“Hi, my name is Ryan… And I’m a PODCASTOHOLIC!”

“HI, RYAN!”
Now, I’m not tryin’ to make light of the highly-effective 12-step therapeutic recovery process. But when it comes to podcasts, I’m a total JUNKIE (truthfully, I might have a problem;–)
The good news, however, is this addiction has taught me SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH! I’ve learned tons about marketing, business, psychology, pop culture, history, and lots Lots LOTS more – All from podcasts!
So much so that iTunes and the other various online podcast outlets should add “University of…” in front of their titles.
Suffice it to say, podcasts are an inexhaustible marketing + business resource every small business owner should take advantage of.
Moreover, you probably remember in my last post I noted increasing your knowledge base is uber-critical to your business’s growth + development.
Well friends, here’s me putting my money where my mouth is with five podcast recommendations guaranteed to benefit your biz BIG TIME!

Copyblogger FM (By Copyblogger Media)

This was the VERY FIRST marketing podcast I ever discovered. Truthfully, I didn’t even know it was a podcast!?!
The weekly pod, then titled Internet Marketing Radio for Smart People, was simply featured in Copyblogger’s Friday’s blog post. I listened via the embedded media player on my Blackberry (‘member those?) whilst jogging in the park.
Just a bit of quick background, Copyblogger was created by Brain Clark as go to resource for online entrepreneurs and internet marketers. Since it’s humble beginnings as one man blog in 2006, Copyblogger has become one of the most respected names in online marketing.
The podcast (yes, I EVENTUALLY realized it was podcast) is an extension of the blog. The weekly show features in-depth interviews with thought leaders in the marketing field and deep dives into trending marketing strategies, tools and tactics – all with a particular focus on content marketing.
If you’re looking to get started with content marketing, or improve your digital marketing game, give the Copyblogger FM a listen! Click here to listen and subscribe.

Marketing Over Coffee (By John J. Wall + Christopher S. Penn)

This is the first marketing podcast I discovered on purpose. I was so enamored of Copyblogger’s great pod, I wanted more!
A quick Google search revealed Marketing Over Coffee as the top rated marketing podcast (circa 2010).
This uber-informative marketing pod was founded more than a decade ago, during podcasting’s “first wave.” Long time marketing industry veterans, John Wall and Chris Penn, got started simply recording their weekly coffee shop gab sessions.
Literally “over coffee” these two industry stalwarts –  frequent keynote speaks with several top rated business books and numerous high profile appearances between them – discuss the latest happenings in the marketing world.
The weekly show is a rundown of newsworthy marketing headlines, with a particular focus on marketing tech. The show also occasionally features interviews with guests culled from the ranks of marketing’s top thought leaders.
If you want to keep update with the latest trends and emerging marketing tech, Marketing Over Coffee is for you! Click here to listen subscribe.

Marketing Smarts (By MarketingProfs)

Marketing Smarts is MarketingProfs’ weekly podcast. And MarketingProfs is a blog I read DAILY. Jam-packed with a mad mix of traditional and trending marketing and sales info, advice and guidance – I ALWAYS learn something new + valuable.
Marketing Smarts extends MarketingProfs’ mantle, featuring interviews with thought leaders and notable figures from across the marketing industry spectrum.
If you want to increase the breadth and depth of your core marketing knowledge-base, Marketing Smarts is the place to start! Click here to listen and subscribe.

Social Media Marketing Podcast (By Michael Stelzner of Social Media Examiner)

The Social Media Marketing podcast is an extension of Social Media Examiner blog.
Michael Stelzner, formerly the “white paper guru” that developed a six figures biz crafting white papers for a variety of industries, created Social Media Examiner as a resource for all things social media marketing related in 2009. And the site quickly became recognized as the web’s top social media marketing instructional resource.
With a mix of trending tools, interviews with top industry thought leaders, and poignant marketing advice, the Social Media Marketing Podcast truly is the web’s leading social media marketing voice.
If you’re keen to up your social media marketing ante, check out the Social Media Marketing Podcast. Click here to listen and subscribe.

This is Your Life (By Michael Hiatt of Platform University)

This podcast isn’t technically about marketing. It’s really about leadership. But leadership from the perspective of effectively managing your business.
And, as I’ve droned on about ad nauseum, effective marketing is central to a successful business.
Host Michael Hiatt, former CEO of publishing giant Thomas Nelson, has picked up the mantel of the this cause with his current venture, Platform University. This program is designed to help budding entrepreneurs and expansion-minded small business owners build a “platform” to grow their businesses.
In the weekly show, Hiatt serves up heaping helpings of actionable strategies, tactics and well-rounded business advice, along with a bevy of interviews from highly successful business people across a variety of industries. Much of which DIRECTLY relates to effective marketing.
If you’re interested in learning how marketing impacts the “big picture” of your business, This is Your Life is Worth a listen. Click here to listen and subscribe.

Have You Been Bitten By the Podcast Bug?

If so, I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered.
And on the flipside, if you’re looking for pods focused on a particular area or discipline, hit me up! I’m happy to offer recommendations.
Drop by my Google+ page and we’ll chat. –See you there!