Podcasts for Career Development

I'm a bit of a podcast Junkie - I love them because they are a really intimate form of media. Hosts and interviewees are more candid than in live or filmed broadcasts, the simplicity of the person and the microphone gives a freedom to ask challenging questions and to give real answers. The ease of production means they are often made regularly, so content quickly responds to what is happening in the world – and are also a great format for busy people - I often listen on a commute, whilst doing laundry or while exercising – (and over the last few months, when I need time out from home schooling my 8-year-old!)

Here is a list of some of my favourites – some series, and some particular episodes - that I think are of value to career development professionals. I think many of these could be recommended to clients, especially those with examine individual career journeys – hearing about how other people make career decisions can be really helpful to those at transition points, even if the type of work they do is very different.

The New Normal - https://the-new-normal.simplecast.com/ - Insights from seasoned HE Careers consultants, with a focus on the Corona Landscape, but I hope they keep going!

The Squiggly Careers Podcast - https://www.amazingif.com/listen - The Squiggly Careers Podcast is a gem, I feel like Sarah and Helen could be my friends!. A huge range of topics focused around the theme of making work better for everyone - including individual career management, challenges at work and lots of focus on proactivity. I recommend particular episodes often - their approach to networking is ‘people helping people’ which is helpful for nervous networkers, and they have a book!

How to Fail - https://www.elizabethdayonline.co.uk/podcast - Originally set up to promote a book of the same name, these podcasts give an insight into what happens when things don’t go the way you thought they would. A series of interviews with successful people (celebrities and business people) giving great examples of resilience and flexibility.

Work Like a Woman - https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/work-like-a-woman/id1463034553, another book promotion spin off, this podcast is a series of interviews where Mary Portas talks to business leaders about kindness at work.

The World of Work Podcast - https://worldofwork.io/twowp/podcast/ - James and Jane host this series which gives in-depth insights into thought, theory and practice about the integration of people and business. Great for labour market insights. Some recent episodes have covered the gig economy, ethical decision making, emotions at work at transition from the military.

Find your Dream Job - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/find-your-dream-job-insider-tips-for-finding-work-advancing/id1047320599 This is an American podcast, so some elements aren’t directly transferable to the UK, but there is lots of great content, and it’s directly created for job seekers. Great content about virtual networking and online interviews etc.

How to Own the Room - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-own-the-room/id1439875031 Viv Groskop is a comedian and writer and whilst her podcast headline is about helping women to speak in public, each interview gives so much more than that, really explores where confidence comes from, how to find your niche and lots of practical tips.

Second Life - https://www.secondlifepod.com/. This series of interviews with some very glamorous and successful people is about what happens when you pivot during your career. It’s about change, persistence, and a lot of the time bravery. A really hopeful an inspiring podcast.

Beyond Busy - https://getbeyondbusy.com/ - Graham Allcott is the Productivity Ninja, and this podcast is a series of discussions about how to get things done, but it’s also about happiness and work / life balance. Recent episodes about working from home, and returning to the workplace will be helpful to many, as will the vast range of tools, techniques and approaches to working smarter.

Two American podcasts about work life balance for working parents that I would recommend – Edit Your Life http://www.edityourlifeshow.com/ and Best of Both Worlds - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-of-both-worlds-podcast/id1273625203?mt=2

Go with me on this - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/go-with-me-on-this/careers-eduction-laura-J74ZyQfnTia/ This is an educational debate podcast where the hosts take it in turns to play devils advocate to explore issues in education – and this particular episode debates the notion that careers education is not a good use of time in school – compelling listening!

I was asked a specific question about career podcasts for young people, and of this list, I’d say that How to Fail, Find your Dream Job, How to Own the Room, Second Life would be helpful got anyone. (But I’ve not checked for swear words (!) and appropriate content, so I’d always recommend listening yourself before you recommend!) In addition, of the career podcasts directed at young people, these two stand out for me because of the variety of content and contemporary relevance.

Wanna Be - https://www.wannabepodcast.com/

The Right Route - http://therightroute.buzzsprout.com/

I hope that is helpful and I’d love to add to this list, please let me know what else I should be listening to!