Goodbye playlists, welcome podcasts! As an avid podcast listener, I can say for sure that this listening phenomenon is here to stay. With the advent of smartphones and increased internet connectivity, podcasting has seen exponential growth.
People worldwide are making the most of their time listening to podcasts while doing other activities. Podcasts are more conversation-friendly and easy to use. They have the ability to entertain us, keep us well informed, at the same time give opinions on the various happenings in the social and political spectrums.
With so much of audio content available, choosing the best ones to subscribe in the areas that you are interested in can be overwhelming.Worry not. I shall help you narrow down your list.
Listen to these 10 podcasts to know what smart people talk about science and technology, to education and business and everything in between.
The Pitch
Fortune has named Gamlet Media’s The Pitch, hosted by Josh Muccio as ‘the best business podcast on startup life’. On this show, the entrepreneurs pitch to a live panel of investors. Each episode takes us behind the closed doors of a shark tank pitch, presents crucial details of what happens after everyone shakes hands and walks out.
Best episode: Three Startups Enter. Only One Will Leave. (Episode #40)
Listener says: “A must have on my podcast list. An entrepreneur can learn from other startups and their journey. Thought provoking, real and inspiring.”
Foundr
Host Nathan Chang knew nothing about building a business. He was working in a 9–5 job that he detested and wanted to become an entrepreneur. He embarked on this journey of knowing what it took to build a successful business. His thirst for knowing more and getting there led to Foundr magazine and his innumerable interviews with successful entrepreneurs. Subscribe to this podcast to learn what it takes to build a successful enterprise.
Best episode: How to Become Financially Free with Tony Robbins (Episode #60)
Listener says: “Very helpful, encouraging, with a positive approach. Is like having someone next to you, like a coach, a mentor. Gives incentive either to start or to continue.”
How I Built This
Are you a budding entrepreneur? Be inspired by knowing the stories behind how some of the well-known businesses came into existence. Get a perspective of the struggles, the ideas or the trigger that led to these successful brands. Listen to this highly recommended podcast How I Built This, by NPR. Host Guy Raz with his great narrative, talks about the idealists, the innovators, the entrepreneurs and the movements that ultimately led to the formation of the business.
Best episode: Chipotle: Steve Ells
Listener says: “How I Built This is an addictive inspiration. These are riveting stories of people from startlingly diverse backgrounds whose energy, ideas, persistence and often humour has vaulted them to extreme success in businesses that matter deeply to them. It’s a revelation that the world of business can be entertaining, emotional, and inspirational.”
TEDTalks Technology
TEDTalks Technology podcast is undoubtedly one of the best technology podcasts. This podcast covers TED conferences, TEDx and partner events worldwide where leading inventors and researchers share their visions, talk about their breakthroughs, give demos even. Every episode, roughly less 15 minutes long is interesting and inspiring.
Best episode: How tech companies deceive you into giving up your data and privacy
Listener says: “Each TED talk leads me to areas of experience that are not usually available to me.”
Accidental Tech Podcast
If you are a zealous techie who is on a lookout for an interesting podcast show ranging from programming languages trivia to the latest tech industry news, Accidental Tech Podcast (ATP) is the podcast for you. The hosts Marco Arment, Casey Liss, John Siracusa are all developers who know their stuff like the back of their hands. ATP was created accidentally while trying to do a car show. Hence the name. It is basically about Tech, Apple and related areas.
Best Episode: These Arms Are Coming Off (Episode #242)
Listener says: “I subscribe to around 8 or 9 podcasts and this is by far my favourite. When I see a 2 hour + episode I get so excited because I know it will last for two days of commuting to and from work. The hosts have such good chemistry and genuinely seem like good guys. Keep up the good work.”
The Hidden Brain
NPR’s Hidden brain, hosted by Shankar Vedantam explores the unconscious patterns that drive human behaviour directing our relationships and affecting the choices we make. Shankar, with his power of storytelling backed by science coupled with insightful commentaries and audio clips, smoothly guides the narrative of each episode.
Best episode: Embrace the Chaos (Episode #53)
Listener says: “To understand yourself, you need to understand how your brain works, and how your actions and thoughts are influenced by your world. I always learn something important when I listen to an episode.”
99 Percent Invisible
99% Invisible is a design and architecture focussed podcast hosted by Roman Mars. One episode is released every week and each episode aims to expose the aspects of design and architecture that are usually overlooked and unnoticed. The show’s name is inspired by Buckminster Fuller’s famous quote: “Ninety-nine percent of who you are is invisible and untouchable.” With an excellent narrative, every episode typically concentrates on a specific design example or a single topic and includes interviews people who have been influenced by the design, experts or architects.
Best episode: NBC Chimes (Episode #238)
Listener says: “A thought-provoking, well-produced show. Roman Mars and his team of reporters and producers have done an excellent job of talking about architecture and design the way it deserves it be spoken of. They examine not only design but also the people who designed things, examining the ways in which the life experiences of each designer informs the way they see and construct the world around them.”
Ctrl Alt Delete
Ctrl Alt Delete, hosted by Emma Gannon is a podcast that focuses mainly on feminism and technology. Emma, with her high profile guests, discusses the aspects of existing online and the world of work. Ctrl Alt Delete explores everything, from your social media presence to dealing with workplace problems and everything in between. Ctrl Alt Delete is one podcast which all the emerging women in the workplace need to subscribe to.
Best episode: Dealing With Stress & Practicing Self-Care (Episode #52)
Listener says: “Emma, host of the Ctrl Alt Delete podcast, highlight all aspects of different careers, creativity and more in this can’t miss podcast! The host and expert guests offer insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone that listens!”
Serial
How can I not mention the podcast series that gave podcasting a new lease of life? American Life’s Serial, described as the greatest podcast ever made, is an investigative journalism podcast. Serial revolutionized the world of podcasting. This podcast is hosted by Sarah Koenig who narrates nonfiction over multiple episodes. Serial topped iTunes even before its debut and remained number one for several weeks thereafter. Episodes of seasons one and two have been downloaded over 340 million times as of September 2018.
Best episode: Misdemeanor, Meet Mr Lawsuit
Listener says: “Fantastic show! I am thoroughly interested and can’t wait to hear the next episode! My only fear is there will be no resolution at the end of this mystery. Either way, this is a very interesting podcast – you have a fan!”
The Tip Off
The Tip Off, hosted by Maeve McClenaghan, an investigative journalist herself, takes you behind the breaking news! This weekly, investigative journalism podcast gives us behind the scenes information about some of the biggest stories from recent years. Each episode typically concentrates on a particular story where Maeve talks to the journalists who led the investigation as they share their experience on how they pulled the story off – the tip-offs, the dead-ends and the leads. This podcast virtually takes you through the investigation; you can sense the doors slamming, cars chasing, narrow escapes from danger and terrorist cells even!
Best episode: The stuff of horror movies (Episode #2)
Listener says: “This podcast highlights exactly why journalism stories are so important and the way they are told, maybe even more so. Thank you for the amazing work!”
I hope this helped you figure out who your next commute buddy is going to be. Listen away to glory!