When the mail fairy delivered a package from Otter Spirit last week, I was beyond excited. Inside were three stunning gemstone bracelets that I’ve been wearing pretty much nonstop ever since. Let me tell you all about them!

Disclosure: Otter Spirit kindly sent me these bracelets for the purposes of review, and I’m an Otter Spirit affiliate. That means if you use my link and coupon code below, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own, and I genuinely love these bracelets.

What Makes Otter Spirit Special

Before I dive into the bracelets themselves, let me tell you why this company caught my attention in the first place.

Otter Spirit was born in 2020 following a magical encounter between the founders and wild sea otters in Monterey Bay, California. The company is committed to protecting these adorable creatures and donates $1 from every bracelet sold to ocean conservation organizations like the California Coastkeepers Alliance and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

They work exclusively with natural AAA grade gemstones, and each bead is hand-selected to showcase the most vivid and vibrant colors. Every bracelet is handmade and features their signature stainless-steel otter medallion. Plus, they offer a 2-year no-questions-asked warranty, which is pretty amazing.

Unboxing Experience

Can we talk about the presentation for a second? Each bracelet arrived in its own magnetic closure box with a lovely message etched on it. Inside, I found:

• The gemstone bracelet with the cute otter charm
• A protective cloth bag to store it in
• An information card explaining the intention of the bracelet, along with associated zodiac signs and chakras

This level of attention to detail makes these bracelets perfect for gifting (or treating yourself, because you deserve nice things).

The Three Bracelets I Received

Black Tourmaline Bracelet

This one has quickly become my go-to for protection. Black Tourmaline is known for shielding against negative energy, and I love wearing it when I need to feel grounded and protected. The deep black beads are polished and smooth, and they look sleek whether I’m wearing them alone or stacked with other bracelets.

Amethyst Bracelet

The purple hues on this bracelet are absolutely gorgeous. Amethyst is associated with calming energy and spiritual awareness. I know I’ll find myself reaching for this one when I need to center myself or when I’m feeling stressed. The color variations in each bead make this bracelet unique and eye-catching.

Rose Quartz Bracelet

This soft pink beauty is all about love and compassion. Rose Quartz is known as the stone of unconditional love, making it perfect for self-care days or when you need a gentle reminder to be kind to yourself. The pale pink color is subtle enough to wear with everything.

Quality and Comfort

All three bracelets are strung on stretchy elastic, making them easy to slip on and off. The tie points are cleverly hidden inside one of the beads, giving the bracelets a clean, polished look with no visible knots or extra cord hanging out.

The beads feel substantial and well-made. These aren’t flimsy pieces that will fall apart after a few wears. The weight of the natural gemstones gives them a quality feel, and that little otter medallion adds the perfect finishing touch.

How I Style Them

I’ve been having fun mixing and matching these bracelets. Some days I wear all three stacked together for a bohemian vibe. Other days I’ll wear just one as a simple accent. They pair well with both casual outfits and dressier looks.

The neutral colors of the Black Tourmaline, combined with the soft tones of the Amethyst and Rose Quartz, make these bracelets incredibly versatile.

And, anyone who knows me knows I’m obsessed with Blackpink…so needless to say I’m wearing the rose quartz and black tourmaline together the most because BLACKPINK IN YOUR AREA!

Why You Should Check Them Out

If you’re into gemstones, spiritual practices, or just love beautiful jewelry with meaning behind it, Otter Spirit is worth exploring. They have intention packs (like Confidence, Protection, Love, and more), zodiac packs for each astrological sign, and individual bracelets you can mix and match.

The fact that each purchase supports ocean conservation is the cherry on top. You get beautiful jewelry AND help protect sea otters. That’s a win-win in my book.

Get Your Own Otter Spirit Bracelets

Ready to add some gorgeous gemstone bracelets to your collection?

Shop here: Otter Spirit Bracelets

Use coupon code ASHLEYGRANT20 for 20% off your purchase!

Remember, every bracelet comes with free returns and a 2-year warranty, so there’s really no risk in trying them out.

Final Thoughts

I’m honestly so glad these bracelets came into my life. They’re beautiful, meaningful, and support a cause I care about. Whether you believe in the metaphysical properties of crystals or just appreciate quality jewelry, these bracelets deliver on all fronts.

Have you tried Otter Spirit bracelets? What gemstones are you drawn to? Drop a comment below and let me know!

When I started freelance writing back in 2007, the internet felt like the wild west of marketing opportunities.

Then, I started ghostwriting for clients in 2014… Back then, a simple Facebook post could reach hundreds of people organically.

Instagram was still getting its footing online, and the idea of paying to “boost” a post? That felt like a waste of money because it was easier back then to get folks to pay attention to what you were sharing.

Fast forward to 2025, and I barely recognize the wild world of social media I once navigated with well…I won’t say ease – but with more ease than today.

As a content creator who’s written countless social media posts and articles for clients across a plethora of industries, I’ve watched organic reach plummet while AI-generated content floods every feed.

The platforms that once felt like friendly gathering spaces now operate more like slot machines. You pay to play, or your content disappears into the digital void.

But here’s what’s really keeping me up at night: even when my clients do invest in paid promotion, the results aren’t what they used to be. Attention spans have shrunk to mere seconds, and audiences have become incredibly savvy at spotting (and scrolling past) anything that feels remotely salesy or artificial.

So I did what any desperate content creator would do…I reached out to a bunch of folks in my network (or in this case Featured’s network, but hey – that still counts!), and asked them point-blank: “What’s actually working in social media for business owners in 2025?”

Their responses surprised me, gave me hope, and are perhaps shifting how I’m thinking about my social media strategy for myself and my clients.

While things have certainly changed, there are still ways to cut through the noise and create genuine connections with your audience.

Social Media Strategies Working Now

Here’s a quick list of the most common strategies experts shared with me that are working on social media right now:

1. Short-form educational videos (under 30-60 seconds, often unpolished, shot on phones)

2. Real human engagement (responding to comments with video replies, authentic conversations)

3. Behind-the-scenes content (raw, unedited glimpses of actual work processes)

4. Value-first education (solving problems before selling anything)

5. Private communities (Discord, WhatsApp groups, private Facebook groups with higher engagement)

6. Live interactions (real-time Q&As, live streams, immediate responses)

7. Personal branding over corporate (founders/owners as the face, not faceless brand accounts)

8. Customer-generated content (featuring real client testimonials, unedited messages)

9. Case studies with results (showing actual work, real numbers, measurable outcomes)

10. Building owned audiences (email lists, communities you control vs. rented social media space)

The overwhelming consensus: authentic, human-centered content that provides immediate value beats polished, AI-generated posts every time.

If you want to succeed online today, you’ve got to get back to basics and remember that behind every screen is a real human being craving authentic connection.

Now, let’s dive a little deeper into what everyone shared with me, shall we?

Beyond the Algorithm: Real Social Media Strategies That Drive Results in 2025

Feature Customers to Create Content Promotion Flywheel

Companies who are succeeding on social [media] are featuring their customers in their content, and giving their customers a reason to share that content with their networks. In other words, companies are turning their contacts into content creators and promoters. 

We see this flywheel often at Featured. More than 2,500+ publishers are using Featured to ask their contacts a question, and they then turn their insights into content – whether it be an article with attribution to their contact, or a customized social media post.

We’re seeing companies then publish that content, and letting their contacts know they’ve been featured. Naturally, people want to support great content and are often happy to share given that it positions them positively as a thought leader. 

Despite the AI-dominated landscape and increasing pay-to-play requirements on social platforms, we’re seeing remarkable results from featuring real, human-generated insights and tapping into real, human-curated networks.

– Brett Farmiloe, CEO, Featured

Short Educational Reels Drive Direct Business Results

Making short-form educational reels is what is working best in our social strategy this year. They are effective because the viewer can get a value within seconds without needing context and the algorithm promotes those videos that people watch till the end.

I make them shorter than 30 seconds, I take them directly on my phone and I keep the format compact.

It starts with a short hook like “Here’s why your Google rankings keep dropping,” followed by a screen recording of an actual site audit, then I point out one overlooked technical issue and finish with a sentence on what to do next.

The reel that displayed the Core Web Vitals breakdown of a site based on the real screenshots in PageSpeed Insights received 18 direct messages within 3 days and resulted in two paying customers. 

That very same article posted on  LinkedIn got five likes and has even received no leads. I used to edit carousels and long form explainers for hours. But they barely moved anything. Now I record in less than five minutes, post with no captions beyond the title and it outperforms everything.

– Sean Clancy, Digital Marketer & Managing Director, SEO Gold Coast

Real Relationships Beat AI Content in 2025

The biggest change I’ve noticed is the move to intimate, regular content especially through Stories, short videos (still popular), and private groups.

People want to see what goes on behind the scenes and hear from real people. Because there’s so much AI-made stuff online, what really stands out is content that’s not perfect but feels real: voiceovers, honest tutorials, daily updates, even quick complaints.

For my clients, what gets results is using organic content together with posts that get a small boost putting $5-$20 behind your best video or product. It helps get more views without costing too much. Also, working with others is great: doing joint live videos, letting someone take over your account for a day, or doing group giveaways brings in new viewers and gains trust from their followers.

– Dr. Felix Lucian, Founder, Felix Happich Consultancy

Answer-Style Content Converts Viewers to Customers

This year, what is moving the needle for our marketing at PSS International Removals is answer-style content, especially on Facebook & LinkedIn.

With this, we take a question that has come up during phone calls or quote requests, then post a full response that addresses it directly.

One post that did very well was, “Why does shipping a few boxes cost more than you’d expect?” We broke down customs fees, fuel charges and minimum shipment rates, and posted it with a short video from our operations team.

It received more than 18,000 impressions organically and generated 247 clicks to the quote form, and saw 39 new bookings within ten days.

It was successful since we did not sell. It was successful since we were not trying to sell anything. We were addressing a pain point with clarity and honesty.  The style was accessible, the information was clear and the layout provided individuals with what they required and not hounding them with advertisements.

We post these once a week, mixing written content with simple videos shot from our smartphones by our actual team. They are always better than polished posts or generic promos since they present potential customers with valuable information even before they are ready to trust what we have to offer.

– Hugh Dixon, Marketing Manager, PSS International Removals

Authentic Engagement Outperforms AI-Generated Noise

What always works, from my experience at Novoresume and beyond, is committed, constant, and genuine engagement. As AI churns out generic content, authentic human connection is a rarity. The strategy to shift from broadcasting to connecting is the only one that works anymore, and we’ve known this even before the advent of AI.

The playbook is simple, really. 

– Solve problems freely by sharing content that tackles real audience struggles, independent of product. So when we talk to our audience, we don’t put our resume templates and cover letter templates at the forefront of every conversation. We solve small, real issues that convert later.

– It’s important to be human and not a brand, an approach that’s more important now than ever. Using our personal voice and sharing opinions, experiences, and even struggles through thoughtful comments and posts is where we outshine corporate replies.

– Sparking real dialog provides real value. We do not hesitate to post bold takes that go against the flow. We don’t do this to garner short-term attention; we do it to spark long-term conversations that create impact. Generic content fades quickly, but strong perspectives drive continuous engagement.

What has always worked for us, and what we highly recommend to others, includes: 

– Myth-busting content that challenges norms, like debunking resume photo myths for our job-seeking community. This approach sparks discussions and establishes authority.

– Empathetic validation, where acknowledging struggles, like reframing the dialog around job search challenges to showcase resilience, helps forge deep connections that last.

– Generous engagement, where we do not calculate how much we put out there. We know every post matters, so we do not hold back when sharing content that we know is helping our audience. Even if it means not mentioning our products on social media for days on end.

– Andrei Kurtuy, Co-founder & CMO, Novorésumé

Human-Touch Videos Boost Engagement Without Heavy Editing

Human-touch short-form video is continuing to work. Scrolling through AI-generated content is infinite, so when a viewer finally sees a real face unboxing a product, engraving a nameplate, or packaging an order, they stick around. Our videos are less than 30 seconds and are filmed with phone light. That simple style of content enabled a 40% boost in engagement on Instagram and TikTok over three months without much heavy editing or gimmicks.

The other is community-driven comments. We respond to all comments in a few hours and send people tags to new drops as long as they fit their previous purchases. In one quarter, that one habit drove repeat traffic on social to our site by nearly 20%, and that translated into $8,000 in incremental sales without any increase in ad spend.

– Chris Bajda, eCommerce Entrepreneur & Managing Partner, GroomsDay

Real Human Perspective Cuts Through AI Slop

Authenticity. Real-life human perspective. Actual opinions, regardless of how they may make people feel.

Everyone’s drowning in AI slop – perfect grammar, zero personality, flawless formatting, and safe takes that say nothing. When you show up as an actual human with real experience and strong opinions, you’re gonna stand out.

People are starving for humanity in their feeds. They can smell AI content a mile away, and they’re gonna engage with humans who dare to be human.

– Rodney Warner, CEO & Founder, Rodney Warner

Private Communities Create Deeper Customer Connections

The creation of private, engaged communities around our industry. Social media platforms such as Facebook Groups, Discord and LinkedIn give us a direct line to our loyal customers where we can provide value, answer questions and stay connected without using algorithms or spending money on advertising. The spaces allow us greater control and ability to develop deeper interaction with those people who really care about what we offer.

As an example, we established a closed LinkedIn group that allows businesses operating in construction and transportation to talk about equipment financing opportunities and how to do it right. We give exclusive information, advice on how to finance certain equipment, and allow group members to share their experience. The group has turned out to be a place where all can participate significantly as opposed to it being a sales presentation. In just three months, the group grew by 40% and members have become some of our most engaged leads.

This is much more effective than old school advertisements…

– Cal Singh, Head Of Marketing & Partnerships, Equipment Finance Canada

Mix Smart AI With Human Voice

What actually works [for us] has been reduced to the reliability, sequencing and strategic use of AI without replacing the human voice, but has been improved…

Short videos (e.g., Tiktoks, Coils, Shorttube Shorts) are always attracting attention, especially in educational behind the scenes, or when they show real people solving real problems. Personal brands are getting great – famous, regularly appearing and talking to viewers immediately.

AI helps optimize content planning, reprotection, and even presentations, but human connections are transformed. Creating a community using DMS, comments and content based on Value creates constant subscribers to purchase. And yes, the cost of the game is real, but reasonable ads spend a warm audience, and repeated costs and continuity lead to solid profitability.

– Faizan Khan, Public Relations and Content Marketing Specialist, Ubuy Singapore

Information-Rich Infographics Go Viral on Social

I have my website and I use blogs to gain traffic. I have noticed when I do inforgraphy, they work very well on social media. Some of my Infograph’s have gone viral. They need to be filled with information. 

Even with AI, people love sharing information done in a really nice graphic way. 

– Monika Sangar, Bird Toy Maker, PDS parrot shop

Detailed Case Studies Generate Serious Client Inquiries

Posting detailed case studies with dollar savings or turnaround time worked exceptionally well for our business this year.

I presented a case study on a recent Level 2 task in Marrickville where we performed a full service upgrade within 48 hours and saved the client 720 dollars by rearranging some parts of the work in-house. I made the post plain, straightforward and number based, with two photographs and a one-paragraph description. That one post generated three new client inquiries in the first two days and has kept drawing profile visits weeks since.

Clients are paying attention to posts that clearly show outcomes they can easily understand…There is no need to dress it up or oversell it. The more direct the post, the more people engage and that engagement translates into serious enquiries from people who already understand the value of the service.

– Daniel Vasilevski, Director/Owner, Pro Electrical

Simple Voiceover Tutorials Double Watch Time

Voiceover tutorials… I began recording simple screen captures that demonstrated to users how to compare the fees and rates of money transfers on our social media accounts, with my voice guiding the entire process.

There is no music, no graphics, only clear and fast walkthroughs.

The videos are now receiving twice as much watch time compared to our earlier face-to-camera clips. The tutorial that explains how to read a provider fee breakdown received 48 percent more clicks on our affiliate links in the first week than any of our branded animations we had posted over the previous twelve months.

The reason this is so effective is because people are tuning out polish. They seek someone who will walk them through a job with no filters or jargon. I have experimented with the same item in the format of a carousel, a still picture and a written post. Nothing pulls the same response as a calm, narrated screen share. The best-performing one was less than 40 seconds, displaying the comparison of five services of a 1,000-dollar transfer. It generated 172 leads in five days.

– Matt Woodley, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, InternationalMoneyTransfer.com

Private Groups Reach 80% Engagement vs Algorithms

I have decided to put some energy into private communities where content does not totally get buried by algorithms.

What I usually do is I run groups on Discord and WhatsApp and the engagement inside them reaches close to 80 percent compared to just a few percent on public feeds.

Sharing content that is quick to produce and not overproduced has been key since people respond more to legitimacy than the polished content.

These smaller groups have made it easier to keep a consistent connection and move people toward actual conversions. I have seen this change work well for both service-based companies and e-commerce brands.

The other force in results has been short-lived sessions. My clients are streaming directly to warehouses or offices and spend only 10 to 15 minutes there, and such sessions tend to be even more successful than scheduled campaigns.

One furniture company has tripled conversions by answering product questions in real time during a stream. Sequencing short-form videos has been another win. The first one appeals to a pain point, the second one contains one action point, and the third one goes to a landing page. 

Separating them across a week has increased conversion rates by 3 to 5 percent without increasing ad spend.

– Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO

Build Real Relationships Instead of Selling

The strategy that has been effective on social media is building actual, real life relationships with your audience and not just throwing out advertisements. People also feel fed up being sold to all the time and so it is getting more about content that is natural and relatable. With me and my clients, it has not been so much about getting a large audience as it has been about forming communities that have interests or a problem. It is in the discovery of how to craft content that appeals to the unique requirements of that community and delivers value in the way as perceived in the shape of what appears to be of individual interest.

We also learned that live interactions like a question and answer session, product demos or even a back stage look at the business works. It is the issue of showing the human face of the brand and defining the spheres of communication. These are real life, interesting moments that do move the needle that ultimately turn the free follower into the loyal supporter.

– Caleb Johnstone, SEO Director, Paperstack

Human-Forward Education Builds Trust in Real Estate

Something that’s working for us is having a human-forward, education-based approach to our social media. For example, we post a lot of short-form video content, where we have people talking about the real estate industry and answering questions that people have. Basically, we want to be a resource that people feel like they can trust, and by providing down-to-earth educational content in a way that’s easily digestible, that’s been working for us.

– Seamus Nally, CEO, TurboTenant

Native Chat Opt-Ins Cut Friction, Boost Conversions

Native email opt-ins…This method is giving us stronger conversions since we are delivering value right inside the platform instead of forcing users to go through multiple links or fill out long forms on an external page.

When somebody messages us on Instagram or responds to a story, we will then reply with the lead magnet right there in the chat. This has cut the friction since people get what they asked for fast and we capture the lead without breaking their scroll.

This was something we tested during our most recent freight education series, where we offered a simple breakdown of common delays in customs. We shared the first tip in a story and asked people to message “Customs” if they wanted the rest of it.

Every message triggered an instant delivery with a PDF & a soft invite to speak with a broker. The open rate was almost perfect because everything happened inside the app itself. No one had to jump out and we got booked consults without any cold chasing.

