As marketers, we understand the power of podcasts as a dynamic medium for reaching audiences—and we should harness that same value for our own growth. To help you stay up on the latest, the Talk Shop team has curated a list of must-listen podcasts perfect for even the busiest days.
As marketing and communications specialists, one of our main objectives is staying up-to-date with the latest news, trends, brand partnerships, stunts, industry news and everything in between. There is only so much time in a day, so you have to absorb as much news as humanly possible. Podcasts are the easiest way to consume high-quality, valuable information on the go or in the background while you’re working on that never-ending content calendar. So with that in mind, here’s our round-up of the best podcasts to keep you informed and inspired.
PR Focused Podcasts
Why Listen: We Earn Media dives deep into the world of earned media, exploring PR strategies and success stories from industry leaders. Each episode offers actionable insights that can help you secure more media coverage for your brand.
Highlight Episode: "The Art of the Media Pitch" - Learn how to craft pitches that journalists can’t ignore.
2. HBR IdeaCast
Why Listen: Produced by Harvard Business Review, HBR IdeaCast brings you interviews with some of the brightest minds in business and management. Covering topics from leadership to innovation, this podcast is perfect for those looking to apply academic rigor to their marketing strategies.
Highlight Episode: "The Future of AI in Marketing" - Understand how AI is transforming the marketing landscape.
Why Listen: The Crux Podcast focuses on the intersection of leadership and communication. Hosted by Gary Sheffer and Mike Fernandez, it offers perspectives on how top executives handle communication challenges.
Highlight Episode: "Navigating Crisis Communication" - Learn strategies for managing communication during a crisis.
4. On Top of PR
Why Listen: On Top of PR, hosted by Jason Mudd, provides PR pros with the latest tips, trends, and best practices. Each episode features industry experts who share their insights and experiences.
Highlight Episode: "Social Media Strategies for 2024" - Stay ahead of the curve with the latest social media tactics.
Why Listen: Host Lisa Wexler takes listeners behind the scenes of the media industry, interviewing journalists about their craft. The Friday Reporter is a fantastic resource for understanding how to better collaborate with media professionals.
Highlight Episode: "Building Strong Media Relationships" - Tips on fostering relationships with journalists.
Why Listen: Hosted by Gini Dietrich, The Spin Sucks tackles the tough issues facing PR professionals today. It’s known for its no-nonsense approach and practical advice.
Highlight Episode: "Integrating PESO Model into Your Strategy" - Learn how to blend paid, earned, shared, and owned media for maximum impact.
7. On the Media
Why Listen: On the Media, produced by WNYC Studios, is a critical examination of the media landscape. It provides insights into how media shapes public perception, making it a must-listen for communication experts.
Highlight Episode: "The Future of News Consumption" - Explore how changes in media consumption are impacting journalism.
Tech Publications
Why Listen: This podcast is a goldmine for those who want a deep dive into the bustling tech ecosystem of Los Angeles. Hosted by Espree Devora, it features interviews with startup founders, investors, and tech influencers.
Highlight Episode: "Inside the Minds of LA's Top Investors" – This episode provides invaluable insights into what investors look for, from pitches to scalability.
Why Listen: Hosted by Jason Calacanis, this show is your one-stop shop for the latest in startup news, market trends, and tech innovation. It’s perfect for staying up-to-date with Silicon Valley's movers and shakers.
Highlight Episode: "The Future of Remote Work" – This episode explores how remote work is shaping the future of tech startups and provides actionable tips for marketing in a remote-first world.
3. Acquired
Why Listen: Acquired is an excellent podcast for understanding the business strategies behind major tech acquisitions. Co-hosts Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal provide a comprehensive analysis of some of the biggest deals in tech history.
Highlight Episode: "Amazon Acquires Whole Foods" – This episode breaks down the strategic moves behind Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods and its impact on the market.
