Sometimes, the best way to get advice is to ask someone what they listen to, or what they’d do if they were in your shoes. If I were in your position, I’d be tuning into these shows and soaking up the insight every chance I get.

The Unofficial Partner Podcast

It began as a one-on-one conversation format, later evolving into a weekly podcast hosted by Richard Gillis and Sean Singleton, focusing on the sports business world. In the 6 years they have produced over 450 episodes spanning every conceivable sport and pertinent topic.

Gills is not afraid to ask the tough questions and the long form conversations allow for a much more authentic and less staged interview.

Why should you listen?

• It gives you access to the minds of senior figures across sport and how they think.
• It goes beyond the headlines and breaks down the true essence of the story.
• It explains how the industry actually works; what people actually do and how decisions get made.

Disclaimer: It’s my most listened-to sports podcast for a reason.

Business of Sport

Launched in July 2023, this is a relatively new but very interesting podcast hosted by brothers Charlie and Harry Stebbings.

This podcast is very finance heavy but gets to the essence of what drives a lot of the decisions in sport. The insights elicited by the bold questions are invaluable. All of the interviews are great, however the one with Laurie Dalrymple (Harlequins CEO) is the best insight I have heard surrounding the financial environment Rugby Union currently faces.

Why should you listen?

• The guests are often the ones making the big decisions that influence sport.
• It covers a mix of sports and sectors: football, F1, tennis, private equity, media, and more.
• It is extremely high production quality.

The Sports Career Podcast

The final one I was introduced to by Matt Rogan in his excellent article giving career advice which we reviewed in a previous newsletter.

Ed Bowers interviews people across the sports industry and digs into how they got started, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they’ve picked up along the way. The beauty of Ed’s podcast is the guests are not just in one sector so I would implore you to scroll through and find the most relevant ones for you.

Why should you listen?

• You get simple, honest advice from people who’ve been where you are.
• You’ll hear loads of different routes into the industry.
• It’s a good reminder that nobody really has it all figured out at the start.