Podcasts

The 8 best business podcasts for your commute

In this article, you'll learn the following:

Do you have a routine on your commute to work that needs reinvigorating? Your journeys could be used productively, providing the perfect opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills with the help of a podcast.

From topics focused on start-ups and entrepreneurship for those looking to build a side business to networking, finance and much more, we’ve rounded up the best business and marketing podcasts for your commute that will transform your day – and maybe even your life.

SWR commuter

The best motivational podcasts to listen to

It’s natural for motivation levels to ebb and flow. But with a little bit of help, you can stay working at your best with these top business podcasts:

1. Diary of a CEO - Stephen Bartlett

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, running a fully-fledged business of your own or simply looking for ways to work smarter, the award-winning business podcast Diary of a CEO is filled with advice and interviews with incredible guests to get you raring to go.

Created by Stephen Bartlett, who transformed his life from a broke university dropout to a successful entrepreneur, this top-rated podcast is easy to listen to and incredibly inspiring. Each episode is unscripted, meaning that it can vary in length from 10-minute snippets to two hours, drawing in millions of listeners with its engaging format and natural approach.

2. Honey, I Blew Up The Business - Dan Kirby

Whether you’re working on your first startup, side hustle, or are nursing an established business, Honey, I Blew Up The Business is one of the best entrepreneur podcasts. After his company of 16 years came crashing down, founder Dan Kirby spent valuable time getting things back on track – and he’s now helping others to keep their businesses safe.

Comprising everything from mental fitness and facing your fears to discussions on the power of feedback and how to reinvent yourself, the episodes are full-to-the brim with actionable advice. With personal insights into the highs and pitfalls that founders often face when building a company, you’ll be a loyal listener of the show in no time.

3. Yeukai Business Show - Yeukai Kajidori

Whether you’re after tips for Finance and Marketing, HR and Sales, Business growth Systems or Personal Development, Yeukai Kajidori’s podcast comes out tops. This insightful podcast delves into the backstories, successes and struggles of highly-esteemed guests, making it a must-listen for curious commuters who may be unsure of what the future holds for their business.

Yeukai knows what it’s like to grow a successful business from humble beginnings, and along with his guests, he’s here to pass on his top tips. Featuring fascinating conversations filled with gems of knowledge, honest admissions from founders of where they went wrong in their journey and how they overcame obstacles, plus what is working right now in the business world, you’ll be left feeling inspired.

4. The Ian King Business Podcast

The key to running a successful business is to stay on top of the latest news – whether financial, cultural or location specific. Presented by Ian King for Sky News, The Ian King Business Podcast shares daily, relevant business news to help you keep track of current affairs.

The podcast is essential for all listeners, regardless of whether you’re an entrepreneur, looking to get ahead in your career or aiming to improve your strategies. Featuring topics from tax cuts to current house prices, sustainability and equality in the workplace, the daily show averages 40-50 minutes, making it the perfect choice for business travellers.

5. Conversations of Inspiration - Holly Tucker

Holly Tucker

If you’re a small business owner who has found yourself lacking motivation and direction, kickstart your day and improve your commute by listening to Conversations of Inspiration. Formed by the founder of notonthehighstreet and Holly & Co, Holly Tucker MBE, the podcast aims to empower small businesses all over the UK.

There’s no shortage of advice that you can use instantly, including productivity tips, overcoming deception, embracing gratitude, rewriting your future and a range of other personal and business lessons. As well as interviews with celebrities and founders, Holly draws on and shares her own experiences throughout each episode, making the podcast relatable and accessible for people of all skill sets and career stages.

6. Jimmy’s Jobs of the Future - Jimmy McLoughlin

When it comes to knowledgeable podcast hosts, Jimmy McLoughlin is your man. As a former Downing Street adviser, he’s built up a fascinating list of contacts – leading to some interesting and thought-provoking conversations.

In his weekly podcast, Jimmy’s Jobs of the Future, each episode sees Jimmy interview a different entrepreneur to discover how they’ve made a success out of their business. Topics cover everything from crowdfunding your business, to the pros and cons of hybrid working and the future of the high street. If you’ve always wanted to see into the mind of a successful business owner, then this is the podcast for you.

The best financial podcasts to listen to

Taking control of your finances can make all the difference to the success of your business. For tips, support and more, tune into these top financial podcasts:

7. Money Talks - The Economist

The Economist’s podcast, Money Talks, brings you all the latest financial news from The Economist’s editors and correspondants. You’ll be gripped by the topics covered every Wednesday in these 30-40-minute snippets, where you’ll learn about financial markets, the economy and the world of business.

Current affairs discussed include adjustments to the world’s financial markets, the rise and fall of the pound, the effect of changing energy prices and current investment trends. Use this essential information to make decisions about your business and personal investments to stay one step ahead of the grain.

8. The Bottom Line - Evan Davis

If you’re lacking direction or struggling to manage your business finances, give The Bottom Line a listen while commuting to find inspiration for innovation. This podcast provides impactful guidance to help you get out of a financial rut and see your company’s true potential.

Hosted by Evan Davis for BBC Radio 4, you can find over 300 episodes discussing everything from windfall taxes and workplace disputes to the cost of living and energy prices. Expect great guest interviews, thorough insights, and easy, straightforward ways to pivot your tactics.

By now, you’ll hopefully feel inspired to transform your routine and turn commuting into an opportunity to sharpen your skills and mindset. With no booking fees and our Business Direct online bookings available 24/7, South Western Railway has all your business travel needs covered. Save with season tickets or Flexi season tickets if you travel on the same route regularly, or who not consider a smartcard to hold all your tickets in one place?