35 Must-Listen Podcast Episodes for Entrepreneurs

Chilling in your car on the way to the office? Killing time while you hit the treadmill at the gym?

Forget music or audiobooks! Use your time wisely to improve your business skill set or expand your mind with any of the following 35 must-listen podcasts for entrepreneurs:

Mixergy, “How Brian Scudamore Built a $150M Empire with $700 and a Pickup Truck”

The Mixergy series is another good source of inspirational interviews with successful business owners. If you’re new to the site, start with the Brian Scudamore episode for the fascinating story of Brian’s history founding 1-800-GOT-JUNK.

Four Hour Work Week Podcast, “Matt Mullenweg on Polyphasic Sleep, Tequila, and Building Billion-Dollar Companies”

Tim Ferriss’s “Four Hour Work Week” site always brings it, but you definitely won’t want to miss his interview with WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg. Mullenweg is known for his crazy-high productivity, and his tips – covering everything from polyphasic sleep to looping music for better flow – are things you’ll want to consider implementing yourself.

Smart Passive Income Podcast, “SPI 144: Building a Million Dollar Business in 12 Months – with Ryan Moran”

In this Smart Passive Income podcast episode, founder Pat Flynn chats with Ryan Moran, founder of the million dollar Freedom Fast Lane program. Check it out if you’re interested in growing a business using Amazon’s in-house fulfillment program.

WPCurve Podcast, “Startup Chat #57 – The Lean Startup in Practice”

I’m a big believer in lean business-building practices, which is why I’m loving this podcast episode by Alex McClafferty. Seven months in, Alex has 211 paying customers representing nearly $12,000 in monthly recurring revenue – and this podcast will tell you how he did it.

Chris Ducker Podcast, “7 Email Hacks to Make 2015 Your Most Productive Year Ever!”

Looking for a quick way to boost your productivity this year? At just under 17 minutes in length, Chris Ducker’s latest podcast will give you the tips and tricks needed to get a hold of your email inbox.

Unbounce Podcast, “4 Truths About Human Nature Every Marketer Needs to Know Before Writing a Word of Copy”

Human psychology is such a fascinating field of study, and Unbounce has taken some of its revelations and applied them directly to the practice of marketing copywriting. If your own copy seems to be falling a bit flat, you’ll find the answers you need here.

The Foundation Podcast, “Overcoming Self-Sabotage, The Entrepreneurial Mindset, and a 50th Episode Secret — with Andy and Dane”

I won’t spoil the secret Andy and Dane share in this podcast episode, but I will recommend that you take a listen to this one if you’re struggling with self-sabotage. Entrepreneurial mindset is such a huge deal for many business owners that any improvements you can make to this critical area will increase your company’s odds of eventual success.

Entrepreneur on Fire Podcast, “682: Shane Snow: How Hackers, Innovators, and Icons Accelerate Success”

If you want to be truly great at something, look at those who have gone before you. In this case, Shane Snow looks to the past experiences of hackers, innovators and icons to better understand how future entrepreneurs can drive success in a faster, more profitable way than ever before.

Amy Porterfield Podcast, “#49: How to Know If Your Idea is Profitable”

Jumping into a business model without first understanding whether or not it’s profitable is a fool’s game. In this episode, Amy Porterfield gives you the framework needed to measure profit-generating potential – before you put tons of time and money on the line.

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Blog Talk Radio Podcast, “#305 Lessons in Branding, Exit Strategy, Reducing Stress & Buying Domain Names”

This Blog Talk Radio podcast episode covers an eclectic mix of topics, but I highly recommend sticking around for the segment on stress management. It’s a critical skill that entrepreneurs – many of whom are prone to burning themselves out by going too hard, for too long – need to know.

Product Hunt Radio Podcast, “Episode 17 w/ Robert Scoble”

Episode #17 of the Product Hunt Radio podcast covers a number of different subjects, including Facebook marketing, content curation and the future of the show. If you’ve got an hour to kill, you’ll pick up plenty of helpful tips and tricks by tuning into this episode.

a16z Podcast, “Crisis Time — What to Do When Things Go Sideways”

Crises terrify entrepreneurs, but they’re also inevitable. Planning ahead for how you’ll handle these bumps in the road – using the tips contained in this a16z podcast episode – will help you keep your business growth on track.