– Allan Hou, Sales Director, TSL Australia

Varied Content Breaks Through AI Repetitiveness

Something that seems to be working well is making sure that your social media content is varied. A lot of times, when businesses use AI to create their content, there ends up being a general repetitiveness, and that repetitiveness can start to feel inauthentic and not very unique. When you can at least shake up the kind of content you post, even if that just means switching between videos, photos, written text, and graphics, that can go a long way.

– Steve Schwab, CEO, Casago

Video Responses to Comments Outperform Paid Ads

What is working this year for our company is replying to comments with short-form video responses. It has been able to do more engagement compared to most of the paid campaigns we have been trying in the past. 

When one makes a question or even a complaint, I make an immediate video recording of the response and post it within 24 hours. Individuals are aware that an actual person is listening, and that alters how they deal with the brand.

We have tested this on a local Facebook post about unit security. A question was raised as to how we compare to the national chains as far as facilities go. My response was a 48-second video in which I enter our access gate system and show the camera feed at the location. 

The number of views on that video response was more than 6,200 within two days. That single comment thread brought in 23 DMs and resulted in 9 bookings within 72 hours, including one client who prepaid for 12 months upfront. 

This was a far better tactic than the last 150 we spent on static ads, which only gave us 3 clicks and 0 conversions. It is raw, it is not scripted, but it does work.

– Faraz Hemani, Chief Executive Officer, Iron Storage

Real-Time Process Demonstrations Capture Immediate Attention

Demonstrate the process in real time. Having generic content will be overlooked but a step by step process of going through an actual transaction process will instantly capture the attention of the reader and make them want to engage. 

In my business, that would be five to ten minutes on the air to decompress how a buyer is buying a 250,000 dollar home with three percent down what his or her monthly payment will be, how his or her closing costs are priced.

Viewers who are watching this will get the feeling that they are involved in the transaction and as such are much more likely to contact the program to ask them to help them with their own circumstances.

A single live breakdown can pose more questions than a whole month of scheduled posts. Viewers can ask you a question as they watch and getting to respond to them there, will establish trust much quicker than any advertising. These sessions do not even require a heavy production. Recording on a phone within the office and using real numbers on active deals are transparent and pierce through AI-saturated feeds to make actual business happen.

– Ryan McCallister, President & Founder, F5 Mortgage

Practical Short-Form Education Delivers Real Value

Short-form education…but only when the educational content teaches something practical in 30 to 60 seconds. Not fluff, not general ideas, real value. I personally watched it grow through solutions to algorithm challenges or code interview suggestions in a style that is more of an older engineer telling you some fast tips than an advertisement. It is consistency and clarity that counts.

We also have been effectively scripting, editing and scheduling videos using AI. I have a direct hand in the review of the content. When it does not sound the way I would tell it in reality, it never goes on air.

LinkedIn threads and X threads suit me when I am talking as a founder who is developing a product- and not a marketer. Human beings associate themselves with transparency. Real product enhancements or behind the scenes choices can be used as screen shots and tend to outdo generic promotional communication.

DMs and comments are not dead. You will flatline by missing conversations and only posting. Interaction, not automation brings real traction.

– Mircea Dima, CTO / Software Engineer, AlgoCademy

Live Streams With Time-Sensitive Offers Drive Bookings

Running short live streams with time-sensitive offers. I go live on Facebook every Thursday at 6:30 PM and announce a deal that is exclusive and runs only until midnight.

One week I did half price switchboard checks to the viewers in the chat, the next week I discounted 20 percent off data cabling installs that were booked in 24 hours. All of these briefings are under 10 minutes and I answer questions in real time and do a mini walkthrough of something I have done recently or some safety tips right out of the field.

This is more effective than boosted posts or simply updating the feed since the people are aware of the fact that the offer is time-bound and restricted to the session. We have received more direct reservations in the one-hour window following a live stream than we would have in the seven days of scheduled posts. In the live, the people leave questions in the comments about their suburb or problem, and I answer them on the spot, which keeps the discussion going and leads to bookings.

We still continue to post pictures and status updates during the week, but those lives get more action than anything. It has turned into a ritual now and some of the clients would also send messages in advance to enquire what our offer will be on Thursday.

– Caspar Matthews, Director, Electcomm Group Electrical & Data

Persistent, Personal Content Generates Valuable Interest

It’s true that AI lets people churn out a lot more slop, [but] the kind of content that generates sustained engagement, and more importantly, sales, is persistent, personal, and authentic. 

Post every day. Share your successes, your failures, your inside jokes, and your process. This is the kind of content that’s going to generate sustained, valuable interest.

– Jonathan Palley, CEO, QR Codes Unlimited

Technical Problem-Solving Carousels Attract Property Managers

Using LinkedIn’s carousel posts to break down how we actually solve technical problems on-site. Here, we use step-by-step slides to explain the job that we do such as diagnosing low water pressure in a unit block or replacing a gas regulator in an emergency callout. All the posts are in plain language, and real site photographs were used, no stock images, and a step-by-step walk-through of the initial phone call to completion.

As an example, we posted a job related to a blocked drain at a childcare centre in Norwood. The first slide was the flooded entrance and the first call had a brief description. The following few slides contain CCTV footage, root intrusion of 6.2 metres, jetting process and the collapsed pipe that we have revealed. We included some photos of our installations, the digging point, safety precautions, and the new section of the pipes when installing. The last slide was a cleaned area and a brief quote from the centre manager that confirmed that the job was completed prior to pick up time.

That post reached over 4,300 impressions in five days and drew 36 comments, mostly from property managers. It led to two maintenance contracts and three quote requests. Before this, static image posts barely reached 1,200 views and rarely brought direct enquiries.

– Caleb John, Director, Exceed Plumbing

Content Repurposing Boosts Cross-Platform Engagement

We have not been keen on content repurposing across platforms in the past since we believed that each of the platforms needed a different type of content. However, content repurposing proved to be one of the best ways to reach a larger audience.

In this case, we used a blog post that discussed the plumbing maintenance tips and made a series of Instagram posts, TikTok videos, and even a YouTube short.

The outcome was 30 percent more interaction on Instagram alone in the first week, as well as 25 percent more visits to our site thanks to the cross-platform links.

Repurposing gives us the opportunity to stretch the life of content to the maximum without having to work on it. What once took us 2 hours to write, a blog post, can now be used to create 5-7 posts of different formats reaching various segments of our audience.

– Steven Bahbah, Managing Director, Service First Plumbing

Editor’s note – if you have podcasts or videos you want to repurpose into content for social media and your website, I HIGHLY recommend Castmagic! Click here to start a free trial now!

* Yes, this is an affiliate link that provides me a commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Local Content Creates Niche, Personal Appeal

I’ve noticed that leaning into the local aspect of things can be really helpful. When people follow or pay attention to the social media posts of businesses, they want, and expect, those posts to be relevant to them specifically. Appealing to the local element can help with that. It makes content appear more niche and personal.

– Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO, Cabana

Human-Centric Content Builds Trust and Authenticity

What’s working is human-centric content. Content that is not only clearly created by real people, but that champions real people as well. It’s true that many are really fatigued by AI right now, so coming across social media content posted by a business that seems genuine and human-focused can be like a breath of fresh air. It helps establish a better sense of trust and authenticity right off the bat.

– Edward Tian, CEO, GPTZero

Unedited Client Messages Drive Quote Requests

This year, we have seen large returns reposting client messages exactly as they were sent, without editing, formatting or branding.

I started taking screenshots of WhatsApp replies, direct messages and emails from clients who were approved or saved money through one of our policies.

One message said, “Got the paperwork sorted. Thanks again, mate. You have just saved us £42 a month.” 

I shared that screenshot to Instagram and with a short caption and nothing else aside from that. Within 36 hours, that post brought in 29 quote requests through our link. It reached more than 3,800 accounts and the save rate was five times higher than any of our runs in the last quarter.

Every month now, my goal is to post at least five of these. It does not cost anything to maintain the pipeline full, and it originates directly with the people we assisted.

– Steve Case, Financial & Insurance Consultant, Insurance Hero

Own Your Email List, Not Rented Followers

I primarily use LinkedIn for my business, and it recently joined the “pay to play” party. It’s so annoying!

My number one piece of advice for all my clients is to create a way to get people off social media platforms because they’re rented spaces.

I’d take 5K followers and 4K email addresses over 100K followers and 500 email addresses any day!

To capture those email addresses, create a free downloadable resource, a mini online course, or a quiz. You own your email list. Just make sure you include a disclaimer explaining that they’ll receive communication from you after accessing the resources.

– Portia Obeng, Social Media Strategist & LinkedIn Coach, Portia Obeng LLC

Creator Partnerships Outperform Traditional Branded Posts

We believe it is a mix of human and creator-led content powered by connected media. 

Long-term partnerships with trusted influencers consistently outperform traditional branded posts, especially through short-form video on TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts, and we use AI to speed up processes and place influencer content in different media formats. 

From a content perspective, we are noticing a shift in the type of content people want to see thanks to AI. 

They either prefer very evidently human-led content and storytelling which feels natural and relatable, or they are moving back to longer-form, deeper content with substance and high quality effects or escapism. 

People enjoy content that’s been made using AI if it elevates human creativity, not replaces it.

– Joanna Hughston, Head of Marketing (UK/US), The Goat Agency

Social Listening Tools Turn Chatter Into Connections

Leveraging social listening tools is at the heart of online success in 2025. The features within these tools help track and analyze online conversations about your business. 

Social listening tools act as your digital radar, constantly tuned in to online conversations.

Why do they work? They utilize Al to find patterns and metrics in social media data. They tap into real conversations and analyze audiences in real time.

The catch is, AI content only works when it actually reflects what your audience cares about and that’s where social listening comes in, helping you turn online chatter into content that truly connects.

– Matt Dawson, VP, Growth Marketing, Brandwatch

UGC Short Videos Beat Polished Content

The biggest differentiation factor in our eyes is UGC style short form video content. 

You cannot dictate how people are going to consume your content except if you are a large multinational company [with] millions of dollars to spend in changing public perception. They want to see TikTok/Reel/Shorts style videos with less editing, less polished and more real. 

Saying that, it doesn’t mean that you should just post bad quality content or just follow trends. Focus on your story and what you want to be known for. Know your target audience and create content for them. 

Final step, promote it on the correct platform. If your core target base is up to 45 use Instagram. If they are older, use Facebook. If you have a larger budget it’s always worth to test on both and see which one drives the best results. 

Remember to always stay vigilant on how your audience consumes content and any swifts in behaviour. What works today won’t necessarily work tomorrow so be prepared to pivot when necessary. 

– Thanos Zeppos, Co-founder, BRINQQ Marketing

Raw, Unfiltered Content Creates Trust and Connection

Personal content is outperforming by a mile right now. People are inherently voyeuristic, so what draws them in isn’t just your highlight reel, but instead is the behind-the-scenes, unfiltered version of your life or business.

Mixing polished, aspirational content with more raw, emotionally grounded moments makes your brand feel human. The curated posts might inspire, but it’s the imperfect, real moments that create trust and connection.

This is why people love podcasts where people are wearing normal clothes, all-day livestreams, GRWM videos, and similar.

This same principle applies to how you think about growth through collaborations. People discover brands they love through people they trust. Whether it’s influencers, micro-creators, or other aligned brands, partnerships work best when they feel authentic and rooted in shared values or lived experiences.

When done right, these collaborations can [massively] expand reach and deepen credibility at the same time.

– Makena Finger Zannini, CEO, The Boutique COO

To Succeed On Social Media: It’s All About Connection

After diving deep into these expert insights, one thing becomes crystal clear: the future of social media marketing isn’t about outsmarting algorithms or producing perfect, polished content.

It’s about returning to the fundamentals of human connection that made social media compelling in the first place.

The common threads weaving through every successful strategy are authenticity, consistency, and genuine value creation.

Whether it’s Sean’s 30-second educational reels that generated two paying customers, or Iron Storage’s video responses to comments that outperformed expensive ad campaigns, the winners are those who show up as real people solving real problems.

Here are the key takeaways I plan to start implementing immediately:

– Start conversations, not broadcasts. The most successful businesses are using social media as a two-way street, responding to comments with video replies and engaging in real-time during live streams.

– Embrace imperfection. Unedited client testimonials, behind-the-scenes footage shot on phones, and unpolished tutorials are outperforming expensive branded content because they feel genuine.

– Build communities, not follower counts. Private groups, Discord channels, and email lists are where the real magic happens. The best is email lists though because they are the only spaces you own and control, free from algorithmic interference.

– Use AI as a tool, not a replacement. The smartest creators are using AI to streamline processes while keeping their human voice front and center.

As someone who’s survived nearly two decades in the content creation industry, I’ve learned that every major shift in digital marketing feels overwhelming at first.

But those who adapt by focusing on timeless principles (i.e. helping people, building trust, and creating genuine value) will always find a way to thrive.

The platforms may change, the algorithms may shift, but human nature remains constant. 

People want to connect with people, not perfect brands. In an oversaturated AI slop of a digital space, that might just be your biggest competitive advantage.

12 entrepreneurs reveal how podcasting drives real business results; from landing 5K+ clients to building trust that converts better than ads.

“Should I start a podcast?” It’s the question every entrepreneur asks themselves at some point while scrolling through their phone, wondering if they should join the millions of people already talking into microphones about everything from true crime to cryptocurrency.

Look, I get it. Podcasting can seem like another overwhelming marketing tactic to add to your already jam-packed to-do list. But what if I told you that some of the smartest business minds are using podcasts not just to build their brands, but to actually land clients, forge partnerships, and even discover what their customers are really thinking?

I asked 12 savvy entrepreneurs and thought leaders a simple question: “How has podcasting helped move the needle in your business?” Their answers might just convince you to dust off that microphone (or finally buy one). Spoiler alert: these aren’t your typical “start a podcast because everyone else is” stories!

Podcasting Builds Trust and Attracts Quality Clients

Podcasting can be a unique way of personal branding and developing lasting relationships. Podcasting provides a uniquely personal, ongoing relationship with your audience, and allows them to continuously explore complex themes of architectural visualisation. Episodes last between 30 – 60 minutes, allowing me to talk about my expertise and zealousness, which neither articles nor social media can fully provide. In a podcast format, listeners can develop a unique trust and familiarity which adds to the possibilities of visual brand building.

Podcasting has further cemented our authority and credibility directly in our rules. Our broadcast (Rendered Realities) promoted me as a thought leader. Based on a single episode discussing the return on investments of quality architectural renderings, we received a 15% increase in inquiries directly referring to topics from my podcast. These potential clients were informed and “warmed up.” The conversation shifted from a cold introductory approach to a productive dialogue that did use possible concern (money) or insecurity about their project.

A real estate developer, for instance, contacted us after listening to over 10 episodes of “Rendered Realities.” They explicitly chose us, bypassing others, because they trusted my insights from the show. This contact quickly turned into a substantial project, valued at over 5,000 dollars, within three weeks. It clearly showed how podcasting cultivates relationships and builds authority, leading to direct client acquisition.

Alex Smith, Manager & Co-owner, Render 3D Quick

Authentic Podcasting Creates Trust Beyond Marketing Reach

I started a podcast to delve into the complicated truths of cross-border eCommerce, not for the sake of attracting downloads but to present genuine stories. In one of the initial episodes, I highlighted a small seller from Manila who successfully entered the EU market through local partnerships and determination. That conversation unexpectedly brought in messages from listeners across four countries asking for guidance. Within weeks, I had secured two consulting clients and a vendor collaboration. The podcast became more than content; it built quiet trust. I noticed that people who reached out already felt aligned with our values and came ready to work. I did not push any service on air, yet leads arrived because the authenticity resonated. Podcasting introduced a new aspect to my brand-building efforts. When someone quotes a moment from an episode and tells me it gave them clarity to act, I know the format is doing far more than marketing ever could.

Faizan Khan, Public Relations and Content Marketing Specialist, Ubuy Singapore

Podcasts Build Expert Status and Client Relationships

Starting a podcast was one of the best moves for my business, and it really helped to carve out a distinct brand in the saturated market. By consistently sharing content that my audience finds valuable, I’ve set myself apart as an expert in my field. Not only does this build trust, but it’s also a great way to network. Through various episodes, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders, which has extended my reach and brought in diverse perspectives.

Interestingly, the direct impact on acquiring new clients was gradual, but it’s noticeable. Listeners often reach out after getting a good feel for how I approach problems and provide solutions, which turns into consultations and eventually, long-term relationships. The key is consistency and genuine engagement. It’s about providing real value and not just pitching your services non-stop. Keep at it and soon you’ll see how your voice can pull the right people in.

Alex Cornici, Marketing & PR Coordinator, Magic Hour AI

Guest Podcasting Establishes Authority in Electrical Industry

Being a guest on podcasts is an extremely effective, yet seldom used, tactic for building my personal brand and increasing Hello Electrical’s network. It is a stark contrast to traditional articles or a short interview, allowing for a more authentic, free-flowing conversation that highlights both expertise and personality. The longer duration of a podcast episode (often 30 to 60 minutes) allows for an in-depth discussion of complicated topics and to offer insightful perspectives. 

When I am on podcasts, I usually focus on broader and more strategic topics that directly relate to our services. For example, I’ve given talks on the electrical requirements of smart homes and future-proofing electrical infrastructure. Each engagement presents an opportunity to position myself, and by transitive property, Hello Electrical, at the top of the thought leadership pyramid. Listeners recognize my voice and my approach, creating a level of rapport and trust that isn’t often replicated in a traditional advertising placement. Most audience members are homeowners, property developers or other business owners looking for information – just like what I am doing.

Jason Rowe, Marketing Specialist, Director and Founder, Hello Electrical

Podcast Appearances Build Stronger Trust Than Pitches

I haven’t launched a full-scale podcast yet, though it’s something that comes up frequently in discussions with founders and investors we work with at spectup. I’ve been a guest on quite a few shows, and I can say that the indirect benefits are stronger than most expect—especially in building trust. When someone hears you speak for 30 minutes about hard-earned lessons, they get a clearer sense of your approach and values. That’s something a pitch deck alone can’t deliver.

One founder who heard me on a niche startup podcast reached out within days, saying, “You sounded like you actually get it.” That led to a full advisory engagement with spectup, and he’s still with us. So yes, podcasting can absolutely drive business—but it’s more about long-term positioning than quick conversions. People rarely listen and then immediately sign a contract; they observe over time. It’s a slow burn, but it builds strong equity.

If I do launch a podcast myself, it won’t be filled with puffed-up interviews or fluff. I’d rather share real stories—like when a founder panicked mid-pitch and we had to improvise an entirely new narrative on the spot. Those are the moments people relate to.

Niclas Schlopsna, Managing Consultant and CEO, spectup

Strategic Podcast Guesting Delivers Measurable Business Results

Podcasting has been an incredible channel for building relationships in the 3PL industry, though I approach it differently than many executives. Rather than hosting my own show, I’ve made it a priority to be a guest on logistics and eCommerce podcasts like The Logistics of Logistics, Debutify, and The New Warehouse.

