Podcasts have never been more popular — nor as abundant — as they are in 2024. There are an estimated 3.2 million podcasts available across the internet, meaning there’s something for everyone. 1 And we’re nowhere near the podcast market’s peak yet. 2
With so many options, it can be tough to find the perfect podcast for your interests. That’s why we’ve asked five Broadridge executives for their top podcast picks. From financial trends to reimagining life’s big questions, our thought leaders shared what they’re listening to and why.
1. “Unhedged” by the Financial Times
Chosen by: Germán Soto Sanchez, Chief Product and Strategy Officer
Why he likes it: “Unhedged” explains the key drivers behind major financial trends and developments. It unravels the stories of top financial headlines, such as AI technologies, Warren Buffett's wager on Japanese stocks, and the latest information on stocks and shares.
“‘Unhedged’ does an excellent job of dissecting key financial services topics and highlights the drivers, along with implications and responses,” Soto Sanchez says. “In our industry, it’s critical to understand core developments affecting the financial landscape on a global basis.”
The podcast touches upon the major financial headlines of the day, explaining the relevance for businesses and individuals in layman's terms.
“The podcast highlights how institutions and individuals respond to trends and explains why things are the way they are and what may come next.”
Although “Unhedged” takes Soto Sanchez’s top slot, he also gives a nod to “The Economics of Everyday Things” by the Freakonomics Radio Network. This podcast explores the economics behind idiosyncratic topics, such as one-hit wonders, hotel soaps, and cashmere goats.
“This podcast feeds my intellectual curiosity by diving into the economics and business model of everyday items, like storage units, bail bonds, self-checkout, Girl Scout cookies, and food trucks,” he says.
New episodes of Unhedged, hosted by financial reporter Ethan Wu and FT markets editor Katie Martin, drop Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Economics of Everyday Things is released every Sunday.
2. “ReThinking” by Adam Grant
Chosen by: Dipti Kachru, Global Chief Marketing Officer
Why she likes it: It explores the concept of challenging thoughts and beliefs — asking guests to discuss an idea they held and have re-evaluated, sparking debates and unconventional perspectives.
Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist and bestselling author who studies the science of motivation, generosity, rethinking, and potential. Great minds don’t think alike, he believes, and they need to challenge each other to think differently.
Kachru believes that intellectual curiosity is a cornerstone of growth and success: “The opportunity to listen to the perspective of a broad set of leaders and achievers helps provoke new ideas for me. I learn so much in every episode.”
Episodes include will.i.am talking about AI and the future of creativity, Richard Branson on saying “yes” and figuring out the details later, and the art of failure with David Duchovny.
“I love the podcast format — it’s casual, conversational, and human. The mix of smarts, humanity, and often humor makes it really enjoyable,” Kachru says. “I learn and get inspired — and it’s effortless.”
ReThinking episodes debut every Tuesday.
3. “The Diary of a CEO” by Steven Bartlett
Chosen by: Maria Siano, Head of Strategy, EMEA and Asia-Pacific
Why she likes it: The podcast provides inspirational content by featuring interviews with successful CEOs and entrepreneurs, offering valuable insights into their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.
Hosted by entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, “The Diary of a CEO” is described as “an unfiltered journey into the remarkable stories of the people that have defined culture, achieved greatness and created stories worth studying.” 3
With a focus on the entrepreneurial journey and experience, the podcast is one of the most popular for its genre. “The Diary of a CEO” was Europe's most downloaded business podcast in 2021. It had the second largest audience in the United Kingdom in 2023 4; and, in 2024, it launched a dedicated channel on Samsung TV Plus. 5
Siano says there are several reasons for its success.
“The podcast offers business insights from across a wide range of topics, many applicable and practical: the latest updates on trends and innovations, exposing listeners to emerging technologies, market shifts and new business models, and problem-solving techniques used by successful CEOs to tackle challenges. And, generally speaking, it provides inspiration and motivation from its many successful, entrepreneurial guests.”
Episodes of The Diary of a CEO debut throughout the week.
4. “Big Think”
Chosen by: Alicia Rich, Head of Client and Advisor Digital Enablement
Why she likes it: It features some of the brightest minds and challenges them to think beyond their expertise.
The Big Think pushes some of the world’s greatest minds to go outside their comfort zone and expertise to tackle the world’s biggest questions. Rich describes it as “a short-form discussion with some of the world's biggest thinkers.”
The show’s guests range from celebrities, to academics, to intellectuals. Each are considered experts in their field, and the subject matter varies considerably.
“The podcast offers such a broad spectrum of views and voices and brings diverse perspectives,” Rich says. “It moves from the theoretical to practical and often offers actionable advice. I find it forward-looking and inspirational.”
Installments of Big Think debut daily.
5. “How I Built This” by Guy Raz
Chosen by: Matt Swain, Head of Communications Insights and Experience
Why he likes it: It discusses the successes, failures, insights, and serendipitous moments entrepreneurs and innovators have faced along their journeys.
“How I Built This” has interviewed founders of some of the world’s best-known companies and brands, such as Mel and Patricia Ziegler of Banana Republic, Mark Sisson of Primal Kitchen, and Jim Koch of the Boston Beer Company.
For Swain, the show’s appeal has much to do with its host, Guy Raz.
“What I really enjoy about Guy’s approach is that his guests are founders of well-known — or at least very successful — brands. He guides the conversation in a way that creates a thoughtful progression through the story of what led these founders to success.”
The founders that are interviewed all tend to be entrepreneurial, embrace outside-the-box thinking, are tenacious, go “all-in,” and recognize when to engage others for support.
“Building and cultivating a team with these types of thinkers is critical to long-term business transformation,” Swain says.
Swain applies some of the insights he’s gained from the podcast to his role as the host of Broadridge’s podcast, “Reimagining Communications,” available on all major streaming services.
How I Built This offers new episodes throughout the week.
How podcasts can help you sharpen your business — and personal — lives
For many, finding the time to read books on leadership, entrepreneurship, or general works of fiction can be tough to come by. Make that double for members of the C-Suite.
Podcasts can offer meaningful insights in a matter of minutes. Whether you want to know more about how your peers manage their daily tasks with blue-sky thinking, what leading intellectuals have to say about the state of the world’s biggest challenges, or even want to have a laugh or two on your way to the office, there’s sure to be a podcast that’s perfect for you.
1 Exploding Topics | How many podcasts are there? (new 2024 data)
2 Podcastle | Popular Podcast Statistics You Must Know For 2024
3 Steven Bartlett | Diary of a CEO
4 CNBC | This entrepreneur is set to make $1.2 million from his podcast this year. here’s how he’s doing it
5 Mobile Marketing Magazine | Samsung partners with Steven Bartlett’s “The diary of a ceo” podcast