Podcasts have come on strong in the past five years, and they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Listening to podcasts is a great way to passively take in information while accomplishing other tasks. As a small business owner or even just an aspiring entrepreneur, being able to learn while multi-tasking can give you a leg up on the competition. In order to help grow your business and accomplish your goals, we've highlighted ten of the top podcasts for small business owners and those looking to level up their lives. Grab your favorite podcast listening device and give the following programs a follow!
1. The Jordan Harbinger Show
The Podcast: With The Jordan Harbinger Show, listeners get taken deep into conversations with innovators from around the world. Conversations range from discussing the Mamba Mentality with Kobe Bryant to discussing what makes entrepreneurs like Ramit Sethi so successful. With a focus on practical insights that are easy to apply in our own lives, The Jordan Harbinger Show is ideal for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone looking for a bit of motivation.
The Host: Jordan Harbinger is a podcaster, voice actor, and radio personality from Royal Oak, MI. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Harbinger has spent time working on Wall Street as well as an international tour guide. Harbinger has been kidnapped twice while working, once in Serbia and another time in Mexico.
- Official Website: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/
- Notable Guests: Kobe Bryant, Ramit Sethi, Chelsea Handler
2. The Knowledge Project
The Podcast: If knowledge is power then The Knowledge Project is one mighty podcast. Hosted by Shane Parrish, The Knowledge Project platforms industry innovators from every niche and nook in the world. Shane Parrish and his guests deconstruct what it means to be successful in a number of different avenues. The Knowledge Project is a must-add for anyone looking to find inspiration for personal enrichment and self-betterment.
The Host: Shane Parrish is the lead host of The Knowledge Project alongside his rotation of co-hosts. Notoriously limited when it comes to sharing personal information, Shane Parrish is a former government agent for a 'three-letter-intelligence agency' in his own words.
- Official Website: https://fs.blog/knowledge-project/
- Notable Guests: Christopher Voss, Naval Ravikant, Dr. Sue Johnson
3. Freakonomics
The Podcast: If we could prescribe a podcast like a medication, we would hand out Freakonomics subscriptions to as many people as possible. Freakonomics Radio is a public radio program that explores socioeconomic issues around the country. The podcast delves into complicated topics while breaking them down for a more generalized audience. If you want to understand the world around you, Freakonomics Radio can be an invaluable resource.
The Host: Stephen Dubner is the award-winning host of Freakonomics as well as the author of the Freakonomics book series. Dubner attended and graduated from Columbia University with his Master of Fine Arts in Writing. Dubner launched Freakonomics Radio in 2010 and the podcast now accrues more than 15 million monthly downloads around the world.
- Official Website: https://freakonomics.com/
- Notable Guests: David Koch, Ajit Pai, Andrew Yang
4. Behind the Bastards
The Podcast: When you turn on the History Channel, you'll find more documentaries about Hitler than Eisenhower. Evans takes his listeners deep into the bizarre, unbelievable, and simply weird aspects of history's greatest villains. While more of a historical podcast, understanding what made these awful people so successful is as fascinating as it is enlightening.
The Host: Robert Evans is a conflict journalist turned podcast host with extensive experience around the world. Evans has worked alongside boots on the ground in both Ukraine and Iraq while reporting on domestic terrorism close to home in the United States. Fascinated by the 'bastards' of history, Evans uses his podcast to teach listeners about some of the vilest people to ever walk the planet.
- Official Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-bastards/id1373812661
- Notable Guests: Billy Wayne Davis, Jamie Loftus
5. Fresh Air
The Podcast: Fresh Air has been serving up interviews, political news, and cultural segments to listeners since its inception in 1985. Airing every day of the week, Fresh Air offers insight into the culture, politics, and economic realities of the world and all its people. An invaluable resource for individuals looking to stay informed, Fresh Air is a must-listen for anyone with an interest in the world around them.
The Host: Terry Gross is the host and co-exec producer of NPR's iconic radio show, Fresh Air. Gross has been a member of NPR since 1975, earning praise from members down both sides of America's political spectrum. Known for her soothing voice and calm demeanor, Gross has made a name for herself as one of the most effective interviewers on the radio.