This strategy has delivered tremendous value for Fulfill.com. Each appearance creates meaningful connections with podcast hosts who are often influential voices in the industry. More importantly, it puts me in front of thousands of eCommerce operators actively seeking fulfillment solutions – exactly our target audience.

I remember one particular podcast where I shared a story about my early days operating a fulfillment center in a former morgue (talk about conversation starter!). That authentic moment resonated with listeners, and within days, we received inquiries from brands who connected with our scrappy, problem-solving approach.

The ROI has been significant. We regularly track new partnerships that originate from podcast appearances, and I’d estimate about 15% of our enterprise-level clients first discovered us through a podcast. One of our largest clients – a beauty brand shipping 100,000+ orders monthly – reached out directly after hearing me discuss regional carrier optimization strategies.

Beyond client acquisition, podcasting strengthens our industry position. When I discuss topics like “multi-node distribution models” or “dimensional weight optimization,” it establishes our expertise and builds trust with potential partners.

My advice? Don’t feel pressured to create your own show. Strategic guest appearances on established podcasts targeting your ideal audience can be far more efficient for building your brand and generating quality leads. The key is bringing genuine insights rather than just promoting your service.

Joe Spisak, CEO, Fulfill.com

Podcast Appearances Drive Traffic and Business Partnerships

I’ve dipped into podcasting to boost my brand and network. It’s like chatting with your audience at a dive bar — real, direct, builds trust. My appearances, diving into ayahuasca safety and retreat picks, got 10% more site traffic after sharing wild stories. Two retreat centers partnered on after hearing me break down transparency.

Chris Brewer, Managing Director, Best Retreats

Industry Podcasts Position Limo Service as Authority

We currently don’t have an Angel City Limo podcast, but I have been featured on a few different podcasts in our industry, and there I offer advice on luxury transportation, customer service, growing a company, etc. So it’s been possible to reach a wider audience and to establish a position as an authority in the transportation and service industry. 

Podcasting has also created opportunities for new businesses. I’ve met potential partners, investors, and even clients through these podcasts who value the knowledge and wisdom that gets doled out in these interviews. For example, a single appearance resulted in a relationship with a corporate travel agency that now refers their high-net-worth clients to Angel City Limo. The direct “podcast to client” pipeline isn’t always immediate, and there is still an interesting journey ahead for our brand’s reputation to benefit more, but in exceeding other channels, we’ve won companies by default who will know, like, and respect us, long before their heads start nodding. 

As a whole, though, podcasting has helped us expand our network and continue to make Angel City Limo a go-to in luxury travel. It has been a great way for us to be in touch with the stakeholders, firm and those of the companies that appreciate knowledge, and thought leadership. If you are thinking about starting a podcast for your business, my advice is this: just focus on delivering as much value and expertise as possible, and everything else will flow from that.

Arsen Misakyan, CEO and Founder, Angel City Limo

Podcast Reveals Patient Struggles Hidden During Appointments

I started Smart Digestion Radio thinking it would be another marketing channel. What actually happened surprised me. The real value wasn’t in direct client acquisition – it was in discovering what my patients were too embarrassed to tell me face-to-face.

When listeners email questions for the show, they share struggles they’d never mention during appointments. One woman wrote about how her Crohn’s disease made her cancel three dates because she was terrified of eating in public. Another revealed he’d been secretly taking double doses of enzymes, thinking more meant faster results. These anonymous confessions transformed how I practice. I now ask different questions, address unspoken fears, and create protocols for problems patients didn’t know they could solve. The podcast became my research lab for understanding the emotional side of digestive health that clinical training never taught me.

Christine Kaczmar, Digestion Doctor, Laser Slim

Non-Business Podcast Becomes Unexpected Lead Generator

Absolutely podcasting has massive upside! When I was running a web development business, I became a recurring guest on a podcast that focused more on pop culture than business. Despite the casual format, think morning show meets social commentary, I sponsored the show and casually mentioned my services in a recurring segment. 

Surprisingly, that lighthearted, non-business-specific podcast turned out to be one of the best lead generators we ever had. I noticed a clear uptick in inbound leads after a few consistent months. I believe the key was familiarity: as the audience heard me mentioned week after week, I became part of their routine. That recognition translated into trust, and trust turned into client inquiries.

In short, podcasting works! Even when the content is not overtly “businessy.” It builds credibility, consistency, and connection over time. That combination made it one of the most efficient lead drivers I ever used.

James DeLapa, SEO & Web Strategy Expert, Bottom Line Insights

Podcasting Transforms Voice into Trust and Clients

Yes, podcasting has become a lead magnet for me and for Estorytellers. While I didn’t start with the goal of landing clients, it naturally happened as I shared real stories about entrepreneurship, the publishing industry, and building something from scratch.

Podcasting helped me build trust at scale. People hear your voice, your values, your vision—it humanizes you beyond LinkedIn posts or emails. It also became a networking magnet. Guests I invited often turned into collaborators or clients, and listeners reached out feeling like they already knew me.

Podcasting, if done authentically and with value, builds your personal brand and serves as a subtle but steady client acquisition method.

Kritika Kanodia, CEO, Estorytellers

Podcasting Falls Short for Brand Building Unless You Can Get Found

I’ve consciously chosen not to start a podcast. The reason is that the effort-to-reach ratio is simply not as favorable as other channels for building a brand from a cold audience. Podcasting is largely a ‘destination’ medium. People need to know you exist to find your show, which makes organic discovery incredibly slow. It’s a powerful tool for nurturing an existing community, but it’s not an efficient engine for creating one.

My focus has always been on platforms with built-in, algorithmic discovery, like TikTok and Instagram. These channels are designed to push your content to thousands of potential new clients who have never heard of you. For direct client acquisition and top-of-funnel brand building, the ROI from short-form video is exponentially higher. I see podcasting as a great ‘Phase 2’ strategy, once you’ve already built the initial audience elsewhere.

Maxwell Finn, Founder, Unicorn Innovations

Editor’s note: My response to this is that if you’re worried about getting found, you just need to improve your optimization of your show! Sure, you can share on social media, but podcasting gives you something truly special – something you own (that is, as long as you choose the right host!)

Check out this video on podcast discoverability for some awesome ideas on getting your podcast found by your ideal listeners:

Smart Entrepreneurs Choose Podcasting Over Traditional Marketing

Podcasting is actually moving the needle for businesses, not just filling up Apple Podcasts with more noise. From the CEO who landed a major client after they binged 10 episodes, to the doctor who discovered her patients’ secret struggles, these aren’t pie-in-the-sky promises – they’re results from people who decided to give podcasting a real shot.

The best part? You don’t need to be the next Joe Rogan to see results. Whether you start your own show or strategically guest on others, the magic happens when you focus on delivering genuine value instead of just pitching your services every five minutes.

Ready to turn your voice into your secret weapon? Your future clients are probably already wearing headphones, just waiting to discover someone who actually gets it. Time to give them something worth listening to! Click here to launch your podcast for free*! 

* This is an affiliate link that provides me with a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

15 experts reveal their favorite nutrition podcasts. From evidence-based advice to practical tips, discover the shows transforming how we think about food.

Tired of nutrition advice that sounds like it came from a robot in a lab coat? Same here! With so much conflicting information floating around the internet (keto good! keto bad! carbs are evil! carbs are life!), finding trustworthy nutrition guidance can feel like searching for a healthy snack at a gas station – technically possible, but pretty darn challenging.

That’s why I decided to ask some health-savvy thought leaders a simple question: “Who is your favorite nutrition podcaster and why?” Fifteen people responded, and their answers might just save you from falling down another rabbit hole of questionable wellness trends. 

Top Nutrition Podcasters (Based on Responses):

Most Mentioned Favorites:

• Dr. Rhonda Patrick – FoundMyFitness (4 mentions)
• Monica Reinagel – The Nutrition Diva (3 mentions)
• Simon Hill – The Proof (2 mentions)

Other Highly Recommended:

• Shawn Stevenson – The Model Health Show
• Danny Lennon – Sigma Nutrition
• Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster – Veggie Doctor Radio
• Joseph Navarro – Burn it Nutrition Podcast
• Dr. Rupy Aujla – The Doctor’s Kitchen
• Max Lugavere – The Genius Life
• Dr. Mark Hyman

Now that you know the top recommendations, let’s dive into WHY these thought leaders were so keen on these nutrition podcast picks!

Simon Hill Delivers Evidence-Based Nutrition Without Clickbait

I keep coming back to Simon Hill’s The Proof because he doesn’t just talk about nutrition—he backs every claim with data, nuance, and clinical context.

What sets him apart is his ability to translate complex nutritional science into decisions you can actually act on without falling into diet culture traps or sensationalism. It’s balanced, evidence-led, and refreshingly free of clickbait.

I’m David Quintero, CEO of NewswireJet. Building a high-output agency demands stamina and clarity—Simon’s podcast has helped me fine-tune both through smarter nutrition choices.

David Quintero, CEO and Marketing Expert, NewswireJet

Nutrition Diva Makes Complex Food Science Accessible

I’ve been listening to a lot of “The Nutrition Diva” Podcast by Monica Reinagel lately, and it’s been a game changer for me. Monica has this way of making complex nutrition topics really accessible and easy to understand. She also provides practical, actionable tips, so every episode leaves you with something you can start doing right away to improve your diet.

What’s particularly cool is how she debunks common myths around food and dieting, which is super helpful with all the misinformation out there. Each podcast episode is concise but packed with valuable insights. If you’re looking to up your nutrition game without getting bored or overwhelmed, you should give her a listen. She’s got this straightforward, friendly approach that feels like you’re just chatting with a knowledgeable friend.

Alex Cornici, Marketing & PR Coordinator, Magic Hour AI

Dr. Rhonda Patrick Brings Scientific Weight to Nutrition

Foundmyfitness 

My favorite podcast has to be FoundMyFitness, hosted by Dr. Rhonda Patrick. I respect Dr. Rhonda for a couple of key reasons I think are important to nutrition. For starters, she’s smart. Although she doesn’t dumb things down for a casual audience, you can tell that what she’s saying has weight and leverage in everything she’s saying. 

When you’re listening to her, you’re listening to an expert in the field. To add to that, she doesn’t mess around in selling shady products and will call them out. A good nutritionist is someone who has the credibility to back themselves up. Go check out FoundMyFitness if you haven’t; it’s great.

Eric Sornoso, Co-founder, Mealfan

Veggie Doctor Radio Offers Practical Child Nutrition Advice

Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster from “Veggie Doctor Radio” is my top choice for nutrition podcasting. Her episodes focus on children’s health with practical advice that supports both medical and dental outcomes. She doesn’t chase food trends. She explains how daily choices, like juice instead of water or frequent snacking, can affect a child’s body and teeth. That’s a message every parent needs to hear.

One episode tackled sugar exposure in early childhood. She broke down how frequently sugar changes a child’s taste expectations. That matches what I see in the dental chair. Children with constant access to sweetened foods often show higher rates of decay. Her advice was simple and actionable. Offer water between meals. Serve fruit in whole form, not juice. Stop using food as a reward. Parents who follow those steps often see fewer cavities and better behavior at meals.

Her podcast also offers tools for plant-based nutrition. She introduces pediatricians and registered dietitians who outline how to foster growth and development using fewer processed foods. Families with allergies or attempting dietary changes find these segments clear without adding stress.

She speaks like a parent and a clinician. There’s no shame, no hype, only straight answers and realistic strategies. That makes her a strong resource for families who want to improve health outcomes without getting overwhelmed. If you want to align diet with long-term wellness for your child, “Veggie Doctor Radio” is worth your time.

Dr. Jasveen Singh, Pediatric Dentist & Owner, Pediatric Dentistry And Beyond

Nutrition Diva Transforms Complex Science Into Action

My favorite nutrition podcaster is The Nutrition Diva, hosted by Monica Reinagel. I love her straightforward, science-backed advice on healthy eating. What sets her apart is her ability to break down complex topics into simple, actionable tips without overwhelming listeners. She doesn’t just talk about trendy diets or fads but focuses on balanced nutrition and sustainable habits. I’ve learned a lot from her episodes about portion control, food labeling, and the real impact of certain foods on our long-term health. Her clear, relatable style makes it easy to integrate small changes into my own diet without feeling like I need to overhaul everything at once. It’s practical, honest, and grounded in evidence—exactly what I need to make smarter food choices.

Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen

Dr. Patrick Translates Biology Into Real-Life Strategies

Hands down, my favorite nutrition podcaster is Dr. Rhonda Patrick from FoundMyFitness. She’s not just reciting studies or repackaging trends; she’s translating hardcore molecular biology into real-life optimization strategies. For someone juggling international travel, four kids, and the need to feel sharp without burning out, her episodes are gold.

She connects the dots between micronutrients, gene expression, mitochondrial function, and performance in a way that actually scales to daily life. One episode on sauna use and omega-3 synergy literally changed how I schedule recovery. Another on broccoli sprouts had me pairing post-Hypervibe sessions with sulforaphane smoothies. That’s how actionable and nerdy-useful her content is.

I’m not just interested in what to eat, I want to know why, when, and how it impacts my biology long-term. That’s where Rhonda shines.

Murray Seaton, Founder and CEO / Health & Fitness Entrepreneur, Hypervibe (Vibration Plates)

Burn It Nutrition Blends Science With Engaging Storytelling

My favorite nutrition podcaster is Joseph Navarro, host of the Burn it Nutrition Podcast. What sets this show apart is how Joseph blends science-backed nutrition insights with storytelling that actually keeps you hooked. He doesn’t just focus on trendy diets—he dives deep into metabolism, fat loss, mindset, and longevity with expert guests ranging from doctors to fitness pros. I also appreciate how he explains complex topics in a way that’s easy to understand, especially if you’re not from a science background. Plus, his cinematic intros and motivational tone make each episode feel more like a personal coaching session than a lecture. It’s both educational and inspiring—definitely my go-to when I want to level up my health knowledge.

Qianqian He, Founder, BOXKING GAMING

The Proof Tackles Plant-Based Nutrition With Evidence

As a nutrition coach who follows a mostly plant-based diet, I’m always looking to deepen my understanding of how to thrive without meat. My favorite nutrition podcast is The Proof with Simon Hill. Hill, a qualified physiotherapist and nutritionist, explores the science of longevity through topics like exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, recovery and sleep. I love how thoroughly he breaks down complex nutrition science, debunks nutrition myths, and supports his discussions with evidence-based research. He regularly invites leading experts to share the latest findings, which helps me stay informed.

Silvija Meilunaite, Nutrition Coach, Founder, Barefoot Basil

Sigma Nutrition Prioritizes Facts Over Trendy Diets

I listen to Danny Lennon from Sigma Nutrition. He doesn’t push trends. He sticks to facts and evidence. That’s rare now. Most podcasts flood you with hype. Danny cuts through noise with real studies and expert guests who work in clinical practice or research. He doesn’t guess. He explains what works and what’s still unproven. That’s useful when you’re running a food business where every ingredient matters.

One episode stuck with me. It broke down protein intake by meal, not just by day. That made me rethink how we portion fillings in our high-protein vegan options. We tested new ratios and got better feedback from customers looking for balanced meals. It wasn’t about chasing fads. It was about getting small things right, one bite at a time. When a podcaster gives you data you can use straight away, not just theories, you keep listening. That’s why I go back to Danny Lennon. He respects the listener and treats nutrition like a craft. That fits how we work at Rourke’s Pies. Quality over gimmicks. Precision over guesswork. Every episode reminds me to stay grounded in facts, whether I’m testing a new pie or talking to customers at the counter.

Gary Rourke, Owner, Rourke’s Pies

FoundMyFitness Delivers Science-Based Nutrition With Depth

My favorite nutrition podcaster is Dr. Rhonda Patrick of “FoundMyFitness.” Her evidence-based approach breaks down complex nutritional science into accessible insights, blending cutting-edge research with practical health tips. I appreciate how she covers topics like micronutrients, longevity, and metabolic health with clarity and depth, making it valuable for both experts and casual listeners. Her interviews with leading scientists add credibility and variety. This podcast empowers listeners to make informed dietary choices rooted in science, which is critical amid the noise of fad diets and misinformation.

Amir Husen, Content Writer, SEO Specialist & Associate, ICS Legal

Model Health Show Transforms Science Into Practical Steps

Shawn Stevenson from ”The Model Health Show” is my favorite nutrition podcast host.  He takes a pragmatic, data-driven, and patient-centered approach.  I appreciate that he simplifies difficult subjects into manageable steps that anyone can follow.  He keeps the human element in mind while concentrating on the science of nutrition.  My perspective on health has changed as a result of his programs on sleep, metabolism, and mental clarity.  He always asks for proof, not fads, and speaks with reliable experts.

His ability to communicate with those who are balancing actual duties is what makes him stand out.  He discusses health without giving sermons.  That aligns with my method of providing patient care.  People need practical solutions, not perfection.  When we pay attention to what we put into our bodies, Stevenson’s episodes show me how much influence we have over our own health.  When a patient inquires about changing their lifestyle, I frequently recommend his podcast.  His episodes are consistent with holistic care.  Small adjustments make a big difference.  Food quality is important.  It’s important to be consistent.

He establishes a certain amount of trust with his audience.  It’s not common.  He respects others and provides them with actionable information. That’s the kind of voice health care needs more of.

Aspen Noonan, CEO, Elevate Holistics

Business Podcast Sparks Unexpected Nutrition Journey

My favorite nutrition podcaster isn’t a nutritionist or health professional but a real estate agent-turned-business coach, Pat Flynn. I discovered him through his popular podcast, “Smart Passive Income,” which focuses on entrepreneurship and online businesses. He also has a shorter podcast, “AskPat,” where he answers listener questions in 5-10 minute episodes.

One day, I found an AskPat episode where Pat interviewed Amanda Tress, founder of the FASTer Way to Fat Loss program. As someone interested in health and fitness, this caught my attention. What stood out was how knowledgeable and passionate both Pat and Amanda were about their fields. Their dedication to building successful businesses based on their passions was inspiring.

This boosted my interest in online entrepreneurship. I started listening to more episodes of AskPat, exploring other business podcasts, reading books, following blogs, and attending webinars on the subject.

Michael Yerardi, Founder & CEO, Turning Point Home Buyers

Doctor’s Kitchen Brings Humanity to Nutrition Advice

My favorite nutrition podcaster is Dr. Rupy Aujla from The Doctor’s Kitchen. What sets him apart is how grounded he is—he talks about health in a way that feels human, not clinical or guilt-trippy. He’s honest about the messiness of life and doesn’t preach perfection.

I also appreciate that he brings curiosity and culture into the conversation. It’s not just about nutrients; it’s about how we live, what we value, and how we care for ourselves without shame. That kind of approach feels real to me, and it sticks.

Bernhard Schaus, Online Marketer, Beyond Chutney

Genius Life Podcast Transforms Dementia Fear Into Action

My favourite nutrition podcast is The Genius Life with Max Lugavere. I found it not long after my mum was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, I first came across his book “the genius life” and I was starting to panic a bit about where my own life was heading. Suddenly, I was looking at food, health, and the future in a completely different way.

