Struggling With Sales or Growth? These Small Business Podcasts Have the Answers
Running a small business is a nonstop juggling act. Between marketing, operations, finances, and customer service—most business owners wear every hat. That’s why more and more entrepreneurs are turning to podcasts for fast, actionable insights they can learn while driving, walking the dog, or grabbing lunch. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to break through a plateau, this list of top-rated podcasts will guide you through every phase of your business journey.
What Type of Business Owner Are You?
Not all small business podcasts are created equal. Below, we’ve broken down the best shows based on where you might be in your business journey:
Just Starting Out
If you’re still developing your idea, registering your business, or landing your first customer, these shows offer the clarity and momentum you need.
Top Picks:
- The $100 MBA Show – Omar Zenhom shares bite-sized business lessons to help you skip the fluff and get to action.
- Entrepreneurs on Fire – John Lee Dumas delivers daily motivation and interviews with successful founders.
- Dirty Secrets of Small Business – Adam Sonnhalter shares candid conversations about the real challenges of getting a business off the ground.
Gaining Traction (0–2 Years In)
You’ve launched—but now it’s about getting noticed and building consistent revenue. These podcasts focus on marketing, product refinement, and audience growth.
Top Picks:
- Duct Tape Marketing Podcast – John Jantsch offers tactical advice on getting your first 100 customers.
- Online Marketing Made Easy – Amy Porterfield delivers powerful strategies for growing your list and sales.
- Product Boss – Jacqueline Snyder & Minna Khounlo-Sithep share tips for product-based businesses looking to grow.
Scaling Up
You’ve found a rhythm. Now it’s time to build systems, delegate, and grow intentionally. These podcasts help you go from operator to owner.
Top Picks:
- Grow a Small Business Podcast – Troy Trewin interviews founders on how they scaled.
- Small Business Matters – Tim Fulton covers leadership, financial growth, and team-building advice.
- Business Mastermind Podcast – Gavin Preston shares high-level strategies and mindset shifts.
Burned Out or Plateaued
Feeling stuck? These shows offer insight and inspiration to help you rediscover your passion and build a more sustainable business.
Top Picks:
- Small Business, Big Life – Derick Van Ness shares how to align your business with your life goals.
- Akimbo – Seth Godin explores deeper thinking around work, creativity, and leadership.
- Brilliant Breakthroughs Business Podcast – Maggie Mongan delivers practical advice for profitability and productivity.
Side Hustlers
Balancing a business with a full-time job or parenting? These shows offer time-tested tips and strategies to help your hustle thrive.
Top Picks:
- Tropical MBA – Dan Andrews & Ian Schoen focus on location-independent entrepreneurs and side hustlers.
- Paychex THRIVE – Gene Marks discusses compliance, operations, and insights for small business owners.
- Hack the Entrepreneur – Jon Nastor emphasizes mindset, marketing, and building lean.
Full List: 25 Top Small Business Podcasts (2025)
| Podcast Name | Host(s) | Focus/Description |
|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneurs on Fire | John Lee Dumas | Daily interviews with successful entrepreneurs, actionable insights for growth |
| The $100 MBA Show | Omar Zenhom | Practical business lessons, short actionable episodes |
| Online Marketing Made Easy | Amy Porterfield | Marketing strategies and business growth tips |
| The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast | John Jantsch | Marketing advice for small businesses |
| Grow A Small Business Podcast | Troy Trewin | Interviews and insights for scaling small businesses |
| Paychex THRIVE | Gene Marks | Timely business insights, policy updates, and expert interviews |
| Hack the Entrepreneur | Jon Nastor | Actionable advice and stories from entrepreneurs overcoming challenges |
| Tropical MBA | Dan Andrews & Ian Schoen | Entrepreneurship and location-independent businesses |
| The Indicator from Planet Money | NPR | Quick, insightful economic and business lessons |
| Product Boss | Jacqueline Snyder & Minna Khounlo-Sithep | Product-based business strategies |
| Perpetual Traffic | DigitalMarketer | Digital marketing and paid traffic strategies |
| Akimbo | Seth Godin | Culture, leadership, and creative thinking for business |
| Dirty Secrets of Small Business | Adam Sonnhalter | Real-world small business advice and stories |
| Small Business Talk With Cathy Smith | Cathy Smith | Tips and expert interviews for business owners |
| Small Business Small Talk | Christy Smallwood | Real stories and advice from small business owners |
| Small Business Big Deal Podcast | Tracy Jepson | Entrepreneurial journeys and business building stories |
| Small Business Boss | Maggie Patterson | Service-based business growth strategies |
| Communication Strategy That Works | Emma Drake | Communication and marketing for ambitious small businesses |
| The Small Business Britain Podcast | Michelle Ovens & Karen Campbell | Inspiring small business stories from across Britain |
| Small Business Matters | Tim Fulton | Management, marketing, and finance for small businesses |
| Small Business Big World | Jon (Paper Trails) | Diverse topics for small business owners, including DEI and marketing |
| The Small Business Big Marketing Podcast | Tim Reid | Marketing strategies and interviews with innovative business owners |
| Brilliant Breakthroughs Business Podcast | Maggie Mongan | Expert interviews and actionable advice for profitability and productivity |
| Business Mastermind Podcast | Gavin Preston | Growth strategies for small and medium-sized businesses |
| Small Business, Big Life | Derick Van Ness | Balancing entrepreneurship, life, and financial success |
Starter Playlist: 5 Must-Hear Episodes This Week
Want to start fast? Here are a few standout episodes to binge this week:
- “7 Habits of Highly Profitable Startups” – The $100 MBA Show
- “How I Built a 7-Figure Product Business” – Product Boss
- “Marketing Without a Big Budget” – Duct Tape Marketing
- “The Hidden Costs of Scaling Too Fast” – Grow a Small Business
- “Work-Life Balance Isn’t a Myth” – Small Business, Big Life
Bonus Resources
- Free Podcast Notes Template – Never forget a key insight again.
- Spotify Playlist: Small Business Essentials – Handpicked episodes in one spot.
- Guide: How to Turn Podcast Learning into Action – Downloadable workbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best podcast for new entrepreneurs?
Start with The $100 MBA Show—it’s fast, clear, and no-nonsense.
Are business podcasts actually helpful?
Yes—especially when you pick ones tailored to your stage of business.
How do I make time to listen to podcasts?
Use your commute, workout, or lunch break. Even 10–15 minutes a day adds up.
Can I grow a business just by listening to podcasts?
They won’t do the work for you—but they’ll show you the shortcuts, lessons, and frameworks you’d otherwise have to learn the hard way.
Conclusion
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Whether you’re just starting or hitting your next growth ceiling, the right podcast can plug you into a world of experience, support, and smart strategies. If you’re still on the hunt for more, you might want to take a read through our favorite small business and startup YouTube channels that are knocking it out of the park. Click here to see what we’ve been watching and learning from.
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