(833) 317-6278 15 Best Interview Podcasts in 2024
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For interview podcast listeners, the level of conversational depth and candid discourse feels a bit like eavesdropping — and that’s okay. It’s not only encouraged, it’s celebrated!
These shows are your one-stop shop for education and entertainment, featuring deep dives into the minds of industry experts, celebrities, and thought leaders. Whether you’re looking to learn the secrets of success or just enjoy some candid celebrity banter, interview podcasts have you covered.
And let’s not forget the PR perks for those lucky enough to grace the guest seat – it’s like a free advertising entree with a side of human connection.
So tune in, and get ready for a delightful mix of wisdom and wit!
Here’s what’s covered:
- What are Interview Podcasts?
- Best Interview Podcasts Overall
- Best Business Interview Podcasts
- Best CEO Interview Podcasts
- Best News & Hot Topic Interview Podcasts
- Best Music Interview Podcasts
Want to be interviewed on Top Podcasts?
Let’s talk! Book a free consultation and we’ll help you prepare key pitch ideas and a list of the best interview podcasts that’ll help you effortlessly increase your PR efforts.
What are Interview Podcasts?
Interview podcasts are audio shows where hosts engage guests in conversations, exploring their experiences, expertise, and perspectives on various topics. These podcasts often feature a diverse range of guests, including:
- Industry Experts
- Celebrities
- Authors
- Thought Leaders
They provide listeners with deep insights and personal stories.
What Do Interview Podcasts Cover?
The format typically involves in-depth discussions on:
- Professional Journeys
- Creative Processes
- Current Events
- Personal Anecdotes
Interview podcasts are known for their engaging and informative nature, making tough subjects accessible and relatable while offering both educational value and entertainment.
Why are Interview Podcasts so Popular?
The top podcasts with interview-based formats have gained immense popularity and loyal followings due to their unique ability to entertain and educate. They offer listeners a chance to hear directly from experts, celebrities, and thought leaders who provide firsthand insights and personal stories that are both engaging and informative.
The conversational style of interview podcasts makes complex topics more accessible and relatable, allowing listeners to feel connected to the guests and their experiences. They also cater to diverse interests, covering a wide range of subjects like:
- Business
- Culture
- Arts and more
For Listeners
This variety ensures there is something for everyone, keeping audiences consistently engaged. The flexibility of podcast listening — whether during commutes, workouts, or downtime — also contributes to their widespread appeal.
For Guests
Interview podcasts provide a powerful platform for reaching a wide audience and establishing thought leadership. This mutually beneficial dynamic helps maintain a steady flow of compelling content, further fueling the popularity of interview podcasts.
Pro Tip: Getting on a podcast is tricky, particularly a top-tier interview podcast that typically features the biggest names in a respective industry.
Learn more about how to get on a podcast here: How to Get on a Podcast: 7 Easy Steps + Examples
Best Interview Podcasts Overall
The best interview podcasts blend captivating storytelling with in-depth conversations, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the lives and minds of fascinating individuals. These shows feature a diverse range of guests, from industry leaders to cultural icons, ensuring each episode is both insightful and entertaining.
SmartLess
SmartLess is a wildly popular interview podcast hosted by actors Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. Each episode features one of the hosts surprising the others with a mystery guest, leading to spontaneous and insightful conversations.
The show’s charm lies in its blend of humor, camaraderie, and curiosity, as the trio delves into the personal and professional lives of their guests, including:
- Actors
- Musicians
- Politicians
- Thought Leaders
SmartLess offers listeners a unique mix of celebrity interviews, witty banter, and genuine moments of connection, making it a standout in the crowded world of podcasts.
Hosts: Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett
Episode Length: 1 Hour
Episode Schedule: Mondays
Fresh Air
NPR’s Fresh Air is a critically acclaimed interview podcast and radio show hosted by journalist Terry Gross. It’s known for its deep and engaging interviews with a wide array of guests, including:
- Authors
- Actors
- Musicians
- Cultural Icons
Each episode features Gross’s thoughtful and probing questions, which elicit revealing and intimate responses from her guests. The show covers:
- Current Events
- Social Issues
- Personal Stories
- Creative Processes
Fresh Air is celebrated for its intelligent conversations, nuanced storytelling, and Gross’s exceptional interviewing skills. It offers insightful and enriching content that resonates long after the episode ends.