Max went through something similar with his mum, and you can hear it really resonated as I’m sure it does for anyone with a connection to dementia. He’s not in this to sell shakes or shout about miracle supplements. He sounds like someone trying to figure it all out, and constantly evolving his own opinions.

The guests he has on aren’t celebrities. Half the time I’ve never heard of them, but they know their stuff. Proper scientists, researchers, doctors. And it’s not preachy. You actually come away learning something without feeling like you’ve been lectured. I listen most weeks sometimes while I’m cooking or half-listening with the kids climbing on me and it weirdly keeps me on track health wise just by keeping it fresh in my mind.

His book, Genius Foods, had a massive impact on me. It’s the first time anything about nutrition actually made sense in a practical way. I cut sugar properly after reading it, started caring more about fats, and began thinking long-term instead of just dieting for a quick fix. It didn’t feel like a massive lifestyle overhaul, but more like being given a map when you’ve been driving in circles for years.

What I really rate is that he’s honest. He’ll say, “Yeah, I’ve changed my view on that,” even if it means contradicting something he said in his own book. That kind of openness is rare. Especially in a space full of people who act like they’ve got all the answers.

I know this is starting to sound like a bit of a love letter, but honestly, it has sort of changed my life.

Phil O’Dwyer, Author, Winging It Worldwide

Dr. Hyman Links Better Eating With Dental Health

One nutrition podcast that I follow is Dr. Mark Hyman. He provides straightforward guidance on what food does to health. He emphasizes simple habits, less sugar, more whole foods, and balanced meals. This is what I observe in the office. Bad eating tends to create gum issues, tooth decay, and other issues. When you eat better, your mouth gets better. Less pain. Fewer issues. Better healing.

He introduces guests from various professions, but makes the message simple. His shows revolve around practical changes individuals can implement. Baby steps, not strict meal plans. That does make an impact. It makes people stick to it.

Nutrition impacts how the entire body functions. It also manifests in the mouth initially. Eating healthier foods creates healthier, more resilient teeth, fewer infections, and improved long-term outcomes. His podcast does that for individuals. That is the reason why I am still listening.

Dr. Stephen Norton, Dentist, Norton Dental Arts Family & Cosmetic Dentist

Skip the Wellness BS and Check Out These Nutrition Podcasts

That’s a wrap on the best nutrition podcasts according to people who actually know their stuff! Whether you’re looking for hardcore molecular biology breakdowns (hello, Dr. Rhonda Patrick fans!) or practical tips you can actually use while your kids are climbing on you (shoutout to Max Lugavere listeners), there’s something here for every type of health enthusiast.

The best part? These aren’t the podcasters pushing the latest fad diet or miracle supplement. They’re the ones doing the hard work of translating real science into advice you can actually live with. So grab your headphones, pick a podcast that speaks to you, and get ready to become the person who actually knows what they’re talking about at dinner parties.

Real Beehiiv users share 6 major benefits for newsletter creators. Learn why experts choose this platform for growth and monetization.

As content creators, we’re always looking for the best tools to connect with our audience and grow our reach. Lately, I’ve been seriously considering starting my own newsletter, and after researching various platforms, Beehiiv keeps coming up as a top choice among successful creators and marketers.

But rather than just rely on marketing materials, I wanted to hear from real users who’ve built their newsletters using this platform. So I reached out to thought leaders across different industries with a simple question: “Do you use Beehiiv for your newsletter? If so, I want to know what your experience has been like.”

The responses were overwhelmingly positive, and they revealed six key benefits that make Beehiiv stand out in the crowded newsletter space. Here’s what these experts had to say about their real-world experience with the platform.

1. Media-Grade Publishing Power Without the Complexity

David Quintero, CEO and Marketing Expert at NewswireJet, explained how Beehiiv struck the perfect balance for his team:

“Beehiiv gave our newsletter the publishing power of a media brand without the bloat of enterprise tools. The clean UI, built-in referral system, and granular audience segmentation made it ridiculously easy to grow and monetize fast. But what really stood out? Their post editor strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and flexibility—it’s made for people who want to write and scale. We’ve used it to test content formats, A/B subject lines, and convert subscribers without adding more tools to the stack. I’m David Quintero, CEO of NewswireJet. As a PR and content agency, Beehiiv helped us practice what we preach by turning our own newsletter into a lead-gen asset.”

2. Minimalist Design With Powerful Growth Features

Jock Breitwieser, Digital Marketing Strategist at SocialSellinator, offered an interesting analogy for the platform:

“I like to think of Beehiiv as the IKEA of newsletter tools, minimalist on the surface, but full of clever functionality beneath. We used it to build a curated email series for a startup accelerator client who needed to deliver high-quality content to mentors, investors, and founders on a weekly cadence. The built-in referral tracking helped them grow subscribers by 35+% without running a single paid campaign. At Social Sellinator, we particularly value the clean UX for editing and the smart segmentation that lets us tailor thought leadership for different personas without duplicating effort. It’s not flashy, but Beehiiv makes scaling a newsletter feel frictionless, which in a noisy inbox world is half the battle.”

3. Intuitive Interface With Time-Saving Automation

Alex Cornici, Marketing & PR Coordinator at Magic Hour AI, highlighted the practical benefits that save time and effort:

“I’ve been using Beehiiv for a while now, and it’s pretty solid for managing email newsletters. The user interface is intuitive, which is great because you don’t wanna spend hours figuring out where everything is. What really stands out to me is the automation features which have saved me a ton of time—setting up sequences that trigger based on subscriber actions can really streamline how you engage with your audience. Another thing I appreciate is their analytics tool. It’s super helpful to see how your newsletters are performing in terms of open rates and click-through rates. This kind of data lets you tweak your strategies in real-time. Of course, no service is perfect—you might find it a bit limiting if you’re looking to do highly customized designs that go beyond their templates. But for straightforward, effective email campaigns, Beehiiv does the trick. Overall, if you’re starting out or looking to simplify your email marketing efforts, it’s a reliable choice. Just keep an eye on those analytics to make sure you’re hitting your marks!”

4. Transforms Newsletters Into Brand Utility Systems

Arsen Misakyan, CEO and Founder, Angel City Limo, shared impressive growth results and the platform’s impact on their business:

“We’ve been utilizing Beehiiv for our newsletter aimed at corporate travelers and event planners, and it’s been a game changer. The interface is uncluttered, intuitive, and responsive, which is especially important when you’re publishing on a deadline. One incredibly underrated feature is the included referral system, which helped us increase our list by 23% in the first month alone. Beehiiv is easy to use, much easier than any other tool out there – from segmentation to scheduling, nothing feels clunky but rather smooth and efficient. Their analytics dashboard allows us to quickly notice who’s opening, clicking, and converting, and not get caught up in the data. If you’re creating a newsletter that feels more like a brand utility than a broadcast, Beehiiv could be a good choice. It’s not just a solution – it’s a system that supports thoughtful growth. Whether you’re one person writing a newsletter or growing like we are, it provides structure for what can otherwise feel like an open exercise in self-expression.”

5. Complete Newsletter Growth Engine for Creators

Dipika Jadwani, Sr. Digital Marketing Manager emphasized how Beehiiv goes beyond just being an email tool:

“Yes, I use Beehiiv for my newsletter, and it’s been a game-changer for both growth and workflow. What stands out most is how thoughtfully the platform is designed for creators who care about both audience building and monetization. One of the biggest advantages is the referral program integration—it’s built in, customizable, and helps drive organic list growth without relying solely on paid ads. I’ve seen steady subscriber increases just by leveraging that feature alone. The editor interface is intuitive and fast, making it easy to draft, format, and send emails without getting bogged down in clunky UI. The segmentation tools are robust too, letting me target content to specific audiences based on interest or engagement level, which improves open rates and click-throughs. I also appreciate how Beehiiv supports SEO-friendly web versions of each newsletter. That’s helped me repurpose newsletter content into long-form blog posts and improve discoverability through search. If you’re looking for a platform that combines publishing ease, list growth tools, and real creator-first thinking, Beehiiv is hard to beat. It’s not just another email tool—it’s a newsletter growth engine.”

6. Combines Intuitive Design With Powerful Growth Tools

Rick Slot, Editor in Chief at Slotozilla, highlighted how the platform scales with creators and the unique dual functionality:

“As an editor, I am interested not only in the platform for newsletters, but also in how much it allows you to scale. Everything in Beehiiv is designed for growth: easy import/export of the database, a separate blog page, monetization, integration with Google Analytics. For authors, this is a truly powerful tool. I work with texts every day, and it is important for me that the platform does not distract me. Beehiiv has a very intuitive interface: creating a newsletter takes just a few clicks, and it is also easy to design, because there are simple blocks that can be simply dragged and dropped. For beginners, this is the most convenient option. Plus, it is very convenient that there is both a blog and a newsletter at once – you do not need to maintain everything in different places. This really saves time. This platform also has a referral system – your subscribers can invite new ones and receive bonuses, and you grow. Separately, it is worth mentioning the SEO-tuned blog – what you write will be visible not only in emails, but also in Google. This allows you to quickly reach a new level, because your content starts working outside of the email format.”

Why I’m Choosing Beehiiv for My Newsletter Journey

After hearing from these experienced creators and marketers, and based on more YouTube videos than I care to discuss, the choice becomes clear. What consistently emerges from their testimonials is that Beehiiv is a comprehensive growth platform designed specifically for creators who want to build and monetize their audience effectively.

What stands out to me most and makes me ready to pull the trigger is:

• Intuitive, distraction-free interface that lets you focus on creating great content
• Built-in referral system that drives organic growth without additional tools
• Powerful analytics that provide actionable insights without overwhelming complexity
• SEO-friendly features that extend your content’s reach beyond email
• Seamless scaling capabilities that grow with your audience

For someone like me who’s just starting their newsletter (finally!), these benefits address the exact challenges I’m anticipating: growing an audience organically, creating professional content efficiently, and building a sustainable system for long-term success.

Based on these real-world experiences, I’m confident that Beehiiv will provide the foundation I need to launch my newsletter effectively and grow it into something meaningful for my audience. The platform seems to understand what creators actually need: powerful functionality wrapped in an interface that doesn’t get in the way of great storytelling.

20 professionals share their go-to commute podcasts, from business strategy to true crime, that transform daily drives into learning opportunities.

Whether you’re stuck in traffic or cruising down the highway, your daily commute doesn’t have to be dead time. I reached out to 20 professionals from various industries with one simple question: “What is your go-to podcast when you’re driving to work?” 

From true crime thrillers to business strategy deep-dives, let’s explore the podcasts that transform ordinary commutes into extraordinary learning experiences.

Without further ado, here’s the list of the top podcasts recommended by the commuters that responded to my query:

1. Richard Deitsch’s Sports Media Podcast
2. Jimmy Traina’s SI Media Podcast  
3. The Press Box
4. What The Football with Amy Trask and Suzy Shuster
5. Games With Names (Julian Edelman)
6. Ross Tucker’s Football Pod
7. Spin Sucks with Gini Deitrich
8. The Side Hustle Show
9. Everyone Hates Marketers
10. What Now? with Trevor Noah
11. The Indicator from Planet Money
12. Business Wars (Wondery)
13. This American Life
14. Stuff You Should Know
15. The Daily Stoic
16. 2 Bears, 1 Cave
17. The Daily (The New York Times)
18. The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett
19. The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
20. Business Breakdowns
21. Acquired
22. Crime Junkie
23. The Tim Ferriss Show
24. How I Built This (NPR)
25. WorkLife with Adam Grant
26. The Brian Buffini Show
27. Real Estate Rockstars
28. The Tom Ferry Show
29. Hidden Brain (NPR)
30. Modern Wisdom
31. The Drive with Dr. Peter Attia
32. Agent Rise with Neil Mathweg

Now that you know the top podcasts that were recommended, keep reading to find out why these commuters recommend these podcasts.

The Ultimate Commuter’s Podcast Playlist: 30+ Shows That Make Traffic Bearable

Sports and Business Podcasts Fuel Daily Walks

I don’t drive to work, but I have lots of go-to pods when I walk or work out, I listen to sports media and small business podcasts. They include Richard Deitsch’s Sports Media Podcast, Jimmy Traina’s SI Media Podcast, Andrew Marchand, John Ourand, The Press Box … I also listen to What The Football with Amy Trask and Suzy Shuster and Games With Names (Julian Edelman) and Ross Tucker’s football pod. For business, Spin Sucks with Gini Deitrich and The Side Hustle Show and Louis Grenier’s Everyone Hates Marketers.

– Gail Sideman, owner/publicist, gpublicity

Trevor Noah Podcast Transforms Commute with Insight

“What Now? with Trevor Noah” is a fantastic choice for a commute podcast. Trevor Noah brings his unique humor and perspective to global events and cultural topics, making each episode both entertaining and insightful. He often invites guests from various fields, offering a wide range of insights and discussions that keep listeners engaged. What sets this podcast apart is Trevor’s ability to bring behind-the-scenes conversations to light, filled with radical candor and authentic exchanges. His effortlessly playful yet probing style ensures that each episode is not only informative but also full of honest reactions and genuine dialogue. 

Listening to Trevor Noah on the way to work is a great way to start the day with laughter and thoughtful reflection, making the commute lively and engaging.

– Rubens Basso, Chief Technology Officer, FieldRoutes

The Indicator: Perfect Ten-Minute Economic Commute Companion

My favorite is The Indicator from Planet Money. It’s short, precise and relevant all the time; it’s a perfect listen on the commute to work. Each episode is about 10 minutes longs and analyzes the economy, business news and company culture in an easily consumable fashion. I enjoy the accessibility without unnecessary complication; it’s definitely complicated but puts me in a mindset of critical thinking and provides access to new perspectives that I can use right away with my managerial duties.

– Chris Hunter, Director of Customer Relations, ServiceTitan

Wondery’s Business Wars Turns Drives Into Adventures

Wondery is renowned for its immersive approach to storytelling, making it a fantastic podcast for a commute. One standout series is “Business Wars,” which delves into the intense rivalries between major companies, offering a fascinating look at the strategies and conflicts that shape industries. The podcast’s engaging narrative style and in-depth research make it both informative and entertaining, perfect for keeping you engaged on your drive.

– Travis Willis, Director of Customer Success, Aspire

Narrative Podcasts Transform Commutes Into Mini Adventures

I’ve always found that podcasts focusing on interesting narratives or deep dives into specific topics help turn a mundane commute into something resembling a mini adventure. For instance, “This American Life” is a staple for me. The stories range from personal anecdotes to more in-depth explorations of societal issues, and each episode is crafted to engage and provoke thought, which is perfect for those early morning drives when you need a little mental stimulation.

Another go-to is “Stuff You Should Know.” It’s a mix of entertainment and education, diving into a wide array of topics, from science to historical events, in a way that’s super accessible and often surprisingly funny. The hosts have a great chemistry that makes you feel like you’re just hanging out with friends who happen to know a lot about everything. It’s great for sparking curiosity and often leaves you with fun facts to share at work. Just the right blend to keep the drive interesting without being too heavy.

– Alex Cornici, Marketing & PR Coordinator, Magic Hour AI

Daily Stoic Podcast Builds Calm Before Work

My go-to podcast when I’m driving to work is The Daily Stoic. It’s a short, 10-15 minute podcast that offers practical wisdom based on Stoic philosophy, which helps me start my day with a calm, focused mindset. The episodes are always insightful, touching on topics like resilience, decision-making, and personal growth. I find it a perfect way to clear my mind before jumping into a busy day. The host, Ryan Holiday, has a way of making complex ideas simple and actionable. It’s a great blend of philosophy and real-life applications, and I’ve found that it helps me handle work challenges with more perspective.

– Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen

Comedy Podcast Boosts Pre-Work Mood at Marina

My go-to podcast when I’m driving to the marina early in the morning is 2 Bears, 1 Cave. It’s hilarious, unpredictable, and exactly the kind of mood booster I need before a full day of tours. Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer somehow manage to talk about absolutely nothing and still have me laughing out loud in traffic. It’s like riding along with two unfiltered buddies who forgot the mics were on.

It’s a great pick if you want something that doesn’t feel like work, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and helps you show up with a better attitude—especially when the coffee hasn’t kicked in yet. Perfect for shaking off stress and showing up to work smiling.

– Christopher Farley, Owner, Flippin’ Awesome Adventures

The Daily Prepares Industry Professional for Work

I listen to “The Daily” by The New York Times every day on my way to work. It is clear, reliable, and helps me stay informed about worldwide events. In this industry, even small changes in trade or manufacturing policies can impact how and when we get products. 

By knowing the latest news before I even reach the office allows me to have better and more informed talks with my team. It is a simple habit, but it helps me stay sharp and ready for the day ahead.

– Ivan Rodimushkin, Founder, CEO, XS Supply

CEO Podcast Delivers Unfiltered Leadership Insights Daily

Lately, my go-to podcast on the drive to work is The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett. I like how it cuts through the noise and gets straight into the real, unfiltered experiences of people who’ve built something meaningful. There’s something refreshing about hearing leaders talk openly about their failures and doubts as much as their wins. It reminds me that success isn’t just about strategy or scale, it’s about resilience and clarity, both of which I need in operations every day. The guests are diverse, and the conversations often spark ideas I can apply right away, whether it’s about managing people, building culture, or just thinking more clearly under pressure. I also appreciate that it doesn’t feel overly polished or rehearsed. There’s an honesty to it that sticks with you long after the episode ends. It’s a great balance of thought-provoking and practical, which is exactly what I want on my commute. I use that time to reset and get sharp before the day starts, and this podcast helps me do just that. Honestly, it’s been a staple in my routine for a while no,w and I keep coming back to it.

– Wayne Mills, Head of Operations, Seven Seas Worldwide

Business Podcasts Deliver Sharp Analysis Without Fluff

I rotate through a few, but “The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway” stands out. It’s blunt, fast, and packed with real takeaways on business, tech, and leadership. Galloway doesn’t waste time. He breaks down company moves, market shifts, and leadership decisions without trying to entertain. He’s direct about what’s working and what’s not, which matches how I lead my teams. I don’t need inspiration. I want signal. This podcast gives me that.

Another one I come back to is “Business Breakdowns”. It’s slower, but it’s sharp. They take apart one company per episode and go deep into how it makes money, where it loses, and what levers matter. Listening to how Roku scales, or how Costco protects margin, keeps my thinking practical. I bring those models into our growth meetings. Not the brand polish, but the mechanics behind the results.

On weeks when I want a more operational view, “Acquired” fills that gap. The episodes are long, but I listen over a few drives. They break down how companies like Nvidia or Visa were built from the ground up. The level of detail gives me more than surface trends. It shows what people chose, when, and why it worked. That matters more than opinions.

– Alec Loeb, VP of Growth Marketing, EcoATM

Crime Junkie Makes Morning Traffic Less Painful

One of my go-to podcasts during the morning commute is Crime Junkie. It’s the perfect mix of gripping storytelling and well-researched true crime cases. Each episode is concise, which makes it ideal for a typical drive to work, and the pacing keeps you engaged without being overwhelming first thing in the morning. What makes Crime Junkie stand out is the way the hosts deliver the stories—they’re serious and respectful of the victims, but their dynamic makes it feel like you’re hearing the case from a trusted friend. If you enjoy true crime that’s both informative and addictive, it’s a great way to make traffic feel less painful.

