The opportunity we have to learn more and dig deeper into any topic we desire is incredible. It wasn’t that long ago the terms on-demand and streaming would have resulted in a blank stare. But today, we have Business podcasts, mindset podcasts, religious podcasts…
Today you can Google any topic, search for a video on YouTube that will walk you through how to do just about anything, and pop in your earbuds on your run and get an education unlike any other.
Podcasting hasn’t been around for a long time, but it’s safe to say, it’s here to stay.
Top 7 Business Podcasts
This isn’t the first top business podcasts list you’ve seen. However, I can guarantee you it’ll be unlike any other. Because instead of going to iTunes and picking the most popular or obvious choices, this top 7 list includes some unexpected ones.
Running a business isn’t all about marketing techniques, Facebook ads, networking strategies, and scaling.
Running a business is about understanding and accepting failure, embracing fear, and being certain you’re strong enough to come out on the other side standing tall.
The vision for Entrepreneurs On Fire
That’s why in 2012 John launched Entrepreneurs On Fire, a top-ranked business podcast that for 2,000 episodes shared a featured entrepreneur’s journey. The ups and downs, the wins and losses, the mistakes and lessons learned.
Today on Entrepreneurs On Fire our format has evolved into sharing a specific strategy that can help you grow your business. Every episode is its own individual masterclass and focuses on a featured entrepreneur’s zone of FIRE.
So before we dive into this top 7 list, if you haven’t already, you can subscribe to Entrepreneurs On Fire here. We think it’s one of the best business podcasts out there, but instead of including it in this list we’ll add it here as a bonus. ;)
Now, the podcasts in this list might not teach to nitty gritty business strategies you’re used to seeing on top lists, but they do cover some of the most important emotional struggles and triumphs you’ll face as an entrepreneur.
As Oprah says at the beginning of every episode of Master Class: “Everybody has a story, and there’s something to be learned from every experience.”
1. Oprah’s Master Class
Every episode of Oprah’s Master Class challenges me to think about how I’m living my life, something I don’t feel entrepreneurs take the time to do very often.
When’s the last time you consciously gave yourself space to look at your daily actions and ask yourself if the story you’re writing is one you’re proud of?
Are your daily actions representative of how you want to live your life?
Are the steps you’re taking today getting you one step closer to where you say you want to go?
I appreciate this about Oprah’s podcast so much, because it’s not another successful entrepreneur preaching to me about what my daily routine should look like or why I’m not being as productive as I could be. It’s real life stories that just make you think.
2. Business Wars
Business Wars is a really cool concept – a podcast created to show you behind-the-scenes of some of the greatest business wars of all time.
Think Netflix vs. Blockbuster, McDonald’s vs. Burger King, and Southwest vs. American. Now in its 22nd season, Business Wars takes a look at how these match ups drive our buying decisions, and what actions have helped one business come out on top.
3. Imagined Life
Some of the most successful and well-known individuals in this world have their lives publicized, you know, so we truly get to know them.
That’s obviously not a true statement.
The press, the media, news outlets – they give the public the stories that sell. And yes, while parts of these stories might be true, we’re not ever getting to see the full story.
Imagined Life is a unique podcast where you get to walk in the shoes of someone famous. Each episodes takes you on a journey of someone you think you know, but Imagined Life shows you what their life was like before anyone knew their name.
4. How I Built This
Guy Raz is one of my favorite podcast hosts. He always asks his guests the exact question I’m thinking in my mind… how does he do that?!
If you haven’t tuned in to How I Built This, you’re in for a treat. Each episode explores the journey of the owners, CEO’s, and founders of some of the world’s best known companies. The highs, the lows, the struggles, the wins – and everything in between.
As a business owner, it exposes the truth that no one individual has ever been an overnight success, nor have some of the world’s most successful companies been built quickly or easily.
5. The Mind Your Business Podcast
Whenever I need that mindset reset or kick in the pants, James Wedmore delivers. I appreciate James’ solo episodes on The Mind Your Business Podcast because I feel like I’m listening to someone who gets me.
It’s not about the best new ads strategy or the coolest new hack. He brings it back to the basics: mindset, attitude, and understanding that it’s not all about the hustle.
6. Making Obama
The experiences, struggles, effort, and drive of former President Barack Obama is laid out beautifully in this 6-episode season of the Making Obama podcast.
It starts with his childhood in Chicago and follows him all the way to his presidency. This podcast is truly just really well produced.
What stood out to me the most, and why I feel it’s such a powerful business podcast: the amount of weight Obama gives to his mentors and advisors throughout his journey. Those we choose to surround ourselves with is so critical, and it’s never been clearer than while listening to this podcast.
On the same feed you’ll also find the Making Oprah podcast, which is also fantastic.
7. Screw the 9 to 5
The Screw the Nine to Five Podcast is your straight-up actionable tips, tools, and tactics business podcast from two entrepreneurs who have been there, done that – and they love sharing their lessons learned!
I appreciate Jill & Josh’s quick-hitting episodes that get straight to the point and lay it all out on the table. Plus, for anyone out there who is trying to make their entrepreneurial dream a reality while raising a family, Jill & Josh bring being new parents into the equation.
The power of podcasting
The opportunity we have to learn about a variety of topics on-demand via a podcast is incredible. And when it comes to business podcasts, I hope this list will positively influence your Up Next list.
Because at the end of the day, running a business isn’t all about the techniques and strategies. It’s about understanding and accepting failure, embracing fear, and challenging yourself to take a step back and think about the path you’re on.
These podcasts cover some of the most important emotional struggles and triumphs you’ll face as an entrepreneur, and I hope you’ll give each of them an honest try.
