athletes using their position and power to protest injustice throughout American history. Rather than examine more commonly discussed narratives, it focuses on three equally relevant but lesser-known narratives. The Black Table In The Big Tent (September 18, 2019) focused on the fact that just 2% of the Republican Party is black, interviewing experts and Black Republicans alike.

Other Code Switch stories take on unexplored topics relating to race in pop culture, current events, or history. One especially fascinating episode was is Dora’s Lasting Magic (August 14, 2019), which looks at how children’s cartoon character Dora The Explorer helped lead to a new wave of multicultural television programming for kids in the United States. Code Switch also has interviews with a long list of diverse talents, such as Master of None creator Alan Yang and Blackish star Yara Shahidi. The Ask Code Switch episodes are another entertaining series, tackling listener questions and providing thoughtful answers in a way that is both educational and judgment-free. 

Read more: Podcasts to Prepare Your Kids and Teens for the Future

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Hidden Brain

Essentially the Planet Money of psychology, Hidden Brain is a quick, quirky, and sometimes humorous show hosted by journalist Shankar Vedantam. In Vedantam’s own words, in the show, he “reveals the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, the biases that shape our choices, and the triggers that direct the course of our relationships.” The podcast consists of interviews, quizzes and games, and narrative story-telling on a wide range of topics that typically evolve out of a single, simple question. 

Like many other NPR podcasts, the information presented is incredibly well-researched and answers big questions, but is presented in a way that is approachable and appropriate for a wide range of audiences. 

Where To Begin: 

Many of the best Hidden Brain episodes are those where Vedantam and his guests aim to tackle common psychology questions with a new lens. For example, The Ostrich Effect (August 6, 2018) looks at a concept some listeners may already be familiar with but introduces new anecdotes and examples to keep the discussion fresh. Another episode, What’s Not On The Test (May 13, 2019), does the same thing with the concept of school testing, going in-depth to provide concrete examples proving and disproving common theories about academic testing. 

An episode that steers a bit away from the usual format is Lonely Hearts (November 3, 2015), where Vedantam takes a more narrative approach to the psychology of love. The episode originally aired on This American Life, in a show called “The Heart Wants What it Wants,” which gives a bit of insight into the style and mood. Vedantam weaves psychology and science into the flow of the episode, but it ultimately feels more like a personal essay than academic research. 

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Invisibilia

Perhaps NPR’s most out-of-the-box podcast in its subject matter and structure, Invisibilia premiered in 2015 to explore “the invisible forces that shape human behavior.” The show’s first season quickly gained attention, largely in part to excerpts occasionally being included within other NPR podcasts, such as All Things Considered and Morning Edition. Invisibilia and it’s hosts Alix Spiegel and Hanna Rosin were hugely influential on a new wave of podcasts that emerged in the late 2010s in tone and style, and the show remains one of NPR podcasts’ most engaging listens. 

Where To Begin: 

Invisibilia’s typical structure is to start with a narrative story and then let it lead into a broader discussion of the key question, which keeps the complex topics relatable and easier to grasp. For example, one newer episode from Season Six (White v. White?, April 3, 2020) addresses the concept of race as a social construct by opening the story of a man running for City Council who’s opponent alleges he is a white man pretending to be black. 

With about 30 episodes released, listening to Invisibilia from the beginning is very possible and although it is not serialized, starting with Season One may be a good idea. If you start from the beginning, Invisibilia’s debut was The Secret History of Thoughts (January 9, 2015), which examines negative thought, authenticity, and the subconscious mind. The second episode of the first season, Fearless (January 16, 2015) begins with the story of a woman who cannot feel fear before diving into the science of common fears such as snakes and roller coasters. 

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Tiny Desk Concerts – Audio 

Music fans looking for an in-depth discussion should certainly check out All Songs Considered, but if you just want the tunes without the talk, look no further than the Tiny Desk Concerts audio podcast. While you may have seen some of these live shows on the NPR website or YouTube, listening to the podcast version is a real treat and allows you to explore back through over 300 past performances. 

Where To Begin:

Everyone from Taylor Swift, Lizzo, and Coldplay to The Roots, Mac Miller, and The Blue Man Group have stopped by NPR’s studios to play a Tiny Desk Concert. We highly recommend a subscription to the audio feed to relive your favorite performances of the past or discover a new favorite act. 

Music fans will all advocate for their own personal favorites, but a few Tiny Desk Concerts have stood out over the past few years. T-Pain’s 2014 appearance at the Tiny Desk not only established him as an incredibly talented musician and vocalist, but also ushered in a new wave of hip hop, rap, and R&B acts visiting the NPR studios. The most popular Tiny Desk Concert on YouTube is with Anderson .Paak and his cool, charismatic performance without a doubt won him more than a few new fans. Of course, you miss the visuals with the audio podcast version, but with these two artists and several others, simply taking in the sounds is just as sweet.  