– Qianqian He, Founder, BOXKING GAMING

Acquired Podcast Transforms Commute Into Strategy Session

When I drive to work, I listen to Acquired. It’s structured, direct, and worth the time. Each episode explores how a company was built, from its early moves to major turning points. The focus stays on strategy, execution, and results. It doesn’t get lost in theory. It shows how decisions play out over time and what separates strong operators from the rest.

What makes it stand out is the balance. It covers well-known names but avoids surface-level takes. You hear how companies changed, how leaders adjusted, and where key moments were handled well or poorly. It helps you think more clearly about growth, risk, and what drives value.

Acquired works because it respects your time and gives you something to take back into your work. It’s not background noise. It’s a tool that shapes how you think before the day starts.

– James Bandy, Managing Director, TriVista Digital and Technology

Diverse Podcasts Turn Commutes Into Learning Opportunities

My go-to podcast during the commute is “The Tim Ferriss Show.” It offers deep dives into productivity, business, and personal development, featuring diverse guests who share actionable insights. Its engaging storytelling keeps me focused and inspired during drives. Another favorite is “How I Built This” by NPR, which explores entrepreneurial journeys—perfect for sparking creative ideas. For those seeking lighter content, “The Daily” by The New York Times provides concise news updates to stay informed. Podcasts like these blend education and entertainment, making daily commutes more productive and enjoyable.

– Amir Husen, Content Writer, SEO Specialist & Associate, ICS Legal

WorkLife Podcast Offers Practical Team Management Ideas

Lately, I have been listening to WorkLife with Adam Grant, and it has been really helpful. The podcast talks about how people think and work better, which I greatly care about with my own team. 

Adam covers topics like burnout, giving and getting feedback, and staying motivated. These ideas make sense even if you work in a technical field. His way of speaking is calm and easy to follow, and the stories feel real. It is a great way to shift into work mode each day and pick up ideas you can actually use.

– Ender Korkmaz, CEO, Heat&Cool

Real Estate Podcasts Drive Professional Growth Daily

My go-to podcast when driving to work is “The Brian Buffini Show.” This podcast features interviews with top-performing agents and industry experts, as well as valuable insights and strategies for improving your business.

One of the key reasons I love this podcast is because it covers a wide range of topics related to real estate, from lead generation and marketing techniques to personal development and mindset. I find that listening to these types of podcasts not only keeps me up-to-date on industry trends but also inspires me to continually improve and grow in my career.

In addition to “The Brian Buffini Show,” I also enjoy listening to “Real Estate Rockstars” hosted by Pat Hiban and “The Tom Ferry Show” hosted by real estate coach Tom Ferry. Both of these podcasts offer valuable insights and strategies from top-performing agents in the field.

– Michael Yerardi, Founder & CEO, Turning Point Home Buyers

Hidden Brain Primes Psychiatrist for Patient Care

My Commute Companion for Unpacking the Human Mind

My go-to podcast for the drive to my practice is NPR’s ‘Hidden Brain.’ As a psychiatrist, I spend my days exploring the intricate narratives of my patients’ lives, and this podcast perfectly complements that work. It excels at blending rigorous scientific research with compelling storytelling to illuminate the unconscious patterns that shape human behavior, from our decisions and relationships to our emotions.

Each episode serves as a powerful reminder of the universal forces at play beneath the surface of our individual struggles and triumphs. It consistently provides fresh perspectives that are directly applicable to my work. A deep dive into the science of memory might inform my approach with a trauma survivor, while an episode on social dynamics can offer new insights for a teenager navigating peer pressure.

Listening to ‘Hidden Brain’ primes my mind for the day. It reinforces the core of my psychiatric practice: to remain curious, look beyond the obvious, and appreciate the complex, often hidden, factors that make us who we are. It’s a dose of intellectual humility and wonder that enriches my ability to connect with and help both my adult and adolescent patients.

– Ishdeep Narang, MD, Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist | Founder, ACES Psychiatry

Modern Wisdom Transforms Traffic Time Into Growth

If I were commuting and wanted something that hits that sweet spot between inspiring and intellectually chewy, Modern Wisdom would be my go-to. Chris Williamson has a knack for drawing out deep insights from guests without making it feel like a lecture. It’s like having a front-row seat to a conversation between your smartest friend and a world-class thinker.

For commute-friendly episodes, here are a few [episodes] that really stand out:

#577 – David Goggins: How To Master Your Life – Raw, intense, and guaranteed to light a fire under you.

#496 – Andrew Huberman: The Science of Peak Performance – Perfect if you want neuroscience-backed tips on focus, energy, and resilience.

#436 – Jordan Peterson: Your Life Is Built For More – A powerful episode on meaning, responsibility, and personal growth.

#558 – Tim Urban: How To Take Charge of Your Life’s Direction – Entertaining and mind-expanding, especially if you’re into psychology and decision-making.

#894 – Dan Koe: How to Design Your Life for Peak Creativity – Great for those who want to blend ambition with artistry.

Each episode is like a mini masterclass—ideal for turning traffic time into transformation time.

– Richie Gibson, Founder – Dating Coach, DATING BY RICHIE

Medical Podcast Enhances Doctor’s Patient Recommendations Daily

My favourite podcast that I listen to on my commute is “The Drive with Dr. Peter Attia” as I typically turn the commute into an opportunity to actively learn more. Innovative online medical care require engagement with the latest in medical development considering that as Medical Director with experience as a general practitioner and lifestyle physician at Medical Cert UK, the promotion of innovative online medical care is essential. His critical work on longevity and performance which he discusses in details and with evidences is what I think is applicable in my line at work. As an example, one of the recent episodes that explore the finer points of continuous glucose monitoring gave me a more detailed vision of metabolic health. This insight led to a direct understanding of how I should currently coach patients via the e-consultation route on their eating habits and physical activities especially patients attending to the onset of insulin resistance. That is why this particular, practical knowledge makes the podcast my irreplaceable accessory in professional growth that will help me to provide our patients with genuinely individual and modern recommendations, even when I am at home.

– Dr. Maria Knobel, Medical Director and Co-founder, Medical Cert UK

CEO Podcast Fuels Focus Before Busy Day

If I’m driving to work, I want clarity, not clutter—so my go-to is The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett.

It strikes that rare balance between mindset, leadership, and raw behind-the-scenes business thinking—perfect fuel for shifting into focus mode before a busy day. The conversations aren’t surface-level fluff; they challenge you to think deeper about success, relationships, and resilience.

I’m David Quintero, CEO of NewswireJet. As someone who’s built a performance-driven PR agency, the episodes help me reflect on both growth strategy and personal leadership in real-time.

– David Quintero, CEO and Marketing Expert, NewswireJet

Agent Rise Podcast Builds Real Estate Success Mindset

One podcast I always listen to on my way to work is the “Agent Rise with Neil Mathweg” podcast. On this podcast, Neil shares his own personal experiences in the real estate industry, as well as interviews with other successful agents and experts in the field. He covers a wide range of topics including lead generation, marketing strategies, client communication, and more.

But what truly sets this podcast apart is its focus on mindset and personal growth. Neil emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation for success through self-awareness, purpose-driven actions, and consistent learning. I have found that listening to this podcast not only helps me stay up-to-date with industry trends and strategies, but also motivates me to continuously improve myself as an agent.

– Zach Shepard, Principal, Braddock Investment Group Inc

Buckle Up for Better Commutes

The next time you’re dreading your morning commute, remember that you’re sitting on a goldmine of opportunity. Whether you’re drawn to the philosophical wisdom of The Daily Stoic, the business insights of Acquired, or the storytelling magic of This American Life, there’s a podcast out there that can turn your car into a mobile classroom. The professionals we spoke with prove that the best commuters are doing so much more than just getting from point A to point B. They’re growing, learning, and preparing for success along the way. So plug in those headphones (or turn on your car’s stereo), hit play, and transform your commute from mundane to meaningful.

40+ entrepreneurs share what they’d do differently if starting over: build systems sooner, delegate earlier, focus on niches & trust instincts.

When starting a business, you’re going to make mistakes, but you can’t see them clearly until you’re looking in the rearview mirror. 

I reached out to more than 40 successful entrepreneurs with one simple question: “If you could go back and start your business all over again, what would you do differently and why?” 

Their answers reveal the hard-won wisdom that only comes from building something from scratch. 

From focusing too early on growth to waiting too long to delegate, these founders share the pivotal lessons they wish they’d learned on day one.

The Brutal Truth: What 40+ Business Owners Wish They’d Known on Day One

Zach Shepard, Principal, Braddock Investment Group Inc

If I could do things differently, I would prioritize cultivating stronger connections with other professionals in the industry. I was so focused on making sales and closing deals that I neglected to nurture connections with fellow realtors, mortgage brokers, contractors, and other key players in the industry. I now understand the importance of having a network of trusted colleagues to collaborate with and refer clients to. Building these relationships not only helps in business growth but also creates a sense of community within the industry.

Matthew Davis, Business Lawyer & Firm Owner, Davis Business Law

We run an eight-office law firm that we built in under ten years. The pace has been hectic! The main thing I would have done differently to have made it less stressful, and probably led to even faster growth, is spend more time on projecting the firm’s production and financial metrics. Coupled with this, I would have critically analyzed where my calculations were wrong to get a better understanding of how the firm is really performing and how we can improve. We are significantly better at these skills now, and it leads to much better decisions.

Andrew Peluso, Founder, What Kind Of Bug Is This

I would’ve focused on building a repeatable service offering sooner. Early on, we tried to be everything to everyone—custom projects, every platform, all industries. It stretched the team thin and made it hard to forecast revenue or scale without burning out. What changed the game was when we doubled down on content and SEO for local service businesses. We built templates, processes, and a pricing model that didn’t require reinventing the wheel every time. It made onboarding faster, quality more consistent, and margins healthier.

I think many early-stage founders fall into the same trap—chasing flexibility instead of focus. You want to say yes to everything because you’re trying to grow, but in reality, it muddles your positioning and eats up your resources. The moment we became clear on who we serve best and how we solve their problems, everything became easier—from marketing to hiring to retention. That’s the piece I’d lock in on day one if I were doing it again.

Robert Roth, CEO, Quote For Solar Group

We’d focus even earlier on educating homeowners, not just connecting them with quotes. In the beginning, we were laser-focused on simplifying the quote comparison process, which we still believe is critical. But we’ve learned that many people come to us feeling unsure, not just about which provider to choose, but about the basics of how solar works, what incentives apply, and whether it’s really right for their home. If we had built our education tools right from day one, we could’ve empowered more homeowners from the start to make confident, informed decisions.

We’d also invest sooner in better vetting standards for our installer partners. Over time, we’ve fine-tuned how we evaluate companies, looking beyond pricing and panels to long-term customer care and service quality. That shift came through experience, but had we nailed it from the outset, we could’ve saved some early users from less-than-stellar experiences.

Still, those lessons shaped who we are today. We’re more than a quote comparison site. We’re a trusted guide in an industry that can feel complicated and crowded. If anything, we’d just speed up the evolution that brought us here.

Brandon Thor, CEO, Thor Metals Group

If I could go back and start Thor Metals Group all over again, I’d spend more time early on building deeper relationships with our clients and partners. In the early days, I was so focused on growth and operations that I sometimes missed the bigger picture of long-term trust. Precious metals are a relationship business. People aren’t just buying gold; they’re investing in security, legacy, and a sense of peace of mind. Looking back, I would have spent more time listening, understanding individual goals, and tailoring solutions with even greater care. That foundation pays dividends far beyond any marketing campaign.

I also would’ve brought in a more diverse team sooner. Different perspectives sharpen strategy and reveal risks before they become problems. It’s something I came to value deeply as we grew, but in the beginning, I leaned too heavily on familiarity rather than seeking out those who could challenge me.

Ultimately, every mistake taught me something valuable. But if I could fast-track one lesson, it would be this: relationships and perspective drive sustainable success. The gold itself is just the medium. The real asset is trust, and that’s built through people, not just products. That’s the part I’d start with from day one.

Josh Qian, COO and Co-Founder, Best Online Cabinets

If I could go back and start Bestonlinecabinets all over again, I would prioritize securing our manufacturing capabilities even earlier in our journey. While we initially focused on curating high-quality cabinets from established brands, it became clear that having our own manufacturing would not only enhance our product offerings but also give us greater control over quality and pricing. The feedback from our customers about wanting more customized options was invaluable, and had we acted on that sooner, we could have carved out our niche in the market more quickly.

I would invest more in building relationships with our suppliers and logistics partners right from the start. Strengthening these connections early on would have streamlined our operations and helped us better navigate the complexities of the supply chain as we grew.

Darcy Cudmore, Founder, RepuLinks

I’d focus less on looking polished and more on building trust early. Time went into the wrong things, branding, perfect messaging, and unnecessary details. What helped most was showing results. That builds credibility faster than any design or tagline. If I were starting again, I’d lead with proof, not presentation.

I took on too much work that didn’t fit. Saying yes felt like progress, but it pulled the business in too many directions. Focus wins. The clearer the offer, the easier it is to grow. I’d stay narrow, build consistency, and only take on work that supports long-term goals.

Efforts also went into the wrong channels. Not every platform or tactic needs attention. A few strong wins beat constant noise. Publishing meaningful content, staying consistent, and building real relationships outperformed everything else. I’d stop chasing trends and double down on what works.

The biggest shift would be moving faster on what matters and cutting the rest.

David Zhang, CEO, Kate Backdrops

If I could go back and start Kate Backdrops all over again, I would focus earlier on building a strong, customer-centric culture. While we ultimately grew to prioritize our clients’ needs, starting this from day one would have accelerated our ability to adapt to their evolving preferences and provide unparalleled service.

Also, I would invest sooner in scalable technology to streamline operations and enhance product quality. These proactive steps would have positioned us to grow even faster and respond to market demands with greater agility.

Delaney Rietveld, Website Copywriter, Dark Roast Copy Co.

I would rethink who I learned from. Full transparency, I’m a creative woman in her 20s who built her business from scratch. From the beginning, I should have been learning from people who were similar to me. As in, why was I hiring people twice my age to teach me stuff, when they weren’t even creative business owners?

There’s a misconception that “business” needs to be really professional, buttoned-up, and stale. I was trying to fit into that mold when I first started. Now? My business is completely free-flowing, creative, and fun (and so are my clients.) I only wish I started building that for myself sooner.

Georgi Petrov, CMO, Entrepreneur, and Content Creator, AIG MARKETER

If I could start my business over, I’d focus much earlier on building systems and processes instead of trying to do everything myself. Early on, I wore too many hats, which slowed growth and led to burnout. Investing in the right tools and delegating sooner would have freed up time to focus on strategy and scaling. I’d also prioritize customer feedback earlier, using it to shape offerings instead of guessing what the market wanted. These changes would have saved time, reduced costly mistakes, and accelerated growth. Learning to balance action with planning is one of the most challenging yet most valuable lessons I’ve learned. Starting smarter, not just harder, makes all the difference.

Dan Grigin, Founder & General Manager, Elephant Floors

I’d invest in a mobile showroom from day one. Too many customers struggle to envision how flooring looks in their homes versus our bright showroom. After seeing countless customers make decisions they later regretted, I realized we needed to bring the showroom to them. Now our sample delivery service solves this, but a mobile unit would have saved years of customer disappointment.

Paul Jameson, Founder, Aura Funerals

If I could go back and start Aura all over again, I’d spend more time upfront building the right team and getting clearer on what kind of culture I wanted to create. In the early days, I was so focused on getting the business off the ground that I underestimated how important the people side of things would be. The right team doesn’t just execute your vision, they shape it, challenge it, and often make it better. I’d also be quicker to trust my gut. There were moments I second-guessed myself, especially when the stakes felt high, but I’ve learned that instincts honed by lived experience are usually pointing you in the right direction. Looking back, I also think I’d be less afraid of saying no. Opportunities come along that seem great on paper but can pull you away from what really matters. Staying focused on Aura’s mission to bring more humanity and care into funeral services is what’s helped us grow in a meaningful way. I’m proud of what we’ve built, but there’s always something to learn. If I had the chance to do it again, I’d lean into those lessons sooner and trust that staying true to our purpose is what drives everything else.

Aspen Noonan, CEO, Elevate Holistics

If I could start over. I would have made assembling a more specialized, cohesive team my first priority right away.  I took on too many roles in the beginning.  This caused decision-making to lag and made it harder to distinguish between doing and leading.  Delegating was about having a system, not about losing control.  I would have had more time to concentrate on expansion and long-term planning if I had brought in professionals sooner.

I also would have invested earlier in scalable systems. When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to patch things together with tools that just get the job done. That works until it doesn’t. We spent time rebuilding processes that could have been set up right the first time with a clearer view of future growth. Looking back, I underestimated the value of a strong operational backbone.

What I wouldn’t change is the mission. That has always been clear and rooted in something deeper than revenue. The work has always been about access, dignity, and removing barriers to care. Starting a business in the health space demands focus and flexibility. You learn fast what matters most. Those early missteps were necessary. They sharpened my ability to lead with intention and made the foundation stronger than I ever expected.

Corina Tham, Sales, Marketing and Business Development Director, CheapForexVPS

If I could restart my business journey, I would focus on establishing a solid base in trading methodologies and technological adaptation from the outset. When I initially launched, I wasted too much energy trying to perfect minor details instead of concentrating on scaling the core elements that truly matter, such as ensuring customer satisfaction and creating a reliable infrastructure. I would have placed greater emphasis on understanding my audience and tailoring CheapForexVPS’s offerings to their specific demands from day one.

Another major shift would have been to implement SEO and online marketing techniques earlier to foster organic traction, as these have become pivotal in my work as a Sales, Marketing, and Business Development Director. I’ve come to realize the value of introducing automation systems early in trading operations to optimize time and resources. Cultivating meaningful networks with clients and collaborators would also have been higher on my priority list—these relationships have significantly influenced my career achievements.

Lastly, I would strive to balance innovation with practicality; often, straightforward approaches yield the best results in both trading and business growth. These lessons have shaped how I now seamlessly integrate my trading knowledge with modern strategies to deliver outstanding results.

Betsy Pepine, Owner and Real Estate Broker, Pepine Realty

I would slow down and focus before growing. In the beginning, I moved fast without strong systems or structure. That led to mistakes and unnecessary setbacks. A smaller, stable foundation would have delivered better results. Growth works best when built on consistency and discipline.

I’d also say no more. I wasted time and resources on things that didn’t support the mission. Not every opportunity is worth it. Now I ask one question. Does this help the team, the client, or the community? If not, I move on.

I’d take better care of myself, too. I pushed through stress and skipped rest. That hurt my leadership. Your business reflects your energy. If you’re off track, so is your team. Before building bigger, make sure you’re building right.

