Top 12 Podcasts for Entrepreneurs

by Sandra Petrova

10 min read

Building a successful business is challenging. To help you become the leader you strive to become, we've put together a list of top 12 podcasts for entrepreneurs. 

According to statistics, there were 25 million Americans who were starting or running their own business in 2016. 

However, 22.5% of small businesses fail within the first year.

In reality, entrepreneurship is not an easy task. There are many risks associated with running your own business, including funding, loans, staff, and success rate. 

To nurture that entrepreneurial mindset, small business owners must continuously learn new things every day. They must attend conferences, read studies, and talk with mentors. But there's another way to pick up new skills and strategies to maximize business growth — podcasts for entrepreneurs.

We've rounded up twelve of the best podcasts for entrepreneurs. They stand out from the thousands of business podcasts out there because they have amazing hosts, exciting guests, and lots of humor in between.

As you read this post, you can subscribe to the business podcasts that are the most relevant to you on Apple Podcasts, RSS feed, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Or, you can save this article and come back to it every time you have the time to learn something new. 

Let's begin:

The Tim Ferriss Show
The Tim Ferriss Show

The Tim Ferriss Show

The Tim Ferriss Show is likely one of the best podcasts for aspiring entrepreneurs. Why? Because:

  • It has more than 400M downloads.
  • It’s been ranked #1 out of 500,000+ podcasts many times.
  • It's been voted as “Best of” Apple Podcasts for three years.

If you've ever been curious to know the morning routines, exercise habits, and favorite books of some of the most popular people in the world, this is the place to be. Some of the show's past guests include Reid Hoffman, Jon Favreau, Maria Sharapova, Neil Gaiman, LeBron James, Peter Thiel, and 300+ more. 

You can pick up many tactics and strategies of high-performing people in order to help you achieve success in your business adventure. 

As a CEO and entrepreneur, I have gotten a lot out of the Tim Ferriss Show. He's at over 400 episodes now, so you could sit down and listen for weeks and not get through all the great material on that show. He's interviewed people about just about every area of business and personal development.

Reuben Yonatan, Founder and CEO of GetVoIP

Don't miss: How Seth Godin Manages His Life — Rules, Principles, and Obsessions

Unemployable with Brian Clark

Best podcasts for entrepreneurs
Unemployable with Brian Clark

Unemployable

In the words of Daniel Pink, the New York Times bestselling author:

If you work for yourself, you’d be crazy not to make Unemployable a regular part of your week.

And that's why it landed on our list of best podcasts to listen to for entrepreneurs.  Many people dislike a 9-to-5 day job, and if you’re one of them, then this is just the ideal podcast for you.

The host, Brian Clark, is a writer and serial entrepreneur. With more than 20 businesses up his sleeve, his podcasts are geared towards people who can't stick to the dull, mediocre nine-to-five lifestyle.

If you want to learn what it takes to succeed in the world of freedom, Brian Clark prepares excellent content in the form or a weekly podcast and weekly email newsletter.

Don't miss: A Four-Phase Approach for Creative Entrepreneurs

Smart Passive Income

Smart Passive Income

Pat Flynn is a famous blogger and entrepreneur known for his blog The Smart Passive Income. He is the host of the much-acclaimed and one of the best podcasts for creative entrepreneurs called The Smart Passive Income Podcast. 

He teaches his listeners some great strategies for investing in online businesses and generating passive income. In his podcasts, he reveals his tips and tricks on a range of topics, such as crowdsourcing, SEO, outsourcing, affiliate marketing, and more. 

So, if you want to get ahead of the curve with your online business, make sure you subscribe to his blog. 

Don't miss: SPI 366: Anti-Busy. Pro-Purpose. Talking Work-Life Balance with Chalene Johnson

This Week in Startups

business podcasts
This Week in Startups

This Week in Startups

Save yourself hundreds of hours of grief and frustration by listening to this podcast, hosted by Jason Calacanis. Jason, a podcasting pioneer, together with his team, will give you valuable insights into the inner workings of tech companies.

From incredible experiences of founders in Silicon Valley and angel investing to building companies in general, Jason and his guests will have many stories to share. If you're planning on starting your own company and need strategies for improving your business, make sure you subscribe to This Week in Startups which is certainly one of the best podcasts for tech entrepreneurs. 