- Official Website: https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/
- Notable Guests: Ray Charles, Stephen Colbert, Bob Woodward
6. Making Sense
The Podcast: As a philosopher and a neuroscientist, podcast host Sam Harris loves to tackle some of the bigger questions that humanity has. Making Sense is a platform for discussion around society, culture, the human mind and more. Making Sense offers tremendous insight into just about every major event trending in the United States. For listeners that want to stay informed about the news and educated regarding hot topics, Making Sense makes, well, a ton of sense.
The Host: Sam Harris is an author, neuroscientist, philosopher, and professional podcast host. Harris rose to fame alongside people like Richard Dawkins due to his outspoken criticism of religion. Harris is also a published author with half a dozen publications under his belt that touch on free will, religion, spirituality, and morals.
- Official Website: https://samharris.org/podcast/
- Notable Guests: Richard Dawkins, Chelsea Handler, Ricky Gervais
7. Worldly
The Podcast: Worldly is another popular podcast for the Vox media group. Worldly focuses on international highlights so that listeners can get a taste of what is going on beyond their backyard. This is a fantastic podcast for current events and global politics, so international investors should be sure to tune into this show.
The Hosts: Zack Beauchamp, Jennifer Williams, & Alex Ward
Zack Beauchamp works as a senior correspondent where he focuses on politics, ideology, and global news. Beauchamp carries an MSc from the famous London School of Economics in the field of International Relations.
Jennifer Williams was a senior researcher for the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings Institution before joining the team at Vox. Williams rose to prominence thanks to her work focusing on terrorism and jihadist groups in the Middle East.
Alex Ward is a staff writer at Vox where his work typically focuses on defense concepts and international security. Before joining the team at Vox, Alex worked at the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security.
- Official Website: https://www.vox.com/worldly
- Notable Guests: Ibrar Hussein Mirzai
8. How I Built This
The Podcast: How I Built This allows listeners to get the inside scoop on how the most successful entrepreneurs left their mark. Guy Raz allows prominent entrepreneurs to tell their stories, discuss their techniques, and impart wisdom to listeners looking to follow in their footsteps. If you are an entrepreneur or small business owner, you owe it to yourself to let How I Built This serve as your daily inspiration and motivation.
The Host: Guy Raz is a journalist, radio host, and correspondent who graduated from Harvard University. Guy Raz has been a major contributor to the growth of NPR thanks to his work on programs such as TED Radio Hour and Wow in the World. Considered one of the most popular podcasters on the planet, Raz's work gets a combined 19.2 million downloads every month.
- Official Website: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this
- Notable Guests: Steve Ells, Gary Erickson, Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield
9. The Tim Ferriss Show
The Podcast: The Tim Ferriss Show is a podcast dedicated to giving a platform to the most successful entertainers, entrepreneurs, and business owners in the world. With his ability to create engaging conversations, Ferriss teases out the best inspirational tips, insightful education, and successful routines from his notable guests. With A-list stars and niche industry guests, The Tim Ferriss Show has a little bit of something for everyone. Listeners can adapt these tips, habits, and routines to try to find success in their own lives.
The Host: Tim Ferriss is an entrepreneur, author, and podcaster from East Hampton, NY. A graduate of Princeton University, Ferris rose to prominence after establishing BrainQUICKEN, a nutritional supplements business. Outside of his work with supplements and podcasts, Ferriss is a notable entrepreneur and angel investor.
- Official Website: https://tim.blog/podcast/
- Notable Guests: Jamie Foxx, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tony Robbins
10. Hardcore History
The Podcast: Hardcore History is less a podcast than it is an innovative listening experience. With his signature voice and professional delivery, Dan Carlin takes listeners deep into the forgotten parts of history to weave truly fascinating stories. Considered one of the top storytellers on the planet, Dan Carlin makes Hardcore History a must-listen for just about everyone. Carlin blends historical context with thought-provoking questions to truly kickstart the minds of his listeners.
The Host: Dan Carlin is a political commentator and professional podcaster for the programs Hardcore History and Common Sense (hiatus). Carlin graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with his B.A. in history before transitioning to a career in television. Known as much for his extensive knowledge as his iconic voice, Carlin is rapidly becoming one of the most popular podcasters in the industry.
- Official Website: https://www.dancarlin.com/