Andrew Osborne, Owner, Ozzie Mowing & Gardening

If I could go back and start Ozzie Mowing & Gardening all over again, one thing I would do differently is invest earlier in building a strong network of reliable suppliers and skilled subcontractors. In the early days, I tried to handle too much on my own, which stretched me thin and occasionally impacted the speed of service delivery. Once I started leaning into the connections I’d built over the years working in the industry and backed that up with my horticultural training, I was able to partner with people who shared my standards and values. That shift allowed me to focus more on designing, planning and delivering high quality results for my clients, while trusting others to support with materials and specialised tasks.

A great example of this was a large landscaping job for a client who needed a full garden transformation, including native planting, irrigation and paving. Thanks to my qualifications as a horticulturist, I was able to create a planting scheme that suited the soil and sun exposure perfectly, but it was my relationships with trusted trades and my experience managing over 700 projects that helped me coordinate everything seamlessly. The job was completed ahead of schedule, the plants thrived, and the client ended up hiring us again for ongoing maintenance. That project was a clear turning point where I saw the value of leaning on both experience and professional networks to get the best outcome.

Alex Cornici, Marketing & PR Coordinator, Magic Hour AI

When I first started my business, I underestimated the importance of a solid business plan. I jumped in based on passion alone, which, don’t get me wrong, is crucial, but it’s like setting sail without a map. This time around, I’d definitely spend more time planning, especially focusing on the financial forecasts and market research. It’s these blueprints that help anticipate hurdles and keep you on track financially.

Another thing I’d change is how I approached marketing. Initially, I relied too much on word of mouth and underestimated the power of social media and online marketing. If I were to do it over, I’d invest in a good marketing strategy right from the start. Engaging with potential customers on multiple platforms can really boost your business’s visibility and growth. Always remember, knowing your audience and where to find them is half the battle won.

Max Shak, Founder/CEO, Zapiy

If I could go back and start Zapiy.com all over again, I’d do one thing much sooner: get crystal clear on the problem we were solving—and for whom.

Like many early-stage founders, I made the classic mistake of building too fast without enough friction. We had a great product idea, a talented team, and plenty of momentum. But we didn’t spend enough time deeply validating our core assumption: does this solve a painful enough problem that people are willing to pay for it, today—not in theory, but in practice?

Looking back, I would’ve slowed down just enough to double down on customer discovery—real, unfiltered conversations with our target users, before a single line of code was written. I would’ve asked harder questions, been less attached to our original vision, and more open to pivoting early. That would’ve saved us from some expensive detours and a few months of building features no one truly needed.

I’d also invest earlier in brand and content. Not just SEO or performance marketing, but building trust through thought leadership and storytelling. People don’t buy just for features—they buy from companies they believe understand them. That trust compounds over time, and I underestimated its long-term value in the beginning.

Lastly, I would’ve prioritized hiring people not just for skills, but for mindset. In the early days, attitude and adaptability beat resume credentials every time. The right people don’t just do the job—they shape the direction.

Starting a business teaches you fast, but in hindsight, alignment—between product, people, and purpose—is where the real leverage lives. And the sooner you find it, the stronger your foundation becomes.

Joe Spisak, CEO, Fulfill.com

If I could start Fulfill.com over again, I’d focus on three key areas that would have accelerated our growth and reduced growing pains.

First, I’d build our technology infrastructure with greater scalability from day one. When we initially connected eCommerce brands with 3PLs, our matching process was more manual than I’d like to admit. Having experienced the challenges of scaling tech systems firsthand, I’d invest more upfront in flexible architecture that could accommodate rapid growth without requiring constant rebuilds.

Second, I’d establish more comprehensive vetting procedures for our 3PL partners earlier. This insight comes directly from my own journey—before Fulfill.com, I ran my own 3PL called ShipDaddy after experiencing frustration with three different fulfillment providers for my eCommerce board game business. I intimately understand what makes a great 3PL partner versus a mediocre one. The more rigorous our selection process, the better outcomes for our clients.

Finally, I’d focus on educating the market sooner about the strategic importance of fulfillment. Many businesses view logistics as a cost center rather than a competitive advantage. Having witnessed countless brands transform their growth trajectory with the right fulfillment partner, I know this mindset shift is crucial.

What I wouldn’t change? Starting this business in the first place. The logistics space is filled with complexity and frustration—that’s precisely why connecting brands with the right partners matters so much. When I was shipping board games from my parents’ garage before scaling to a 140,000-square-foot warehouse, I experienced firsthand how the right fulfillment strategy can transform a business.

The most rewarding aspect of building Fulfill.com has been seeing brands find partnerships that unlock their potential, something I wish I’d had when I was in their shoes.

Travis Rieken, Sr. Director of Product Management, Easy Ice

I’d focus earlier on building alignment across teams. In the beginning, departments moved on different timelines and priorities. This created confusion, delays, and missed opportunities. When teams stay disconnected, problems stack up, and progress stalls. Setting clear routines for communication would save time. Quick, focused check-ins help teams move with purpose and reduce friction across the board.

I’d also avoid chasing too many ideas at once. Adding features or options without clear value only drains resources and slows momentum. Without focus, execution slips. Some projects never finish. Others don’t solve real problems. Keep the basics strong and make sure they work. That drives better results over time.

Growth comes from focus, clear feedback, and steady execution. Most problems come from mixed priorities or weak communication, not missing skills. When alignment is strong, execution becomes sharper and faster. Fixing root problems early reduces waste, builds trust, and keeps teams moving forward with confidence.

Michael Moran, Owner and President, Green Lion Search

If I could go back and start Green Lion Search all over again, I’d trust my instincts more, and waste a lot less time chasing reassurances.

In the early days, I second-guessed a lot. I’d have a gut feeling about a candidate, a client fit, or even a business decision, and instead of acting on it, I’d go looking for validation: more data, more opinions, more consensus. It felt like the responsible thing to do, but in reality, it often just slowed me down or diluted my direction.

What I thought was impulse was actually highly informed by experience, and more often than not, my initial instinct was the right move. The real risk was letting the opportunity blow past me while I was double-checking my due diligence.

So, if I were doing it again, I’d move faster and with more confidence.

That’s not to say I’d throw strategy out the window. But I’d give more weight to my own perspective early on, rather than looking outward.

Ivan Rodimushkin, Founder, CEO, XS Supply

I did not realize how complicated compliance could be. I would have involved legal and regulatory experts from day one. Handling extra medical stock is not just about storage or shipping, it also involves laws, ethics, and different rules in each area.

We made some mistakes at first, but they taught us a big lesson: having clear and complete records is not just a formality. It builds trust, shows you are serious, and helps avoid future problems. Now, we document everything carefully, and that simple change has greatly impacted how we are seen.

Joel Miller, President, Miller Pest & Termite

If I could go back and start Miller Pest & Termite all over again, I’d invest in building a better hiring and training system from day one. In the early years, I focused almost entirely on expanding our customer base—adding more routes, more trucks, and more calls. But I didn’t put the same energy into building the right team structure. We’d hire fast when things got busy, throw new techs into the field with a short ride-along, and hope they figured it out. Some did, but we lost a lot of good people who could have stayed if they’d had better onboarding.

That gap hit hard when a couple of senior techs left in the same month and I realized how much institutional knowledge walked out with them. Since then, we’ve built a training program that includes a mix of fieldwork, shadowing, and check-ins throughout the first 90 days. It’s made a massive difference in retention and consistency. Looking back, I wish I’d realized earlier that growth without strong people systems underneath it is just a mess waiting to happen. You can always sell more work, but if you can’t deliver it well, it won’t last.

James Bandy, Managing Director, TriVista Digital and Technology

If I could start over, I’d focus on making sure every tech effort connects to a clear business goal. Many teams jump into tools too fast and lose sight of results. That wastes time and slows progress. When you start with the outcome, teams move faster and make better choices.

I’d also bring in experienced leaders earlier. Early on, we relied on people doing too many things. That made decisions slow and messy. Once we had experts focused on key areas like security and operations, things improved fast. Clear roles and ownership made the work smoother.

I’d also change how we measure work. Charging for hours doesn’t always lead to results. Tying work to impact builds trust and pushes everyone to focus. It’s better for clients and the team.

Starting strong matters. When you focus on outcomes, bring in the right people, and track real results, everything moves forward with less waste.

Seamus Nally, CEO, TurboTenant

This is a great question. I am so pleased with where we are today, so I wouldn’t want to change much, however if I had to do something differently, I think I would expand my team earlier. We had a very small team for a while, and because of that I remember feeling pretty overworked and burnt out, having to take on so many responsibilities. I think I waited a bit too long to expand the team simply because I was afraid of accidentally doing that prematurely, but I definitely could have done it earlier and we would have all benefited from that.

Lisa Clark, Director, Bell Fire and Security

I’d bring in operational support earlier and stop trying to do everything myself.

In the first year, I handled every detail. Scheduling, compliance checks, quoting, customer service, stock, and fleet. That kept things tight but slowed growth. I thought staying hands-on meant staying in control. It didn’t. It meant firefighting. Once I hired support staff to manage scheduling and admin, engineers had fewer delays, customers got quicker updates, and I had time to focus on planning and strategy.

I also waited too long to invest in better systems. We used spreadsheets, emails, and paper files far longer than we should have. Job tracking was slow. Communication was messy. Switching to a central system gave everyone real-time visibility. Engineers, office staff, and clients worked from the same data. That reduced mistakes, saved time, and improved service. That change should have come in month six, not year two.

I would have been more selective with projects. We said yes to everything at the start. That included jobs outside our strengths. They added pressure, dragged timelines, and hurt team morale. Focusing only on work that fits our expertise helped us serve clients better and keep quality high.

If I started again, I’d ask for help sooner, simplify our systems, and say no more often. You need to protect your time and energy from day one. What task are you doing right now that someone else should own? That’s where to start.

Ender Korkmaz, CEO, Heat&Cool

If I had the chance to start over, I would focus more on learning what HVAC customers need in different parts of the country. The country is large, and the weather varies a lot. What sells well in a hot and humid place might not work in a cold place, and what works in a rainy place does not work in a hot place. 

Back then, my team and I treated the HVAC market as one big group, which slowed us down. Planning our inventory and marketing based on local climates would have helped us connect better with customers and avoid wasted stock. It is a simple change that could have made us faster and more focused from the start.

Lord Robert Newborough, Owner, Rhug Organic Farm & Rhug Ltd

If we had to start over, we would plan with more flexibility in mind. The land taught us to be patient, but the market moves fast. We did not realize how quickly customer needs and habits would change.

Now, we are quicker to adjust, like setting up a drive-thru or changing how we run farm tours for school kids. In the past, we focused on building something steady and strong. But looking back, we see that being more open to change early on could have helped us grow faster and stay better connected with the people we serve.

Michael Yerardi, Founder & CEO, Turning Point Home Buyers

I have gained valuable experience and knowledge over the years that has helped me grow my business. However, there are always things we wish we could do differently if given the chance. Reflecting on this question, there are a few key areas where I would make changes to my approach.

Also, I would place more emphasis on building strong relationships with clients from the very beginning. While delivering results is important in any business, establishing trust and rapport with clients is crucial in the real estate industry. It not only leads to repeat business and referrals but also creates a positive reputation for your brand.

I would also focus on implementing effective systems and processes right from the start. As the market is ever-changing, having a solid foundation of systems in place can help streamline operations and adapt quickly to new market trends. This could include using technology for efficient communication, task management, and data analysis.

Eugene Leow Zhao Wei, Director, Marketing Agency Singapore

If I could rewind and do it all over, I’d focus less on services and more on productized offerings from day one. In the early years, we said yes to everything—custom campaigns, one-off projects, messy scopes. It got us work, but it also burned time and blurred our positioning. Clients didn’t always know what we stood for, and neither did we.

Looking back, the smartest move would’ve been packaging what we were best at—like SEO audits or social content plans—into clear, repeatable products. It would’ve saved countless hours on proposals, reduced scope creep, and built brand clarity much faster. That structure now lets us scale without losing our sanity. So if you’re just starting out: make it easy for clients to understand what you do and how they can buy it.

Kevin Heimlich, Digital Marketing Consultant & Chief Executive Officer, The Ad Firm

If I could go back and start The Ad Firm all over again, the very first thing I’d do differently, without a doubt, is specialize much earlier. When I first started out, especially fresh off my real estate experience and seeing the possibilities of digital marketing, my natural instinct was to say “yes” to every single client opportunity that came our way. We truly tried to be everything to everyone.

The problem with that approach, I quickly learned, is that it really dilutes your expertise. It becomes much harder to genuinely stand out in a crowded market when you’re trying to master every single facet of digital marketing for every single industry. If I had a do-over, I would choose a specific niche from the beginning, such as B2B SaaS lead generation or e-commerce conversion for a particular product type, and then dedicate all our energy to becoming the undisputed experts in that one area. Focusing like that not only attracts higher-value clients who specifically need your precise expertise, but it also makes your marketing efforts so much simpler and more powerful. It truly defines who you are and what you do best.

Ahmed Yousuf, SEO Expert & Financial Author, Customers Chain

If I could hit reset, I’d focus on building an audience before building offers. In the beginning, I spent too much time perfecting services and systems, assuming “if it’s good, they’ll come.” They didn’t; at least not fast.

What I’d do differently is start creating value-driven content from day one: case studies, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, even quick wins on LinkedIn or email. That early visibility compounds faster than any cold outreach.

The biggest lesson? Trust builds before sales happen. If people know your voice, see your thinking, and get consistent value, the business part comes much easier and with fewer awkward pitches.

Richie Gibson, Owner/Dating Coach, DATING BY RICHIE

If I could start over and rebuild my business from scratch, I’d make one major change: I’d quit jumping from idea to idea and commit fully to one venture. Looking back, it feels like such an obvious choice—but at the time, each new concept felt like the one. I wasn’t just chasing trends for fun—I genuinely believed I was being creative and flexible. But what I didn’t realize was that spreading my focus so thin was slowing me down far more than it was helping me move forward.

In reality, I was splitting my focus, scattering my energy, and diluting the impact I could’ve made by staying the course with a single, well-chosen path.

At the beginning, it’s easy to get swept up in the thrill of new ideas. Everything feels wide open—you’re free to explore, driven by curiosity, and surrounded by endless inspiration just a click away. That kind of energy is electric. It makes you feel like anything’s possible.

But here’s the problem: switching from one concept to another—before the first even takes root—leads to a cycle of false starts. I wasn’t giving any of my ventures the time or focus they deserved to flourish.

What I’ve learned is that mastery takes time. Markets don’t reward dabblers—they reward depth, resilience, and consistency. If I’d picked one idea and nurtured it through the hard, messy middle, I would’ve built not just a product or service, but a brand with a voice, an audience, and momentum.

The magic happens when your energy isn’t constantly resetting. It compounds. With a single venture, you can streamline your processes, build trust with your audience, and refine your offer based on real feedback—not hypothetical possibilities from a pivot that came too soon.

So if I could go back, I wouldn’t brainstorm more—I’d build more. I’d plant one flag and defend it. Because real growth doesn’t come from trying everything. It comes from showing up for one thing, every day, until it works. And if that isn’t the heart of entrepreneurship, I don’t know what is.

If you’re in the middle of choosing between ideas, let this be a nudge: pick the one that won’t leave you alone and go all in. You’ll thank yourself later. I know I would.

Vic Fiore, Co-Founder, Magnolia Home Remodeling Group

I would start with more focus and patience.

In the early days, the goal was fast growth. More work, more clients, more activity. That led to scattered priorities and uneven results. If I start again, I’d take it slow and focus on basics. Set standards. Stay consistent. Take on the right opportunities, not every opportunity. Growth without structure creates more problems than progress.

I’d also pay closer attention to how things operate behind the scenes. Too much depended on one person doing too many things. That created pressure and weak points. I would’ve built better systems earlier. Defined roles. Clear processes. Routines that made the day smoother. Once those were in place, everything from client service to job performance improved.

Marketing needed the same shift. I believed good work would speak for itself. But visibility matters. People search online. They check reviews. They want proof. I would’ve focused sooner on showing that work—sharing results, staying active online, and building trust through consistent messaging. You don’t need a large reach to make a strong impact. You need to show up where it counts.

Neil Fried, Senior Vice President, EcoATMB2B

If I could rewind the clock and start over, I’d spend more time upfront building a tighter alignment between strategy and execution. Early on, I was so focused on big-picture growth,  the deals, the partnerships, the capital,  that I occasionally underestimated how critical it is to have every team pulling in the same direction from day one. I’ve learned that momentum is fragile. It doesn’t matter how strong the strategy looks on paper if the execution lacks clarity or buy-in. I’d also put more emphasis on culture as a strategic asset. In high-growth or turbulent markets, culture isn’t just a feel-good factor, it’s what holds everything together when things get messy. Finally, I would’ve said “no” more often. Not every shiny opportunity is the right one, and learning to focus on fewer, higher-impact moves earlier would’ve saved time, money, and energy. That said, I don’t believe in regrets. Each misstep taught me something I’ve carried into future partnerships and investments. The messiness is part of the process. But if I were starting fresh, I’d walk in with sharper focus, tighter alignment, and a much clearer sense of what actually moves the needle.

Kritika Kanodia, CEO, Estorytellers

If I could start Estorytellers all over again, I’d invest earlier in systems and delegation. In the beginning, I tried to do everything myself—from client calls to backend operations—which slowed growth and led to burnout.

I’ve learned that building a solid team and trusting them with responsibility frees up your time to think bigger and lead better. I’d also focus more on building community and brand storytelling from day one, not just conversions. That emotional connection with clients is what drives long-term success in our business.

My advice is to prioritize people and processes early. It makes the journey smoother and the impact stronger.

Tashlien Nunn, CEO, Apps Plus

If I could go back and start Apps Plus all over again, I’d focus earlier on narrowing our niche. In the beginning, we tried to serve everyone, which diluted our impact. It wasn’t until we got really clear on who we were best positioned to help that things accelerated. I’d also invest in building out our leadership team sooner. I spent too much time in the weeds early on, which slowed our growth. Having the right people in the right roles not only freed me up to focus on strategy but also created space for the business to mature faster. Another big one would be prioritizing partnerships. The tech world moves fast, and collaborating with the right partners opens doors you simply can’t force open alone. I learned that the hard way, trying to build too much in-house when collaboration would have been a smarter move. Still, I don’t regret the journey, it taught me the value of focus, trust, and knowing when to let go. If anything, starting again would just mean accelerating what I now know works. Clarity, talent, and connection aren’t just nice to have. They’re what move the needle. And I’d double down on all three from day one.

Temmo Kinoshita, Co-Founder, Lindenwood Marketing

If I had a do-over with Lindenwood, I’d lock down our internal systems way earlier—things like onboarding flows, campaign checklists, and reporting frameworks. In the early days, we relied on instinct and hustle, which got the job done but made everything slower and more stressful than it needed to be.

Once we finally built out clear processes, we saw immediate lift: fewer missteps, faster turnaround, and a better experience for clients and team alike. It turned chaos into consistency.

Bottom line: your talent gets you started, but your systems are what let you scale. Build them sooner than you think you need to.

Tony Ragan, President, Absolute Pest Management

I’d invest in building stronger systems from day one. In the early years, everything lived in my head—routes, pricing, how we handled certain pests. That worked when it was just me and maybe one other tech, but once we started growing, things got messy fast. I recall that once, we double-booked three appointments on the same day because there was no shared calendar. It made us look unprofessional and stressed the team out. If I’d taken the time early on to set up better processes, we could’ve scaled smoothly and saved ourselves a lot of headaches.