Don't miss: E841: Randy Komisar, entrepreneur & Kleiner Perkins VC, shares “Straight Talk for Startups”

Akimbo business podcast
Akimbo

Akimbo Podcast

Are you searching for more meaning in your work and life? Then don't skip on listening to the Akimbo podcast, which is probably one of the best business podcasts for entrepreneurs.

The host, Seth Godin, the best thinker of our generation, approaches a different aspect of culture each week. You will be inspired by his stories and will start looking differently on company culture when you're done.

Tune in to listen to him sharing his expertise and finding new insightful ways to think about problems. Whether it's business, marketing, or life that keeps you awake at night, Seth can offer a word of wisdom. 

Always thought-provoking, this show will satisfy your podcast appetite. Overall, it's an excellent resource for all types of creators and alternative thinkers.

Don't miss: Shun The Non-Believers

Daily Creative podcast

best podcasts for aspiring entrepreneurs
Daily Creative

The Daily Creative Podcast

Do you know the difference between ego and confidence? Or the best way to get your book published? Todd Henry, the host of the Daily Creative Podcast, has the answer. 

The podcast features short two to five-minute-long shows that contain juicy content.  Todd shares his tips, strategies, and experiences to help you unleash your potential. 

All in all, the show is the perfect companion for any creative spirit that wants to learn something new while running an errand or walking the dog. 

Don't miss: Two Questions That Lead To Better Focus

Being Boss

podcasts for female entrepreneurs
Being Boss

Being Boss: Mindset, Habits, Tactics, and Lifestyle for Creative Entrepreneurs

Have you always wanted to make money doing what you love? Join the Being Boss podcast and learn how to do just that!

The Being Boss show is a must-see for any creative entrepreneur, freelancer, and side-hustler. The business besties, Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon, dive deeper into the mindset, routines, and business strategies that can help you kick-start your business. 

Listening to this podcast, you'll understand that being a boss is hard, finding a work/life balance is challenging, but you're not alone. You'll feel connected to other female bosses so that your solopreneur journey doesn't feel so lonely.

Don't miss: Setting Goals with The Chalkboard Method

Stanford Entrepreneurial Thought Leader Series 

best podcasts for creative entrepreneurs
Stanford Entrepreneurial Thought Leader Series

Stanford Entrepreneurial Thought Leader Series

If you're looking for a great resource to develop yourself into a great leader, the Stanford Entrepreneurial Thought Leader Series is among the best podcasts for aspiring entrepreneurs like yourself. 

Every week, entrepreneurs and innovators come to Stanford University to tell their experiences candidly and share the lessons they've learned throughout their careers.

It's the perfect podcast for business entrepreneurs as it packs great knowledge into chunks of an hour. There's no doubt that the show will inspire you to grow yourself and your business. 

Don't miss: Sam Yam (Patreon) - Surviving the Startup Grind

EntreLeadership

best podcasts for tech entrepreneurs
EntreLeadership

EntreLeadership

Talking about podcasts for creative entrepreneurs, The EntreLeadership is our favorite pick. This is an absolutely value-packed show, hosted by Alex Judd. It nicely packs everything you need to know about building and scaling a business into hour-long episodes.

Each episode features insightful discussions on leadership and business between Alex Judd and guests like Mark Cuban, Jim Collins, and Simon Sinek. 

You'll find yourself sharing episodes with friends, family, and coworkers all the time. 

Don't miss: How to Accomplish Impossible Goals with Art Williams

Entrepreneurs on Fire

best podcasts to listen to for entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs on Fire

Entrepreneurs on Fire

Watch John Lee Dumas interview successful entrepreneurs on the Entrepreneurs on Fire podcast. 

If you're starting your own business or want tips for success, this podcast will provide you with tons of useful tips and strategies for your entrepreneurial journey. 

Up to date, the show has featured over 2,000 guests who have shared their road to becoming successful individuals in sales, marketing, and finance. 

There's a 100% you will get inspired and manage to transform your business into something bigger! 

