In today’s competitive startup world, staying informed is key to success. Podcasts have become a go-to resource for entrepreneurs, offering insights and inspiration from industry leaders directly to your ears. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or taking a break, podcasts let you learn on the go, making them a perfect tool for busy founders.
This list of 30 startup podcasts covers everything from growth strategies to leadership tips. Whether you’re looking to scale your business or sharpen your skills, these podcasts offer valuable lessons to help you navigate the entrepreneurial journey.
25 Top Startup Podcasts You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Scaling Today
Overview: Scaling Today is a podcast that dives into the intricacies of business growth and the future of work. Hosted by Yuying Deng, CEO and Founder of Esevel, this series features insightful interviews with founders from fast-growing companies. Each episode explores their experiences, strategies, and visions for scaling businesses in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
In an era where technology is advancing rapidly and workplace cultures are shifting, Scaling Today offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating these challenges. The podcast highlights the importance of adapting to change and offers strategies for scaling effectively in a global market.
Notable Episodes:
- “Scaling Distributed Teams across 18 Countries with Paul Hadjy
- “Manage a Remote HR with Joanna Yeoh – VP of People at Nansen [+7 Strategies]”
- “Building a Global ‘People Business’ with Charles Ferguson, General Manager at GP”
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2. Masters of Scale
Overview: The podcast hosted by Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, explores how successful companies grow from startups into large enterprises. The podcast is excellent for startups because it features interviews with legendary entrepreneurs and delves into the strategies that drive rapid and sustainable growth. The show’s storytelling approach, combined with actionable insights, makes it a must-listen for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.
Notable Episodes:
- “How to Spot a Deepfake” with Adobe’s Scott Belsky
- “Your Business Can’t Wait Until AI is Perfect” with AG1’s Kat Cole
- “The 10 Commandments of Startup Success” with Tim Ferriss
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3. The Tim Ferriss Show
Overview: Tim Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Workweek, hosts this podcast where he interviews top performers across various industries to uncover their tools, tactics, and routines. The podcast is particularly beneficial for startups as it provides deep dives into productivity hacks, business strategies, and lifestyle optimization, all from some of the most successful people in the world.
Notable Episodes:
- “Jamie Foxx on Workout Routines, Success Habits, and Untold Hollywood Stories”
- “The Scariest Navy SEAL I’ve Ever Met… and What He Taught Me” with Jocko Willink
- “Arnold Schwarzenegger on Psychological Warfare (and Much More)”
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4. Mixergy
Overview: Hosted by Andrew Warner, Mixergy is known for its extensive interviews with leaders and experts. The podcast stands out for its practical, street-smart advice on building startups, making it invaluable for founders looking to learn from those who have walked the path before them.
Notable Episodes:
- “How to Scale a Business While Bootstrapping” with Jason Fried
- “Turning Failure into a Billion-Dollar Business” with Barbara Corcoran
- “How to Master Cold Emailing to Grow Your Business”
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5. How I Built This
Overview: Guy Raz hosts How I Built This, which focuses on the stories behind some of the world’s best-known companies. This podcast is particularly inspiring for startups as it shares successful entrepreneurs’ challenges, failures, and breakthroughs, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how iconic businesses were created.
Notable Episodes:
- “Airbnb: Joe Gebbia”
- “Spanx: Sara Blakely”
- “Instagram: Kevin Systrom & Mike Krieger”
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6. Smart Passive Income
Overview: Pat Flynn’s Smart Passive Income podcast is tailored for those interested in creating online businesses and generating passive income. It is a great resource for startups, especially for those looking to scale their businesses online. The podcast covers everything from monetization strategies to personal branding and features interviews with successful entrepreneurs.
Notable Episodes:
- “How to Build a Profitable Business with Just 1000 True Fans”
- “Creating Online Courses That Actually Make Money” with Amy Porterfield
- “10x is Easier than 2x”
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6. The Pitch
Overview: The Pitch is a podcast where entrepreneurs present their startup ideas to a panel of investors, similar to the TV show Shark Tank. It’s excellent for startups because it provides real-time examples of what works (and what doesn’t) in investor pitches, offering invaluable insights into the fundraising process.
Notable Episodes:
- “A Line of Credit for Early Stage Startups”
- “An Emotional Support Chicken” (Season 7, Episode 4)
- “A Founder’s Exit Strategy” (Season 8, Episode 1)
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7. My First Million
Overview: Hosted by Shaan Puri and Sam Parr, My First Million dives into unique business ideas, trends, and the journey to making the first million dollars. It’s a great podcast for startups as it blends humor with insightful discussions on business models, new startups, and market opportunities.
