11 German & English podcasts every founder should listen to
Are you ready to turn your brilliant idea into a thriving business but feeling overwhelmed with questions and uncertainties? Starting your own company is far from simple, but fear not, aspiring entrepreneurs! The solution is as easy as plugging in your headphones and tuning into a podcast.
With countless hosts sharing their knowledge on how to start up, you can listen to their advice, ideas, and experiences during your commute, workout, or even while whipping up something delicious in the kitchen. But with so many options out there, how do you know which podcasts are worth your time?
Look no further than our top 11 German and English podcast recommendations. Get ready to learn, be inspired, and take the first steps towards realizing your entrepreneurial dreams!
1. Business Punk - How to Hack (in German)
Are you looking for a business podcast that delivers practical insights and advice from successful entrepreneurs and creatives? Business Punk is a perfect fit! Unlike some podcasts that simply offer "chit-chat”, this show provides solid, actionable learning that you can use to take your own business to the next level. From personal tips and hacks to broader discussions about working life, the experts featured on Business Punk offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise. So put on your headphones and prepare to dive into the world of successful entrepreneurship with Business Punk. You won't be disappointed!
Our recommended episode: #32: Linda Zervakis on work-life balance
2. Business Wars (from Wondery) (in English)
If you're interested in a podcast that delves into the cutthroat world of business and the battles behind the world's biggest companies, Business Wars is the perfect choice.
With over 75 series to choose from, Business Wars, hosted by David Brown, covers all industries, from fashion to food, entertainment to travel, sports, and more. Through reimagined conversations and clever sound design, you'll be transported into the boardrooms where deals are made and backstabbing occurs. With over 15 million downloads within its first year, Business Wars has been listed as one of the top ten business podcasts by Inc. Magazine and has won both a Webby and iHeartRadio Podcast Award. Discover the untold stories of the biggest rivalries in business and how they've shaped the world we live in today.
Our recommended episode: Season 79, EP 1: Disney-Pixar vs Dreamworks
3. Be your brand (in German)
In today's fast-moving world, personal branding has become increasingly important. It's essential to know what you stand for, the value you can provide to others, and where you want to go. The podcast Be your brand offers the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals who have successfully turned their name into a brand.
In each episode, personal branding coach Verena Bender shares practical tips and advice on how to build your personal brand. You'll also hear inspiring interviews with guests like Diana zur Löwen, Laura Malina Seiler, Gabor Steingart, and many more, who share their stories and tips.
It offers valuable insights and knowledge on how to establish your personal brand and stand out from the crowd.
Our recommended episode: 132 Personal Branding Deep Dive - Interview with Felix Beilharz
4. Dare to lead with Brené Brown (in English)
Brené Brown, the author of the best-selling book Dare to Lead, has launched a podcast as well, aiming to inspire and empower leaders at every level. The Dare to Lead podcast debuted alongside her book, which immediately became a #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller.
In the podcast, Brené shares her insights on daring leadership and engages in conversations with change catalysts, culture shifters, and as many troublemakers as possible. She believes that building a better, more just world requires daring leadership in every aspect of our lives, from work to home to the community.
Our recommended episode: Brené with Dr. Donald Sull and Charlie Sull on How Toxic Work Cultures Are Driving the Great Resignation
5. Entrepreneurs On Fire (in English)
Get ready to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit with Entrepreneurs On Fire, the incredible, award-winning business podcast hosted by John Lee Dumas. You'll be blown away by the sheer breadth of knowledge and expertise that he and his successful, and sometimes well known, entrepreneurs bring to the table. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a side-hustler, a solopreneur or a small business owner, listen in and start your journey.
Our recommended episode: The Simplest Online Business with Ann Sieg
6. FUTURE CANDY (in German)
Welcome to FUTURE CANDY, the podcast that delivers the freshest tidbits of the future straight to your ears. Managing director Nick Sohnemann and his expert guests provide inspiration and knowledge on cutting-edge topics that shape our world today and will continue to do so in the future. As an innovation agency based in Hamburg, FUTURE CANDY is at the forefront of the latest developments in technology and business, helping companies across Europe stay ahead of the curve.
Our recommended episode: Episode 54: Ethische Innovation für eine bessere Zukunft
7. New Work Heroes (in German)
New Work Heroes Podcast is the place where you can explore various topics related to unlocking your professional potential, overcoming internal doubts, and finding meaning and fulfillment in your career. As an entrepreneur, organizational developer, and career coach, host Jörn Hendrik Ast brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. Through conversations with inspiring personalities, they embark on hero's journeys and engage in honest debates, steering clear of typical advertising copy and superficial start-up small talk. The podcast also offers knowledge episodes and coaching sessions to assist you on your personal journey.
Our recommended episode: Episode 83: Deep Work mit Flow
8. Sidepreneur (in German)
Photo Credit: Sidepreneur
People with amazing business ideas often fail because they don’t know how to balance starting up and their regular job. In Sidepreneur, Peter Georg Lutsch and Juliane Benad get to the bottom of this dilemma. Twice a week, they provide answers for their listeners through a Monday motivation issue as well as interviews on Wednesdays. Peter Georg Lutsch states, “In 2019, I received the XING New Work Award for these efforts. Today, as an author and speaker, I can share my experience on the topics of part-time founding and business entrepreneurship. I am always open to new suggestions and the exchange of experiences on the above topics.”
Our recommended episode: Episode 155: 5 Schlüssel für eine erfolgreiche Pricing-Strategie
9. The Pitch (in English)
Photo Credit: The Pitch
A podcast where entrepreneurs from all walks of life come to pitch their ideas to investors for the chance to secure real funding. You will witness firsthand the art of persuasion, the psychology of investment, and the high-stakes negotiations that determine the fate of these businesses. Hosted by the charismatic Josh Muccio, and featuring some of the most brilliant minds in the industry, The Pitch is the ultimate guide to navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned investor.
Our recommended episode: Episode 86: If the Suit Fits, Invest.
10. This Week in Startups (in English)
Jason Calacanis delves into an expansive range of captivating subjects, including startups, tech advancements, markets, media, and the hottest topics in the realm of business and technology. In his engaging podcast, he skillfully conducts interviews with an illustrious lineup of the globe's most exceptional founders, operators, investors, and innovators, providing valuable insights into their experiences and expertise. Jason Calacanis leaves no stone unturned as he enlightens his audience with an extensive exploration of the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Our recommended episode: Episode 1705: TikTok CEO grilled in front of Congress, Coinbase's Wells Notice & Do Kwon arrested
11. Unicorn Bakery (in Germany)
Photo Credit: Unicorn Bakery
No, this podcast is not about how to make an apple pie or magical chocolate chip cookies. Unicorn Bakery is about unleashing your inner entrepreneur and launching your own startup. It is dedicated to helping you make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. The creators go beyond typical "success stories" and bring you in-depth interviews with startup founders at every stage of the process, from ideation and strategy to technical, legal, and financial issues. With a focus on practical insights and actionable advice, they will guide you through the complex and often daunting world of startup entrepreneurship.
Our recommended episode: “CEOs sollten keine Meetings haben” – 5 Millionen User, 20M ARR ohne Investoren und mit leerem Kalender! – Amir Salihefendic, doist
There you have it—our top 11 podcast recommendations for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, these podcasts are sure to provide you with invaluable insights, inspiration, and knowledge. So why not plug in your headphones, tune in, and take the first steps towards realizing your entrepreneurial dreams? Happy listening!