Don't miss: Make Your Business Irresistible with Jeffrey Shaw

Masters of Scale

podcasts for entrepreneurs
Masters of Scale

Masters of Scale

Did you know that Reid Hoffman, the well-known co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn had his own podcast show? It's called Masters of Scale and just like LinkedIn, it's rocking the world of business.

Captivating. Educational. Entertaining. That's how listeners describe the show. 

On each episode, host Reid Hoffman sits down with iconic CEOs to talk about how businesses scale. His guest list includes the founders of Netflix, Google, Starbucks, Instagram, Airbnb, Paypal, Slack, Dropbox, and many more. 

The show is so good that you'll need popcorn with every episode!

How I Built This with Guy Raz

business podcasts
How I Built This with Guy Raz

How I Built This

This podcast can quench your thirst for knowledge.

It has been ongoingly been voted as one of the most interesting and insightful business podcasts for entrepreneurs of all time. Guy Raz sits down with guests to offer listeners many great stories that can give any entrepreneur the courage to chase their dream or be honest about the reality of how hard it is.

As an entrepreneur and business owner, I ALWAYS listen + recommend Guy Raz’s podcast, How I Built This - there are fascinating stories from businesses of all types. I love hearing what has and hasn’t worked, the perspective and approach to different businesses, and more. I’ve taken so much away from HIBT and I love their online community, too!

Bridget Deutz, Founder of Greenline Marketing

Don't miss: Edible Arrangements: Tariq Farid

Final Word

And there you have it! The top 12 podcasts for entrepreneurs who are just starting their business or want to take their business to the next level. 

Now it's your turn to start listening. Every time you're in doubt about how to grow your business or improve your brand, tune in to some of these podcasts. Share them with your team and other fellow entrepreneurs. 

You can also check out this list of best tech influencers to follow in 2020 and 10 great software engineering podcasts for developers

Did we forget to include any of your most-liked entrepreneur podcasts? Let us know in the comments section below. We’d love to hear your recommendations.


FAQs

Q: Where can I listen to business podcasts?
Many people listen to a podcast by playing it directly through that podcast's website on their computer. But the most convenient way to listen to a podcast is through your smartphone. There's a wide range of podcast platforms you can download, including:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Pocket Casts
  • Spotify
  • Podcast Addict
  • Castbox
  • Stitcher
Q: How many business podcasts are there?
According to Apple at WWDC 2018, there were 550,000 podcasts and 18.5 million podcast episodes. Business podcasts are among the top 5 podcasting genres. Some of the most-liked business podcasts are:
  • The Tim Ferriss Show
  • Smart Passive Income
  • The Daily Creative Podcast
  • EntreLeadership
  • Entrepreneurs on Fire
Q: What are the advantages of podcasts?
Here are the top five reasons why you should start listening to podcasts:
  • To stay educated and informed.
  • To multitask. You can commute to work and tune in to your favorite show.
  • To get inspired and interested in new ideas.
  • To start working on your personal development and growth. 
  • To focus on something different than what you deal with daily.
Q: What podcasts do CEOs listen to?
  1. The Tim Ferriss Show
  2. Unemployable
  3. Smart Passive Income
  4. This Week in Startups
  5. Akimbo Podcast
  6. The Daily Creative Podcast
  7. Being Boss
  8. Stanford Entrepreneurial Thought Leader Series
  9. EntreLeadership
  10. Entrepreneurs on Fire
  11. Masters of Scale
  12. How I Built This
Q: Are podcasts good for business?
Businesses have a lot to benefit from podcasts. Here are a few reasons why you should consider producing podcasts for your company:
  • You can build ongoing relationships with your clients.
  • Podcasts are convenient and easy to consume. Your listeners can listen to them at their own convenience.
  • They can help you reach out to new audiences for your business.
  • They're easy and not so expensive to make. 
  • A podcast provides a format for sharing your expertise in your industry.
Sandra Petrova
Sandra Petrova
Senior Content Editor

Sandra is a Senior Content Editor, particularly interested in the future of work. Her most valuable talent is searching under every rock to discover valuable information and incorporate it into well-written and insightful posts. When she's not typing in Google Docs, you can find her reading a fantasy novel, binging on Netflix, or watering her plants.

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