What I’ve learned is that structure doesn’t kill flexibility—it enables it. When your team knows where to find information, how to handle issues, and what’s expected, they’re more confident, and you’re less tied to the day-to-day. So if I had to start from scratch, I’d map out those workflows, even if they seemed basic at the time. You can always adjust as you grow, but you can’t retroactively install a foundation once things are already moving too fast.

Jonathan Anderson, Co-Founder, Green Home Pest Control

If I could start over, I’d invest in stronger financial ops from day one. Early on, we focused so much on product and sales that we treated budgeting like an afterthought. I remember scrambling to figure out burn rate during our first real cash crunch—it was avoidable, and it distracted us at a critical growth point.

Since then, we’ve built out proper forecasting and scenario planning, even for small decisions. If I had done that earlier, we could’ve scaled cleaner and with less stress. It’s not the flashiest part of running a business, but it’s what keeps the lights on when things get messy.

Samantha Stuart, Co-Founder, Magic City Pest Control

If I could start over, I’d invest earlier in customer onboarding and success—not just as a support function, but as a growth engine. In our first year, we were so focused on acquiring new clients that we treated onboarding like a checklist instead of a strategic moment. We’d hand off the product, send some docs, and move on. But looking back, we missed a huge opportunity to build stickiness early. The turning point came when a long-time customer churned and cited confusion about feature value—something that could’ve easily been addressed in week one.

Now, we treat onboarding like a campaign. We map out the first 90 days with intentional milestones, proactive check-ins, and even tailored mini-trainings. It’s not just about making sure users can log in—it’s about getting them to their first “aha” moment fast. If I had understood sooner how closely retention ties back to that early experience, I would’ve built the function from day one, not retrofitted it after mistakes.

Matt Purcell, Owner, PCI Pest Control

I’d invest in building a real sales engine much earlier. For the first couple of years, we relied almost entirely on referrals and word of mouth. It worked fine—until it didn’t. When deal flow slowed, we had no outbound strategy, no CRM hygiene, and no clear offer that someone could sell if it wasn’t me. I didn’t think of sales as a system; I thought of it as something I just had to do when needed.

Looking back, we could’ve grown faster and with less volatility if we’d treated sales like a product—something to refine, test, and operationalize. Now we’ve built that engine, and it’s changed everything. It’s not about being aggressive—it’s about being intentional. If you’re starting out now, don’t wait for the referral train to run out of steam before you figure out how to sell. Build the process before you need it.

Anthony Sorrentino, Owner, Pest Pros of Michigan

I would’ve documented our processes from day one. In the beginning, it felt easier to just show someone how to do something in person or explain it on the fly. But as we grew and added more techs, that approach fell apart fast. Everyone started doing things a little differently—treatment methods, how they talked to customers, even how they stocked their trucks. It wasn’t until we had a few service missteps and some uneven reviews that I realized we needed clear, repeatable systems.

Looking back, building those SOPs earlier would’ve saved us a lot of headaches. It’s not just about consistency—it’s about giving your team the confidence that they’re doing it right. Now we’ve got a shared digital handbook, short training videos, and service checklists that new hires can rely on. My advice to any new owner? Don’t wait until things break to systematize. Build it while it’s small, and scaling becomes a whole lot smoother.

Chris Rowland, Owner, Rowland Pest Management

I’d focus on building out our internal systems and documentation earlier. When we first started, everything was stored in my head—routes, customer notes, treatment preferences, and billing quirks. That worked fine when it was just me or a couple of guys, but as we grew, it created confusion and bottlenecks. People had to come to me for answers constantly, and that slowed everything down. It wasn’t scalable, and I didn’t realize how much that would hold us back until we were already feeling the pain.

Looking back, I would’ve taken the time to document processes, create checklists, and invest in software that could grow with us. Having that structure from the start would’ve saved us from a lot of trial and error—and probably a few frustrated employees. The lesson I learned is that hustle can only take you so far. If you want a business that lasts, you have to build a foundation that lets other people succeed without you standing over their shoulder every day.

Jay Vincent, Owner, Smart Solutions Pest Control

I’d invest in building a stronger customer onboarding system from day one. In the early stages, we were so focused on selling that we treated onboarding as a checklist—get the contract signed, hand them a setup guide, move on. What we didn’t realize was how much churn we were creating just by not holding their hand through those first few weeks. One client even told us, “I wanted to love it, but I never really figured out how to use it.” That hit hard.

Looking back, I would have built onboarding as a product in itself: structured milestones, proactive check-ins, and a dedicated team to guide customers through early value. It would have saved us months of rework and rebuilt the trust we lost early on. The lesson? Retention starts before the first renewal. If your customers don’t feel successful fast, you won’t keep them long enough to fix it later.

How Would YOU Start Over If You Could?

The patterns in these responses are striking. Whether running a pest control company, a tech startup, or a marketing agency, successful entrepreneurs consistently wish they had built stronger foundations such as better systems, clearer processes, and more focused strategies from day one.

The most repeated themes? Stop trying to do everything yourself, narrow your focus instead of chasing every opportunity, and invest in the unglamorous backend work that actually scales a business.

As Richie Gibson put it perfectly: “Real growth doesn’t come from trying everything. It comes from showing up for one thing, every day, until it works.”

If you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey, take these lessons to heart. You don’t have to learn everything the hard way. Sometimes the best business advice comes from those brave enough to admit their mistakes, and generous enough to help you avoid making the same ones.

30+ business leaders share their favorite business podcasts for entrepreneurs and the biggest lessons learned. Discover which shows top performers listen to.

Wondering which business podcasts are actually worth your time? I reached out to 30+ successful entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business leaders with one simple question: “What is your favorite podcast for business owners, and why?” As a bonus, I asked them to share the biggest business lesson they learned from their go-to show. 

Their responses reveal not just the most popular podcasts among high performers, but the specific insights that helped shape their business success. From mindset shifts to tactical strategies, here’s what the pros are listening to and learning from.

The Most Recommended Business Podcasts by Real Entrepreneurs

I’m not going to make you read all the quotes to get to the list of the top business podcasts. I can’t stand when articles do that just to keep you on the page! 😭

Of course, I would love it if you read some if not all of the responses that were shared. 😉

Still, a promise is a promise🤣 So, here’s the top podcasts that showed up throughout all of the responses I received:

• The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett

• How I Built This with Guy Raz

• The Tim Ferriss Show

• The Game by Alex Hormozi

• Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman

• Smart Passive Income by Pat Flynn

• Entrepreneurs on Fire with John Lee Dumas

• Business Made Simple with Donald Miller

• My First Million by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri

• 20VC with Harry Stebbings

• Foundr Podcast with Nathan Chan

• The Knowledge Project by Shane Parrish

• HBR IdeaCast from Harvard Business Review

• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

• The Home Service Expert with Tommy Mello

• Founders by David Senra

• The Bottom Line on BBC Radio 4

Now, if you want to learn more about the amazing folks that responded, why they chose these shows, keep reading. The insights below are pretty fascinating in my opinion!

Samantha Stuart, Co-Founder, Magic City Pest Control

One podcast that’s had a real impact on me is Founders by David Senra. It’s not your typical startup advice show, it’s a deep look into the biographies of historical entrepreneurs. What I love is how it strips away the shiny, modern veneer and shows you the gritty, obsessive consistency that built enduring businesses. It’s helped me zoom out and think long-term, especially in moments when I’m caught up in the chaos of day-to-day fires.

The biggest lesson I took from Founders is the idea that focus is a competitive advantage. There was an episode on Nike’s Phil Knight that stuck with me. He relentlessly protected the core mission of the company, even when everyone around him wanted to pursue new and shiny categories. It made me reevaluate a few side initiatives we had going and double down on the thing we do best. That single mental shift saved us months of distraction and probably kept us from diluting the brand.

Ranger Kielak, Holistic Success Coach, Within Range Life Coaching LLC

My favorite podcast for business owners is The Game by Alex Hormozi.

It’s no fluff, no hype–just honest, tactical insight from someone who’s been in the trenches. I like that he doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of building a business. It’s straightforward, it’s practical, and it challenges the excuses we tell ourselves.

Biggest business lesson?

“This is what hard feels like.”

That line hit me. It reframed everything. It’s not supposed to feel easy–it’s supposed to feel hard. That’s how you know you’re doing something meaningful. So now, when things get tough, I remind myself: this is the work. Lean in.

Zach Shepard, Principal, Braddock Investment Group Inc

One of my top recommendations for business owners is “The Tim Ferriss Show.” I’ve been a devoted listener since it launched in 2014, and I’m continually impressed by the diverse range of guests and the valuable insights they bring to each episode.

From successful entrepreneurs and CEOs to world-renowned athletes and performers, Tim Ferriss interviews individuals who have achieved extraordinary levels of success in their fields. What sets this podcast apart is not just the caliber of guests, but also the depth of conversation and practical takeaways for listeners.

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, there is always something to learn from this podcast. From productivity hacks and time management strategies to mindset shifts and personal growth techniques, “The Tim Ferriss Show” offers valuable insights that can be applied to any aspect of life.

Niclas Schlopsna, Managing Consultant and CEO, spectup

One of my go-to podcasts is The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett. It doesn’t always stick to traditional business topics, which is exactly why I like it. There’s a raw honesty in the conversations—real talk about leadership, burnout, imposter syndrome, and the stuff you won’t find in most startup blogs. I remember listening to an episode on emotional intelligence in business where Steven dissected how self-awareness plays a bigger role than strategy, especially when leading under pressure. That one stuck with me because, frankly, in my early days at spectup, I thought knowing the market and building investor decks was enough. Turns out, people follow people, not plans.

The biggest business lesson I took from the show is that your ability to sit with discomfort—uncertainty, tough conversations, rejection—is a stronger predictor of success than your ability to “optimize” everything. I once had a client at spectup who was panicking mid-fundraise because nothing was landing. Instead of overhauling the strategy, we just slowed down and addressed the uncomfortable truths in their positioning. That tweak made the round oversubscribed. Listening to others who’ve been through those fires helps keep things in perspective.

Valentin Radu, CEO & Founder, Blogger, Speaker, Podcaster, Omniconvert

The key takeaway for me was leveraging customer insights to foster meaningful relationships, a principle central to our work in CRO and CVO. As the CEO of Omniconvert, I’ve embraced these lessons to help eCommerce businesses use data to enhance customer experiences, drive conversions, and build lasting loyalty. It’s clear that true growth stems from vision, strategy, and understanding your customers.

Austin Benton, Marketing Consultant, Gotham Artists

Podcast: 20VC with Harry Stebbings

It’s not just for VCs—20VC is a masterclass in how high-level operators actually think. What I love most is how Harry drags out the unsexy mechanics behind big success: hiring misfires, pricing psychology, GTM pivots. He gets founders to admit things they wouldn’t put on LinkedIn.

Biggest Lesson: From a random episode with David Sacks—he said most founders die from “founder-induced complexity.” That hit hard. It made me audit every part of SpeakerDrive and ask: “Are we doing this because it works, or because we can?” We cut 3 features after that and conversions improved. Sometimes, growth is subtraction.

Ben Davis, CEO, The Gents Place

One podcast I return to is “The Tim Ferriss Show.” He interviews top performers from business, sports, and the military. What stands out is how he drills into habits, systems, and decision-making. It’s not theoretical. You get actual practices you can test in your daily life. I’ve applied some of these in my own leadership style at The Gents Place. For example, the way Tim blocks time on his calendar for deep work made me rethink how I protect time to focus on long-term strategy instead of being buried in operations.

The biggest lesson I’ve pulled from the show came from an episode with Jim Collins, author of *Good to Great*. Collins talks about the difference between being a time-teller and a clock-builder. A time-teller gives answers. A clock-builder creates systems that outlast them. That changed the way I lead my team. I now focus more on building repeatable processes instead of just solving problems. When we onboard new franchisees, we’re not just handing them tools. We’re giving them systems that teach them how to lead and build their own teams. That shift helped us grow without losing what makes The Gents Place special.

Joe Horan, Owner & CEO, Jumper Bee

One podcast I listen to often is How I Built This with Guy Raz. It’s simple. Business owners share real stories. Not only wins, but the hard parts too, slow growth, bad calls, and pressure. That kind of honesty helps. It shows what success looks like behind the scenes. No shortcuts. Just work and patience.

One episode made a strong point. Waiting too long often costs more than acting sooner. That pushed me to stop holding back on key changes. I made fast, clear decisions. Removed what didn’t work. Put more into what you did. Results followed. Not perfect, but better.

This podcast reminds me that struggle is normal. Growth takes time. Being clear and steady matters more than being fast. That’s what keeps me focused.

Brandon Thor, CEO, Thor Metals Group

One of my favorite podcasts for business owners is The Game by Alex Hormozi. I like that it’s direct, tactical, and brutally honest without being overly polished. A lot of business content can feel rehearsed or theoretical, but Hormozi cuts through that. He talks about growth from the trenches, all of it backed by experience, not fluff. For someone like me, who operates in a tangible space like precious metals, I appreciate how grounded his perspective is.

The biggest business lesson I’ve taken from the podcast is the idea that businesses don’t rise to the level of their ambition, they fall to the level of their infrastructure. That hit me. It’s easy to dream big, especially in an industry like gold where the stakes are high and the market moves fast. But without the right systems, people, and processes, even the best strategy falls apart. That mindset has shaped how we grow Thor Metals Group. We focus heavily on building a foundation that can support scale without sacrificing service or trust. The podcast reminded me that consistency and structure are what drive long-term success, not just ambition. And that’s a message more entrepreneurs need to hear.

Justin Lovely, Owner, Lovely Law Firm Injury Lawyers

His leadership advice also forced us to tighten operations. We built team scorecards with one key number per role. Intake focuses on conversions. Paralegals track deadlines. Attorneys log closed cases. Weekly check-ins are faster and more focused. Everyone knows what matters and what to fix. No more guessing, no more excuses.

Miller’s podcast helps eliminate noise. You don’t need more content. You need the right structure, repeated daily. That’s how you scale with less stress and more control.

Dhari Alabdulhadi, CTO and Founder, Ubuy Germany

Guy Raz’s podcast, “How I Built This,” is my favourite for entrepreneurs. It’s compelling because it presents the unvarnished, unfiltered tales of business people like Sara Blakely and Howard Schultz, emphasising both their setbacks and victories. The most important thing I’ve learnt is that flexibility and resilience are more important than “genius” ideas. Until their ideas find a market, the most successful entrepreneurs listen, iterate, and change. It serves as a daily reminder that obstacles are only a step toward a greater vision rather than the finish.

Josh Qian, COO and Co-Founder, Best Online Cabinets

I enjoy Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman. This podcast features interviews with successful entrepreneurs and explores how they scaled their businesses. What I love about it is the deep dive into the strategies and philosophies that led to their growth, often backed by real-world experiences and data. It’s fascinating to hear how different leaders approached similar challenges in unique ways.

From this podcast, one key takeaway for me has been the concept of leveraging network effects. Many guests highlight how building a strong community around their product or service was crucial for their growth. This has prompted me to think more about how we can engage our customers not just as buyers but as part of a community. Fostering relationships and encouraging feedback helps create a loyal customer base that supports us and drives our growth through word-of-mouth and referrals.

Darcy Cudmore, Founder, RepuLinks

Foundr Podcast with Nathan Chan delivers what most business owners need. Clear talk from people who’ve built something real. The conversations are focused on process, growth, and decision-making. No long intros. No theory. You hear how businesses were built from nothing and scaled through consistent work, not luck.

One episode shifted how I operate. A guest shared how they test before they build. They don’t invest time or money without proof of demand. That mindset helped me move faster and waste less. I stopped chasing perfect plans. I focused on what works, not what looks good. It changed how I lead, how I spend, and how I measure results.

The value of this podcast is in the way the guests think. They talk about pressure, risk, hiring, and timing. They talk about what breaks, not just what works. The lessons are direct. The mindset is practical. No big claims. Just real steps and better ways to approach problems.

For anyone building or managing something, this kind of input helps. It keeps your focus sharp and your time on track.

Georgi Petrov, CMO, Entrepreneur, and Content Creator, AIG MARKETER

My favorite podcast for business owners is The Tim Ferriss Show, as it delves deeply into the routines and strategies of successful entrepreneurs across various industries, offering practical advice rather than just theory. What I appreciate most is how Tim breaks down complex ideas into actionable steps that listeners can apply immediately. The biggest business lesson I learned from the podcast is the power of deliberate experimentation—how trying small tests and embracing failure fast leads to better decisions and innovation. It taught me to approach growth with curiosity and resilience, rather than fear of making mistakes, which has been invaluable in scaling my ventures.

Aspen Noonan, CEO, Elevate Holistics

How I Built This with Guy Raz is a podcast that I frequently listen to.  The narratives are straightforward, truthful, and timely.  When discussing what worked and what didn’t, entrepreneurs are straightforward.  I can better understand how choices are made in the real world when I hear the people behind well-known brands discuss their successes and setbacks.  It isn’t a theory.  It doesn’t inspire.  It’s working.  When you’re starting from scratch with significant risks and little time, that’s what counts.

The episode with Sara Blakely taught me the most important lesson.  She created Spanx on her own dime.  She managed the process, remained near the client, and concentrated on resolving a single issue.  That stayed with me.  You don’t require authorization.  You may validate your idea without waiting for funds.  Start right away and remain near to the area of pain if it truly resolves something.  I’ve applied that way of thinking to help individuals get better access to plant-based care.  Make sure the procedure is quick, efficient, and based on the demands of the consumer.  When you adhere to that, every choice becomes more apparent.  It was more than just an entertaining podcast.  It altered my leadership style.

Amy Mayer, Product Engineer, Shawood

Alex Cornici, Marketing & PR Coordinator, Magic Hour AI

I’ve been tuning into “How I Built This” with Guy Raz for quite a while now. It’s this show where entrepreneurs and business leaders share their stories about creating some of the world’s best-known companies. Hearing directly from these pioneers is super inspiring and it offers both practical advice and a surge of motivation.

The biggest lesson I’ve gathered from listening to this podcast isn’t just about success but about resilience. Nearly every guest talks about overcoming some pretty tough failures before finding a path that led them to success. It’s a great reminder that setbacks aren’t just normal; they’re essential ingredients of success. So whenever you’re feeling bogged down by challenges, remember that even the top folks have been there. You’ve got to stumble a bit to find what works for you.

Joe Hawtin, Owner, Marin County Visitor

My desert island podcast? It’s gotta be “How I Built This with Guy Raz.” That show completely changed how I look at entrepreneurship, mostly because of its raw, unfiltered stories—sometimes about wild success, sometimes about total disaster.

Last year, I was driving through California’s Central Valley to meet a client. I binged three episodes back-to-back and, honestly, ended up overhauling our pricing strategy right there in my head.

Brian Chesky from Airbnb talked about premium tiers that actually make the core product better, not just more expensive. That stuck with me.

There’s something about the way Guy Raz gets founders to spill the truth. He pulls out the messy, behind-the-scenes stuff—the near-bankruptcies, the product flops, the moments when everything nearly fell apart.

During our agency’s rough second year, I listened to Stacy Madison from Stacy’s Pita Chips talk about refusing to lower her standards, even with the financial pressure piling up. That gave me the guts to turn down a major client whose demands would’ve wrecked our service quality.

Honestly, that decision saved our reputation. We ended up attracting better clients because of it.

The biggest thing I’ve picked up from this podcast? Success in business almost never comes from having some perfect idea or nailing every move. It’s really about sticking to your vision but staying flexible—adapting fast when the market throws you a curveball.

Now, whenever we hit a serious roadblock, I ask my team a question I snagged from Sara Blakely’s episode: “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” It’s weird how often that opens the door to creative, practical solutions—stuff we might not have tried otherwise.

Max Shak, Founder/CEO, Zapiy

As the Founder and CEO of Zapiy.com, I’ve listened to a lot of podcasts over the years—some tactical, some inspirational. But the one that consistently stands out to me is The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett. It’s not your typical business podcast packed with surface-level advice or rehearsed success stories. What makes it powerful is its raw honesty. Steven has a way of getting his guests—many of whom are world-class founders, operators, and thinkers—to open up about the uncomfortable truths behind their wins and failures.

What I appreciate most is that it’s less about “how to grow fast” and more about “how to grow well”—as a business, and as a human being building that business. The conversations explore things that every founder faces but rarely talks about openly: imposter syndrome, burnout, leadership mistakes, emotional resilience. It reminds you that building a company isn’t just strategy and execution—it’s identity, mindset, and self-awareness.

One episode that stuck with me featured Ben Francis, the founder of Gymshark. It wasn’t just a highlight reel of wins. He talked about the shift from being the “doer” to being the “leader”—and how uncomfortable that transition can be. I remember him saying something along the lines of: “At some point, your biggest strength becomes your bottleneck.” That hit hard. As founders, especially in the early days, we’re used to being in control, touching every part of the business. But scaling requires you to let go, trust others, and evolve into a very different kind of contributor.

The biggest business lesson I’ve taken from The Diary of a CEO is this: the internal growth of the founder sets the ceiling for the external growth of the company. You can have the best product, the best team, the best market fit—but if you’re not growing in how you lead, think, and adapt, you’ll eventually hit a wall. That realization has changed how I lead at Zapiy. I’m more intentional about delegation, culture, and self-reflection—because the company can only scale as fast as I do.

It’s a podcast that doesn’t just make you a better entrepreneur—it makes you a better version of yourself. And that, to me, is its greatest value.

Matt Bowman, Founder, Thrive Local

Entrepreneurs on Fire hosted by John Lee Dumas stands as my top choice.

The show stands out because it releases new episodes every day with different entrepreneurs who deliver useful practical advice.

The concept of “the zone of fire” from EOFire stands out to me because John describes it as a precise alignment between content and product and target audience that creates almost frictionless marketing and messaging. Many business owners face challenges because they attempt to push their offers onto markets that do not match their target audience. The show promotes deep engagement with specific niches instead of pursuing a broad audience.

Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen

Michael Moran, Owner and President, Green Lion Search

As the owner of Green Lion Search, a recruiting firm, one of my favorite podcasts is Entrepreneurs on Fire. I keep coming back to it because it’s a constant reminder that there’s no one path to success, and in recruiting, that perspective is invaluable.

Every episode introduces a different founder with a completely unique backstory: some bootstrapped their way up, others pivoted five times before landing on a winning idea, and many came from industries you’d never expect. What it taught me, loud and clear, is that success isn’t formulaic. Everyone gets there differently.

That insight directly shapes how I approach recruiting. I don’t look for one perfect resume or a textbook background. I look for grit, adaptability, and people who’ve carved their own path. Entrepreneurs on Fire reinforces that mindset and fuels how we think about talent and possibility at Green Lion Search.

Ivan Rodimushkin, Founder, CEO, XS Supply

I started listening to Brene Brown’s “Dare to Lead” podcast, and one simple line that stayed with me was “Clear is kind.” That became the new way of working. We made it a rule to be honest and transparent with clients, even when the news, like backorders or price changes, was not good. 

At first, it was tough, but it helped build trust. Clients appreciated knowing what was really going on, and it saved us from confusion later. That podcast did not teach business tricks; it reminded us that honest, clear talk is what really keeps strong relationships going.

Joel Miller, President, Miller Pest & Termite

My go-to podcast is Business Made Simple with Donald Miller. It’s practical, straightforward, and cuts through the fluff that often gets caught up in a lot of business content. What I like most is how it focuses on clarity. As a business owner, I don’t have time for abstract theory. I need takeaways I can apply this week. One episode in particular on creating a “communication playbook” helped me rethink how we train new hires and explain what our company does—internally and to customers.

The biggest lesson I took from the show was that confusion costs you money. It shows up in your marketing, in your team’s performance, and in your customer experience. After listening to that episode, we reviewed and updated all our internal SOPs and onboarding documents. We rewrote them in plain English, no jargon, no filler. Suddenly, new hires were getting up to speed faster and asking fewer “what does this mean?” questions. That small shift has saved us hours of ramp-up time and made everything run smoother.

Alec Loeb, VP of Growth Marketing, EcoATM

I keep “The Knowledge Project” by Shane Parrish in rotation. The podcast breaks down decision-making, leadership, and focus. What sets it apart is how it takes big ideas and shows how they work in real life. The guests come from different sectors, but the patterns are consistent. You learn how high-performers think, how they filter noise, and how they set priorities.

One conversation with Bethany McLean stood out. She talked about how good businesses go bad when leaders stop asking hard questions. In a fast-paced growth role, it’s easy to chase volume, but scale hides weak signals. If you don’t pause and assess the root of what’s working or not, you build noise into the system. I brought that into our roadmap planning. We now cut projects faster. We measure more often, not just bigger.

This podcast doesn’t hype tactics. It focuses on thinking. That’s what business owners need. You don’t need more tools. You need to think clearly about the cost of your attention, your team’s time, and your customers’ trust. “The Knowledge Project” helps you stay sharp where it counts.

Shantell Moya, Business Owner, Roof Republic

The most important lesson from this podcast is system-building. Hormozi repeated one point across multiple episodes: your business should run without you. That forced a shift in how I worked. I stepped back from task execution and focused on building clear, repeatable systems. I documented every step, assigned ownership, and tracked accountability. Efficiency increased. So did quality.

The Game delivers insight without noise. No scripts. No empty talk. It challenges business owners to stop reacting and start building with intent.

Mike Khorev, SEO Consultant, Mike Khorev

My go-to podcast for business owners is How I Built This by Guy Raz. It’s like eavesdropping on some of the smartest minds as they share raw stories behind famous brands. What I love is the mix of triumphs and failures, it’s never sugar-coated. You get the real deal.

The biggest lesson? Resilience is king. Many guests faced massive setbacks but kept pushing. It reminded me that success isn’t a straight line, it’s a bumpy road with plenty of detours. This mindset shifted how I handle challenges at Nine Peaks Media. Instead of fearing failure, I see it as part of the journey.

If you want inspiration with a side of real talk, this podcast delivers. It’s a reminder that every business owner has a story, and sticking with it makes all the difference.

Chris Brewer, Managing Director, Best Retreats

My favorite podcast for business owners is My First Million with Sam Parr and Shaan Puri. Why? It’s raw, no-BS brainstorming of real business ideas, like flipping niche apps or spotting market gaps, with zero fluff. Their episodes, like one on psy-ops as a service, spark actionable hustles you can start tomorrow. It’s like a bar chat with sharp entrepreneurs who’ve done it, not just preached it. Biggest lesson? Focus on small, weird markets, solving a specific pain point, like our retreat safety focus, can scale fast.

Ender Korkmaz, CEO, Heat&Cool

I have learned a lot from Pat Flynn’s “Smart Passive Income” podcast. Many think passive income does not work for an online HVAC store, but his ideas on building systems and trust really helped me. One thing that stood out was how he builds a community before trying to sell. 

So I used that idea in our email onboarding, focusing more on teaching and less on selling. When people understand the product first, they feel more confident about buying. That simple change helped us keep more customers and reduce returns. Trust, we learned, grows faster when you lead with value instead of a sales pitch.

Andrew Izrailo, Senior Corporate and Fiduciary Manager, Astra Trust

One podcast I frequently recommend to business owners is “The Smart Passive Income Podcast” by Pat Flynn. While it broadly covers entrepreneurship and business growth, it also dives into important financial topics like taxation, business structuring, and wealth management in practical, accessible ways.

What makes it stand out is how it balances actionable advice with real stories from entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of growing and protecting their businesses.

Biggest lesson: Building a business isn’t just about revenue growth—it’s about smart financial planning and structure from day one. The podcast reinforces that understanding tax implications and setting up your business correctly early on can save significant headaches later, something we emphasize strongly at Astra Trust.

Brandon George, Director of Demand Generation & Content, Thrive SEO Agency

Unique insight from this podcast: Reid calls “The Alliance”—his concept of treating employees–as partners on a ‘tour of duty.’ This approach flips the traditional employment model. In place of pretending a hire will stay forever, you define a clear mission they’ll own for a set period, invest in their growth, and plan for a healthy exit or evolution. It’s a tactical shift in managing talent, especially for startups juggling agility with retention.

Lord Robert Newborough, Owner, Rhug Organic Farm & Rhug Ltd

I like listening to The Bottom Line on BBC Radio 4. It is clear, honest, and genuine about business. The stories are not too perfect, they show how messy real decisions can be, which makes them helpful.

One thing that really stayed with me was this: when pressure builds, do not try to fix everything at once. Just find one thing that matters most and focus on that. I used this idea when I quickly changed part of our work. I stuck to our main products and came out stronger in the end.

Michael Yerardi, Founder & CEO, Turning Point Home Buyers

I have been in the real estate industry for over a decade now, and throughout my journey, I have come across numerous podcasts that have helped me grow as a business owner. However, there is one particular podcast that stands out for me – “The Tim Ferriss Show.” The reason why this podcast is my favorite for business owners is because of the diverse range of topics it covers. Tim Ferriss brings on guests from various industries and backgrounds, discussing their strategies, habits, and tactics for success. It’s essential to stay updated with not just the latest trends in the industry but also other industries that can offer valuable insights.

Kevin Heimlich, Digital Marketing Consultant & Chief Executive Officer, The Ad Firm

If I had to pick one podcast that truly stands out for business owners, it would have to be the HBR IdeaCast from Harvard Business Review.

What makes it my favorite is how it balances academic insight with practical application. The hosts discuss essential management issues, leadership strategies, and common pitfalls with leading thinkers, addressing challenges that every business owner, regardless of size, will encounter. It’s fantastic for taking a step back from the daily grind and looking at the bigger picture of organizational health and long-term strategy. The biggest lesson I’ve taken from it, something that really resonated with my own experiences growing The Ad Firm, is the profound importance of proactive change management. They often highlight how successful leaders don’t just react to challenges; they anticipate them and build frameworks to adapt. It reinforced my belief that anticipating shifts in the market, whether it’s new ad platforms or evolving customer behavior, and then strategically preparing your team and processes for those changes, is far more effective than simply reacting after the fact. It’s a constant reminder that staying agile and thinking ahead is key to sustainable growth.

Ahmed Yousuf, SEO Expert & Financial Author, Customers Chain

One of my go-to podcasts is “My First Million” by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri. It’s not your typical “interview-a-founder” format; they break down real business ideas, trends, and growth tactics with a mix of humor and brutal honesty. It feels like sitting in on a high-level brainstorm, not a lecture.

Biggest lesson? Speed matters more than perfection. They constantly highlight how scrappy execution beats overthinking. 

That pushed me to launch faster, test smaller, and stop waiting for the “perfect” version of a product or campaign. Action creates momentum; waiting kills it.

Richie Gibson, Owner/Dating Coach, DATING BY RICHIE

Out of all the podcasts I’ve listened to, The Game with Alex Hormozi has had the deepest impact on me as an entrepreneur. It’s more than just a collection of business strategies—it’s a masterclass in focus, discipline, and playing the long game.

The biggest takeaway for me? Stop chasing shiny objects. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve felt the thrill of a new idea—the belief that this could be the next big thing. Hormozi’s content held a mirror up to that mindset. His honest, sometimes blunt insights forced me to reckon with a simple truth: spreading myself thin across multiple ventures wasn’t ambition—it was avoidance.

What hit hardest was his perspective on focusing on one business until it works, really works. That means resisting the urge to pivot the moment things get hard. It means staying in the trenches long enough to learn, build momentum, and create something with lasting value.

Since adopting that mindset, I’ve seen measurable growth—not just in revenue, but in clarity and confidence. I know where to invest my time. I’m no longer hopping from one idea to the next. And I have Hormozi’s unfiltered wisdom to thank for that. This podcast didn’t just change the way I work—it changed the way I think.

If you’re constantly pulled in a dozen directions, The Game might just be the focus reset you didn’t know you needed.

Kritika Kanodia, CEO, Estorytellers

Here’s what’s burned into my brain: Vulnerability is the secret sauce. No joke. One episode had me low-key emotional, just hearing how being open as a leader doesn’t make you weak—it makes everyone care more, work harder. I tried this at Estorytellers. Instead of playing the all-knowing boss, I started telling my team what was actually going on, the good and the ugly. 

Guess what? They leaned in. People actually want to be part of something real. Turns out, you don’t need to have it all figured out. Just show up, be messy, be human. That’s leadership, at least for me.

Tony Ragan, President, Absolute Pest Management

My favorite podcast is “The Home Service Expert” with Tommy Mello. It hits close to home because it’s designed for professionals in trades like pest control, HVAC, and plumbing. What I like is that it’s not fluff. The guests are business owners who’ve been through the fire, and they talk openly about what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently. I’ll usually listen while driving between job sites or during early mornings at the shop. It’s like sitting in on a mastermind session without having to leave your truck.

The biggest lesson that stuck with me came from an episode about building systems to scale. One guest said, “If you’re solving the same problem more than once, you need a system, not a superhero.” That hit me hard because for a long time I was trying to be the guy who fixed everything. It taught me to step back and create repeatable solutions—not just band-aids. Since then, we’ve systematized everything from onboarding to customer follow-ups, and it’s made the business run smoother without burning anyone out.

Jonathan Anderson, Co-Founder, Green Home Pest Control

I recommend “The Diary of a CEO” by Steven Bartlett. It’s less about hacks and more about mindset, what actually happens behind the scenes when you’re building something real. I first listened during a rough quarter, and the honesty in those conversations hit differently than most polished business content.

One episode with Ben Francis from Gymshark stuck with me. He discussed how staying close to the customer was their competitive edge. That reinforced something I’d drifted from: spending time in support channels, reading the raw feedback. The biggest lesson? Growth comes from staying close to the uncomfortable stuff.

Time to Tune Into a Business Podcast!

The diversity of podcast preferences among these 30+ business leaders reveals an important truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to business education. 

While some gravitate toward tactical advice from shows like “The Game” and “Business Made Simple,” others find inspiration in the storytelling of “How I Built This” or the mindset-focused conversations on “The Diary of a CEO.”

What’s striking isn’t just which podcasts made the list, but the consistent themes in the lessons learned: the importance of focus over perfection, building systems rather than being the hero, staying close to customers, and embracing discomfort as a sign of growth. 

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your business, these podcast recommendations, backed by real-world results, offer a roadmap to the audio content that’s actually moving the needle for successful entrepreneurs.

The next time you’re commuting, exercising, or looking for inspiration during a challenging business moment, consider queuing up one of these tried-and-tested shows. As these leaders prove, the right podcast at the right time can deliver the insight that transforms your entire approach to business.

Discover how ‘pre-quests’ and giving while living could transform your happiness and legacy based on Carl Barney’s revolutionary experiment.

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Pre-Quests Not Bequests: How The Happiness Experiment Is Changing How We Think About Giving

I’m seriously excited to share something that landed in my mailbox recently. It was an advance copy of “The Happiness Experiment” by Carl Barney. Full disclosure: I received this book for free to check out, and while I’m still making my way through it, I’ve already been hit with one of those “wow, why didn’t I think of that?” moments about how we approach giving and happiness.

A Near-Death Experience That Changed Everything

We’ve all heard stories about people who survive brushes with death and completely transform their outlook on life. Carl Barney’s story follows this path, but with a fascinating twist. After surviving a near-catastrophic plane crash, this entrepreneur and philanthropist completely reimagined what he knew about happiness, purpose, and legacy.

But here’s where it gets interesting…

Instead of just writing a will and planning to give away his wealth after death, Barney created what he calls “pre-quests” – essentially giving away his inheritance while still alive so he could actually witness and experience the joy of changing lives in real time.

The Experiment That’s Changing Lives

What would happen if someone gave you a substantial amount of money with just one condition: use it to increase your happiness?

That’s exactly what Barney did with 20 friends. But he didn’t just hand over cash and walk away. Each person received:

• A happiness coach
• A financial planner
• A clear directive: spend it all within 3-5 years on things that genuinely make you happy

No paying off debt allowed. Just pure happiness-inducing activities and experiences.

I’m not going to lie, as I read about this experiment, I couldn’t help thinking, “Sign me up!” But beyond the obvious appeal of receiving a large financial gift, what really struck me was the intentionality behind it all.

Why Wait Until You’re Gone?

This is the part that’s really stuck with me, even though I haven’t finished the book yet.

So many of us work hard our entire lives, planning to leave something behind for our loved ones or favorite causes. But when you think about it, isn’t there something a bit sad about not being around to see the impact of your generosity?

What if, instead of waiting until we’re gone, we found ways, big or small, to give now? To watch the ripple effects of our generosity while we can still enjoy the show?

Of course, not everyone has the means to give substantial financial gifts like Barney did. But the principle applies regardless of the size of the gift. Maybe it’s treating a friend to a special experience, helping a family member pursue a dream, or supporting a cause you care about in a meaningful way, while you’re here to see it bloom.

What I’m Learning So Far

While I’m still working my way through the book, here are a few nuggets that have already gotten me thinking:

1. Happiness isn’t accidental — it can be deliberately planned and pursued
2. Giving creates a dual happiness effect — joy for both the giver and receiver
3. Legacy isn’t just what you leave behind — it’s also what you create during your lifetime
4. Money is just a tool — how we use it determines its power to create happiness

The book also apparently includes practical frameworks for what Barney calls “Happiness Planning” — which I’m looking forward to exploring more as I continue reading.

Want to Check It Out?

If you’re intrigued by this concept of “pre-quests” and deliberate happiness creation, “The Happiness Experiment” is available for pre-order now and will be released on July 8, 2025. You can grab your copy here.

The book has already received praise from some pretty impressive folks, including Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup for the Soul), Peter Diamandis (XPRIZE Foundation), and Dr. Peter Attia (author of Outlive).

I’ll probably share more thoughts once I’ve finished the book, but I couldn’t wait to pass along this core idea that’s already got me rethinking how I approach giving and happiness in my own life.

What do you think about this “give while living” approach? Is it something you’ve considered or practiced in your own life? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!