8 Inspiring Podcasts for the Aspiring Entrepreneur
A year ago I was working as the creative director at a photography production company just outside Philadelphia. I knew I was bumping my head against the ceiling there, and I'd been getting the itch to start a business of my own for a while now. But with a newly purchased home and our wedding-planning well underway, I knew it would take time and some serious preparation before I could finally take that leap.
Podcasts to the rescue!
At the time, I had a pretty hefty commute that was proving to be one of the most draining facets of my work situation. I mean, few things will make you feel like you're wasting your life away quite like sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic twice daily. Luckily, that's when I finally discovered podcasts.
When I was feeling trapped by my circumstances, podcasts were my lifeline.
I adore music, but I'm jamming constantly while I work and I wanted something more productive for my drives. Podcasts really couldn't have popped up at a better time for me. When I was feeling trapped by my circumstances, podcasts were my lifeline. They gave me hope, helped me clarify my brand strategy, kept my outlook positive, and made my daily commutes a lot less dreadful.
So without further ado, I'm sharing my favorite podcasts with you. Some are more serious than others, but all of these podcasts have been total game-changers for me. I hope that they'll be a light for you in your own journey too!
1. Seanwes
“Want to make a living with your passion? From products and marketing to professionalism and clients, you'll get answers to the hard-hitting questions. Join entrepreneurs Sean McCabe and Ben Toalson as they let you inside their discussions on the many facets of making a living online. You'll come away from every episode with something of value that you can apply to your business.”
This was the first podcast I stumbled on, and man oh man did it make a difference for me. Not only did the podcast help me realize I could absolutely make a living doing what I love, but it gave me practical advice for making it happen. The chemistry and different perspectives from Sean and Ben are totally engaging and chock full of gold nuggets. Do yourself a favor and give this one a listen.
2. Lambo Goal
“Two entrepreneurs set an insane goal and take you behind the scenes in this podcast about business to show you every step along the way to achieving it. Every Tuesday, you’ll hear real revenue numbers, real tactics, and real methods. The Lambo Goal isn’t just about an exotic car. Your Lambo Goal can be whatever you want it to be. This podcast is simply about getting you to set bigger goals than you ever imagined and then helping you achieve them by showing you how to build a thriving business.”
Another podcast from Sean McCabe (the guy is a machine), this one is all about setting bigger goals and shifting your perspective from business owner to entrepreneur. It will expand your view of what's possible and affirm that you're really only limited by your own imagination and dedication.
3. Being Boss
“Being boss is owning who you are and making things happen. Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon believe in building a business you love, making bank, and being unapologetically who you are 100% of the time. They have a combined experience and expertise in branding and coaching small online businesses to be more boss in work and life by focusing on "boss" mindsets, habits & routines, tools, tactics & strategies, blended with a little bit of hustle.”
A breath of fresh air in the podcast world, this podcast from Emily and Kathleen is full of real talk about what it takes to be a boss on the bad days and the good. These ladies have an amazing dynamic, and as I plan to start a family in the next couple years it was so amazing to hear inspiring ladies share that very journey from totally unique perspectives. This one has been incredibly empowering for me personally. It's also shown me that in all of our worries, struggles, and victories, we're never alone.
4. Startup Camp
“Dale Partridge is a serial entrepreneur and founder of StartupCamp.com and Sevenly.org. Described as “a mind who understands the art of starting”, each week Partridge interviews a new high performance starter teaching startups, entrepreneurs, and everyday dreamers how to form strong ideas, launch lucrative ventures, position their brand, love their people, and develop business models that offer freedom to their founders. Dale's a renowned expert on branding, consumer psychology, and startup strategy. He is an avid speaker and has been featured in various business publications including the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine, Fox News, NBC, INC Magazine, Mashable, MSN Money, Forbes and the Los Angeles Times.”
I first discovered Dale through Sevenly and then as the author of the truly stellar book People Over Profit. The Startup Camp is a platform where Dale coaches aspiring entrepreneurs through the process of conceptualizing, starting, and running a successful business. The Startup Camp podcast is all about providing advice and guidance around common struggles of new and even experienced entrepreneurs. Dale brings on lots of incredible guests and breaks each episode down into bite-sized takeaways you can apply right away.
5. Building a Story Brand
“Donald Miller's 7 memoirs have collectively spent more than a year on the New York Times best-sellers list. But recently he's found a new passion; helping other people tell the story of what they are passionate about. Through his company StoryBrand, he has helped over a thousand businesses, non-profits and personal brands clarify their message to create better websites, email blasts and marketing material. He's convinced most people and brands have NO IDEA how to talk about themselves. Every episode is designed to help you think and communicate clearly so you can have a greater impact.”
I actually found Donald Miller through an epsiode of Startup Camp, and that's where I first learned about his Storybrand framework. The gist is that this framework helps you clarify your brand's message by translating your brand into a story. The most fundamental shift I experienced through that episode is that you and your brand are not the hero of this story. Your customer is the hero, and your mission is to be the guide that helps your customer achieve their goals. Yeah, that one totally blew my mind. Donald is incredibly charismatic and engaging, and so are his guests. I seriously can't recommend this one enough.
6. Creative Empire Podcast
“The Creative Empire Podcast was created specifically for solopreneurs and small business owners. It gives them the chance to get up close and cozy with industry insiders, conference speakers, CEOs and other hard to reach success stories to figure out how others did it and how the can too. Each week, Reina Pomeroy, the life + biz success coach, and Christina Scalera, the attorney for creatives, will enjoy a casual chat about a business topic that resonates with creative entrepreneurs. They'll identify problems and together with each guest, figure out solutions that would only otherwise be available in expensive mentoring sessions or workshops and conferences.”
I first found Reina Pomeroy through one of The Rising Tide Society's webinars, and this girl is positively a ray of sunshine. Literally, her weekly newsletter is called Sunshine Mail. So when I heard she was starting a podcast, I had to investigate. Many of the podcasts I tune into are from other designers, so this one is a breath of fresh air. If you're looking for bright inspiration and supportive guidance from two super sweet and savvy ladies, this one is a must.
7. Invisible Office Hours
“Invisible Office Hours is a weekly podcast for people that aren't confined to a literal office or that aren't confined by conventional thinking. Hosted by Jason Zook and Paul Jarvis the show covers a wide range of topics that all touch on aligning your thinking with your journey, and dealing with the bumps along the way.”
I'd been listening to the “Being Boss” podcast for quite a while, and they kept bringing this one up—even having Jason and Paul as guests on their show and nicknaming them their “boss boyfriends.” After checking their podcast out for myself, I can totally see the appeal. Jason and Paul are both incredibly smart and talented guys that wholeheartedly embrace their nerdy side (such a plus) and share priceless insights with a hefty side of humor. Aside from all the great advice, these guys are just a blast to listen to.
8. Creative South Podcast
“The Creative South Podcast focuses on the “people” behind the design. The best way for us to do that is to talk to people and listen to them share their stories. Not necessarily the stories you hear from the stage, but ones you get when you actually have a conversation with someone. We want to have conversations not only with the presenters and people hosting workshops, but the vendors and attendees. We also want to talk to other creative people, not just the designers, illustrators, and photographers, but the developers, writers, musicians, comedians, chefs and anyone else that uses their creative talent. It's not about being from the South, that's just where we live!”
As a designer, this one has some obvious draw for me. The guests are all incredibly talented designers. I've seen their work all over the place, but it's a whole new level to hear the stories behind the work and get to know the humans (virtually at least) behind the design. Creative South is an amazing design conference held each year in Columbus, GA and this podcast is a stellar complement to the absolutely glorious event.
