Over the past few years podcasts have evolved from slightly daggy, amateur passion projects to professional, high quality productions.
Apple Podcasts reckon they have over 500,000 active podcasts in 100+ languages on their platform and there’s no sign of this slowing in the near future. Podcasts are a fantastic format for learning and entertainment while travelling, exercising or just relaxing at home.
Here are some of our team’s favorite podcasts. From current affairs, long-form interviews to pure entertainment here’s what we’ve been listening to over summer. We hope it helps you discover something new for 2019.
Chris Brycki, Stockspot Founder & CEO
Masters in Business
What is it?
It’s my favourite business and investing podcast with some amazing interviews with industry legends like John Bogle, Charlie Ellis, Burt Malkiel, Daniel Kahneman, Meir Statman, Ray Dalio, Katie Stockton, Yuval Noah Harari, Richard Thaler and Michael Lewis.
Favorite episode?
Hard to pick, I’ve listened to almost all of them. Bogle, Ellis and Malkiel were index investing visionaries so don’t miss those.
The behavioral finance founding fathers are also fantastic interviews (Kahneman who wrote Thinking Fast and Slow, Richard Thaler who wrote Nudge as well as Meir Statman).
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
The Data Skeptic
What is it?
A podcast that features interviews and discussion of topics related to data science, statistics, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
It includes interviews with data experts on topics like economics, advertising right through to the likelihood of extraterrestrial life.
Favorite episode?
Ep 182 is an entertaining, data driven approach to trying to answer the question “What is the probability that Bigfoot is real’?
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
Criminal
What is it?
Criminal is my top true crime podcast that features stories of people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, and/or gotten caught somewhere in the middle.
The host, Phoebe Judge has one of the more mesmerizing voices you’ll ever hear. Long drives will never be the same.
Favorite episode?
Ep 77 for anyone who has seen Escape from Alcatraz with Clint Eastwood or is interested in one of the most infamous jail escapes of all time. Also episodes 96, 85, 81, 71, 61, 51 and 52.
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
Sarah King, Head of Advice and Client Care
The Entrepreneurs
What is it?
If you own your own business, are thinking about starting one or just enjoy hearing about new innovative business ideas, challenges and strategy, this is the best podcast for you.
Each session is relaxed and informative and a great way to learn about amazing business ideas.
Where?
You can find it on their website here.
Don’t Stop Us Now
What is it?
I love these authentic interviews with amazing, innovative women around the globe. Hosted by Claire Hatton and Greta Thomas, they uncover the human behind the success story.
All of these women are achieving great things and it’s refreshing to hear their achievements alongside their doubts, fears and the tough times.
Favorite episode?
For me it has to be the Lindley Edwards, Chairperson of Xinja, interview.
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
interviews with individuals who have pushed through their circumstances or environment and discovered mental skills needed to push the boundaries.
Favorite episode?
Ep 106 with Gretchen Ruben – on happiness, human nature and habits.
Ep 150 with Bobbi Brown – on just going for it, living life optimistically.
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
Lauren Franze, Head of PR
Pod Save the World
What is it?
For anyone trying to make sense foreign policy Pod Save the World is the no BS (his words) conversation for you.
Hosted by former Obama era White House National Security Spokesman Tommy Vietor, he speaks to the people involved in some of the most important foreign policy issues of our time. The aim is to try and make complicated global news and issues seem relatable and simple to understand.
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
The Squiz
What is it?
This one is a bit closer to home. The Squiz is the podcast version of the daily Squiz email. It’s a 7 – 10 minute round up of the mornings top stories making headlines.
It’s straight forward, fast and tells you what you need to know. Perfect for your commute or to wake you up during your morning coffee.
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
Teacher’s Pet
What is it?
Hosted by Australian journalist Hedley Thomas, Teacher’s Pet is an investigation into the disappearance of Lynette Dawson who disappeared without a trace in 1982. It’s a sordid story of abuse, domestic violence and probable murder.
Hedley won the Gold Walkey award for investigative journalism for his work which has resulted in charges being laid on the cold case. It can make for uncomfortable listening but serves as a reminder as to why good investigative journalism is so important.
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
Dean Batcheldor, Marketing Executive
Hidden Brain
What is it?
Produced by the indomitable American NPR (Non Profit Radio). It describes itself for curious people who want to understand the world – and themselves.
Using science and storytelling, Hidden Brain reveals the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, and the biases that shape our choices.
Favorite episode?
I really enjoyed the ‘You 2.0’ series they ran during the North American Summer (July – August).
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
Alice Athens, Head of Front End and App Development
Waking up
What is it?
Sam Harris is a neuroscientist and philosopher who explores important and controversial questions about the human mind, society, and current events.
Harris interviews a wide range of experts in their field in long form style often over two hours and does not shy away from debate.
Often it can make for uncomfortable listening, it generally focuses on how humans can grow an understanding of ourselves and how we should live in a changing world.
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
Melanie Novacan, Marketing Director
Live Inspired
What is it?
John O’Leary is proof of the power of the human spirit. As a nine-year-old boy, he was burned on 100% of his body and given less than one percent chance of surviving the first night.
He endured months in the hospital, years in therapy, dozens of surgeries, and lost all of his fingers to amputation. Today, he is an inspirational speaker and writer of best-selling book ‘On Fire’.
In his weekly podcast series “Live Inspired’, each episode features an amazing guest who will share his/her story, successes, failures, lessons and life to help you uncover tips to apply in yours.
To move from ‘accidental living’ so you can do, be, achieve and impact more through your life. More simply said, so you can: Live Inspired.
Favorite episode?
Ep 103 with Brené Brown – curiosity, vulnerability + other signs of great leaders.
Ep 118 with Natalie Nixon – improve your life with curiosity.
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
Armchair Expert
What is it?
Hosted by Dax Shepard, otherwise known as Kristen Bell’s other half, it is a witty, engaging, light-hearted dive into other people’s stories.
Starting with a fascination for human ‘messiness’, the series aims to celebrate the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment.
Favorite episode?
Ep 51 – live from Austin with Brene Brown – again one of my favourite authors & speakers.
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
Finding Mastery
What is it?
Hosted by psychologist Dr Michael Gervais, each episode features interviews with individuals who have pushed through their circumstances or environment and discovered mental skills needed to push the boundaries.
Favorite episode?
Ep 106 with Gretchen Ruben – on happiness, human nature and habits.
Ep 150 with Bobbi Brown – on just going for it, living life optimistically.
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
The Good Life Project
What is it?
An international group of like-minded people, focused on the daily practices, mindset shifts and bigger actions that help you live a truly good life.
The group finds some of the greatest teachers in the world, to learn from their lives and work.
Part of their mission has also always included a longstanding commitment to featuring the stories and wisdom of women equally-frequently (if not more) as men.
Favorite episode?
Ep 477 with Rebecca Minkoff – on building a global brand and a good life.
Ep 473 with Farnoosh Toorabi – on money, power, friendship and freedom.
Where?
You can find it on iTunes here.
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