Non-Marketing Podcasts That Are Great for Marketers

When marketing strategies and tactics are discussed ad nauseam, it’s easy for professionals to find themselves trapped in an echo chamber of buzzwords and conversion rates. It’s important for marketers to step outside their comfort zone and explore content that, while not directly related to marketing, can offer invaluable insights and fresh perspectives on communication, storytelling, and human behavior. This is why we’ve curated a list of the top five non-marketing podcasts that are not only entertaining and enlightening but also unexpectedly beneficial for marketers. Let’s dive into podcasts that promise to offer a break from marketing…kinda.

Stuff You Should Know

Josh Clark and Charles W. “Chuck” Bryant, the charismatic duo behind Stuff You Should Know, have perfected the art of engaging storytelling. Covering a myriad of topics, from the whimsical to the scientific, they demonstrate how any subject can become captivating with the right approach. For marketers, there’s a gold mine of lessons to be learned in how to make complex ideas accessible and how to weave humor and humanity into narratives. Each episode serves as a reminder that at the heart of effective marketing lies exceptional communication skills.

This Paranormal Life

Rory Powers and Kit Grier offer a masterclass on how to keep an audience engaged through humor with This Paranormal Life. By exploring the bizarre and the supernatural, they show that even the most outlandish stories can captivate listeners if presented in an entertaining way. For marketers, understanding the power of humor and its ability to connect with an audience is invaluable. Rory and Kit exemplify how a well-timed joke or a humorous tangent can make content more memorable and shareable.

Astonishing Legends

Astonishing Legends, hosted by Scott Philbrook and Forrest Burgess, delves into the mysterious and often paranormal, with a commitment to thorough research and balanced storytelling. Their methodical approach to exploring legends and anomalies offers a lesson in how to maintain objectivity while engaging an audience. For marketers, the ability to dive deep into a topic and present it in a way that is both credible and captivating is a critical skill, especially in an era where consumers value authenticity and depth.

The End of the World

Josh Clark, in The End of the World, takes listeners on a journey through potential future catastrophes that humanity may face. While the subject matter may seem bleak, the podcast encourages forward-thinking and consideration of future trends and changes. For marketers, this perspective is essential. Understanding and anticipating future shifts in consumer behavior, technology, and societal trends can be the difference between leading the market and playing catch-up.

Cabinet of Curiosities

Aaron Mahnke’s Cabinet of Curiosities is a testament to the power of storytelling. With each episode, Mahnke draws listeners into a world of strange and surprising tales, proving that a good story well told can captivate an audience like nothing else. For marketers, Mahnke’s ability to craft compelling narratives is a reminder that at the core of successful marketing is the ability to tell a story that resonates, engages, and inspires action.

As marketers, we are perpetually in search of the angle — that unique insight or perspective that sets our content apart. These podcasts, by stepping away from the conventional marketing discourse, offer a refreshing break and a chance to see the world through a different lens. They remind us that to be effective communicators, we need to be constant learners, open to exploring the myriad ways people connect, share, and perceive the world around them. By incorporating the lessons learned from these diverse podcasts, marketers can enhance their strategies, connect more deeply with their audiences, and navigate the complex digital landscape with a renewed sense of creativity and purpose.