Startup Founders Podcast, “Episode 41: Navid Zolfaphari, 500 Startups Mentor and Founder of Pinpoint Mobile”

In this quick interview, the 500 Startups team interviews Navid Zolfaphari – former employee at Wildfire and current founder of Pinpoint Mobile. The insights shared are ones that all entrepreneurs will want to take note of.

Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, “Marketers Who Use Science and Data Win”

You all know I’m big on data-driven decision-making, so it’s no surprise I’m loving this recent episode of the Duct Tape Marketing podcast, featuring none other than Neil Patel. Take a listen to learn how he’s used science and data to drive big wins for CrazyEgg, KISSMetrics and HelloBar.

You Are Not So Smart Podcast, “YANSS Podcast 030 – How Practice Changes the Brain and Exceptions to the 10,000 Hour Rule with David Epstein”

Did you know that, because the brain processes things roughly 80 milliseconds after they happen, you’re actually living in the past? Join the YANSS team and guest David Epstein for a fascinating discussion on how this impacts our ability to learn new skills and succeed where others fail.

350 Third Podcast, “Episode #82 – Our Sources”

The 350 Third podcast describes itself as “A podcast discussing the impact of the Internet on business,” and episode #82 certainly lives up to this tagline. In the episode, founders Scott and Anders discuss the people, websites and social feeds they can’t live without online.

Social Triggers Podcast, “You Can’t Make Everyone Happy – Stop Trying”

I love the subject of this podcast episode, and I love what Derek Halpern does over at his Social Triggers blog. Give this episode a listen if you need a kick in the pants about worrying too much over others’ concerns.

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Become a Blogger Podcast, “160: Ten Steps To Overcoming Fear And Doing Something Big”

There’s almost no bigger obstacle to entrepreneurial success than fear. Don’t let it stop you in your tracks! This Become a Blogger podcast episode will give you ten easy-to-implement steps to prevent fear from limiting your future growth.

100 MBA Podcast, “MBA180 How to Sell Through Content Marketing”

Content marketers often miss the vital connection between creating content and actually asking for the sale, so I’m glad to hear this 100 MBA podcast episode that forms the bridge between the two. Check it out if you have the sneaking suspicion your content campaigns should be performing better for your business.

Seth Godin’s Startup School Podcast, “12 The Dip”

Seth Godin is famous for many things, but one of my personal favorites is his book, The Dip. In this past podcast episode, he discusses an important concept from the book – the idea that you shouldn’t start a project unless you’re prepared to reach the end.

Dorm Room Tycoon Podcast, “How to Create More Creators”

Speaking of Seth Godin, he’s interviewed here by the Dorm Room Tycoon podcast, where he discusses some of the roadblocks that keep would-be creators from fulfilling their vision. It’s a great listen if you want to learn more about building your tribe, mastering your craft and developing the guts needed for success.

Product People TV Podcast, “EP69: Nir Eyal on How to Build Habit Forming Products”

I love this concept of the “habit forming product,” and if you’re serious about engaging your audience with products they can’t live without, I’m guessing you will too. Clocking in at just over 45 minutes, this interview with Nir Eyal is one podcast episode you won’t want to miss.

Work Talk Show Podcast, “Episode Number 89 – Nancy Duarte on Narrowing Focus”

Entrepreneurs are usually overrun with great ideas – the challenge isn’t usually coming up with something great, it’s narrowing things down to figure out how to move forward with a single vision. This Work Talk Show podcast episode with Nancy Duarte speaks to this struggle, making it a must-listen for would-be business owners who aren’t sure where to get started.

The Introvert Entrepreneur Podcast, “Ep72: The Authentic Entrepreneur: A Conversation with Brad Feld”

I’m not an introvert, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t find this episode of the Introvert Entrepreneur podcast incredibly valuable. Take a listen for great insights from the Foundry Group’s Brad Feld on everything from meditation to raising money.