4. Equity
Why Listen: If you want a weekly breakdown of the latest in tech finance, Equity is your go-to podcast. Hosted by Alex Wilhelm, Natasha Mascarenhas, and Mary Ann Azevedo, it dives deep into venture capital and startup funding.
Episode Highlight: "Unicorns in a Bear Market" – This episode offers a fascinating look at how high-valued startups are navigating economic downturns.
Why Listen: Sam Parr and Shaan Puri talk about business ideas, side hustles, and market opportunities in a laid-back, conversational tone that makes complex topics easy to digest.
Highlight Episode: "10 Unconventional Marketing Tactics" – This episode is full of creative and practical marketing tips that can help you stand out in a crowded market.
6. The GaryVee Audio Experience
Why Listen: If you’re looking for a mix of motivation and practical marketing advice, Gary Vaynerchuk’s podcast is unparalleled. He covers everything from social media strategies to personal branding.
Highlight Episode: "Why Content is King" – Gary explains why producing consistent, high-quality content is crucial for any marketing strategy and offers tips on how to do it effectively.
7. The Pitch
Why Listen: Similar to Shark Tank, this podcast features entrepreneurs pitching their startups to a panel of investors. It’s an excellent resource for understanding what works (and what doesn’t) in startup pitches.
Highlight Episode: "The $2 Million Question" – This episode features a pitch that captures the essence of what investors are looking for, providing valuable takeaways for anyone in marketing or communications.
8. Decoder
Why Listen: Hosted by Nilay Patel, Decoder offers deep-dive interviews with executives and innovators in the tech industry, providing a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions are made.
Highlight Episode: "How Spotify Balances Innovation and Industry" – This episode is a must-listen for understanding the strategic decisions behind one of the most influential companies in tech and media.
Why Listen: If you’re short on time but need a comprehensive overview of tech news, the Wall Street Journal’s Tech News Briefing is perfect. It offers quick, insightful updates on the most important stories.
Highlight Episode: "Big Tech Earnings Report" – This episode provides a concise summary of the latest earnings reports from major tech companies and their implications for the market.
Daily News and Recaps
1. The Daily
Why Listen: Produced by The New York Times, "The Daily" offers a deep dive into the day's top news stories. With its compelling narrative and expert analysis, it's perfect for marketing and communication professionals who need to stay informed about global events and trends that impact their strategies.
Why Listen: Vox’s "Today Explained" breaks down complex news stories into digestible episodes. The podcast offers context and clarity on current events, making it an excellent resource for professionals who need to understand the broader implications of the news.
3. Post Reports
Why Listen: From The Washington Post, "Post Reports" delivers in-depth storytelling and investigative journalism. This podcast is ideal for those who want a deeper understanding of the stories shaping our world and influencing public discourse.
4. Front Burner
Why Listen: CBC’s "Front Burner" provides a Canadian perspective on major global stories. It’s a great choice for marketing and comms professionals who want to gain insights into international events from a different angle.
Why Listen: This podcast focuses on underreported topics that are pivotal for comprehensive understanding. "The Big Story" is perfect for those who want to explore unique angles and discover stories that may not make the front page but are still crucial for strategic planning.
Why Listen: NPR’s "News Today" provides concise and timely updates on the latest happenings around the world. It’s a must-listen for marketing professionals who need quick and reliable news recaps to start their day informed.
7. The Journal
Why Listen: A collaboration between The Wall Street Journal and Gimlet, "The Journal" delivers hard-hitting business stories and economic analysis. It’s essential for those in marketing and communications who need to stay on top of financial news and market trends.
Why Listen: Another gem from The Wall Street Journal, "What’s News" offers bite-sized updates on global events. It’s perfect for busy professionals who need to stay informed without spending too much time.
Why Listen: Known for its thorough analysis, The Economist's podcasts cover a wide range of topics from politics to technology. It’s invaluable for those who want a nuanced understanding of global issues affecting the marketing landscape.
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And that’s just the start of it. Happy listening!
