Financial podcasts to discover while on leave (or in the sea traffic jam)

Vacation is the time to take a break from spreadsheets, price charts and economic reports. But for those who still want a healthy dose of financial inspiration — or simply want to alleviate the endless traffic jams to sea — podcasts are the ideal travel companion. Whether you want to learn about complex arbitration structures, hear the story behind top companies, or are curious about the hidden economy of the sports world, there is something for everyone. Here are six podcasts that not only enrich but also entertain.

1. Acquired — Ben Gilbert & David Rosenthal

Want to know how iconic companies grew up? Then Acquired is for you. Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal dive deep into the origins and growth strategies of companies such as Amazon, Nike or LVMH. Fascinating for any fan of business cases and entrepreneurial stories. Expect multi-hour episodes, which not only cover the company's strategic analyses, but also make space to outline the founders' background. Ideal for people who are training for a marathon.

Tip: Unlike most TV series, Acquired's last seasons are by far the best! So start with the latest episodes...

2. Money Stuff - Matt Levine

A must for fans of playful but sharp financial analysis. This podcast is an extension of Bloomberg columnist Matt Levine's wildly popular newsletter. He succeeds like no other in reducing complex structures to their essentials. Whether it's about clever arbitration, fraudulent tricks, or bizarre side effects of financial legislation — Levine does it with a good dose of humor.

3. Odd Lots — Joe Weisenthal & Tracy Alloway

Why do shipping routes stop? How can a chip shortage shake the global economy? What about 'The Jones Act' again? Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway take you in Odd Lots with you to the strangest corners of the markets. Together with 'the perfect guest' over and over again, they explain why things work out the way they do. Informative and often very entertaining.

4. The Business of Sports

Sport is big business. This podcast shows how massive sponsorship contracts, TV rights, and marketing strategies are transforming sports clubs and athletes into brands. Perfect for those who want to understand what's going on financially behind the field.

5. De Beursvoyeurs — De Tijd

For a Dutch perspective. De Beursvoyeurs, the podcast for 'De Tijd', features conversations about stocks, markets and personal investment stories. Easy to digest and close to home, with a good dose of humor and practical insights for every private investor.

Tip: Value Square manager Wouter Verlinden was a guest in one of the episodes last season.

6. Prof G Markets - Scott Galloway & Ed Elson

Prof. G Markets is a podcast where NYU professor Scott Galloway and analyst Ed Elson analyze the most important market news. They cover economic trends, business results and geopolitical developments with a keen eye and a clear explanation. At the same time, the tone is quite direct and provocative, and the duo is not averse to an occasional dirty joke.

By the way, their one-hour joint episodes are just a little bit stronger than Elson's solo episodes.

In short: whether you're on your way to Provence, the Belgian coast or just sitting on your terrace with a glass of rosé, these podcasts are the perfect companion to learn, laugh and stay up to date at the same time. Enjoy listening!

‍