I know everyone reading this isn’t an entrepreneur, but more and more I’m surprised by the number of people that are. It seems like every other day I’m talking to someone who says, “I’m thinking of starting something…” (Infamous last words before starting a biz.) And as an entrepreneur myself, I’ve begun to surround myself with entrepreneurial peers and mentors.
Even if you’re not an entrepreneur, keep reading because I bet you know an entrepreneur that would love to receive this gift from you…(and it’s already done-for-you)…
Regardless of what stage of business you’re in, even if you’re just thinking of starting a business, we entrepreneurs all have one thing in common: we’re determined to figure it out. And I believe we will. But along the way we’re going to need a lot of pep talks, encouragement, and mindset shifts as we learn to share our gifts and help the people we’re meant to serve.

My favorite on-demand resource for business and life advice is podcasts. But with their rising popularity and the many established podcasts with episode numbers in the three and four digits, it’s hard to figure out where to start listenting. I’ve been binge-listening and seeking out the best of the best episodes for the last two years.
Today I have a gift for you, my entrepreneurial and creative friends,…

I was inspired to create this for all the wonderful entrepreneurial friends I have in my personal life. I have several business besties that I wanted to do something special for, so I made them a mix tape. Remember those?
This idea was inspired by the mix tape gift idea in my friend Lauren’s book Thinking Outside the Gift Box. Because I’m not a big music buff, I decided to take her idea further outside the box and make a “Best of Podcasts Mix Tape” for creative entrepreneurs.
To choose the episodes that made the list, I went back through all my favorite podcasts and all the episodes I’ve saved. I chose eleven that I’ve personally listened to more than once. They’re so good that I’ve listened to some of them three times.

This list is full of epic episodes every entrepreneur should hear. It’s also a great introduction to a variety of podcast shows you might want to start listening to on a regular basis.
The Ultimate Podcast Playlist for Creative Entrepreneurs
- Interview with Austin Kleon - Author of Steal Like and Artist (Smart People Podcast - Episode 56)
- Elizabeth Gilbert: The Creative Life (Good Life Project with Jonathan Fields)
- Using the Fringe Hours (Elise Gets Crafty - Episode 56)
- Personal Branding (Being Boss - Episode 10)
- Make Your Work More Compelling with Tara Gentile (The Unmistakable Creative)
- The Disciplined Pursuit of Less with Greg McKeown (This Is Your Life - Season 3, Episode 12)
- Turn Your Day Around and How to Say No with Alexandra Franzen (The Lively Show - Episode 70)
- The Dip (Seth Godin's Startup School - Episode 12)
- Creating an Honest Business from the Ground Up with Dale Partridge (Online Marketing Made Easy - Episode 86)
- The Happy Hour Effect with Kristen Brown (The Introvert Entrepreneur - Episode 74)
- The Art of Rejection with Jia Jiang (Smart Passive Income - Episode 157)
Now here's hoping you get a new iPhone or earbuds for Christmas to go along with this epic playlist. Merry Christmas!
You are amazing, Jackie! What a lot of work you have done and giving to us free! Unheard of! This is the most valuable gift I’ve ever received! And to think I can also share it with others! My heartfelt thanks to you! Bless you and your plans for the future.
Your welcome Michelle (but I think you give me too much credit…this was a joy for me to put together).
Dear Jackie,
Thank you so much for your gift. This is really thoughtful gesture which I appreciate a lot. I’ve just started listening stories.
Wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Sirkku
This is such a wonderful gift you’ve given your readers. I’ve never listened to podcasts before. It looks like I’m way behind the times here. Thanks so much for compiling this. I can’t wait to get started. Happy Holidays!
Ooh…you’re in for a treat Andrea. Happy to be the one to hook you on podcasts.
So excited about this I never seem to have time to find podcasts to listen to! Can’t wait to download these!
Lesley, You’re going to love these. Sometimes I like to just set one to play in the background while I’m working. The one with Elizabeth Gilbert and The Art of Rejection are great ones for that.
Jackie, thank you so much for this thoughtfully curated list – and for including my episode with Kristen Brown in the mix! She was a great guest, and so it’s wonderful to know more people will hear her wisdom because of you. And I look forward to listening to these other episodes as well (esp. Elizabeth Gilbert – she’s been on my list for a while!).
With Gratitude,
Beth
Your welcome Beth. Your interview with Kristen was the first episode of your podcast I listened to and I loved it. You have a great format. Yours is one of my favorites to listen to while my boys are in karate class!
I’m going to hopefully get my hubby’s help to run these off for my niece who has switched jobs plus started a new start up business. I’m excited!! It’s funny/strange in a nice way for you were so strongly on my mind today and here’s a kind gift from you.
Hmmm…what can I give YOU??
I shall give you support of your blog. I’m pushed to try new things because of you. I have benefitted greatly but me give to you? I wish there were an intangible gift I could send.
I’m proud of your life accomplishments.
I’m proud of choices you made in career move to stop the corporate ladder and go this direction. You’ve felt calmer and you got to be there for your boys before they grew up.
I’m proud of your ability to organize and be a goal setter.
I’m proud of you making wise financial choices yet allow your family to lead full lives.
And I still like teal & lime?
You’ve been a favorite to follow all these years.
Love,
Gwen
Gwen, This comment is an amazing gift. Thank you, friend. You are such a wonderful support to me!
Thank you for taking the time to make such a heartfelt and useful gift. Your generosity is a great example, and I can’t wait to start listening. Thank you again!
Jackie! These are awesome!!! So glad you put together this list. I’m pretending I have a full-time job this week while my husband is off work. He stays home with the baby while I run away, listen to business/blogging podcasts, and get a ton of work done. So perfect!
Amanda, You are awesome! I need to set that up with my husband. It sounds amazing. I hope you have a super productive and inspiring week.