The Most Influential Podcasts for Government Leaders
Here’s your fun fact for the day: There are more than 2,000,000 podcasts ready for your ears today. From comedy laughs to career aspirations and even dinner ideas, there is no shortage of content to listen to anytime, anywhere. The hard part is finding the right ones to tune in to.
Not to worry, you have us, and we’re here to share our top five podcasts to inspire local government leaders like you. Whether you’re in the middle of budget planning season, want to improve your leadership skills, or just need an inspirational boost on a tough day, these podcasts for government leaders are sure to deliver.
1. Local Government Matters
We would be remiss if we didn’t kick off our list with OpenGov’s brand new podcast, Local Government Matters. Although we may be a little biased, we think that all of our guests are beyond inspiring. In each episode, we sit down with local leaders to discuss ideas for improving the way local government works. From leadership lessons on collaborating across teams to tactics for improving data-driven decision-making and so much more, we’d love for you to listen and tell us what you think.
Can’t-Miss Episode: Ep. 1: Former City Manager of Palo Alto, CA, Jim Keene + OpenGov CEO Zac Bookman
2. FINE(ance) Fridays
Budgeting is so much more than the numbers, and that’s what GFOA’s popular series dives into. The podcast features inspiring stories from GFOA members who share their journey in government and the important mentors that helped shape their successful career in public finance. All the guests have several things in common: a hardworking drive, a dedication to safeguarding public funds, a willingness to share and pass their success on to others, all with a good sense of humor.
Can’t-Miss Episode: Ep. 5: “See the products of my life improving my community”
3. The Tim Ferriss Show
Stepping outside the realm of local government, The Tim Ferriss Show is great for professional inspiration from top business leaders across all industries. In fact, he’s been dubbed the “Oprah of Audio.” Each interview pulls out the tactics, tools, and routines you can apply to your government career. This includes favorite books, morning routines, exercise habits, time-management tricks, and much more.
Can’t-Miss Episode: Ep. 554 How to Reboot Yourself and Feel Unrushed in the New Year
4. GovLove
There are three things you can expect from our friends at ELGL in each of their episodes: people, policies, and profession. For stories with a focus on work being done at the local level, this is the podcast. Whether it’s a city manager or intern as their guest, they have conversations on the future of the public sector and how it can be improved to attract the best and the brightest.
Can’t-Miss Episode: Ep. 476: Investing in Women and Minority Owned Businesses with Angela Rollins, Rochester, NY
5. Local Gov Life
Last but certainly not least, we are big fans of Local Gov Life from ICMA. Local Gov Life provides that perfect balance of stories and advice from local government leaders. As a nonprofit, ICMA is dedicated to advancing professional local government management. And that’s exactly what you’ll get from each and every episode.
Can’t-Miss Episode: SCV19 Ep. 15 – Extraordinary Resilience
Podcasts for Local Government
Grab your headphones and get going! We hope you enjoy these podcasts as much as we do, and leave them with actionable insights to bring to your daily role. Happy listening!
Category: GovTech