Let’s hear it for the pros: 8 podcasts interviewing leaders about their work
We’ve rounded-up several podcasts featuring entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals from the highest rungs of their industries’ ladders speaking candidly about their work. From actors to scientists, interior designers, comedians, explorers, and more, these shows highlight bright minds doling out tricks of their trades.
These podcasts are a sort of master class on professions and creativity as the guests share insight, anecdotes, strategies, how they navigate obstacles, succeed, and much more. Thought-provoking and educational, these podcasts are filled with interviews that listeners from all backgrounds might enjoy.

Ologies with Alie Ward
Science correspondent and humorist Alie Ward “asks smart people stupid questions” on “Ologies.” Tune in for conversations with experts in their chosen fields on topics like vampires, volcanoes, death, drunk butterflies, Mars missions, and geology – just to name a few.

SmartLess
Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett host “SmartLess,” a hilarious interview series that continues to delight listeners. Every episode, 1 host surprises the other 2 with a guest from all backgrounds and disciplines. Genuinely fun connections and conversations are sparked with guests like Elizabeth Moss, John Legend, Steve Carell, and Anderson Cooper in over 120 weekly episodes.

Desert Island Discs
BBC Radio 4’s “Desert Island Discs” features guests from all walks of life chatting about top choices they’d bring to a desert island. Guests share their favorite tracks, books, and more that serve as the soundtrack to their lives.

WorkLife with Adam Grant
Organizational psychologist Adam Grant interviews professionals from different areas of expertise on “WorkLife.” Guests share strategies to boost your work life like turning imposter syndrome into confidence, using frustration to your benefit, learning to embrace rivals, and more. Hear from Reese Witherspoon, Sharon McMahon, Celeste Ng, Chantel Prat, and dozens of inspiring guests.

The Great Creators with Guy Raz
On Wondery’s “The Great Creators with Guy Raz,” Guy chats with top guests from their respective industries. They’ll share tips to be more present, overcome challenges, and succeed in their lives. Learn from guests like Weird Al Yankovic, Graham Nash, Nick Kroll, The Chainsmokers, and more guests sharing practical tools to apply to your own life, unlock your potential, and “become a better version of yourself.”

How I Built This with Guy Raz
Also hosted by Guy Raz, “How I Built This” chats with some of the world’s best-known entrepreneurs on weekly episodes. Guests like Issa Rae, Jimmy Fallon, and Wirecutter’s Brian Lam share their insights, get real about their best and worst moments, and fill listeners in on how they eventually succeeded.

Second Life
Who What Wear co-founder Hillary Kerr hosts “Second Life,” and is joined by guests to explore how career changes can happen at any time in our lives. Recent guests included New York Times best-selling author Jessica Knoll (Luckiest Girl Alive, The Favorite Sister), CNN Anchor/correspondent/award-winning journalist Audie Cornish, and founder/CEO of The Folklore Amira Rasool – just to name a few.

Work, Actually
Kate Chaundy hosts “Work, Actually,” a podcast all about careers. Whether you’re making a career change, learning more about jobs outside your field, or just want to hear about some interesting jobs, this series has plenty of fascinating guests. Past guests have included a sound engineer, an obituary writer, an explorer, an interior designer, a horse trainer, a sleep expert, and more.