The Podcast Universe
The perfect way to learn when your attention span’s running on fumes.
Disclaimer: I fully expect this dispatch to break engagement records - I’m betting you’ll click more than ever.
I’m a massive podcast junkie. I listen constantly - always on the hunt for fresh voices. For the past six months, I just haven’t had the stamina for long-haul book storytelling, but I did need serious support. Podcasts became my digital support system, helping me to learn and stay entertained at the same time.
It actually took me years to understand why podcasts are so addictive. Ask me to explain it? No clue, honestly. But now? I’m all in.
Before we dive in, a few things you should know:
I only listen to people I’m interested in - or about the people I’m interested in.
My interests are pretty focused; random topics don’t slip through.
I skip storytelling podcasts - I get my stories from books, movies, series, and, well… sometimes real life.
I don’t do news, chit-chat, true crime, or gossip (sorry if that stings).
Ready? Steady! Go!
The Grand Tourist by Dan Rubenstein - a sophisticated, stylish, and tastefully curated conversation with brilliant minds across the worlds of art, design, and culture.
My favorite episodes feature Martina Mondadori (founder of Cabana), Pierre Yovanonitch (star architect and designer), Frederic Malle (founder of my forever favorite Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle), Gaetano Pesce (one of the most important Italian designers of all times), Axel Vervoordt (art & antique dealer, wabi sabi devotee, and creator of Kim Kardashian’s iconic interiors) and Nina Yashar (the style icon and ground-breaking design gallerist)
Monocle on Culture - a rather dull, British-toned podcast, but still a good way to stay tuned in to what the world has to offer.
The Great Women Artists by Katy Hessel - the podcast of the young, rockstar art historian behind The Story of Art Without Men. Her substack is widly popular too
I collect only female artists - it’s my personal way of supporting fellow women in the art world. If I’m spending my own money on art, I’d rather it land in female pockets. The boys will figure it out on their own. I found some fascinating episodes featuring Jenny Saville, Anna Weyant and Marina Abramovic.
The Art Angle by Artnet News - an absolute must for art professionals.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Barlett - not sure this one even needs an intro, but Steven does an outstanding and passionate job interviewing some of the greatest guests out there.
Favorite episodes include Emma Grede (co-founder of Skims and Good American), Vanessa Van Edwards (the most aggressively helpful body language expert), Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn founder), Susan Bratton (the unapologetic ‘Orgasm Queen’), Esther Perel (my absolute favorite relationship therapist — yes, I was definitely taking notes) and Daniel Ek (Spotify founder)
Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso - for anyone seeking meaningful conversations with artists, creators, activists, and other culturally significant voices.
I started following this podcast after a powerful conversation with Viola Davis. I’m excited to dive into the other guests.
What Now? with Trevor Noah - important conversations delivered in Noah’s unmistakable comedic style.
Check out the latest episode with Esther Perel. Also don’t miss their earlier (also excellent) conversation here.
Table for Two with Bruce Bozzi - imagine having lunch with a celebrity. That’s exactly how this podcast is designed and feels.
Fearless with Trinny Woodall - absolutely fearless and unapologetic Trinny is interviewing other bold, trailblazing personalities.
Aspire with Emma Grede - the host is right at the top of my personal ‘I want to be her’ list. It’s a very fresh start for Emma, and my expectations are sky-high.
The Smarter with Emily Austin - crackles with sharp wit and curiosity, making you feel like you’re eavesdropping on the smartest coffee date you never knew you needed.
Founders by David Senra - pulses with raw intensity and obsessive insight, pulling you straight into the minds of history’s greats.
How I Built This with Guy Raz - making every founder’s tale feel like an intimate fireside confession you’re lucky to overhear.
Big Deal with Codie Sanchez - she’s an ambitious, razor-sharp dealmaker, leaving you with an aftertaste of pure adrenaline and empowerment.
The episode with Lewis Howes I re-listened for a few times.
Female Startup Club with Doone Roisin - buzzes with practical advice and real talk, like swapping stories and tips with a smart, down-to-earth friend who’s been through it all.
The bossbabe by bossbabe community - I just love everything they do. It’s step-by-step guidance on how to fail, go viral, and bootstrap your scrappy young business.
The Foundrs Podcast with Nathan Chan - delivers honest insights and no-fluff lessons, like grabbing a straight-talking coffee with someone who’s been through it and knows the game.
Acquired with Ben Gilbert & David Rosenthal - breaks down big business stories with clarity and curiosity, like two smart friends who just genuinely love figuring out how things work.
I enjoyed Hermes case study a lot!
Also worth checking out in this category: Unboxed , Female Founder World and Work in Progress
The Marie Forleo with Marie Forleo - brings upbeat advice and practical wisdom, like getting a pep talk from a friend who’s always in your corner and knows exactly how to help you figure things out.
More Than One Thing with Athena Calderone - reminds you to embrace all your passions and shows it’s more than possible.
The Amy Porterfield with Amy Porterfield - offers practical, encouraging guidance that makes growing your business feel completely doable.
Move with Heart with Melissa Wood-Tepperberg - brings gentle inspiration and mindful tips - perfect for those moments when you’re craving advice to slow down, tune in, and trust yourself along the way.
The Human Design with Emma Dunwoody - delivers eye-opening insights and soulful guidance, helping you see things in a whole new, empowering way.
ReThinking with Adam Grant - sparks fresh ideas, challenges old assumptions, and pushes you to see the world differently.
Of course, there are Oprah, Martha and Gwyneth - I follow them too.
On Purpose by Jay Shetty, The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes, Fashion Neurosis by Bella Freud, Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin and Where Should We Begin by Esthere Perel are also in my list and quite popular.
It took me ages to pull all this together! A couple of months ago, I also shared a whole set of Instagram stories featuring even more titles. I really hope you find this helpful and maybe even discover a few gems along the way. My biggest advice for your podcast adventure? Don’t just search for a title; search for the topics and people you’re dying to know more about.
Meanwhile, I spent a lovely Shabbat morning at a café, typing all this up while my date read a book next to me. It felt calm, safe, and quietly happy. But honestly - what could make a Jew happier than a good salmon bagel? This week, I re-watched Gilmore Girls (don’t ask), caught the final episode of Friends and Neighbors, which was crazy good, and MobLand holds up just as well. Julianne Moore is incredible in Sirens, and I’ll be doing a separate dispatch on the insane art collection featured there.
Enjoy the week and we talk soon!
Yours,
Miri