One of the best benefits of heading back into the office (aside from reconnecting with your team) is the chance to listen to some great podcasts again on your commute.
The depth and breadth of podcasts is greater than ever – with over 50 million episodes available, so we’ve curated a list of our current favourites.
Whether you’re looking for some escapism in a business con story, practical advice on running your business or inspirational interviews to set you up for a successful day ahead, there’s something for everyone.
Happy listening.
Keeping up with current affairs
From Brexit to the latest Google release, global affairs can have a huge impact on your business. Stay in the loop with these insightful podcasts.
A daily podcast from the BBC World Service. Released every weekday morning, this short podcast brings you a rundown of the day’s top financial stories from around the globe. A longer podcast of the same name is released in the afternoon.
Great for: business owners with little time. Episodes average seven minutes and provide a condensed look at the morning’s biggest financial stories. Perfect for your morning commute.
Host Anne McElvoy poses a single question to a high-profile insider every week in this podcast from The Economist. Subjects on the agenda include the rise in wealth inequality and whether or not America’s economic growth can continue.
Great for: insight into how global affairs affect the economy. Interviewees offer their informed perspective on the biggest economic issues facing the world today.
A bi-weekly podcast that delves into the latest tech trends disrupting the financial sector, from AI to open banking. Brought to you by leading fintech company, 11:FS.
Great for: both tech entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to get a better understanding of how developments in technology can help them run their business.
Practical podcasts to help make running your business easier
Whether you’d like to improve your company’s online presence, understand how to secure investment, or learn to use data effectively, these practical podcasts are here to help.
Internet Marketing from SiteVisibility
A weekly podcast from digital agency SiteVisibility, bringing you the latest developments from the digital marketing landscape. With input from leading experts and marketers from around the world, this show claims to be the most popular internet marketing podcast in the UK.
Great for: anyone looking to improve their SEO, learn how to use data effectively or understand internet advertising. The online space is changing constantly, so everyone from beginners to seasoned marketing professionals will benefit from this podcast.
Available on one of America’s most critically-acclaimed podcasting networks, StartUp is a documentary series about entrepreneurial life, which looks at stories “about what it’s really like to start a business.”
Great for: budding entrepreneurs, clients in need of inspiration and people who simply like great storytelling.
Host Clayton M. Coke discusses the highs and lows of business ownership with a range of UK entrepreneurs.
Great for: small business owners looking for relatable advice from successful entrepreneurs. Guests discuss how they launched their business, the problems they faced and how they intend to grow in the future.
Inspirational interviews
Nothing gears you up for a productive day more than a motivational story. In these podcasts, you’ll enjoy insight from famous entrepreneurs and small business owners alike.
Secret Leaders
This UK-based podcast claims to be the number one business podcast on Apple. Co-founded by two entrepreneurs, Rich Martell (the producer) and Dan Murray (the host), there are 4 series to delve into, with interviews with some of the biggest names in business. Guests have included everyone from philosopher Alain de Botton to the founder of Moonpig.
Great for: an entertaining and instructive listen. This upbeat, intelligent podcast will get you thinking about business from a unique perspective.
A podcast that champions small businesses from funding company, iwoca. Hosts Jamie and Matt discuss financial issues that specifically affect small business owners and interview a range of guests, from a watchmaker to the owner of a cat cafe.
Great for: small business owners who want to learn from their peers. This podcast covers issues that will be familiar to entrepreneurs, such as hiring the right people and effective roadmapping.
Inspiring Leadership with Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE
Each week former British Army Officer and motivational speaker Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE picks the brains of prominent leadership figures, with a range of guests from SAS Officers to CEOs.
Great for: anybody in a leadership role or aspiring to be a leader, whether it’s seasoned entrepreneurs or those just starting out.
Thought provoking podcasts
For anyone looking to gain a new perspective on the world of business, these podcasts are essential listening. From stranger-than-fiction-stories to alternative careers advice, they’ll make you think about business in a whole new way.
Emma Gannon’s podcast focuses on people who have shaped their careers from their interests. An antidote to the traditional career podcast, Emma looks at the ethics, philosophy and occasional anxiety that comes with doing something you love. With guests ranging from famous actors to magazine editors.
Great for: people who love what they do. This philosophical podcast covers topics from non-linear career paths to confidence and self-worth.
This BBC podcast follows the story of Dr Ruja Ignatova. A businesswoman who persuaded millions of people to invest in her crypto currency, before disappearing without a trace.
Great for: anyone looking for a lesson in how not to invest. This surreal story demonstrates how even multi-million dollar companies can be built on a lie.
Nintendo vs Sony, Nike vs Adidas, Boeing vs Airbus. This American podcast brings to life some of the biggest business rivalries of the 21st century.
Great for: learning the turbulent history of some of the world’s most recognisable brands. The aptly named podcast shows how brutal and competitive business can be.
Elizabeth Holmes convinced the world that she had invented a product that would revolutionise healthcare. Her idea earned her an estimated $4.5bn and a place on the cover of Forbes magazine. The only problem? She was lying. Now onto its second season, this one’s well worth checking out.
Great for: getting under the bonnet of Silicon Valley. This podcast shows what happens when a “fake it ‘til you make it” culture goes too far.