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

How I Built This with Guy Raz

Fans of NPR podcasts already knew Guy Raz as the host of the TED Radio Hour, and it was no surprise that his second podcast in the network quickly exploded in popularity as well. Unlike TED Radio Hour, which has complex sound design and is elaborately stylized, How I Built This is a classic interview show that keeps fans engaged simply by having interesting guests. 

The concept is very straightforward, with Raz interviewing CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs about their backgrounds, keys to success, and ultimately, how they started the companies they are best known for. Since 2016, there have been over 300 episodes of the podcast. 

Where To Begin: 

How I Built This, like Fresh Air, has a massive library of episodes and the best ones for you are likely going to be those with guests you already are curious to learn more about. However, it is sometimes the lesser-known names that prove to have the most interesting stories. For example, Beyond Meat: Ethan Brown (February 16, 2017) tells a story of environmentalism, innovation, and fierce competition in an industry that most people probably know little about. Southwest Airlines: Herb Kelleher (January 4, 2019) is an engaging listen because the late Kelleher made fewer media appearances towards the end of his life and was incredibly open with Raz about his airline’s initial struggles and key innovations. 

How I Built This does a good job of finding guests from all industries, so you’ll hear interviews with tech entrepreneurs, fashion moguls, media moguls, and more. 

Read more: the best How I Built This episodes, The Traits The Best Podcast Hosts Share

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Bonus – Up First

Clocking in at just 15 minutes per episode, the daily news NPR podcast Up First may not be comparable to some other full-length podcasts, but it certainly deserves a mention. Similar to The Daily or Crooked Media’s What A Day, Up First aims to quickly recap news you need to know and provide an overview of the three biggest stories you need to know each day. The reporting comes from award-winning journalists and unlike Morning Edition, which is significantly longer, Up First gives you a bite-sized portion of news from the same reputable team. Start Up First with the newest episode. As it is a news show, you most likely would not need to go back into the archives.

Editor’s note: An edit was made to the Code Switch section of this article on 2/22/2021 to provide more context for the “On the Shoulders of Giants” episode.

The post The Best NPR Podcasts (The Complete Collection) appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

Raz has established himself as a great interviewer and storyteller through his other work on TED Radio Hour and All Things Considered and he’s able to draw big names into the studio to share never before heard stories about their companies. Entrepreneurs will love this show for the insight and advice, and those not in business will find it equally captivating because of the background it provides into some of the world’s greatest brands. 

1. Wikipedia: Jimmy Wales

Episode 70

This episode with Jimmy Wales is one of the exciting interviews from Guy Raz that features a founder that does not speak much publicly about the roots of their company. While we all use Wikipedia and surely are familiar with some aspects of how it runs, hearing Wales discuss the founding, politics and philosophy of the network he built is truly a great listen. Now the fifth most visited website in the world, Wales goes in depth into how the site grew since it was started in 2001 and shares why it has remained a non-profit with open source roots.

2. Bumble: Whitney Wolfe

Episode 116

Whitney Wolfe’s episode is full of drama, lively stories, and thought-provoking discussions. First, she begins by discussing the roots of her company, the Feminist angle it has taken, and how it grew from Tinder (where she was the former VP of Marketing). Although she is not able to discuss all of the details of her fallout with Tinder, she shares great stories about the guerilla style marketing that helped Bumble grow to be one of the top dating apps on the market.

She also spends a good portion of the interview discussing some of the politics of dating apps that we may not think about, including the decision to ban photos with guns from profiles and why the decision to only allow women to message first was made.

3. Ben & Jerry’s: Ben Cohen And Jerry Greenfield

Episode 60

If you are less interested in technology, marketing and finance and prefer feel good stories with a bit of humor mixed in, this episode is a great place to start. Of course, the lifelong friends share the history of the company and how they were able to grow it, but they also reflect on some of the quirkier aspects of the company like the unique flavor names and cult-following the ice cream has. Ben and Jerry also talk about the decision to stay political and to integrate humanitarianism into their brand when so many stay away from it. 

4. AirBNB: Joe Gebbia

Episode 6

Guy Raz has interviewed lots of tech founders, from founders of Instagram and LinkedIn to Reddit and Lyft, but Joe Gebbia’s discussion of starting AirBNB is one of the most engaging. Gebbia is a great story teller, and he spends much of the interview talking about the importance of community-building in his company and the growing role he sees it playing in the lives of travelers and hosts alike. 

5. Beyond Meat: Ethan Brown

Episode 24

When this episode was released in 2017, the Beyond Burger was hardly a well-known meat alternative and the plant-based meat market was not making news or gaining much traction. Now, thanks to Brown’s own company’s growth and numerous notable competitors, it is interesting to go back and hear the roots of Beyond Meat and his aspirations for the company before it blew up.

