Project management is a dynamic, in-demand field that requires continuously updating your skills to stay competitive. The Project Management Institute (PMI) estimates that by 2030, there will be a need for 25 million new project professionals. With the rapid pace of change and the high stakes of today‘s projects, it‘s never been more crucial to stay plugged into the latest industry trends, best practices, and thought leadership.
One incredibly efficient way to gain this knowledge is by listening to project management podcasts. You can absorb expert insights during your downtime – exercising, commuting, doing household tasks – without needing to carve out dedicated time to read or attend training.
Podcast listenership has boomed in recent years. According to Edison Research, 62% of Americans over age 12 have listened to a podcast, and 38% listen monthly – a 54% increase from 2017. And with over 2.4 million podcasts available, there‘s a wealth of content to choose from.
To help you cut through the noise, we‘ve compiled a list of the 10 best project management podcasts in 2024. Whether you‘re a seasoned PM looking to uplevel your leadership skills or just starting to explore a career in the field, these shows offer valuable wisdom to accelerate your growth.
1. Project Management Paradise
Hosted by Adriana Girdler, a project management instructor and consultant with 20+ years of experience, this podcast digs into the challenges and best practices of PM.
What makes it unique:
- Actionable tips from a variety of experts: Adriana interviews PMs from around the world across industries, from construction to healthcare to IT, exposing you to diverse perspectives
- Focus on real-world application: Discussions go beyond theory to the nuts and bolts of how to apply PM strategies and tools successfully
- Relatable stories: Guests open up about their biggest project failures and what they learned, normalizing the obstacles PMs face
Best for: Beginner to intermediate PMs seeking practical advice to handle common project issues
2. Projectified
The PMI‘s official podcast gives you access to in-depth conversations with project leaders driving innovation at top organizations like NASA, Google, and the World Bank.
What makes it unique:
- High-profile guests: Host Stephen Maye talks to executives and senior PMs who share a strategic view on how projects deliver business value
- Authoritative insights: As a PMI production, the podcast reflects the gold standard in PM thinking and aligns with PMI methodologies
- Big picture context: Episodes explore the intersection of PM with other domains like data science, finance, and customer experience, preparing you for a more strategic role
Best for: Experienced PMs and aspiring leaders who want to understand projects in a broader business context
3. People and Projects
Former IBM project manager Andy Kaufman draws on over 25 years in leadership roles to interview experts on the people side of PM – motivation, conflict resolution, team building, and more.
What makes it unique:
- Holistic approach: Recognizes that interpersonal skills are equally important to technical skills for project success
- Credible advice: Guests include renowned authors and speakers who are trusted voices in leadership and organizational behavior
- Immediately applicable tips: Andy highlights key lessons from each conversation in a "quick takeaway" segment to help you put the insights into action
Best for: PMs at any experience level looking to develop essential leadership and people management capabilities
4. Project Management Happy Hour
Hosts Kim Essendrup and Kate Anderson invite you to grab a drink and dish on PM challenges in a fun, frank, and relatable way.
What makes it unique:
- Authentic, unfiltered discussions: Kim and Kate aren‘t afraid to get real about the unglamorous aspects of a PM‘s job, like managing difficult stakeholders and delivering bad news
- Listener-driven content: Many episodes are inspired by questions and stories submitted by the audience, ensuring the advice is relevant to actual PM pain points
- Good laughs: PM Happy Hour feels like venting with work friends who truly get it, with plenty of humor alongside the serious talk
Best for: PMs craving connection and honest conversation about the everyday ups and downs of the role
5. PM Point of View
Kendall Lot, PM and past President of the PMI Washington DC Chapter, brings on practitioners of all levels to share their perspectives on navigating the profession.
What makes it unique:
- Diversity of voices: Features a mix of novice and veteran PMs, as well as people in related roles like business analysis and change management, for well-rounded views
- Community feel: Promotes a sense of belonging in the PM world and encourages active involvement in industry associations
- Mini-series format: Some topics are explored through multiple related episodes, allowing for deeper dives into issues like stakeholder engagement and virtual team management
Best for: Early career PMs who want exposure to a range of career paths and experiences in the field
Podcast Comparison
| Podcast | Host(s) | Episode Length | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Management Paradise | Adriana Girdler | 30-40 min | Practical tips, diverse perspectives |
| Projectified | Stephen Maye | 45-60 min | Strategy, business impact, innovation |
| People and Projects | Andy Kaufman | 45-60 min | Leadership, interpersonal skills |
| PM Happy Hour | Kim Essendrup & Kate Anderson | 30-45 min | Candid PM conversations, humor |
| PM Point of View | Kendall Lot | 45-60 min | Career journeys, PM community |
Beyond this top 5, other great PM podcasts include:
- Manage This: Andy Crowe and Bill Yates discuss methods and best practices in an approachable way, with 150+ episodes to explore
- The Digital Project Manager: Galen Low interviews experts on topics relevant to digital PMs, like UX, agile, and remote work
- Guerrilla Project Management: Samad Aidane shares research-backed strategies for leadership, communication, and team effectiveness
- Project Management Office Podcast: Tactical tips for setting up and running a successful PMO, featuring insights from PMO leaders
- Project Chatter: Shiv Shenoy breaks down core PM concepts in an engaging manner, aimed at beginners looking to learn the fundamentals
To get the most value from PM podcasts, consider this advice:
- Listen actively and take notes. Jot down key points and ideas for how to apply them to your work. Capture direct quotes that resonate with you.
- Discuss what you‘re learning with other PM professionals. Many podcasts have online communities where you can pose questions and share experiences.
- Select a mix of podcasts that target different knowledge areas – both those directly related to your work (e.g. your industry or methodology) and those that push you to build new skills.
- When you find an episode that really clicks, check out the resources mentioned for deeper learning. These might include books, templates, workshops, or other podcasts.
- As you implement tips from the podcasts, track how they impact your work. Make note of positive results so you can share them in your own professional community.
Project management podcasts offer an abundance of wisdom that can help you thrive in your career. On average, PMs listen to 3 podcasts per week, and 68% say that podcasts have helped them unlock new skills and perspectives. The key is to seek out content from credible experts and focus on applying what you learn.
With a small time investment, you can stay in step with the evolution of the PM profession and position yourself as a proactive, well-informed leader. Pick a few shows that align with your goals and start building a powerful learning habit today!
