Even the most creative folks need raw material — some kind of input to stimulate the flow of ideas. Because we're often on the run, many creative professionals turn to podcasts — on every imaginable subject, from music to business to beekeeping — for inspiration.
We asked Rolling Stone Culture Council members to share podcasts they host and enjoy. Here’s their list:
Health and Wellness Podcasts
- BarBend podcast, hosted by David Tao, RSCC member: “We talk to the top minds in the worlds of fitness, strength, and wellness, from record-breaking athletes to researchers helping people move and live better.”
- Glamour & Gains with Eve Dawes, recommended by Lisa Song Sutton, RSCC member: Covers the latest curated cruelty-free beauty, health tips, fitness, fashion and luxury travel through a glamorous lens, minus diets and fads.
- And more:
- “7 Podcasts for a Healthier Mind and Body” from New York Times
- “25 Fascinating Health and Fitness Podcasts to Get Obsessed With in 2021” from Prevention
- “Top 10 Health and Wellness Podcasts” from That Clean Life
Business and Entrepreneurship Podcasts
- The Tim Ferriss Show, recommended by Lisa Song Sutton, RSCC member: The Tim Ferriss Show is often the #1 business podcast on all of Apple Podcasts, and it's been ranked #1 out of 500,000+ podcasts on many occasions.
- Hawke Talk, hosted by Erik Huberman, RSCC member: A podcast all about the origin stories of the most interesting people in the world. Today, you know our guests as famous athletes, authors, and entrepreneurs . . . but there’s so much more to the story. How did they navigate upbringings that seem so far from what they eventually became? What were those pivotal moments that steered them in a new and fascinating direction forever? Buckle up: Everyone loves a good origin story.
- Dropping Bombs, recommended by Lisa Song Sutton, RSCC member, who recently appeared on this podcast: Covering topics from finances and personal branding to finding success in the face of adversity, Dropping Bombs is a must-listen for every entrepreneur.
- How I Built This, recommended by Lisa Song Sutton, RSCC member: Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs, and idealists—and the movements they built.
- Polk Properties "Forbes Real Estate" Thoughts, hosted by Michael Polk, RSCC member
- And more:
- “The Nine Best Business Podcasts of 2021” from The Balance Small Business
- “Top 25 Business Podcasts for Entrepreneurs” from Entrepreneur
- “21 Awesome Business Podcasts You Should Be Listening To” from Webflow
Music Industry Podcasts
- Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums podcast, recommended by Michael Polk, RSCC member
- Music Industry 360, hosted by Symphonic Distribution where Jorge Brea, RSCC member, is CEO: Aims to educate new and existing musicians about tools in the industry, while sharing knowledge to help artists take their careers to the next level.
- Next Up (Hip Hop) hosted by Symphonic Distribution where Jorge Brea, RSCC member, is CEO : Dedicated to Hip-Hop/R&B music, culture, and art.
- Music Industry Sessions, where Jorge Brea, RSCC member, is CEO: Symphonic's annual conference series held in different cities around the US.
- And more:
- “Top Music Industry Podcasts” from IndieConnect
- “Top 10 Music Industry Podcasts That’ll Up Your Music Business Education” from Music Industry How To
- “52 Top Music Industry Podcasts for Musicians” from Oh.
Food and Drink Podcasts
- Flavors Unknown, recommended by Ehren Ryan, RSCC member: “[Host Emmanuel Laroche] is someone who loves our industry and loves to talk to the underground chefs as well.”
- Bourbon Pursuit, recommended by David Tao, RSCC member: “I'm a big fan of a lot of niche podcasts, particularly what Bourbon Pursuit has been able to build around such a small and tight-knit industry. They've transitioned from just a podcast for bourbon enthusiasts to a full stack content brand that works directly with industry major players, and they even have their own whiskey blend now — all starting with leveraging the power of a dedicated podcast listener base!”
- And more:
- “16 of the Best Food and Drink Podcasts to Feed Your Mind” from Fine Dining Lovers
- “What Are the Best Food Podcasts Right Now” from Chowhound
- “5 Podcasts for the Food and Beverage Professional” from Fridge
Science and Technology Podcasts
- This Week in Virology (TWIV): recommended by Dan Giuliani, Rolling Stone Culture Council member: “Science, Medicine, COVID. The absolute best podcast source I've found for COVID19 information, direct from the virologists who have made studying viruses their life's work.”
- Lex Fridman podcast recommended by Dan Giuliani, Rolling Stone Culture Council member: “Future, technology, psychology, philosophy. Fascinating conversations about who we are and where we're going, hosted by an inquisitive, complex thinker.”
- And more:
- “23 Best Science and Technology Podcasts” from Interesting Engineering
- “The Best Science Podcasts To Make You Smarter” from Popsci
- “8 Podcasts for the Tech Curious” from New York Times
Design Podcasts
- 99% Invisible recommended by Dan Giuliani, Rolling Stone Culture Council member: “Design. Admittedly, this is the only design-focused podcast I listen to and it's not my area of expertise, but I love it. Totally fascinating explorations into how design and interfaces of all kinds intersect with our everyday lives.”
- And more:
- “Top 15 Graphic Design Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021” from Feedspot
- “Best Design Podcasts” from Obsessed Show
World Affairs Podcasts
- Conversations with Tyler recommended by Dan Giuliani, Rolling Stone Culture Council member: “Economics, human behavior, sociology. Interview-style podcast hosted by Tyler Cowen, a free-markets economist who asks fascinating questions of interesting people. Especially good for left-leaning folks who want to better understand economic theory without the political trappings.”
- Stratfor, recommended by Michael Polk, RSCC member: Focused on geopolitics, world affairs, national security, economics and other underlying, global trends that drive the international system.
- And more:
- “The 25 Best Economics Podcasts of 2020” from Intelligent Economist
- “Top 35 Political Science Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021” from Podstash
- “8 International Relations Podcasts To Follow” from American University
Comedy Podcasts
- The Joe Rogan Experience, recommended by Lisa Song Sutton, RSCC member: audio and video podcast hosted by American comedian and television host Joe Rogan.
- And more:
- “25 Best Comedy Podcasts of 2021” from Oprahmag.com
- “The 16 Funniest Podcasts of 2021” from Lifewire
- “These Are the 24 Best Comedy Podcasts Around Right Now” from Esquire
As noted by Harvard Business Review, sometimes the best ideas come from outside your industry. Don’t limit yourself; find and take in whatever content gets your brain buzzing.