Host: Terry Gross
Episode Length: 45 Minutes
Episode Schedule: Daily
WTF with Marc Maron
WTF with Marc Maron is a renowned interview podcast hosted by comedian Marc Maron. It’s known for its candid and in-depth interviews with:
- Comedians
- Actors
- Writers
- Musicians
Maron’s distinctive interviewing style combines humor, vulnerability, and incisiveness, creating a space for honest and revealing conversations. Each episode explores the personal and professional lives of the guests, uncovering their struggles, triumphs, and unique perspectives.
WTF with Marc Maron has garnered a loyal following for its raw authenticity, emotional depth, and ability to connect with listeners through the shared human experience.
Host: Marc Maron
Episode Length: 90 Minutes
Episode Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays
Best Business Interview Podcasts
The best business interview podcasts excel at extracting valuable insights and practical advice from successful entrepreneurs, executives, and thought leaders. These shows delve into the strategies, challenges, and innovations that drive business success. They provide listeners with actionable takeaways and inspiration for their own ventures.
HBR IdeaCast
HBR IdeaCast, produced by Harvard Business Review, offers insightful interviews with leading thinkers in business and management. Hosted by HBR executive editor Alison Beard and senior editor Curt Nickisch, each episode explores current trends, innovative ideas, and pressing issues in business.
Guests include top executives, academics, and industry experts who share their knowledge on topics such as:
- Leadership
- Strategy
- Organizational Culture
- Innovation
With its focus on practical advice and thought-provoking discussions, HBR IdeaCast provides listeners with valuable insights to enhance their professional development and navigate the complexities of the modern business world.
Hosts: Alison Beard and Curt Nicklisch
Episode Length: 20-30 Minutes
Episode Schedule: Tuesdays
Masters of Scale
Masters of Scale, hosted by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, is a business interview podcast that explores the strategies and principles behind successful business scaling. Each episode features in-depth interviews with iconic entrepreneurs and leaders who share:
- Personal Stories
- Lessons Learned
- Expert Insights
Hoffman uncovers the innovative approaches and mindsets that drive exponential growth, from startup to global enterprise.
Masters of Scale blends storytelling with practical advice, offering listeners a unique perspective on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in business. This show is an excellent resource for anyone looking to scale their own ventures.
Host: Reid Hoffman
Episode Length: 30 Minutes
Episode Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays
The Tim Ferriss Show
The Tim Ferriss Show is a widely acclaimed podcast hosted by bestselling author and entrepreneur Tim Ferriss. Each episode features deep-dive interviews with world-class performers from diverse fields, including business, sports, entertainment, and academia.
Ferriss’s inquisitive style and thorough research lead to revealing conversations that uncover the habits, routines, and strategies that drive his guests’ success. Topics include:
- Productivity Hacks
- Personal Development
- Health and Wellness Insights
With its blend of actionable advice and inspiring stories, The Tim Ferriss Show offers listeners valuable tools and motivation to improve their lives and achieve their goals.
Host: Tim Ferriss
Episode Length: 2-3 Hours
Episode Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Pro Tip: While business interview podcasts offer a ton of helpful advice and insight, there are plenty of niche business podcasts out there that are tailored to specific business needs.
For more business podcasts, read our article: 18 Best Business Podcasts to Supercharge Your Marketing Strategy [+ Mini and Microcasts]
Best CEO Interview Podcasts
The best CEO interview podcasts feature candid conversations with top executives, offering an inside look at their leadership styles, decision-making processes, and the journeys that led them to the helm of their companies. These podcasts give listeners a rare opportunity to learn from the experiences and wisdom of those who navigate the complexities of leading successful organizations.
