I’m an avid podcast listener, long before they became a marketing tactic to secure a listening audience. Maybe it’s because talk radio was always on in my kitchen from an early age. My mother was an avid RTE (Irish channel) listener which was sometimes entertaining when listeners called in to share their opinions.
Everyday I tune into at least three different podcasts. In the morning, I usually catch up on world events and at the end of my day, I tune in when walking the dog. AirPods on, I pick my category of choice from tech to culture, social, comedy or politics.
Alphabetized below are my top 10, with links to Spotify and the reason I love it. Hopefully this inspires you to tune in to what’s going on in our crazy, colorful world.
Desert Island Discs (BBC Radio 4)
(Category: Personal stories).
This started on radio many decades ago. Pick the 8 tracks you’d bring to the island and share your life-story as you go.
Why I love it: The predictable structure but honestly, it’s the guests. Mostly celebs but also educators, politicians and culture creators. Always informative. Always entertaining.
2. Exit Five (Dave Gerhardt)
(Category: B2B Marketers).
As a career marketer, I applaud Dave for helping us stay abreast of the latest trends and tech.
Why I love it: Mid-day when I’m catching up on daily to-do’s, I tune in to make sure I’m not missing out on our fast-paced, ever-innovating tech sector.
3. Ezra Klein Show (NY times)
(Category: Culture. Society).
Opinion on what’s current and what matters. From climate change to food science and also tech.
Why I love it: Besides Ezra’s silky smooth voice, he asks the best questions and always digs deep, plus he’s clearly super prepared and informed before every interview.
4. Fresh Air (NPR)
(Category: Books. Culture. Film).
Who doesn’t love Terry Gross! Intimate conversations with today’s biggest luminaries.
Why I love it: So current. Always up to the minute. Terry is the eternal pro. She gets better every interview, every year. Listen to her old ones from way back, you’ll agree.
5. Global News Podcast (BBC)
(Category: News)
In its very description, I crave news from around the world. Not usually fun, but important. Twice a day on weekdays.
Why I love it: Maybe it’s FOMO but I gotta know the facts before forming an opinion.
6. Hard Fork (NY Times)
(Category: Culture. Society. Tech).
Opinionated, yes. Fun, lively and often controversial and usually focused on tech.
Why I love it: the organic banter between Kevin Roose and Casey Newton who often agree but sometimes don’t.
7. On with Kara Swisher (Vox Media)
(Category: Society, Technology)
Aptly described as no-holds-barred interviews with power players across business, tech, media, politics and beyond.
Why I love it: Kara is one bad*** lady and is never afraid to ask the tough questions. Her guests are creme de la creme.
8. Papercuts (Podmasters)
(Category: News. Comedy).
It’s British. Journalists and comedians read the Brit daily newspaper headlines and dissect them for our entertainment.
Why I love it: equal parts news and comedy and reminds me of my days in London where I was mostly a Guardian reader.
9. The Current Podcast
(Category: Marketing. Technology).
Candid stories with business and marketing execs from mostly big brands.
Why I love it: A good pan out, macro level view with brand B2C and B2B leaders.
10. The Prof G Pod (Vox Media, with Scott Galloway)
(Category: Careers. Tech).
Scott Galloway combines business insight and analysis with provocative life and career advice. Different topics by days of the week.
Why I love it: He’s never afraid to call it how he sees it. I don’t always agree with everything he says but I’m always willing to listen to him.
I hope this listicle is useful. Share your recommendations on any podcasts, regardless of category. My list is category-wide so maybe pick the area of interest to you and ignore the rest. I’d love to hear from you at: https://marketingengine2.com/