Written by Michael Ouellette | Posted September 2024
With an estimated half-billion listeners worldwide by the end of 2024, podcasting has grown from a side-hustle into a major media industry, representing over $23 billion dollars in revenue.
It’s no surprise, then, that Boston University alumni—already some of the brightest minds and compelling communicators in media today—have become leading players in this burgeoning field. Even the BU Alumni Association itself has a podcast, Proud to BU. Hosted by Jeff Murphy (Questrom’06), BU’s director of alumni career programs, Proud to BU spotlights incredible career stories from our proud alumni.
In honor of International Podcast Day, we’ve assembled some of the most notable alumni-hosted podcasts out there today, covering news, comedy, business, parenting, sports, health, pop culture, and more. Open up the podcast app of your choice and get listening!
Andy Cohen’s Daddy Diaries Podcast
Known as the host and executive producer of Bravo’s The Real Housewives juggernaut TV franchise, Andy Cohen (COM’90) also hosts this weekly podcast about the highs and lows of parenting amidst the glitz and glamor of Housewives drama.
Call Her Daddy
Alex Cooper (CGS’15, COM’17) cocreated and hosts one of the most popular podcasts in the world, featuring funny, heartfelt, and sometimes shocking interviews with celebrities and influencers. As the cofounder of the Unwell Network and new production company, Trending, Cooper is on her way to becoming a Gen Z media mogul.
The Bechdel Cast
Caitlin Durante (COM’14) cohosts this hilarious show examining the portrayal of women in movies through an intersectional (and irreverent) lens.
The FT News Briefing
This daily podcast from the Financial Times delivers the most important global business stories you need to know for your day. Host Marc Filippino (COM’11) has been with the show since 2019, but if you don’t hear his voice on the latest episodes, don’t worry, he’ll be back in 2025 after returning from paternity leave!
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom Picks
With accolades from the Washington Post, Business Insider, and Mental Floss, this podcast from Liz Gumbinner (COM’90), cocreator of the Cool Mom Picks lifestyle network, shares parenting tips and advice through topical and candid conversations with parents, parenting experts, thought leaders, and celebrities.
The Middle with Jeremy Hobson
Former Here & Now NPR host Jeremy Hobson (COM’04) leads this national call-in talk show, focused on elevating the voices of Americans in the geographical and political middle through civil discussions about contentious contemporary issues.
The Revolution with Steve Kornacki
This limited series from NBC News and MSNBC correspondent Steve Kornacki (COM’01) examines the partisanship of today’s American politics through a look back at the 1994 midterm election, when the GOP took the House majority for the first time in decades, led by the backroom strategy of influential Georgia Congressman Newt Gingrich.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Podcast
Featuring interviews with some of the world’s smartest people about the most uncomfortable questions, best-selling author Mark Manson (Pardee’07) discusses relationships, careers, health, and happiness with a mix of brutal honest and filthy humor.
WTF with Marc Maron
One of the longest-running and most beloved podcasts ever, this show from comedian Marc Maron (CAS’86) has featured hilarious, emotional, and immersive interviews with guests from Robin Williams to President Barack Obama.
HBR IdeaCast
Cohosted by Harvard Business Review’s Curt Nickisch (Questrom’13), this podcast features the leading thinkers in business and management discussing the topics shaping the future of work.
The Faster Than Normal Podcast
Acclaimed speaker, author, and social media marketing expert Peter Shankman (CGS’92, COM’94) hosts this podcast about the gifts of ADHD and ADD, featuring interviews from business leaders to rock stars about how they’ve learned to use their neurodiversity to further their careers and to live better lives.
LISTEN: Peter Shankman’s interview on the Proud to BU Podcast about channeling his ADHD into a superpower.
The Bill Simmons Podcast
The Ringer, the website and podcast network founded by Bill Simmons (COM’93), has become a major media producer since it launched in 2016. In the network’s flagship show, The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons chats with athletes, celebrities, and media personalities about the latest in sports and entertainment.
Startup to Storefront
Entrepreneur and angel investor Diego Torres-Palma (Questrom’13) hosts this podcast that offers a peek behind the curtain of successful startups through interviews with founders and leaders who have built businesses and brands.
60 Minutes
Listen to the legendary CBS News program in podcast form! Bill Whitaker (GRS’74) cohosts the Emmy award-winning show, featuring investigative reporting, unbiased political news, and hard-hitting interviews.
Spittin’ Chiclets
Former NHL and BU Men’s Ice Hockey veteran Ryan Whitney (CAS’04) talks all-things hockey and pop culture with current and former NHL players on this top-rated podcast from digital media company Barstool Sports.
Want to hear more from the incredible BU community? Subscribe to Proud to BU wherever you get podcasts and catch up on over 60 episodes of alumni interviews and stories!