Like many this year, I’m nursing a binge-listening hangover after blasting through the hit podcast Serial. The engaging, serialized (get it?) investigation of a 1999 murder from Sarah Koenig and the producers of This American Life left as many questions as answers over the course of its first season. While a second season is coming, Serial’s success has turned a new batch of listeners on to the medium. As a marketer, you might want to sample some of the great marketing podcasts out there.
This list represents what you’ll find on my iPhone’s Podcasts app. It’s my personal selection of marketing podcasts that can help you up your game. It includes interview shows and individual commentaries on a variety of topics from integrated marketing strategy to social media best practices.
By the way, if you want to give a podcaster the greatest gift of all, head over to iTunes and give them a rating (just click one of the stars) and drop in a couple quick sentences as review. This helps these shows stay afloat on the crowded and competitive podcast charts. It’s quick and easy. That’s why I’ve in included the iTunes link for each show in the descriptions below. (Need a quick tutorial on how to rate and review a podcast? Check this out.)
Now let’s get to it. Here are 11 marketing podcasts that you should be listening to presented in no particular order.
Social Pros
Host: Jay Baer
“Real people doing real work in social media.” This tagline couldn’t be more accurate. Social Pros offers expert insights from thought leaders as well as social media practitioners working for major brands. Bonus: Baer also posts 3-minute video podcasts called Jay Today where he offers quick take-always for busy marketers.
Six Pixels of Separation
Host: Mitch Joel
This longtime podcast from Twist Image’s Mitch Joel always opens with the question: “Who are you and what do you do?” From there, Joel discusses the latest and greatest digital trends with a host of innovative guests. From Seth Godin to Marc Maron, the best minds make their way to Six Pixels of Separation.
PNR: This Old Marketing
Host: Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose
Contrary to the title, this podcast is not about marketing of old. Each week the leaders of the Content Marketing Institute dissect the latest and greatest news and break down what marketers can do with all of this. You’ll find this discussion as handy as Bob Villa!
Claim Your Fame
Host: Andrew Davis
This new show from the Content Marketing Institute’s podcast network is truly a standout in terms of format and style. Host Andrew Davis borrows NPR-esque production and storytelling conventions to impart a single big lesson for marketers. The show is monthly (most of the others listed here are weekly) but worth the wait.
Marketing Smarts
Host: Kerry O’Shea Gorgone
This weekly podcast from MarketingProfs features in-depth interviews with smart marketers from all walks of life. Gorgone’s polished episodes deliver actionable insights and real advice to help you market smarter. I’ve even been lucky enough to be a guest on this one!
The Marketing Companion
Hosts: Mark Schaefer & Tom Webster
The Marketing Companion is your indispensable guide for navigating the new world of digital marketing. Mark Schaefer, author of Social Media Explained, and Tom Webster of Edison Research lead listeners through a fun and lively exploration of today’s hottest topics. New episodes are posted about twice a month.
Duct Tape Marketing
Host: John Jantsch
Like all things duct tape, this podcast comes to you from America’s leading small business marketing expert, John Jantsch. The show features interviews with authors, experts, and thought leaders sharing business marketing tips, tactics, and resources.
Social Media Marketing
Host: Michael Stelzner
Social Media Examiner’s Michael Stelzner helps you navigate the social jungle on this podcast featuring success stories and expert interviews from leading social media pros. Discover how successful businesses employ social media, learn new strategies and tactics, and gain actionable tips to improve your social media marketing.
Marketing Over Coffee
Hosts: Christopher Penn & John Wall
This long-running discussion between Penn and Wall may be one of the first marketing podcasts I listened too. These two digital marketing and tech experts explore what’s new and, most importantly, what it means. I’ve gotten some great tools and tips from this show over the years.
UnPodcast
Hosts: Scott Stratten & Alison Kramer
Partners in business and life, Stratten and Kramer help you filter out all of the bad advice and BS that runs rampant in marketing today. The UnPodcast is a rollicking conversation covering topics ranging from marketing and customer service to public relations. You’re sure to both learn and laugh along the way.
Podcast Answer Man
Host: Cliff Ravenscraft
Are you interested in listening to a podcast about the art and science of podcasting? If so, then you should check out this show from the Podcast Answer Man himself, Cliff Ravenscraft. In 400 episodes, Ravenscraft has covered every aspect of podcasting from technical tools and trick to building your audience.
Find More Great Marketing Podcasts
You can also discover other marketing podcasts by checking out a new resource from Social Pros host Jay Baer. He and the Convince and Convert team have created a site called Marketing Podcasts that indexes and organizes all of the great marketing podcasts out there. If you want to find new podcasts tailored to your needs as a marketer you should plan on checking this site out.
What do you think of this list? Are there podcasts I should add?
With more podcast listeners subscribing to shows each week, will your brand join the fray? I’d love to hear in the comments below.
P.S. We’ll have some podcast news coming from Brand Driven Digital very soon in the new year. To be among the first to know please make sure you’re on our email list.