Want to know the best way to stay ahead in business? Never stop learning. In the fast-paced world of digital advertising, truer words have never been spoken. With new technologies, platforms, and strategies emerging daily, the most successful agencies are those who never stop learning.

But we get it - your schedule is jam-packed as it is. Finding time to read all the latest marketing books or fly out to conferences isn't realistic. If that's the case, advertising podcasts may come in handy. These downloadable audio shows are an efficient way to soak up game-changing industry insights on the go.

This article will explore 10 phenomenal podcasts that all digital agencies should be tuning into. Get ready to start building your playlist!

Why Podcasts Are a Powerful Learning Tool

With over 504.9 million listeners in 2024, it's clear podcasts have become a preferred content delivery method for all ages. But why?

For starters, podcasts are on-demand audio shows covering endless topics. No matter your role or specialty, there's likely a show that aligns with your interests. Beyond that, podcasts enable you to:

Work Around Your Schedule

Between client meetings, deadlines, and trying to maintain some semblance of a personal life, it can feel like there's never enough time in the day. You don't need to hold physical books or keep your eyes on a screen for videos. You can listen to a podcast anywhere, anytime.

Multitask

Podcasts are the ultimate multitasking tool. You can knock out two birds with one stone by listening while you tackle other tasks. Whether driving to work, in the middle of a workout at the gym or cooking dinner, you'd be amazed at how much you retain. Plus, engaging audio can boost productivity and focus while multitasking.

{{cta-bench-01}}

Gain Expert Insight On the Go

From CMOs to growth hackers, advertising podcasts grant access to advice from the best in the biz - no matter where you are. Tune in as execs from top brands share tactics that convert, platforms that engage, and trends to follow.

 With shows releasing episodes frequently, you'll get the latest tips as soon as they hit the market. Compare that to conferences, which only happen a few times a year. With podcasts, you might learn about a new ROAS-friendly technique just days after it's developed.

Enjoy an Engaging Format

Reading blogs or watching instructional videos can feel like homework. Podcasts, on the other hand, are conversational by nature. Hosts chat with guests as if they're old pals, using humor and real-world stories that win over listeners. This entertaining style increases enjoyment and information retention alike.

The Top 10 Podcasts for Digital Advertising Professionals

We will now unveil our picks for the best digital marketing podcasts for digital advertising pros. To create this list, we looked for podcasts specifically geared towards marketers and advertisers. We also considered factors like the host's expertise, the quality of the content, and the overall engagement of the show.

1. Marketing School

When it comes to well-known marketers, few names come to mind as quickly as Neil Patel. He's practically a celebrity in the industry. Along with his co-host Eric Siu, another marketing guru, Neil takes a holistic approach to advertising in the Marketing School podcast.

Every episode takes a deep yet digestible dive into topics like SEO, paid ads, content building, and beyond. At just 4-20 minutes apiece, you'll get a crash course in sharpening your digital strategy without getting overwhelmed.

What also makes Marketing School stand out is its holistic approach to digital advertising. It explores all facets like conversion rate optimization, analytics, email marketing, and more. So whether you specialize in one channel or want an overview, there are nuggets of genius for everyone. We especially like episode #2746. It unpacks whether major ad spend on events like the Super Bowl and Olympics impact sales and site traffic.

2. Agency Leadership Podcast

Hosted by Chip and Gini, this weekly show is an excellent resource for those just starting out and looking to build a strong foundation of knowledge.

In bite-sized 20-minute episodes, Chip and Gini cover topics like strengthening company culture, optimizing processes, hiring the right talent, shaping client relationships, and more from an agency perspective. It's especially helpful for those looking to brush up on foundational topics or are relatively new to leadership roles.

The dynamic duo presents information in a simple manner while keeping things energetic and fun. Tune in each week for ideas on boosting performance across both the agency itself and client accounts.

3. Advertising Is Dead

The cheeky name Advertising Is Dead nods to the industry's constantly evolving nature. But make no mistake—this podcast from host Varun Duggirala is very much alive and thriving in its mission to unpack changes in the field. In weekly episodes, Varun interviews innovators across traditional, digital, and emerging media. The result is a well-rounded look at the past, present, and future of advertising.

What's great about this show is that there's always something new to learn. With episodes averaging around 40 minutes, they're perfect for a longer commute or a dedicated learning session. It's ideal for anyone feeling the pressures of an industry in flux or simply wanting to stay ahead of trends.

4. Goal Digger

With over 100 million downloads and counting, Goal Digger has earned its spot among the hottest adtech podcasts out there. Award-winning host Jenna Kutcher brings her infectious optimism and entrepreneurial savvy to each conversation. The focus here is on turning passions into profits. As a member of the HubSpot Podcast Host network, you can trust her bonafide business-building instinct.

