Why 2025 is a big year for podcasts
In November 2025, Apple released its annual “Top Charts” for the year — covering “Top Shows,” “Top New Shows,” “Most Followed,” “Most Shared,” and more. Apple+2MacRumors+2
While many of the highest-ranked shows skew toward news, true crime, and entertainment, the momentum behind business, self-improvement, and finance-oriented podcasts remains strong — with listeners increasingly drawn to stories of entrepreneurship, money mastery, leadership, and life/career design.
With that backdrop, here are ten business- or tech-leaning podcasts — both from Apple’s 2025 charts and from broader popularity — that stand out as “must-listen” if you care about business, money, career, or innovation.
The Diary of a CEO
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Hosted by entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, this show dives deep into the minds and lives of founders, leaders, and high-achievers — exploring business, growth, creativity, mental health, and the human side of success. Wikipedia+2Apple Podcasts+2
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As of 2025, The Diary of a CEO remains one of the most influential global podcasts, with its format blending in-depth interviews and personal storytelling. Wikipedia+2Rephonic+2
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Great for: entrepreneurs, freelancers, creatives — anyone interested in the real stories behind success, failures, growth, and balancing ambition with introspection.
Financial Feminist
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Hosted by financial educator Tori Dunlap, this show centers around personal finance — with a sharp focus on equity, empowerment, and breaking down systemic barriers for women and underrepresented groups. Apple Podcasts+2HerFirst100K+2
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Episodes guide listeners on how to “make more, spend less, and feel financially confident,” with actionable advice on saving, investing, negotiating, and building financial freedom. Apple Podcasts+1
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Great for: anyone (not just women) seeking financial literacy, independence, or a more equitable approach to wealth-building.
Good Hang with Amy Poehler
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This podcast made Apple’s Top New Shows of 2025 list — marking a breakout success for a show blending humor, conversation, and cultural commentary. Apple+1
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Though not strictly a “business & tech” podcast, Good Hang’s mix of insight, entertainment, and personality-driven conversation makes it a refreshing complement to more serious, goal-oriented shows.
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Great for: unstructured inspiration, creative thinking, and decompressing — especially if you like learning through relaxed conversations and lighthearted topics.
SmartLess
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A long-running popular show that consistently ranks among Apple’s top shows. In 2025 it again featured in the major top-10 list. TheWrap+1
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The show mixes celebrity interviews, humor, and thoughtful conversation — and occasionally touches on career, creativity, and business ideas through the lens of guests’ lives.
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Great for: listeners who enjoy a light but meaningful podcast — especially when you want entertainment + occasional deeper reflection.
Call Her Daddy
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Featured in Apple’s 2025 Top Shows list. TheWrap+1
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Known for bold conversation, cultural commentary, and conversations around relationships, power dynamics, and modern life. While not strictly business or tech, its candid approach resonates with many young professionals navigating career, identity, and modern challenges.
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Great for: a raw, unfiltered take on modern adulthood — useful for anyone balancing career ambitions with personal growth.
Huberman Lab
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Also among Apple’s top-10 shows for 2025. TheWrap+1
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While centered on neuroscience, health, and human behavior, Huberman Lab offers valuable insights that crossover with productivity, performance, and well-being — all relevant if you think of “success” holistically (not just business results).
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Great for: entrepreneurs, creatives, or anyone juggling high performance and personal wellness.
The Ezra Klein Show
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Rounded out Apple’s 2025 Top 10 list. Apple+1
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Known for long-form interviews and deep dives into culture, politics, society — often touching on economics, business, policy, and the forces shaping our world.
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Great for: listeners who want to contextualize their work or business ambitions within broader societal and economic trends.
Crime Junkie
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Though labeled “true crime,” Crime Junkie remains one of Apple’s top shows in 2025. TheWrap+1
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Why include here? Because many high-performing listeners use true-crime podcasts as a kind of “work-break” listening — valuable as a way to decompress from the intensity of business or creative work. Sometimes, a break helps you refuel creativity or perspective.
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Great for: downtime, decompressing, and resetting after intense work or study — which is just as important as hustle.
Dateline NBC
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Also among Apple’s top-10 podcasts for 2025. TheWrap+1
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It belongs to the news/true crime genre, but like Crime Junkie, its place here reflects how diversified “top” listening is — showing that people who care about business, tech and growth often appreciate variety: from deep business interviews to real-life stories and current-event coverage.
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Great for: staying informed and entertained — a counterbalance to work and ambition-focused podcasts.
The Daily
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Ranked No. 2 on Apple’s 2025 Top Shows list, after The Joe Rogan Experience. Apple+1
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A daily news podcast that keeps listeners up to date on global events, economy, politics — very useful context for anyone working in business, tech, or startup worlds.
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Great for: professionals who want to stay plugged into macro-trends, global markets, and world events with minimal daily time investment.