Another interesting aspect is the science that is shared, if you were ever curious how exactly a plant-based meat like Beyond offers is made and how it differs from your everyday veggie burger.

6. Southwest Airlines: Herb Kelleher 

Episode 11

87-year-old Herb Kelleher differs from some of the typical start-up founders and young entrepreneurs that How I Built This hosts, but his stories were just as engaging. As a veteran in the airline industry since the 1960s, Kelleher provided a great history of how Southwest has grown since he began the airline, but also how the world of aviation as a whole has transformed. 

Highlights of this episode are Kelleher’s reflection on the years of lawsuits Southwest initially faced, as well as the unique fact that the airline used to gift frequent flyers with a free bottle of whiskey whenever they flew Southwest.  

7. Buzzfeed: Jonah Peretti 

Episode 46

Few people understand the changing media landscape as well as Jonah Peretti. In addition to founding Buzzfeed in 2006, he was also a founder of the Huffington Post. In this interview from 2017, Peretti discusses his roots in media and “going viral,” which largely included pranks, trolling and ironic websites. However, he quickly took a more serious turn when he began studying and understanding how information spreads online. Peretti discusses the various ways Buzzfeed makes money, his goals for the future of the site and why he thinks his website and the polls, quizzes and other online content it creates is so popular. 

8. Spanx: Sarah Blakely

Episode 1

Sarah Blakely may not be as much of a household name as some other guests on How I Built This, but she became the youngest female billionaire in America by founding Spanx and certainly has a lot of great insight to share. Blakely largely built the company herself initially, developing her own prototypes and never taking investments, and it’s inspiring to hear how successful the company has been.  

9. TOMS: Blake Mycoskie

Episode 39

TOMS revolutionized the idea of a cause-driven business with the model of giving a pair of shoes for every pair of TOMS purchased. However, TOMS was hardly Mycoskie’s first business endeavor and while he does share a deep history of how a trip to Argentina inspired TOMS, he also talks about his personal life and what made him a serial entrepreneur. From laundry to reality TV, Mycoskie has certainly touched all sorts of businesses in his successful career and it’s fun to hear why he bounced around so much before settling on TOMS as his longest commitment to date. 

10. Burton Snowboards: Jake Carpenter

Episode 57

Truly a story of having a dream and following it, Jake Carpenter not only started Burton but is also considered to be one of the inventors of the modern snowboard. After his competitive skiing career ended in a car accident, Carpenter studied economics and went on to become one of the first manufacturers of snowboards. The boards he designed in the 1970s have changed slightly to become what we know today and the company has of course grown, but the culture of Burton remains committed to having a positive culture with plenty of ski breaks for employees.

The post The 10 Best How I Built This Episodes appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

Tech folks pride themselves on being early adopters and being in front of the wave of mass appeal, so tech podcasts have become a logical extension and a new medium for them to provide their thoughts. However, while there are many pundits who have a podcast to simply check the box of “oh I have a podcast”, there are some truly exceptional podcasts that provide amazing anecdotes, insights, and stories on the tech industry. Here are 15 of our favorites.

Related reading: 25 of the Best Podcast Microphones

1. Exponent

Exponent is one of those podcasts you tune into to hear the host — or in this case, co-hosts — simply discuss their thoughts on a given topic. It’s really that simple. What makes this podcast wholeheartedly unique, and the first one listed here, is the intelligence, analysis, and ability to articulate complex concepts for everyone to understand.

Stratechery founder, Ben Thompson, co-hosts along with James Allworth. Together they discuss and analyze the big picture trends and consequences in the technology industry. If you’re interested in whether or not Google and/or Facebook having a monopoly is good for business or users, or what the future of Apple holds, subscribe to this tech podcast.

Listen: iTunes

2. Clockwise

Clockwise describes itself as a “rapid-fire discussion of current technology issues”, and well, I couldn’t have said it better myself. As an avid listener, however, I will add their format makes it a great listen for those oddball 30-minute chores or commute into work. With relatively short episodes, and an outlined format that covers four topics only, it lends itself easily to quick binging when you have some spare time.

Listen: iTunes

3. a16z

I can’t confirm if it was the first VC to start a podcast, but it’s definitely the most prominent in a trend that’s reaching fever pitch. The venture capital firm a16z, also known as Andreesen Horowitz, produces a podcast of the same name that’s become a must-listen for every startup entrepreneur and everyone in the tech industry. With various co-hosts and guests, they touch on everything from growing your company, UI and design, funding rounds, and everything in between.

Listen: iTunes | Stitcher

4. StartUp

Regardless if you’re running a startup or just interested in tech, StartUp is a podcast detailing the behind the scenes efforts of creating and working at the company. The first two seasons are serialized versions featuring one company, while the latest details a different company each episode. Produced by Gimlet Media, you can expect great production value and story telling throughout the entire series.