Notable Episodes:
- “I Lost Everything Twice… Then Made $26M in 18 Months”
- “The Market Is Crashing. Here’s What We’re Doing About It…”
- “He Sold His Company For $15M, Then Got a Job at McDonald’s”
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8. The Diary of a CEO
Overview: Steven Bartlett, a successful entrepreneur, shares his journey and interviews with top business leaders on The Diary of a CEO. This podcast is great for startups as it offers raw and unfiltered stories about the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, making it relatable and inspiring.
Notable Episodes:
- “The Happiness Expert That Made 51 Million People Happier: Mo Gawdat”
- “How to Fix Your Focus & Stop Procrastinating” with Johann Hari
- “The Male Psychology Doctor: ‘There Is a Crisis Going On With Men!'”
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9. Hack the Entrepreneur
Overview: Hosted by Jon Nastor, Hack the Entrepreneur is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs develop their businesses by hacking their way to success. The podcast is great for startups because it focuses on actionable advice and the stories behind successful entrepreneurs who have overcome significant challenges.
Notable Episodes:
- “Building a Million Dollar Business from Home” with Sol Orwell
- “From $0 to $2M in Sales Without Paid Ads” with Ryan Daniel Moran
- “The Power of Being Small and Nimble” with Nathan Barry
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10. The MFCEO Project
Overview: Hosted by Andy Frisella, The MFCEO Project is a no-nonsense podcast that provides motivation and practical advice for entrepreneurs. It’s particularly useful for startups as it combines motivational content with real-world business strategies, focusing on mental toughness and resilience.
Notable Episodes:
- “The Real AF Episodes”
- “How to Develop an Unstoppable Work Ethic”
- “Building a Dominant Brand”
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11. The School of Greatness
Overview: Lewis Howes, a former pro athlete turned entrepreneur, hosts The School of Greatness, where he interviews successful entrepreneurs, athletes, and thought leaders. The podcast is great for startups as it explores the mindset and strategies that lead to success, making it both inspirational and practical.
Notable Episodes:
- “Attract Wealth with These Daily Habits” (Episode 1599)
- “From Rags to Riches: Become a Millionaire in Under a Decade” (Episode 1598)
- “The Mindset Mentor: How to Connect to Your Future & Attract Your Dreams Effortlessly” (Episode 1597)
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12. The Ed Mylett Show
Overview: Ed Mylett’s podcast features interviews with some of the most successful people in business, sports, and entertainment. The Ed Mylett Show is great for startups because it provides insights into the mindset, strategies, and habits that have helped these high achievers reach the top.
Notable Episodes:
- “Overcome Fear & Build Confidence with Tony Robbins”
- “The Secrets to Greatness with Troy Aikman”
- “Elite Brain Training with Dr. Andrew Huberman”
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13. The Tony Robbins Podcast
Overview: Tony Robbins, a world-renowned motivational speaker and business strategist, hosts this podcast to share insights on business, finance, and personal development. It’s great for startups because it combines inspiration with actionable advice from one of the leading figures in personal and business growth.
Notable Episodes:
- “The Psychology of Achievement with Michael Phelps”
- “Creating Lasting Change with Dr. Mark Hyman”
- “How to Master Your Emotions with Tony Robbins”
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14. The Indicator from Planet Money
Overview: The Indicator from Planet Money is a short-form podcast produced by NPR that simplifies complex economic concepts. It’s beneficial for startups because it provides bite-sized episodes that offer insights into economic trends and how they impact businesses.
Notable Episodes:
- “How Inflation Is Reshaping the Economy”
- “What Happens When The Government Runs Out of Money?”
- “How Supply Chains Broke the World”
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15. WorkLife with Adam Grant
Overview: Hosted by organizational psychologist Adam Grant, WorkLife explores the science of work and how to make work more meaningful. It’s great for startups as it provides insights into leadership, teamwork, and productivity, all of which are crucial for building a successful company.
Notable Episodes:
- “How to Love Criticism”
- “The Real Reason You Procrastinate”
- “The Science of Productive Conflict”
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16. The Jordan Harbinger Show
Overview: Jordan Harbinger’s podcast features interviews with top performers in business, science, and entertainment. The Jordan Harbinger Show is great for startups because it offers practical advice on improving various aspects of life and work, from communication skills to business strategies.
