10 books and podcasts to add to your queue

We know what you’re thinking:

“OK, you Buzzfeed-imitating, listicle-loving, self-important data and marketing nerds. Enough.”

And while that argument definitely has *some* merit, hear us out. Data, machine learning, AI, Agile marketing — these are all fun buzzwords, but what happens when you need to apply these terms? What happens when you need to go from buzzword to application?

We’re making this list because not everyone has the time or money to enroll in 12-week intensives or watch every online course on the internet, which is why we assembled a list of our favorite books, podcasts, newsletters, and vibes to put some meat on the bone of those buzzwords and onto first base. We peppered in some of our favorite “just for fun” items on the list because that’s where we get inspired and enter the right headspace to come up with the next big idea. Or blog post. Same thing. Now, onto the list.

Books

Hacking Growth

What Lean Startup did to product development, Hacking Growth does for finding market fit and capturing market share. What happens when you take cross-This book walks through the process with case studies that show the results. The data isn’t debatable; it works.

The Startup Way

It’s pretty hard to walk through the halls of your office (even if you have been locked at home the last year and a half) without someone mentioning The Lean Startup. In his new book, The Startup Way, Reis takes his modern classic and explains how to apply those strategies, even in large corporations, complete with great case studies and fresh inspiration.

The Future’s Faster Than You Think

The world changes faster than anyone realizes. In one person’s lifetime they could have seen the first flight at Kitty Hawk and the International Space Station. What happens over the next 10 years as AI, IoT, robotics, virtual reality and blockchain change what we thought was possible? The future is coming fast and we couldn’t be more excited.

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

Do you accept every meeting you’re invited to, start tasks that you don’t finish, and feel overwhelmed by it all? Essentialism was a life changer for us. We guarantee this book will help you make the most of your time, all while feeling less burnt out.

Small Giants

We all know the story of how Netflix went from a startup to a streaming giant, or how Whole Foods transformed from a crunchy granola specialty store in Austin to an Amazon-owned supermarket chain. And those are amazing stories. But what about the companies who don’t want to be the next Netflix or Whole Foods? What about the smaller businesses who love being small? Who love being connected to the community and to their employees? This book highlights some of those companies, and what they’re doing to be a successful big small guy.

Podcasts

Business Wars

How did the Coca-Cola and Pepsi rivalry begin? What started the burger war between McDonald’s and Burger King? When did Netflix dominate Blockbuster? Part-history lesson, part-business primer, this podcast recounts business’ biggest rivalries, while indirectly bestowing insightful nuggets of business wisdom along the way. You’d be surprised how much you and your business can relate to the inner workings of a hamburger company.

CMO Moves

This podcast interviews CMOs from some of the largest companies out there. Do you think your marketing challenges are super frustrating and unique to your dysfunctional organization? Turns out some of the biggest companies have the same challenges. Listen to see how they overcame it and how they made it to the CMO chair, and some advice for what can get you there, too.

Heavyweight

Ever have a moment from your past that you wish you could go back and re-examine? Explain? Make amends? Jonathan Goldstein’s podcast Heavyweight does just that. The storytelling is witty, endearing and entertaining, and highlights the messy and beautiful nature of human relationships, all of which are relatable in both life and business.

Vibes

J.Cole — The Off Season

If you’re reading this blog you probably know that we’re pretty big fans of hip hop. So we were prett-y excited when J. Cole recently launched his sixth album, The Off Season. If you’re motivated or inspired by music, give this album a try; the beats are good and some of his lyrics might motivate you, too.

Newsletters

The Daily Stoic

Need a dose of perspective each morning? Same. We subscribe to The Daily Stoic because it often reframes current events, feelings, situations, whatever, through the lens of famous stoics Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus. Those “big problems” you have? The stoics had them too, but approaching your problems in a new way has helped provide some calm, especially after the last year.

What’d we miss? What should we know about? Leave us a comment so we can add these to our reading and listening lists.