Listen: iTunes | Stitcher

5. How I Built This

Ok, before the comments start rolling in about this not being a “tech podcast”, this is definitely a must-listen for every entrepreneur regardless if it’s tech-focused. NPR backed, How I Built This is an excellent sit down interview podcast of founders telling their story of creating their company. Latest episodes range from 1-800-GOT-Junk, to AOL, to even Lady Gaga.

Listen: iTunes | Stitcher

6. Upgrade

Upgrade, not to be confused with The Upgrade, is a podcast about how our habits and society are shaped by the technology in our life. Daily interactions with Google, Facebook, Apple, Amazon and others have become so commonplace we take them for granted and can barely remember a life without them. This podcast takes a careful look at the technology, design, and implications behind our interactions with technology on a daily basis.

Listen: iTunes | Stitcher

7. Under the Radar

Under the Radar has a noble mission after my own heart: providing notoriety and telling the stories of independent app developers. We all know the household names in tech, and seemingly everything having to do with Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Mark Cuban, and others gets some press. Here’s your chance to hear from the lesser-known people making some groundbreaking products.

Listen: iTunes | Stitcher

8. Accidental Tech

Billed succinctly as “Three nerds discussing tech, Apple, programming, and loosely related matters,” there’s no better way I could really describe it. What I will add, however — and perhaps the co-hosts are too humble to put this in the description — Accidental Tech knows their shit and provides a great, non-bias look at the tech industry and the implications. Whether they’re reviewing the latest gadget or talking about the latest iPhone rumors, the three hosts have some great insight into the industry as a whole.

Listen: iTunes

9. Reply All

Another Gimlet podcast, Reply All has a great balance of diving deep into a specific topic, but also providing grounded insights. Admittedly, I was a late subscriber to this podcast, but it has quickly become one of my favorites. Recent episodes include the ease (and access) of hacking a Galaxy 3 — President Trumps favorite phone, the scientists debating how to approach aliens, and how to truly hide your internet history.

Listen: iTunes | Stitcher

10. This Week in Tech

This Week in Tech, or more commonly known as TWiT, started as a video series way before podcasts took off. Since then, they’ve evolved and grown to produce a number of podcasts under the umbrella brand. Each episodes aims to detail the latest news from the tech industry and have a panel of experts give their thoughts and reactions. Though maybe not an entirely unique format, the frequent panelists include prominent figures such as Kevin Rose and Jason Calacanis. They also have a-list guests such as Steve Wozniak and Kevin Mitnick.

Listen: iTunes | Stitcher

11. Talk Python With Me

This list wouldn’t be quite complete without a true tech podcast about software development. Talk Python With Me is just that, a podcast around the Python coding language, overcoming challenges, and how engineers work at various tech companies. If you’re looking to learn Python or get into coding, Talk Python With Me also provides helpful resources and courses to get you started.

Listen: iTunes

12. Startup School Radio

Startup School Radio is another product of the aforementioned wave of tech podcasts from insiders and luminaries. Backed behind the notorious Y Combinator accelerator, Startup School Radio aims to provide the stories and advice to help other tech founders run their company. Whether it’s advice on funding or scaling your company 10x, hear from the people who have done it. Y Combinator, and by extension Startup School Radio, has produced companies such as Reddit and Airbnb and because of that influence are able to get top notch guests to share their stories.

Listen: iTunes | Stitcher

13. Acquired

Acquired stays relatively true to it’s namesake and narrows its focused from a general tech podcast, to only focusing on tech company exits, regardless if they’re acquired, merge, or go public. In an era where innovative startups are getting gobbled up by the larger tech giants, hosts Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal discuss strategies and the future of the company(ies).

Listen: iTunes

14. Note to Self

Technology has undoubtedly altered our lives and daily habits, but it’s also opened the door and sparked us to ask new questions. Note to Self attempts to tackle these questions that impact our digital lives. Interested in the technological possibilities that open the door to simulation theory? What about the potential for our tablets and phones to spy on us? This podcast probably should have landed on my round up for podcasts guaranteed to make you think.

Listen: iTunes | Stitcher

15. Equity

It was only a matter of time before TechCrunch produced a podcast, right? Well, here it is. Equity combines several formats already discussed on the list including providing the latest tech news and reactions, interviews with prominent tech founders, and discussing larger technology trends. TechCrunch is typically known as the leader in tech news with a insider pulse of the industry. These transcends to their podcast hosted by journalists Katie Roof, Matthew Lynley, and Alex Wilhelm, they have unfettered access to founders, VCs, and other tech pundits that  have a great understanding of the entire tech industry.

Listen: iTunes

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