Across 700+ episodes, Jenna has covered countless topics related to marketing, productivity, lifestyle design, social media, and more.

What sets Goal Digger apart is its live-workshop-style format. Jenna designs each episode to help listeners take action on what they learn. The show empowers listeners to upgrade their mindsets and habits en route to next-level business success. Think of it as a high-energy masterclass that meets supportive peer mentorship.

5. Everyone Hates Marketers

In agency life, we know there is a slither of truth to the saying "everyone hates marketers." When done without care or ethics, advertising rightfully earns scorn from consumers. But it doesn't have to be that way. For nearly a decade, Everyone Hates Marketers has offered unfiltered straight talk on how to gain customer trust and loyalty as you build your business.

With over ten years working for leading brands, host Louis Grenier brings a wealth of real-world experience. Louis interviews experts and shares actionable advice on improving your marketing strategies without resorting to sketchy tactics.

He's not afraid to call out the BS and tell it like it is. And people love him for it. The podcast has over 2 million downloads without any outside funding.

6. Yeah, That's Probably an Ad

Sometimes, the best ads are the ones that don't feel like ads at all. That's the idea behind "Yeah, That's Probably an Ad," a podcast hosted by the Adweek news team. Through interviews with agency innovators and brand builders, lively debates on emerging platforms, and deep dives into buzzworthy campaigns, each episode pulls back the curtain on an industry in flux.

At around 45 minutes per show, you'll have time to truly digest insights from guests like leaders from Reddit, Twitch, and more.

As of this writing, there are nearly 500 episodes and counting. And "Yeah That's Probably An Ad" has amassed a wealth of marketing wisdom. Expect a behind-the-scenes peek at a rapidly changing industry along with inspiration and ideas you can immediately apply on behalf of your clients.

{{cta-bench-02}}

7. Women In Tech Show

Don't let the name fool you—while highlighting women's experiences, this podcast is valuable for anyone interested in technology, entrepreneurship, or marketing. Hosted by award-winning podcaster Espree Devora, the Women In Tech Show features interviews with leading female founders and executives.

Over 600 episodes, Espree has spoken to women crushing it in AI, cybersecurity, health tech, and more. Guests share their career journeys and advice on topics ranging from fundraising to product launches and company culture.

While not every episode focuses solely on advertising, it's a can't-miss source for those at the intersection of tech and marketing. Plus, you'll find some advertising episodes. For instance, Erika Storli, Marketing Manager at Atlassian, was recently on the show discussing B2B branding and community-building tactics.

8. Marketing Smarts

The MarketingSmarts podcast from MarketingProfs is a go-to for insights from top B2B marketing experts. With over 600,000 marketers engaging with its content, it's grown into one of the industry's most popular shows.

The weekly 30-minute episodes feature exclusive interviews with thought leaders across content marketing, branding, and demand generation. Marketing Smarts stands out for blending strategic advice with tactical steps suited for agencies and in-house teams alike. Once you become a regular listener, you may even be tempted to attend one of their renowned MarketingProfs conferences and tap into more of their training resources!

9. Agents of Change

Agents of Change is the brainchild of Rich Brooks, a seasoned marketer, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. As the founder and president of Flyte New Media, Rich knows a thing or two about digital marketing. And he shares that knowledge generously in this advertising podcast.

With 534 episodes and over 520,000 downloads to date, it's clear that people are finding value in this content. The relaxed but informative style is perfect for learning about emerging and proven tactics alike. Episodes run 30-45 minutes, which gives enough time to dig into actionable ideas.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the speed of change in digital advertising, Agents of Change offers a practical guide.

10. AdExchanger Talks

Our final featured general and programmatic advertising podcast takes you inside the minds of marketing's most prominent innovators and disruptors. AdExchanger Talks features one-on-one interviews with those shaping the future of advertising and media.

Managing editor Allison Schiff speaks with C-level leaders at companies like Google, Roblox, Bloomberg, and more. Discussions unveil exclusive insights on digital transformation across industries.

It's the ideal place for getting an inside look at the strategies and technologies driving the future of advertising. Listen in for an inside look at where the industry is headed straight from those blazing new trails. The show serves as the perfect inspiration for agencies aiming to future-proof their services and skill sets.

The Next Steps to Growth

They say leaders are learners. As an agency owner or executive, one of the most lucrative ways to drive business growth is by staying tapped into industry developments. Digital marketing podcasts enable you to soak up game-changing insights quickly from experts across advertising and marketing.

We encourage you to check out a few shows from this list that piqued your interest. Pick one or two to start, listen to a handful of episodes, and take note of any ideas you can implement right away.

Once you start seeing results, be sure to track your progress using a tool like Varos' benchmarking platform. It's a great way to see how your efforts stack up against your competitors and identify areas for improvement.

‍