by Ellie Smith / October 31, 2024
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Want to spend your next journey listening to some thought leadership? We’ve gathered 9 of the top entrepreneur podcasts out there for you to try.
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, staying inspired and informed is essential. Podcasts have become a go-to resource for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike, offering insights from industry titans, fresh perspectives on innovation, and real-life stories that reveal the highs and lows of building a business.
Our curated list of the best entrepreneur podcasts, based on what’s trending on Apple, Spotify, and more, dives into everything from bold business moves and iconic rivalries to the daily habits of top founders—bringing you a wealth of knowledge to guide and inspire your journey.
In Summary:
- For deep dives into personal and professional success stories: The Tim Ferriss Show
- For creative brainstorming and business ideas: My First Million
- For detailed stories on the rise of major companies: Acquired
- For sharp, unfiltered takes on tech and business news: Pivot
- For engaging economic insights made simple: Planet Money
- For epic rivalries and boardroom battles: Business Wars
- For inspiring founder stories of iconic brands: How I Built This
- For expert advice on scaling and innovation: Masters of Scale
- For daily updates on money, power, and global business: The Journal by The Wall Street Journal
Table of Contents
- 1. The Tim Ferriss Show
- 2. My First Million
- 3. Acquired
- 4. Pivot
- 5. Planet Money
- 6. Business Wars
- 7. How I Built This
- 8. Masters of Scale
- 9. The Journal by The Wall Street Journal
- How C-Level Execs Can Stay Productive with Podcasts
1. The Tim Ferriss Show
The Tim Ferriss Show is a popular podcast hosted by Tim Ferriss, the bestselling author of ‘The 4-Hour Workweek’. In each episode, Tim deconstructs the routines, tools, and strategies of world-class performers across fields like investing, sports, business, and art, aiming to provide listeners with actionable insights they can apply to their own lives.
Through his exploration of efficient ways to work and live, Tim offers listeners valuable techniques to maximize their time. He also dives into the creative processes of artists, writers, and entrepreneurs, providing a wide range of perspectives. Tim’s guest list includes notable high achievers such as Hugh Jackman, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Naval Ravikant, and Dr. Jane Goodall.
Tim Ferriss holds a Guinness World Record for the most tango spins in one minute and has earned the nickname “the Oprah of audio” after The Tim Ferriss Show became the first business/interview podcast to surpass 100 million downloads.
With its engaging format, valuable insights, and practical advice, The Tim Ferriss Show has gained a massive following. Ranked among the top podcasts worldwide, it has inspired countless individuals to pursue their goals and lead more fulfilling lives.
2. My First Million
My First Million is a popular podcast hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri, known for its unique format where the hosts brainstorm new business ideas inspired by current trends and opportunities. Frequently, they invite famous guests such as MrBeast, a popular YouTuber known for his philanthropic stunts, Rob Dyrdek, a former professional skateboarder and TV personality, and Sophia Amoruso, the founder of Nasty Gal fashion house and author of #GIRLBOSS, adding diverse perspectives and insights to the brainstorming sessions.
Originally, Sam Parr and Shaan Puri launched the podcast as a side project while running their businesses and newsletters. Since then, it has gained a massive following and become a go-to resource for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The hosts’ willingness to challenge each other and test wild ideas on-air has helped cultivate a community of listeners who are passionate about exploring new trends and business models. The show often inspires listeners to think creatively and take actionable steps toward starting or scaling their ventures.
3. Acquired
Acquired is a podcast hosted by Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal that dives deep into the stories and strategies behind some of the world’s greatest companies. Each episode is like a conversational audiobook, often running 3–4 hours and providing in-depth insights into tech IPOs and major acquisitions.
The podcast has featured high-profile guests, including founders and CEOs from companies like NVIDIA, Starbucks, and Spotify. Known for its detailed storytelling, Acquired has been described by The Wall Street Journal as “the business world’s favorite podcast.” Hosts Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal dedicate extensive time to research, often spending up to 100 hours preparing for each episode.
The show doesn’t follow a regular release schedule, sometimes taking a month or more between episodes. Despite its long format and irregular releases, Acquired has become a sensation, attracting over one million listeners per episode.
4. Pivot
Pivot is a popular technology and business podcast hosted by tech journalist Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott Galloway. Known for its sharp, unfiltered insights, Pivot explores the biggest stories in tech, business, and politics. Swisher and Galloway bring contrasting perspectives—Swisher with her deep expertise in tech journalism and Galloway with his background in marketing and academia—adding depth to their discussions. The hosts deliver bold predictions, highlight winners and losers, and engage in lively banter, making the podcast uniquely engaging and often sparking debates within the tech and business communities.
In addition to interviewing high-profile guests like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Kamala Harris, Pivot frequently covers emerging issues such as AI ethics, regulatory policies, and the future of social media, keeping listeners at the forefront of tech and business trends.
5. Planet Money
Planet Money is a popular NPR podcast that makes complex economic issues accessible and engaging. Hosted by a rotating team, including Sally Helm and Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi, the show covers a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of the stock market to the economics of daily life.
Originally created by Alex Blumberg and Adam Davidson in 2008 after the success of their This American Life episode “The Giant Pool of Money,” the podcast celebrated its 1,000th episode in early 2020 with a special featuring former hosts and contributors. Each episode, typically lasting 20–30 minutes, is designed to help listeners understand how the economy impacts their lives.