Notable Episodes:
- “715: Cindy Otis | Spotting Fake News Like a CIA Analyst”
- “578: Yeonmi Park | A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom”
- “467: Jack Schafer | Getting People to Reveal the Truth”
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17. The EntreLeadership Podcast
Overview: Hosted by Ken Coleman, The EntreLeadership Podcast focuses on leadership and business growth, featuring interviews with top entrepreneurs and thought leaders. It’s ideal for startups looking to develop strong leadership skills and strategies for scaling their businesses.
Notable Episodes:
- “We Lost Our $3.5 Million Business”
- “We Laid Off Nearly Our Entire Team”
- “Why Debt Isn’t a Tax Advantage for Your Business”
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18. Without Fail
Overview: Hosted by Alex Blumberg, Without Fail focuses on stories of people who have tried, failed, and sometimes succeeded. It’s perfect for startups because it highlights the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship, sharing lessons learned from both success and failure.
Notable Episodes:
- “How Megan Phelps-Roper Left the Westboro Baptist Church”
- “The Woman Who Took On Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics”
- “How a Stay-At-Home Mom Started an Empire”
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19. Beyond the To-Do List
Overview: Eric Fisher hosts Beyond the To-Do List, a podcast dedicated to helping entrepreneurs improve their productivity and work-life balance. It’s particularly useful for startups because it provides practical tips on managing time, setting priorities, and maintaining focus in a busy entrepreneurial life.
Notable Episodes:
- “Smart ADHD: Overcoming Myths and Finding Focus with Ian Anderson Gray”
- “Chris Bailey on Finding Peace and Productivity in Anxious Times”
- “Tiago Forte on Building a Second Brain to Free Our Minds”
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20. The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast
Overview: Hosted by Pat Flynn, this podcast offers insights into creating online businesses and generating passive income. It’s an excellent resource for startups focused on digital entrepreneurship, as it covers everything from blogging to affiliate marketing and online product sales.
Notable Episodes:
- “How to Take Control of Your Time with Nir Eyal and Matt Gartland”
- “The Future of Online Business and Digital Marketing with Eric Siu”
- “Never Be the Smartest in the Room! SPI Pro Anniversary Roundtable”
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21. Mixergy: Startup Stories
Overview: Hosted by Andrew Warner, Mixergy delves into the stories of over a thousand entrepreneurs, offering actionable advice and insights. It’s great for startups because it covers a wide range of business topics, providing street-smart education on what it takes to succeed.
Notable Episodes:
- “Turning a Passion into Profit”
- “Navigating the Challenges of Growth”
- “How to Pivot When Things Go Wrong”
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22. Masters of Scale: Rapid Response
Overview: A special series within the Masters of Scale podcast, Rapid Response focuses on how companies adapt to crises and rapid changes. It’s an essential listen for startups navigating unpredictable markets and needing to stay agile.
Notable Episodes:
- “2024 is the Most Significant Time in Human History, w/ PBS Host & Futurist Ari Wallach”
- “Taking Over When Tragedy Strikes, w/ Guild’s Bijal Shah”
- “Wild Summer Travel Tales from Boeing to CrowdStrike, with The Points Guy, Brian Kelly”
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23. The Misfit Entrepreneur
Overview: Dave Lukas hosts The Misfit Entrepreneur, a podcast that showcases entrepreneurs who have defied conventional wisdom and succeeded against the odds. It’s a great resource for startups that value creativity and resilience, offering stories of unconventional paths to success.
Notable Episodes:
- “Thriving in a Shifting Economy: Why Keeping Your Money Active is Key”
- “Lessons for Hannah – Do the Work”
- “Building a Business that Lasts: Insights from Industry Leaders”
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24. How to Start a Startup
Overview: This podcast, created by Y Combinator, is a comprehensive guide on starting a startup, featuring lectures and interviews with top entrepreneurs and investors. It’s a must-listen for anyone in the early stages of building a startup, providing practical advice on everything from product development to fundraising.
Notable Episodes:
- “Sam Altman – Later-Stage Advice”
- “Sales and Marketing, How to Talk to Investors”
- “Legal and Accounting Basics for Startups”
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25. The StartUp Podcast
Overview: The StartUp Podcast, by Gimlet Media, follows the journey of starting a business from the ground up. It’s particularly valuable for startups as it provides an unvarnished look at the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, making it both educational and engaging.
Notable Episodes:
- “How Not to Pitch a Billionaire”
- “Fake It Till You Make It”
- “Gimlet Media’s Final Chapter”
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Why Podcasts are Essential for Startup Founders:
Podcasts are a powerful resource for startup founders. They provide a direct line to the minds of industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and innovative thinkers who have walked the path. Accessible anywhere, they allow you to learn while multitasking, making every moment productive.
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