One thing all small business owners can agree on? Time is always in short supply. That’s why podcasts are a go-to resource: they let you learn, grow, and stay inspired while you’re on the move or tackling your to-do list.

But with countless options out there (and limited time), how do you choose the ones worth listening to? To help, we’ve asked Kim Kerton — podcast consultant for brands and host of Unemployed & Afraid, a podcast for the self-employed — for her top picks.

From gaining new skills and adopting a growth mindset to building a steady pipeline with smart PR and marketing, Kerton’s top 5 podcasts deliver the ideal mix of insights to help you grow both your business and yourself. Because, as Kim puts it, “The small business journey is more personal than most people realise.”

1. this is business – Glen James & Kayla Malss

Glen James, a former financial adviser and host of the popular money money money podcast, and marketing expert and business owner Kayla Malss understand the challenges of running a business: long nights, trial and error, and learning the ropes the hard way. Their this is business podcast is packed with relatable stories and practical advice to help small business owners avoid pitfalls and drive their business forward.

Why you will love it: For small business owners, juggling roles and picking up new skills is all in a day’s work. this is business is a go-to resource for practical advice on topics ranging from cash flow management to website optimisation and everything in between.

Best episode to start with: Start with this episode that shows managing your business finances doesn’t have to be stressful. Fractional CFO Anthea Austin breaks down the essentials, covering everything from setting up your finances and understanding P&Ls and balance sheets to building a cash flow plan that supports your growth goals.

2. Hack Your Own PR – Odette Barry

You can build the best business in the world, but if no one knows about it, it won’t matter. Hosted by Odette Barry, a seasoned PR professional, the Hack Your Own PR podcast helps you take control of your public relations, grow your profile, and build a steady pipeline of inbound opportunities.

Why you will love it: Odette combines her expertise with insider insights from publishers and journalists to help you make sense of the PR process. Whether you’re aiming to get featured in a major publication or simply want to stand out, this podcast gives you all the tools you need to be seen and heard.

Best episode to start with: Odette’s conversation with Sam Hussey, head of news and lifestyle at Forbes Australia, offers clear, actionable steps to secure media coverage and expand your audience with Forbes and beyond.

3. Unemployed & Afraid – Kim Kerton

Created in 2021, Unemployed & Afraid was born out of a realisation: most podcasts about the entrepreneurial journey focus on traditionally successful hosts interviewing their equally successful peers — more aspirational than truly relatable. Host Kim Kerton set out to change that, offering a space for business owners at all stages to share their honest, unfiltered stories.

Why you will love it: Unemployed & Afraid explores the intersection of personal and business life. It’s about the messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal journey of running a business, helping you see yourself in the stories of others and find the inspiration to keep moving forward.

Best episode to start with: Begin with one of Kim’s favourite conversations, where authenticity and practical advice come together. In this episode, Jen Bishop, founder of Interiors Addict, shares how she built and diversified her business by adding new services, shifting her approach, and stepping into a field she’s passionate about.

4. Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement

Building a business often pushes you far outside your comfort zone, but that’s where the growth happens. Growth Mindset Psychology dives into the psychology and science behind self-improvement, helping you gain a deeper understanding of your motivations, maximise your performance, and handle challenges with resilience.

Why you will love it: This podcast is perfect for business owners looking to strengthen their mindset and handle the emotional demands of running a business. It’s a chance to explore not just what you do but why you do it and how to do it better.

Best episode to start with: Kick things off with How to be remembered in a forgetful world. It’s full of strategies to help you leave a lasting impression, and perfect for making the most of your next networking event.

5. Everyone Hates Marketers – Louis Grenier

If the title alone doesn’t give you a chuckle, the content certainly will. Hosted by Louis Grenier, Everyone Hates Marketers is a no-nonsense podcast that delivers memorable marketing insights. With over 250 episodes, it features industry giants like Seth Godin and Joanna Wiebe, as well as lesser-known experts you’ll be glad to discover.

Why you will love it: This podcast covers the fundamentals of marketing with zero fluff, offering actionable advice to help you stand out without resorting to sleazy tactics. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out, you’ll find value in the straightforward, BS-free approach.

Best episode to start with: In the episode titled Professionalism is Killing Your Brand: Here’s the Cure, copywriter and creative director Dave Harland discusses how ditching corporate speak and embracing authenticity can revive your brand.