7 podcasts PR pros should subscribe to

There have been lots of predictions that 2015 is going to be the year of the podcast. I’ve been co-hosting one for years now, so I like the sound of that.

With that in mind, I bring you seven must-hear podcasts that will help PR pros laugh, learn and live.

1. "Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!" This NPR-produced (and Chicago-based) podcast is hosted by Peter Segal and Bill Kurtis, and has a panel of three or four comedians. They take the news from the week to create games, contests, and pure hilarity. If you’re not into watching or reading the news, but still want to keep up on current events, this is a very entertaining way to do it.
2. "The Friday Five." This podcast is hosted and produced by Tom Webster and “discovers the music DNA of interesting people.” Season two launched last week with Shift Communications Executive Vice President of Strategy Scott Monty, and is sure to be full of lots of entertaining facts, tidbits, and music. You’ll even get to discover my teenage music tendencies at some point this season.
3. "For Immediate Release." Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson talk about the events of the week as they relate to communications, interview experts, and do book reviews. If you need to know what’s going on in the world of PR, this is the one to listen to every week.
4. "Media Bullseye Roundtable." Hosted by Chip Griffin of CustomScoop, this podcast is a little bit irreverent and a lot informative. They welcome guests such as Kevin Anselmo, Mark Story, Doug Haslam, and other leaders in the communications industry, Chip tackles the tough topics with a wicked twinkle in his eye (which you can’t see because it’s radio, but you’ll find out what I mean).
5. "Marketing Smarts." This MarketingProfs podcast is hosted by smartie Kerry Gorgone, who prepares for each interview like no one I’ve ever heard. What you’ll get from this podcast is an in-depth interview, because Kerry doesn’t scan material; she actually—gasp!—reads it. It’s not superficial or boring.
6. "Six Pixels of Separation." I have been a guest on Mitch Joel's podcast a couple of times now, and I can hands-down tell you he’s one of the toughest interviews I’ve ever had. He’s wicked smart, so you’re automatically intimidated, but he does his homework and he asks questions differently than everyone else. Both of these things make for an excellent podcast to start your week off right.
7. "Inside PR." This podcast is co-hosted by Joe Thornley, Martin Waxman, and me. We talk about everything from current events, crisis communications, social media, reputation management, and where it all meets and intersects. We’re talking about plans for 2015 now, so look for new and improved content after the holidays.

Now it’s your turn. Which podcasts would you add to the list?

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