It's no secret that today's small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners wear a lot of hats. From managing cash flow to navigating marketing trends, staying sharp and ahead of the curve is essential. 

That's where podcasts come in. According to recent surveys, more than 50% of business owners regularly consume podcasts to grow their business knowledge. They're convenient, timely, and packed with insights that can be applied directly to everyday business challenges.

If you're ready to turn your downtime—commutes, lunch breaks, or morning workouts—into productive moments, here's a roundup of some of the most popular business podcasts out there, along with tips on how to put what you hear into action.

1. The Tim Ferriss Show

Best for: Big-picture thinking and experimentation

Why it's worth a listen: Tim Ferriss interviews world-class performers—from CEOs to creatives—and dissects their habits and strategies. It's ideal for entrepreneurs looking to work smarter and challenge the status quo.

Apply it: Don't just listen—test. Try Ferriss's “lifestyle design" philosophy on a small scale. Is there a task you can automate, delegate, or eliminate this week to save time? Can you A/B test your customer email strategy or change one workflow for better efficiency?

2. How I Built This with Guy Raz

Best for: Inspiration and resilience

Why it's worth a listen: This NPR classic dives into the origin stories of successful businesses like Airbnb, Patagonia, and Spanx. It's a reminder that behind every successful brand is a rollercoaster of risks, pivots, and perseverance.

Apply it: Use the stories to normalize the ups and downs in your own journey. Reflect on how other founders overcame setbacks. Could you revisit a failed idea with fresh eyes or shift your business model slightly to meet changing demand?

3. Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn

Best for: Side hustlers and digital entrepreneurs

Why it's worth a listen: Pat Flynn offers practical tips on online income streams, marketing tactics, and audience growth. His honest, approachable style makes complex topics easier to digest.

Apply it: Even if your business isn't online-first, you can still leverage digital tools. Start by optimizing your website for conversions, exploring email marketing, or adding a passive revenue stream through digital products or affiliate sales.

4. The Daily Stoic with Ryan Holiday

Best for: Mindset and mental clarity

Why it's worth a listen: While not a traditional business podcast, The Daily Stoic offers short, thought-provoking episodes on leadership, discipline, and focus—all critical traits for any business owner.

Apply it: Use Stoic principles to stay calm under pressure and make decisions based on logic rather than emotion. Journaling for five minutes a day or starting your mornings with a moment of reflection can improve your clarity and resilience.

5. Marketing School with Neil Patel & Eric Siu

Best for: Quick-hit marketing tips

Why it's worth a listen: These daily episodes are short, sharp, and focused on actionable digital marketing strategies. From SEO hacks to TikTok ads, the content is always relevant.

Apply it: Pick one tip a week to test. Maybe it's refreshing your homepage SEO, trying a new ad platform, or running a social media contest. Small tweaks can lead to big gains.

Make the Most of Every Minute

Podcasts are a powerful way to stay educated and inspired without adding to your to-do list. Whether you're looking for productivity hacks, marketing tips, or simply a reminder that you're not alone in the entrepreneurial hustle, there's a podcast out there for you. 

The key to successful listening lies in your ability to turn the insights you gain from listening into actions. Fortunately, there are podcasts out there that can help you do this, too!