A product manager's world is constantly evolving and shifting. The best product managers consistently have ideas brewing, with exciting new innovations on the way. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with the industry, and the latest trends and updates.
However, with such a busy daily schedule, it’s not always feasible to find the time to read the latest articles and think-pieces, or scroll through forums and discussion boards.
Podcasts have boomed in popularity in recent years, and for very good reason. In fact, around 62% of the population has listened to a podcast in the past. Podcasts are ideal for multi-taskers, like product managers and leaders.
Not only are they a convenient medium, but 74% of regular listeners do so to learn new things about their interests or industries. They can be a great way to absorb new information, and get the creative juices flowing, in your spare time.
So, bearing this in mind, we have generated a list of the best product management podcasts for PMs at every stage!
Best podcasts for product managers
We’ll start with the basic all-rounders. These are the podcasts that all product managers, whether beginners or experts, need in their wheelhouse. Take a look at the following:
The Product Podcast
One of the most popular product management podcasts around, The Product Podcast targets PMs of all levels and experiences. This podcast has been going strong for ten seasons, with interviews from a variety of product managers and leaders.
The Product Podcast covers topics from every area of product management, including how to begin in product management and development, to the latest trends in the industry. Since the speakers cover a variety of industries, it’s a great way to get to know more about this sector.
It’s available on a variety of platforms, including Spotify and Apple podcasts - so add this to your library wherever you listen!
Product Thinking
Created by Melissa Perri, expert product manager and thought leader in the space, this podcast is for product managers looking for more.
Product Thinking looks at how taking a step back and taking a holistic approach to product management improves systems as a whole. It doesn’t stop there though, Melissa regularly hosts guests that provide real-life scenarios and discuss solutions and their experiences.
This podcast is a great resource for juniors and experts alike, that are looking to expand their everyday approach and progress into leadership thinking.
This one is available on the majority of popular podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts. In short 30-40 minute episodes, this one is worth your attention each week.
100PM
100PM, or 100 Product Managers, does what it says on the tin. Host Suzanne Abate has made it her mission to interview 100 product managers to learn more about this exciting industry.
Each episode is an interview with one expert, discussing their experiences, and real-life scenarios that you can learn from. Guests include PMs and experts from Marvel, Audible, Conde Nast, and more.
From startups to full enterprise businesses, there’s something for everyone, and experts hail from a variety of industries.
Unfortunately, the podcast finished airing new episodes in 2020, but we still think this is a valuable addition to any PMs arsenal. Available on Apple Podcasts and more!
Podcasts for product development and inspiration
Not all inspiration and innovation come from the daily operations of a product manager. You need to understand the context behind every innovation and idea. New perspectives help to feed your innovation, and that’s what we’ve used to decide on the following choices:
How I Built This
While not specific to product managers, this podcast is key for anyone interested in understanding the processes behind some of the biggest innovations in recent history.
How I Built This tells the origin stories of some of the most recognizable businesses in the world, including Twitch, Paypal, Bumble, and more. Interviewer, Guy Raz, regularly expands beyond business, and takes a deeper dive into the lives and experiences behind these great enterprises.
Looking for inspiring stories and fresh business ideas? Each hour-long episode of the How I Built This podcast is available wherever you usually stream your podcasts!
Mixergy
Like How I Built This, the Mixergy podcast isn’t specifically aimed at product managers, but rather business leaders as a whole. However, the challenging questions posed by the experienced entrepreneur and interviewer, Andrew Warner, make this a real thought-provoking series.
Many of the goals and challenges faced by these entrepreneurs overlap with product management. Their solutions might just be the spark you need to get over that hurdle you’ve been battling. Take inspiration from leaders at LinkedIn, Pixar, Groupon, and more.
As usual, this podcast is available on the majority of streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Expert product management podcasts for leaders
Product management leaders face the challenge of inspiring themselves, and their teams, to build great solutions. Their responsibilities extend beyond great ideas and innovation. Here are some of the best product management podcasts for aspiring or established product leaders.
Masters of Scale
Hosted by the co-founder of LinkedIn, Reid Hoffman, Masters of Scale is about growth. This series is for product managers that are looking to take their ideas further, and become real industry leaders.
Hear from founders of multi-million dollar companies, about the growing pains of their products, and how they turned their journey around.
This podcast takes on a creative persona, with narration and sound effects to really tell the stories. Feel fully immersed in the truth about the likes of Netflix and Nike. Find this one on Spotify, Amazon, and more.
Product Coffee
Hear purely from product management leaders in Product Coffee. Each episode is a half an hour trip into the world of product management leadership, you guessed it, over a cup of coffee.
This podcast promises to help you level up your product career, with stories, advice, and debates on the world of product management.
Topics include mental health in product management, managing people and culture, and the benefits of agile teams. With 114 episodes, and counting, this podcast is the perfect bitesize content for busy product managers.
Stream on Spotify!
Beyond the To-Do List
You might be wondering why we are recommending a productivity podcast as one of our best product management podcasts, but effective product leadership is about more than just product management.
Strategic planning is key to any product manager, but especially leaders. Managing a team and the pressure that comes with leadership present challenges. Understanding how to maximize your time, your work-life balance, your productivity, and more, are all important skills.
Beyond the To-Do List features interviews with a variety of guests, including entrepreneurs, journalists, best-sellers, product executives, and more.
If you’re looking for strategy guidance, or just personal improvement, stream Beyond the To-Do List on Apple, Amazon, or Google.
Making time for quality product management podcasts is just one way you can succeed as the product manager of the modern industry. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that looks into the critical topics that every product manager needs to know.
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