Whether you're building a startup, running a small business, or climbing the corporate ladder, podcasts offer invaluable insights from successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. But with thousands of business podcasts available, which ones deserve your limited time?
We've analyzed hundreds of business podcasts to create the ultimate guide. Each show below offers unique value, and we provide AI-powered summaries so you can quickly identify the most relevant episodes for your journey.
Best Podcasts for Entrepreneurs & Startups
1. How I Built This with Guy Raz
Guy Raz interviews the founders behind iconic companies, from Airbnb to Spanx, uncovering the real stories behind their success. These aren't polished PR narratives—they're honest accounts of failure, pivots, and breakthrough moments.
Best for: Aspiring entrepreneurs, anyone curious about company building
Key insight: Success is never linear—every founder faces near-death moments
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2. My First Million
Shaan Puri and Sam Parr dissect business ideas, analyze successful companies, and share opportunities they see in the market. Incredibly tactical with specific strategies you can implement.
Best for: Solopreneurs, side hustlers, anyone looking for business ideas
Key insight: The best businesses often start as simple solutions to personal problems
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3. Acquired
Deep-dive case studies of major tech acquisitions and company histories. Episodes are long (3+ hours) but incredibly thorough. Learn how companies like Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Costco really built their empires.
Best for: Strategy nerds, investors, business history enthusiasts
Key insight: Understanding business history helps predict future opportunities
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Best Podcasts for Venture Capital & Investing
a16z Podcast
Andreessen Horowitz brings together the smartest minds in tech and business. If you want to understand where technology and business are heading, this podcast is essential.
Topics covered: Startups, AI, crypto, biotech, the future of business
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104+ episode briefs available
The Twenty Minute VC
Harry Stebbings interviews top venture capitalists and founders. Despite the name, episodes often run longer, but they're packed with insights on fundraising, scaling, and building venture-backed companies.
Best for: Founders raising capital, aspiring VCs
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59+ episode briefs available
Best Podcasts for Business News & Analysis
Pivot
Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway dissect the biggest tech and business stories with sharp analysis and no-BS takes. Weekly episodes that keep you informed without wasting time.
Best for: Busy professionals who want the key business news explained
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Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
Scott Galloway's no-holds-barred analysis of business, tech, and markets. Known for bold predictions and calling out corporate BS.
Best for: Anyone interested in business strategy and market analysis
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139+ episode briefs available
Best Podcasts for Marketing & Growth
Marketing Against the Grain
Kipp Bodnar and Kieran Flanagan (HubSpot) share the latest marketing strategies and growth tactics. Very tactical with specific frameworks you can apply.
My First Million (Marketing Focus)
While primarily a business podcast, many episodes focus specifically on marketing tactics that actually work. Real case studies, real numbers.
How to Choose the Right Business Podcast
With limited time, focus on podcasts that match your current stage:
- Pre-startup (exploring ideas): My First Million, How I Built This
- Early stage (0-10 employees): Acquired (for strategy), The Twenty Minute VC (if raising capital)
- Growth stage (scaling): a16z Podcast, Prof G Pod
- Executives & investors: Pivot, Acquired
The PodBrief Advantage
Business podcasts are invaluable but time-consuming. Here's how PodBrief helps:
- Quick scans: Read AI summaries in 2-3 minutes
- Find relevant episodes: Search by topic, company, or guest
- Save time: Only listen to episodes that matter for your situation
- Reference later: Come back to key insights without re-listening
More Business Podcast Recommendations
Beyond the top tier, these shows offer great value:
- The Diary Of A CEO (Steven Bartlett): Long-form interviews with successful entrepreneurs
- Invest Like the Best: Patrick O'Shaughnessy interviews investors and operators
- Business Breakdowns: Deep dives into specific companies
- The Knowledge Project: Shane Parrish explores decision-making and wisdom
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