My 10 Favorite Podcast Episodes of 2021
About a year ago I contemplated what my next move would be after I finally decided to exit the company I founded and sold, Bump Club and Beyond. I had planted the seeds with my manager at the company who acquired mine, and was giving a lot of thought to my plan. In doing this, I was consuming podcasts at an alarming rate.
It was while listening to an episode of “How I Built This” with the Founders of Soul Cycle, Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice that I made the decision to start my own podcast. I loved when they said: There simply is no handbook for selling your business.
I thought about it even further, just like there is no blueprint for founding one.
In thinking about my favorite podcast episodes of 2021 so many of them have shaped me and my what’s next. I’ve rounded them all up for you to listen to on your own. A little bit of business, a little bit of inspiration, a little bit of education, with a dash of comedy and some fun round out this list.
How I Built This with Bobbi Brown: Never have I ever connected with someone’s sentiments the way I did with Bobbi in this episode of one of my favorite podcasts. This was a re-release from 2018, but it came out and I listened to it the day after I left the company I started and sold. So many of Bobbi’s feelings were so incredibly familiar to exactly what I experienced upon leaving. Bobbi Brown is a FORCE and honestly, an inspiration to female founders everywhere. Especially to me.
Smartless with Maya Rudolph and Smartless with Stacey Abrams: I shared two because I’m cheating a little. Both of these actually also aired in 2020, but I listened to them in 2021. Maya Rudolph was so funny I cried because I was laughing so hard. The episode with Stacey Abrams was so incredibly informative on many political subjects, but especially voter suppression. The variance in these two episodes truly shows how this podcast can impact in so many different ways. Jason Batemen, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes dazzle and entertain in every single episode. You’re definitely going to want to subscribe if you haven’t already.
Cathy Heller’s Don’t Quit Your Day Job with Rachael Ray: I don’t know how I found Cathy, but if you haven’t listened to her, you should. She is an inspiration and just KNOWS how to reach into your core and pull the best out of you. I loved this episode with Rachael Ray which shared a lot about her humble beginnings. I loved her before and now I can’t wait to read her new book too! Another podcast that you’ll want to subscribe to—-Cathy Heller is simply amazing.
Pretty Smart with Danielle Robay interviewing Jessica Zweig: I love it when two inspirational gals from Chicago get together for a chat…but especially these two gals. You could tell by listening that they have known each other for a long time. I know Jessica’s story but Danielle really drew it out of her, showing a vulnerable side of Jessica that also allows the audience to learn about the importance of your personal brand. This episode was so good that I took notes. I binged about two dozen of Danielle’s episodes over winter break and I cannot wait for more.
The Arm Chair Expert With Jon Bon Jovi: Again, I am cheating as this aired in 2020, but I listened to it this year (which is the beauty of podcasts.). This is not one of my go-to podcasts, but I won’t pass up any interviews with my boyfriend which is why it made this list.
The Emotional Entrepreneur with Scout Sobel interviewing Tori Washington: I love that Scout has started interviewing guests and I loved this interview centered around wealth and money. This episode is different than those I usually gravitate towards, further showing me that it’s a good thing to open my eyes to new topics and information.
Raising Good Humans interview with author Melinda Wenner Moyer: My past work experiences have me covered in the baby and young child area, but when it comes to my growing kids, I can certainly use some help. Raising Good Humans on both Instagram and the podcast has been a tremendous help—-it’s hard to pick one favorite episode. But, this was a great one centered around raising kids who aren’t assholes.
Jenna Kutcher’s The Goal Digger Podcast with Natasha Samuels: Jenna provides practical and actionable tips with every episode, but she also often introduces new resources such as Natasha Samuels, who excels at Instagram strategies. This is another episode where I took the practical advice shared and put it into play. I also started following Natasha @shinewithnatasha.
The Product Boss Podcast with Cat & Nat: I hadn’t heard of this podcast before, but stumbled upon this specific episode. Cat and Nat are icons in the parenting space—-they are zero bullshit and don’t sugar coat anything. To be honest, I listened because of them but really really liked this entire episode enough to keep listening to the podcast on a regular basis.
The Kelly Roach Show with Melissa Henault: This episode (like many of Kelly’s) shared practical advice that I actually put into place surrounding organic marketing and LinkedIn following me listening. These types of episodes are my favorite as you feel like listening to them truly makes a difference. Kelly’s episodes are jam packed with tips and they’re usually under a half hour—-one that is definitely on my subscribe tab.
Every podcast I listen to impacts me in some magical way that no other form of media is capable of doing. After listening to Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice on “How I Built This,” discuss how you hear about all the successes and wins, but not the bumps in the road that founders endure when selling, I made up my mind that I would start my own podcast. In thinking about this even further, that sentiment extended not only to the sale of a company, but also along the founding journey.
You don't often hear founders talk about the mistakes, the hardships, THE WHOLE PICTURE. It's time to change the conversation. On January 6th my podcast, Dear FoundHer… launches. It’s my weekly letter to female entrepreneurs, founders, business owners and honestly---to anyone who simply wants to be inspired. Through my candid conversations with some of the most successful founders I know, we'll discuss starting, growing, nurturing and even selling a business....the good, the bag, the ugly, and the rewarding.
I hope that some of my episodes make your top ten list this time next year. :)
Please make sure to subscribe or follow on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcast. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @lindsaypinchuk and @dearfoundher and TUNE IN on January 6th, 2022 for the first FOUR episodes on the Dear FoundHer…journey.
