Worth a Listen: 10 Podcasts For Business Owners and Entrepreneurial Folks
By Joshua Smith
We could all use a little extra money and motivation now and then. Whether you run a small business, dream about starting one, sell at local markets, manage a side hustle, or just like hearing how people build something from scratch, business podcasts can be a useful way to pick up ideas while driving, working, walking, or doing chores.
This week’s list is for the doers, dreamers, builders, sellers, and “I’ve got an idea” folks.
1. How I Built This
Hosted by Guy Raz, this popular podcast features founders and creators telling the stories behind well-known companies, brands, and ideas. It is inspiring without feeling too far out of reach.
2. Entrepreneurs on Fire
John Lee Dumas interviews entrepreneurs about business lessons, setbacks, habits, and practical advice. It is energetic and aimed at people who want to take action.
3. Small Business Pivots
A helpful show for small business owners looking at marketing, sales, systems, leadership, burnout, hiring, and growth. A good fit for Main Street business folks.
4. The $100 MBA Show
Short, practical business lessons for people who want tips without a lot of fluff. Topics include sales, pricing, productivity, marketing, and business planning.
5. Side Hustle School
This one is for people who want to earn extra income without quitting their day job. Episodes focus on real people who turned small ideas into money-making projects.
6. Side Hustle Pro
Hosted by Nicaila Matthews Okome, this podcast highlights entrepreneurs building businesses, brands, and creative ventures, with a focus on practical lessons and personal stories.
7. The Goal Digger Podcast
Jenna Kutcher covers marketing, online business, branding, email lists, social media, and turning creative skills into income.
8. Masters of Scale
Hosted by Reid Hoffman, this show looks at how companies grow, with interviews from founders and leaders. Some examples are larger-scale, but the lessons can still spark ideas for smaller businesses.
9. Problem Solvers
From Entrepreneur, this podcast focuses on business owners who faced a serious problem and found a way through it. That makes it a useful listen for anyone who knows business is not always smooth sailing.
10. Behind the Review
Hosted by Yelp’s Emily Washcovick, this show features conversations with reviewers and business owners. It is especially useful for local businesses that live and die by customer service, reputation, and word of mouth.
Whether you are trying to grow a shop, start a side project, improve your marketing, save time, or just get a little encouragement during a long week, these podcasts offer plenty of ideas to chew on.
And right here in our region, small businesses are the backbone of our communities. They sponsor the teams, support the fundraisers, hire our neighbors, keep our downtowns alive, and give each town its own character. So this week, maybe listen to a business podcast — and then go support a local business while you are at it.