Planet Money takes an investigative approach to topics—once even purchasing 100 barrels of oil to understand the crude oil market firsthand. It won a Peabody Award in 2016 for its creative and entertaining approach to economic storytelling. The show’s episodes have been incorporated into undergraduate economics courses at some universities, covering everything from inflation to the evolving world of cryptocurrencies.
In addition to Planet Money, NPR also produces a daily companion show, The Indicator, which provides quick, insightful stories about work, business, and the economy. If you’re looking for an entertaining way to learn about economics without the usual complexity, Planet Money is an excellent choice.
6. Business Wars
Business Wars, hosted by David Brown and produced by Wondery, delves into the intense rivalries between some of the world’s biggest companies, revealing the behind-the-scenes battles that shape what we buy and how we live. With a storytelling style reminiscent of a historical drama, the protagonists here are CEOs, founders, and industry titans rather than kings and queens.
Each season focuses on a specific rivalry, such as Netflix vs. Blockbuster, Nike vs. Adidas, or Tesla vs. Detroit, exploring how these clashes have propelled companies to new heights or led to their downfalls. Through reimagined conversations and immersive sound design, Business Wars places listeners in the shoes of the dealmakers, executives, and stakeholders involved in these epic business battles. The show doesn’t just cover boardroom conflicts; it also dives into the human stories behind these companies, showcasing the ambition, passion, and sometimes ruthless determination of their leaders.
Host David Brown, a seasoned public radio journalist, brings over three decades of experience to the podcast, including his time as anchor of the Peabody award-winning Marketplace.
Business Wars gained widespread popularity, with over 15 million downloads in its first year. It won the Webby Award for Best Business Podcast in 2019, the iHeartRadio Podcast Award for Best Business and Finance Podcast in 2020, and was listed among the top ten business podcasts by Inc. Magazine.
7. How I Built This
How I Built This is a popular podcast hosted by award-winning journalist and broadcaster Guy Raz. In each episode, Guy interviews some of the world’s best-known entrepreneurs like Howard Schultz (Starbucks), Sara Blakely (Spanx), and Richard Branson (Virgin) to uncover the stories behind their iconic brands. The podcast delves into the intimate moments of doubt, failure, and eventual success that define these founders’ journeys.
The podcast serves as a masterclass in innovation, creativity, leadership, and overcoming challenges, offering valuable insights for both aspiring and established entrepreneurs. It’s frequently referenced in business schools and entrepreneurial courses worldwide.
How I Built This has received multiple awards, including the 2023 Webby Award for Best Business Podcast. The success of the podcast also led to the publication of a companion book, How I Built This: The Unexpected Paths to Success from the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs.
8. Masters of Scale
Masters of Scale is a podcast hosted by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and produced by Bob Safian. The show features in-depth interviews with high-profile entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg, and Marc Andreessen, providing listeners with insights into the stories behind some of the world’s most fascinating companies.
Each episode explores topics such as scaling, innovation, leadership, and company culture, offering valuable and actionable advice for entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts. The podcast’s very first episode featured Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, and introduced the now-popular business mantra, “Do things that don’t scale.”
The success of Masters of Scale has led to live events, like the Masters of Scale Summit, where industry leaders discuss building and rebuilding strong company cultures. It also inspired the publication of a book, Masters of Scale: Surprising Truths from the World’s Most Successful Entrepreneurs, expanding on the lessons shared in the podcast.
9. The Journal by The Wall Street Journal
The Journal is a daily podcast from The Wall Street Journal, co-produced with Gimlet Media and Spotify. Hosted by Kate Linebaugh and Ryan Knutson, with contributions from Jessica Mendoza, the podcast covers the most significant stories about money, business, and power. With its concise, informative format, the podcast often provides insights before they make headlines, making it especially valuable for listeners who need timely information on business and economic issues. Each episode offers in-depth analysis of current events, including corporate mergers, financial markets, political developments, and economic trends.
In addition to covering major corporate stories, the podcast examines the human side of these developments, highlighting how financial and political events impact everyday life.There are also special series like ‘The Missing Minister,’ which investigates the mysterious disappearance of China’s former foreign minister, Qin Gang, offering listeners a richer understanding of complex global issues.
How C-Level Execs Can Stay Productive with Podcasts
Navigating the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and maintaining a busy schedule requires maximizing every moment. As a C-level executive, you’re undoubtedly traveling frequently, and according to Blacklane’s recent research, 45% of C-level professionals report losing up to a whole day (between four and eight hours) of productive time during business trips. One way to reclaim this lost time and stay productive is by listening to insightful business and entrepreneur podcasts. These can offer valuable learning experiences that keep you informed and inspired, effectively transforming travel downtime into an opportunity for growth and reflection.
To further enhance this experience, consider traveling with Blacklane. Our premium chauffeured ride services provide a quiet, comfortable environment where you can immerse yourself in the best business and entrepreneurship podcasts without interruptions. With Blacklane, not only can you maximize your productivity on the go, but you also enjoy a seamless, stress-free travel experience tailored to the needs of busy executives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ellie Smith
Ellie is an avid traveler, writer, and adventurer, with a passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences through storytelling. Working for global chauffeur company Blacklane and having lived in cities like Dubai and Berlin, she has gained valuable first-hand experience in uncovering hidden gems worldwide.
