It’s now a common question among business travelers: What podcasts are you listening to?
Well, before heading out on your next trip, consider downloading episodes of these entertaining and educational podcasts, which may even help you grow your business. At the very least, you’ll have fun facts to share at happy hour.
Why You Need to Listen: StoryBrand’s objective centers on a key tenet of modern marketing: The company wants to help you tell your brand’s story as clearly and effectively as possible. Hosted by Donald Miller and JJ Peterson, the podcast is an extension of that, and much more. While the pair welcome guests who speak directly to digital marketing, they also tackle a wide range of issues relevant to businesses in 2019.
Why You Need to Listen: The title of the podcast doesn’t scream “humility,” and yet that’s at the core of the show. Reid Hoffman, entrepreneur and co-founder of LinkedIn, brings on guests to challenge or reinforce his own beliefs as they relate to business topics. In doing so, he highlights their successes, while also teaching important lessons for listeners.
Why You Need to Listen: Similar to TED Talks Daily (read on below), Planet Money comes at you in short, informative bursts about the economy, broadly speaking, that should soundtrack your commute. Topics include current events (“How Solar Got Cheap”) and retrospectives (“The Marshall Plan”). When you’re with a client who asks about the economy, you’ll thank NPR for producing Planet Money.
Why You Need to Listen: Consider this your daily dose of TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design). If you’re the kind of person that likes to snack on knowledge, especially on the go, these short episodes (most are under 20 minutes) will more than satisfy your appetite. TED Talks Daily is perfect to mix into your morning or packing routine as you activate your mind ahead of a business trip.
Why You Need to Listen: American Innovations is a deconstruction podcast that asks a simple question with a web of answers: How did we get here, as in now? Steven Johnson, author of “How We Got To Now,” focuses on the people, events, and happenstances behind the country’s most impactful discoveries. With American Innovations’ detailed scene-setting, you’ll be entertained and feel smarter.
Why You Need to Listen: Hosted by business coach Alex Judd, the EntreLeadership Podcast follows the theme of nationally syndicated talk radio host Dave Ramsey’s bestseller of the same name: Help businesses, small businesses in particular, grow. Guests include entrepreneurs and experts in a variety of fields, with Judd providing guided questions instead of pointed ones. As a result, the guests share a wealth of information that serves as an auditory business buffet of sorts for listeners.
Why You Need to Listen: This is one of those podcasts that can’t be labeled. Is it educational? Inspirational? Informative? Comedic? Yes. Just yes. Alie Ward, an Emmy Award-winning science correspondent and its producer, goes through different episodal “ologies,” which range from those we know—like paleontology and etymology—to others we don’t: ludology (video games) and bufology (toads). You’ll come away knowing more about these subjects than you could imagine, while also gaining insights into how to approach the field of your expertise.
Why you need to listen: You have questions. Stuff you should know has answers. Is MSG bad for me? What exactly is sleepwalking? This is a podcast for the endlessly curious, or maybe just the folks who want to fill awkward silences with fun facts—perfect for group lunches on the road or happy hours.
Why You Need to Listen: The first line of Disgraceland’s About page says it all: “Disgraceland is a podcast about musicians getting away with murder and behaving very badly.” Well, there you go. Rockstars lead interesting lives in general, and some of the most famous among them have ventured into the land of the notorious and the criminal. Disgraceland covers these stories in entertaining, informative, and, at times, disturbing episodes.
Why You Need to Listen: Who knew medical science could be so fun? Dr. Sydnee McElroy and her husband Justin take listeners on a “marital tour of misguided information,” where they cover, often hilariously, the common and the odd in medical topics, from sneezing and cavities to pinworms and auriculotherapy (pretty meta for a podcast). Just pack some extra hand sanitizer for the road if you’re a germaphobe.
Why You Need to Listen: The “This” in the title refers to some of the world’s most famous companies, as founders tell host Guy Raz about the stories behind their products. And this isn’t Coca-Cola or Nike; it’s more about those brands that make you say, “I wonder who started this.” For example, the most recent two episodes cover Life Is Good and Dippin’ Dots. You’ll come away with a little more knowledge and inspiration.
Why You Need to Listen: Hey, we’re all afraid of something. And that very well might be something involved with business travel: flying, germs, meeting strangers, public speaking. Host Daniel Zomparelli interviews famous guests about their specific fears—like horror auteur Jordan Peele, who’s afraid of unwanted attention—then brings on experts to explain the “why” behind those fears. The effect is entertaining, educational, and reassuring in a “we all go through this” kind of way.
Where You Can Get It: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher