It is important for online MBA students to recognize and utilize different tools that are available, and can be used in their personal and professional environments. Important tools like apps, websites, books, podcasts, social media sites, and software can be used to enhance student's lives and help them on their road through and past their online MBA.
Online MBA students are interested and passionate about business, they want to get ahead in life, they want to learn, they are comfortable with virtual learning, and they do not have a lot of time between juggling their school, professional, and personal responsibilities. Therefore, tools that are easily accessible, free, and full of interesting and useful knowledge should be at the top of the list. This brings us to Podcasts.
Podcasts are episodes of radio programs, lectures, a performance, or other events, that you can download from iTunes. Apple offers hundreds of thousands of free podcasts in audio, video, or text-based formats that you can download directly to your phone, computer, or reading device. While some of the most popular podcasts are "This American Life" and "TEDTalks," there are hundreds of podcasts specifically focused on business and are very useful for online MBA students.
Online MBA students are busy working on MBA projects, papers, and posts while also spending time in their day jobs. With all the writing and all the working that students do on a daily basis, sometimes it helps to gain a little additional inspiration. The information in podcasts can be used to spark more varied content in weekly schoolwork, as well as help in the office. Listen to them on the way to work, while washing dishes, or running on the treadmill, and gather some important business and life wisdom.
The following list is full of some of the most popular and influential business podcasts available today.
EOFire (Entrepreneur on Fire) by John Lee Dumas, follows Dumas' talks with inspiring entrepreneurs so that we can learn from their mistakes and witness their ah-ha moments. Get your best earbuds out because EOFire has over 1,400 episodes for you to soak up with interviews of Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk, Barbara Corcoran, Tim Ferriss, Brian Tracy, and over 1000 others.
The $100 MBA Show offers hundreds of 10-minute business lessons for the real world. In 2014, they were awarded "iTunes Best podcast" because of their top-notch business training. Omar Zenhom is the curriculum developer, content creator & head instructor for the leading podcast.
The Tim Ferriss Show is the popular business podcast by the bestselling author of the 4-Hour Workweek. This podcast was selected as the "Best of 2014" and "Best of 2015" lists by iTunes. In this podcast, Tim Ferriss explores multiple arenas to the find the exceptional tactics, tools, and routines used for success.
Harvard Business Review Ideacast
This podcast has its roots in the nonprofit reporting to the Harvard Business School. The Ideacast weekly podcasts feature the top thinkers in business and management, including Harvard professors, authors, and successful professionals.
TEDTalks is passionate about sharing exceptional ideas. The TEDTalks Business podcasts are just the same. Investopedia writes that these podcast are motivational, insightful talks from experts on business leadership. Listen, and be inspired.
Podcasts are a tool. You can use them to glean business wisdom and tactics, inspire a class post, or be inspired to keep pursuing your business dreams. Maybe you will even be inspired to become the next podcast phenom.
Happy listening.