The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett (DOAC)
The Diary of a CEO (DOAC) is a compelling interview podcast hosted by entrepreneur Steven Bartlett. In each episode, Bartlett delves into the unfiltered stories of successful business leaders, entrepreneurs, and influential figures, exploring the highs and lows of their journeys.
Each episode explores themes of:
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership
- Mental Health
- Personal Growth
Known for his candid and thoughtful interview style, Bartlett uncovers the personal experiences, challenges, and insights that have shaped his guests’ paths to success.
DOAC provides a raw and honest look at the realities of building and leading a business, offering listeners valuable lessons and inspiration. This show is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and personal growth.
Host: Steven Bartlett
Episode Length: 2 Hours (Mondays and Thursdays), 10 Minutes (Fridays)
Episode Schedule: Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
How I Built This
How I Built This, hosted by co-creator and editorial director Guy Raz, is a captivating interview podcast that examines the stories behind the world’s best-known companies and brands. Each episode features interviews with founders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs who share their journeys from humble beginnings to monumental success.
Raz’s engaging and thoughtful interviewing style brings out the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that define each business’s history. Through these inspiring narratives, listeners gain:
- The Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Insights into Innovation
- Resilience
How I Built This offers valuable lessons and motivation for anyone interested in the creative process and the relentless pursuit of building something extraordinary.
Host: Guy Raz
Episode Length: 30-90 Minutes
Episode Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays
Entrepreneurs on Fire
Entrepreneurs on Fire, hosted by John Lee Dumas (JLD), is a dynamic interview podcast that features in-depth conversations with successful entrepreneurs and CEOs from various industries.
Each episode delivers:
- Actionable Insights
- Strategies
- Inspiration
Guests share their experiences, challenges, and victories on their entrepreneurial journeys., while JLD’s engaging interview style brings out practical advice and motivational stories. This show is for aspiring and established leaders.
With its focus on delivering daily doses of entrepreneurial wisdom, Entrepreneurs on Fire ignites the drive in listeners to pursue their own business ventures and achieve financial and personal freedom.
Host: John Lee Dumas (JDL)
Episode Length: 15-30 Minutes
Episode Schedule: Daily
Pro Tip: The success of CEOs and entrepreneurs often hinges on their ability to lead. The experiences and expertise imparted in podcast interviews with top leaders help listeners inform their own leadership strategies.
Gain more valuable insights on leadership here: 15 Leadership Podcasts to Help You Take Charge in 2024
Best News & Hot Topic Interview Podcasts
Interview podcasts with a focus on news and hot topics feature timely and thought-provoking conversations with experts, journalists, and key figures at the center of current events. These shows provide deep analysis and diverse perspectives on pressing issues, keeping listeners informed and engaged with the latest developments and debates.
The Daily
The Daily, hosted by journalists Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise, is a New York Times news interview podcast that delivers deep dives into the most significant news stories. In each episode, Barbaro and Tavernise sit down with expert journalists and newsmakers who provide in-depth analysis and context that gives listeners a nuanced understanding of current events.
With its blend of investigative journalism and compelling storytelling, The Daily covers:
- Politics
- Global Affairs
- Culture
- Technology
The show’s concise and informative format makes it an essential resource for staying informed and engaged with the world’s most pressing issues.
Host: Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise
Episode Length: 20 Minutes
Episode Schedule: Daily
The Gray Area
The Gray Area, hosted by writer Sean Illing and produced by Vox, is a thought-provoking interview podcast that explores the complexities and nuances of today’s most pressing issues. Each episode features deep conversations with experts, thinkers, and cultural influencers who challenge conventional wisdom.
Illing and guests explore the gray areas of:
- Politics
- Philosophy
- Science
- Society
Illing’s insightful questions and open-minded approach lead to rich and stimulating discussions that go beyond black-and-white narratives. The Gray Area offers listeners a deeper understanding of the world.
This show encourages critical thinking and nurtures a more informed and empathetic perspective on the issues that shape our lives.
