#teamXdesign's Favorite Podcasts

We’ve hit 2017, which means podcasts no longer require an explanation. The term is just as popular as Spotify, iTunes and even the radio. There are thousands of podcasts out there with a variety of topics ranging from Game of Thrones to Premiere League Soccer to murder mysteries and everything in between.

Whether you have a long commute to the office, are about to embark on a summer roadtrip or you like to listen to podcasts at work (that is, if you’re an efficient multi-tasker), we’ve got some great suggestions to help you feel motivated and recharged in your career.

To get your creative juices flowing

99% Invisible talks all about unnoticed architecture and design that we encounter every day and the process behind its creation. Ever wonder how inflatable men came to be regular fixtures at used car lots? Curious about the origin of the fortune cookie? Want to know why Sigmund Freud opted for a couch over an armchair? Then this podcast is for you.

Creative Pep Talk delves into the world of being a creative and how to balance those passions with business. Hosted by Andy J. Miller, a full-time illustrator and designer, this podcast covers a full range of topics for entrepreneurs, freelancers, professionals and students, including combatting creative burnout, discovering your artistic voice and how to make career changes. With successful professionals as guests and hilarious analogies, Andy paints the perfect picture of the dos and don’ts of the creative industry.

To feel inspired

How I Built This is a podcast by NPR dedicated to the innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists in our world and the stories behind the movements that each of them built. Each episode highlights a different brand, from Power Rangers to Crate & Barrel to Kate Spade, and the ups and downs its founders went through to bring their big ideas to life. If you dream of building something out of nothing, or just want to be motivated by amazing work, check this out.

AltBR is a local podcast by Jacob Jolibois and Abe Felix devoted to “sharing the stories of the people in the trenches making Baton Rouge a better place.” Each episode features different musicians, politicians, artists and activists looking to make a difference in our community. From spotlights on an astronaut-in-training to a MasterChef competitor to the journey to becoming an IBM executive, sit back, enjoy and be inspired by all of the amazing things that you may not be aware our city even holds.

To learn how to be a better leader

EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey Solutions features advice from some of the top minds in business and teaches you how to lead the charge in your own industry. With guests like Mark Cuban, Seth Godin and Simon Sinek, you’re bound to feel motivated by the success stories and words of wisdom heard on this podcast. Grab a pencil on this one; you may want to take some notes!

Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast features a perspective on business and leadership from the lens of a pastor. Andy Stanley, a communicator, author and founder of North Point Ministries takes a look at the how and why that go into running organizations in today’s world. His episodes inspire how to lead while also continuing to focus on the important things in life. This is a must-listen for anyone in a leadership position.

Specific to the advertising industry

Yeah, That’s Probably an Ad by AdWeek centers around what’s trending in the industry. It often focuses on a roundup of their most popular online articles to showcase what everyone is talking about and to delve a little deeper into each. Whether you’re a professional in the advertising world or not, this podcast will keep you up-to-date on the hits and misses in creativity, marketing, media and technology.

Material World by Bloomberg examines the universe of consumable stuff and delves into the background, evolution and reasoning behind why people buy the things they do. With episodes on the rise of Ghost Tequila, celebrity endorsements and how technology has changed the way people buy makeup, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. For those in the marketing industry, this podcast provides great perspective on selling products and connecting with consumers in any industry.

Just for fun

(Because not all inspiration comes from those specifically targeted at providing inspiration.)

This American Life is dubbed as the granddaddy of podcasts for creating a tone and format of which listeners can’t get enough. As the most popular podcast in the country, they’re obviously doing something right. They’re not a news show. They’re not a talk show. And they’re not afraid to take chances. Sometimes they go great, sometimes they flop, but hey, that’s part of it. Each segment has a random theme told in addictive-style narrative. Episodes have ranged from a man explaining he has heard the world’s best phone message to someone obsessed with Niagara Falls to following swing voters for a month. No matter the theme of the episode, you’re going to want to listen!

S-Town from the creators of This American Life is a story rivaling in popularity with its predecessor, Serial. We can’t think of a better way to describe it than they do on their very own website: “John despises his Alabama town and decides to do something about it. He asks a reporter to investigate the son of a wealthy family who’s allegedly been bragging that he got away with murder. But then someone else ends up dead, sparking a nasty feud, a hunt for hidden treasure, and an unearthing of the mysteries of one man’s life.” ...You hooked yet?

Sword and Scale takes a look at true-crime in an immersive audio experience covering the underworld of crazy criminal activity and the demented minds behind them. We’re not sure what it is about the true-crime/murder podcasts that are so popular, except for the fact that they’re wildly addictive. High-profile, unsolved murders and missing persons cases in this long-running series “prove that the worst monsters are very real.”

WTF with Marc Maron is a comedic, interview-style podcast featuring a self-loathing, therapy-inducing, stand-up comedian who connects and intertwines his experiences with those of his high-profile guests. With icons like Robin Williams, Lorne Michaels, Kristen Wiig and Lin Manuel-Miranda, he has developed a style which has never before been accomplished without visually seeing the whole interview process in a Charlie Rose-esque setting. We wanted to end this list on a fun note, especially after two in a row about crime. You won’t be disappointed in this light-hearted, easy-listening one!