This week I am traveling from Nashville to Vancouver for the TEDActive conference. I am excited to spend a week enjoying some of the most thought provoking presentations that will be delivered this year, in one of the world’s most enchanting cities.
However I am not thrilled about all of the time I will be spending in airports, hotels, and taxis. Because I don’t love the traveling part of traveling to new places, I will be sure to pack my favorite traveling companion – my headphones. When traveling, I rely on my headphones to save me from the headaches caused by the hustle and bustle of the airports, planes, and traffic jams. Sometimes I use my headphones to listen to music, but I also enjoy listening to podcast episodes.
Thus, in preparation for my trip, I compiled a list of the best podcasts for business professionals and curious leaders, and ensured that each of these 6 series was ready to go on my iPhone. All 6 of these podcast series have excellent reviews, and feature unique advice from thought leaders.
The next time you are cramped in coach on a plane, or are suffering through a long commute that bores you to tears, try one of the 6 podcast gems listed below. If you do, the cacophony of the world will fade away, and all that will remain is the joy of inspiration and insight. Or, at least you won’t be bored as you go from point A to point B.
1. On Leadership
Summary: On Leadership is a weekly interview program hosted by The Washington Post’s Lillian Cunningham. We talk to influential figures in business, politics, science and the arts about how they got where they are, what traits and experiences have most shaped their character, and what leadership means to them.
Recommended Episode: A conversation with Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group
Bonus Video: Richard Branson talks about, um, public speaking.
2. This Is Your Life™
Summary: This Is Your Life with Michael Hyatt is a weekly podcast dedicated to intentional leadership. The goal is to help you live with more passion, work with greater focus, and lead with extraordinary influence.
Recommended Episode: Why Doing Less Is The Best Way To Do More
Bonus Video: Enjoy the video version of the podcast episode Why Doing Less Is The Best Way To Do More.
3. HBR IdeaCast
Summary: A weekly podcast featuring the leading thinkers in business and management from Harvard Business Review.
Recommended Episode: Productivity Secrets from a Very Busy Man with Bob Pozen
Bonus Video: HBS Professor Bob Pozen reveals his secrets to workplace productivity and performance.
4. Stanford Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Series
Summary: The DFJ Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Seminar (ETL) is a weekly seminar series on entrepreneurship, co-sponsored by BASES (a student entrepreneurship group), Stanford Technology Ventures Program, and the Department of Management Science and Engineering.
Recommended Episode: Creating Enchantment with Guy Kawasaki
Bonus Video: Guy Kawasaki explains how to increase your likability.
5. Freakonomics Radio
Summary: In their books “Freakonomics,” “SuperFreakonomics,” and “Think Like a Freak,” Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner explore “the hidden side of everything,” telling stories about cheating schoolteachers and eating champions while teaching us all to think a bit more creatively, rationally, and productively. The Freakonomics Radio podcast, hosted by Dubner, carries on that tradition with weekly episodes. Prepare to be enlightened, engaged, perhaps enraged, and definitely surprised.
Recommended Episode: When Willpower Isn’t Enough
Bonus video: Dr. Katherine Milkman, Assistant Professor of Operations and Information Management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania delivers presentation about “temptation bundling.”
6. Marketing Smarts
Summary: This weekly podcast features in-depth interviews with smart marketers from all walks of life. Hosted by MarketingProfs, this 30-minute, weekly podcast delivers actionable insights and real advice to help you market smarter.
Recommended Episode: From B2C and B2B to H2H (Human to Human): Bryan Kramer Talks to Marketing Smarts
Bonus video: Bryan Kramer speaks about the importance of social sharing for brand development.
Conclusion: Whether you want to make a long commute seem shorter, an arduous journey more enjoyable, or you are simply in the mood to be inspired, I hope you will check out these 6 podcast series.
And if you want to enjoy Ethos3 presentation tips and tricks in the podcast format, check out The Ethos3 Podcast; it is thoughtfully produced to help you discover how to streamline your message, tell better stories, create more compelling visuals, and explore stronger ways to share your presentation with the rest of the world.
