Twelve Great Non-’Product’ and Non-’Data’ Podcasts for Product, Design, and Data People
/In today's fast-paced world, staying up to date with the latest trends and insights is crucial for product, design, and analytics people. Ten years ago, when I would speak to audiences and ask how many listened to podcasts, there would be only a handful that would raise their hand. Now, podcasts have emerged in popularity as a valuable resource, offering in-depth discussions, expert interviews, and industry insights on various topics.
In this blog post, I am providing recommendations of twelve exceptional non-’product’ and non-’data’ podcasts that I recommend for product, design, and data people. These are all podcasts that I listen to regularly. These podcasts encourage my natural curiosity to continue to learn and grow. Whether you're seeking inspiration, practical tips, or thought-provoking discussions, these podcasts have you covered. Now to the podcast recommendations in alphabetical order:
a16z: The a16z podcast, hosted by Andreessen Horowitz (famed Venture Capital firm), delves into the world of technology, startups, and venture capital. This podcast features insightful interviews with industry experts, covering a wide range of topics such as product management, design, and entrepreneurship. Tune in to learn from the best in the business.
Akimbo: Seth Godin, renowned author and marketing expert, hosts Akimbo. This podcast explores the changing landscape of our culture, including topics like marketing, creativity, and leadership. With its thought-provoking episodes, Akimbo challenges conventional thinking and inspires listeners to make a difference in their respective fields.
The Brainy Business: The Brainy Business, hosted by Melina Palmer, combines behavioral economics and psychology to understand consumer behavior. This podcast explores the science behind decision-making, helping product, design, and data people create products and experiences that resonate with their target audience.
Conversations with Tyler: Economist Tyler Cowen hosts Conversations with Tyler, where he engages in enlightening conversations with a diverse range of guests. From economists to artists, this podcast explores various disciplines, providing valuable insights and perspectives for product managers and designers.
Econtalk: Econtalk, hosted by Russ Roberts, focuses on economics and its impact on our lives. Its tagline is “Conversation for the Curious,” so it's right up your alley. This podcast explores intriguing topics such as behavioral economics, decision-making, and the role of incentives. As a product manager or designer, understanding the economic forces at play can greatly inform your decision-making process.
Getting to Yes, And: Getting to Yes And, hosted by Second City’s Bob Kulhan, explores the world of improvisation and its applications in business and life. This podcast provides valuable insights into collaboration, creativity, and adaptive thinking, skills that are essential for product, design, and data people.
Killer Innovations: Killer Innovations, hosted by Phil McKinney, is dedicated to helping listeners become more innovative in their thinking. This podcast provides practical tips, strategies, and interviews with industry experts, guiding product managers and designers toward creating groundbreaking solutions.
The Knowledge Project: The Knowledge Project, hosted by Shane Parrish, dives into the minds of experts from various fields, including psychology, economics, and philosophy. This podcast explores timeless principles and mental models, offering valuable insights for product, design, and data people looking to broaden their knowledge.
More or Less: Behind the Statistics: More or Less: Behind the Statistics, hosted by Tim Harford, explores the stories behind the numbers we encounter in everyday life. This podcast delves into statistical claims, debunking myths and shedding light on the truth. For product, design, and data people, understanding how statistics are used and misused is essential in making informed decisions.
No Stupid Questions: No Stupid Questions, hosted by Angela Duckworth, is a podcast that explores the power of asking questions and the pursuit of knowledge. This podcast tackles thought-provoking topics, encouraging product, design, and data people to think critically and embrace curiosity.
The REWORK Podcast: The REWORK Podcast, by Basecamp, offers insights into productivity, teamwork, and the challenges faced by modern businesses. This podcast features interviews with entrepreneurs, managers, and thought leaders, providing valuable lessons and strategies for product, design, and data people.
The Vance Crowe Podcast: The Vance Crowe Podcast explores the intersection of communication, agriculture, and innovation. With a focus on storytelling, this podcast offers valuable perspectives on how to effectively communicate ideas and navigate complex industries. Product, design, and data people can gain valuable insights into effective communication strategies.
Hopefully, these twelve podcasts are as enjoyable for you as they are for me. If you have podcast recommendations, please send them my way. Note that in a future article, I plan to put together a more traditional product, design, and data podcasts.
Conclusion
These twelve podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice for product, design, and data people. Whether you're seeking to enhance your skills, gain insights into industry trends, or simply looking for thought-provoking discussions, these podcasts will not disappoint. So, plug in your earphones and get ready to be inspired by the best in the business.
Happy listening!