Host: Sean Illing
Episode Length: 50 Minutes
Episode Schedule: Mondays
Pod Save America
Pod Save America, hosted by former Obama staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor, is a lively and informative political interview podcast produced by Crooked Media. The show offers:
- Sharp Political Analysis
- Insider Insights
- Candid Discussions on Hot Issues
Known for its engaging blend of humor and seriousness, Pod Save America breaks down complex topics, making politics accessible and relatable for listeners.
The hosts leverage their political experience to provide unique perspectives, interview key figures, and inspire activism. With its mix of wit, expertise, and passion, the podcast is a go-to resource for staying informed and motivated in the political landscape.
Hosts: Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor
Episode Length: 1 Hour
Episode Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Best Music Interview Podcasts
Music interview podcasts offer engaging discussions with musicians, producers, and industry insiders. They explore the creative processes, inspirations, and stories behind the music. These shows provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the music world, revealing the personal journeys and experiences that shape the artists and their work.
Questlove Supreme
Questlove Supreme, hosted by the multi-talented musician and producer Questlove, is a captivating music interview podcast that offers deep dives into the lives and careers of:
- Artists
- Musicians
- Cultural Icons
Each episode features in-depth interviews that uncover personal stories, creative processes, and industry insights, all delivered with Questlove’s signature wit and curiosity. The podcast blends humor, music history, and cultural commentary, making it an enriching listening experience for music enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
Questlove Supreme stands out for its engaging storytelling and the host’s ability to draw out candid, revealing conversations with his guests.
Host: Questlove
Episode Length: 1-2 Hours
Episode Schedule: Daily
Broken Record
Broken Record, hosted by legendary producer Rick Rubin, writer Malcolm Gladwell, producer Justin Richmond, and former New York Times editor Bruce Headlam, is a compelling music interview podcast that dives into the stories behind the music.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with:
- Renowned Musicians
- Songwriters
- Industry Insiders
This show explores the creative processes, inspirations, and personal journeys of the biggest names in music. The hosts’ deep knowledge and passion for music create insightful and candid discussions, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the minds of their favorite artists.
Broken Record combines storytelling with musical analysis, making it an essential listen for anyone passionate about understanding the artistry and humanity behind great music.
Hosts: Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam, and Justin Richmond
Episode Length: 1 Hour
Episode Schedule: Tuesdays
Song Exploder
Song Exploder, hosted by musician and producer Hrishikesh Hirway, is an acclaimed music interview podcast where musicians take apart their songs and, piece by piece, tell the story of how they were made. Each episode features an artist sharing the creative process behind one of their tracks, revealing their:
- Inspirations
- Writing Processes
- Recording Techniques
- Production Details
This show offers a rare, intimate look at the intricacies of music-making, highlighting the artistry and dedication involved. Song Exploder is a must-listen for music lovers and aspiring musicians, providing profound insights into the minds and methods of today’s most innovative artists.
Host: Hrishikesh Hirway
Episode Length: 20 Minutes
Episode Schedule: Every other Wednesday
Pro Tip: Music interview podcasts provide deep insights into the creative processes and personal stories of musicians while other music podcasts focus on niche music topics from specific genres to true crime stories within the industry.
For more of the best music podcasts in 2024, read our article: Top 15 Music Podcasts for Your Listening and PR Pleasure
Conclusion
Interview podcasts blend education and entertainment, offering listeners a wealth of knowledge across various fields. These podcasts invite experts, thought leaders, and celebrities to share:
- Expert Insights
- Personal Experiences
- Inspirational Stories
They make complex topics accessible and engaging. Whether you’re interested in business strategies, creative processes, current events, or personal development, there’s likely an interview podcast that caters to your curiosity and thirst for learning.
They’re also excellent PR opportunities for experts in a particular industry who appear as guests. By going on popular shows, industry leaders reach broader audiences, enhancing their visibility and credibility. This platform allows them to share their expertise, promote their work, and connect with listeners on a more personal level.
If you’re seeking to learn something new or amplify your voice, interview podcasts are your go-to audio experience!
Want to appear on interview podcasts as a part of your PR strategy? Not sure how? Book a free PR strategy consultation with one of our PR experts! We can help you get started.