This Week in Startups Podcast, “Episode 490: Legendary Entrepreneur Reid Hoffman on His Best Strategies, Valuable Lessons, the PayPal Mafia, and Creating One of the First Social Networks”

I have to admit… this podcast episode had me at “the Paypal Mafia.” It’s on the longer side – running nearly 80 minutes – but Reid Hoffman is someone you need to know, and the thoughts he shares in his This Week in Startups podcast episode are well worth your time.

Foundation Podcast, “Episode 12 w/ Leah Busque”

The Foundation podcast is a great series of interviews with interesting, high-level entrepreneurs, and this particular episode features TaskRabbit founder Leah Busque. Check it out for great tips and tricks from a woman who has “been there, done that,” in the world of startup growth.

Michael Hyatt Podcast, “Season 2, Episode 07: How Book Publishing Has Changed and What It Means for You”

Ever thought about writing a book? I think it’s most entrepreneurs’ pet dream to see their name on the cover of the latest NYT best-seller, but the reality of book deals and author advances has changed significantly over the past few years. Michael Hyatt breaks down what’s changed, and what it means for anybody looking to get into publishing.

Startups for the Rest of Us Podcast, “Episode 183: 5 Startup Rules To Live By with Dan Norris”

Got about a half hour? Then you’ve got time to check out this Startups for the Rest of Us podcast episode, featuring Dan Norris of WPCurve (among other startups) talking about the secrets that have made him successful.

Tropical MBA Podcast, “TMBA 282: Starting With Productized Services: Learn a Skill, Package It For Sale, Then Scale”

Starting a service business makes it hard to scale – that is, unless you can find a way to “productize” your skill set. If you find yourself in this boat, you can’t afford to miss out on this Tropical MBA podcast episode.

Smart People Podcast, “Episode 135 – Andrew Yang”

Don’t know Andrew Yang? He’s the founder of Venture for America and the author of Smart People Should Build Things: How to Restore Our Culture of Achievement, Build a Path for Entrepreneurs, and Create New Jobs in America – and he’s definitely somebody you’ll want to learn from in this Smart People Podcast episode.

NPR Podcast, “How To Become Batman”

I’m a huge Batman fan, and although this podcast episode won’t tell you where to find the keys to your very own Batmobile, it will teach you about the effect your expectations can have on others.

Gimlet Media Podcast, “#14 The Art of Making and Fixing Mistakes”

I’m no stranger to make mistakes – I even encourage the process, as long as you’re able to fail fast and learn from where you went wrong. But if you don’t feel confident in this particular skill set yet, give this Gimlet Media podcast episode a listen for some very important lessons.

Gimlet Media Podcast, “#11 Know Your Customer”

While you’re at it, check out another one of Gimlet’s podcast episodes – this one on getting to know your customer. It’s a crucial skill set all entrepreneurs must develop; if you don’t know your customers, there’s no way you’ll be able to reach them (and sell to them) effectively.

Life-Long Learner Podcast, “#57 – Zombie Loyalists: Using Great Service to Create Rabid Fans with Peter Shankman”

Peter Shankman, founder of HARO, has long been known as an entrepreneurial thought leader, and in this Life-Long Learner podcast episode, he discusses the ideas found in his latest book, Zombie Loyalists. Want to deliver a product or experience that’s so infectious your users can help but share it with others? Then you need this important podcast episode!

The Entrepreneurs Library Podcast, “TEL 166: A look Inside: “Credibility” with James Kouzes”

Finally, if you’ve got any free time left, use it to review this Entrepreneurs Library podcast episode discussing the concept of credibility. Based around the concepts in his book, Credibility, author James Kouzes describes what it takes to gain credibility, why some people have it and why others lose it. It’s fascinating stuff that’s sure to make an impact on your business’s bottom line!

Everyone Hates Marketers Podcast, 4 Steps to Creating a Rock-Solid Marketing Strategy with Mark Ritson‘

When it comes to your strategy, nothing is more important than market research. Mark Ritson is a marketing expert, consultant, and writer for Marketing Week. Mark sat down with Louis Grenier to share his principles for developing a marketing strategy and how to execute market research

Have another podcast you’d like to recommend? Leave a comment below sharing your favorite, most helpful audio episode: