Supply Chain Podcasts in 2025: Building Brand Leaders
The first podcast available for download reportedly was Queen Elizabeth’s 2004 Christmas address. Apparently, people were hungry to download anything they could.
Social media influencers, true crime aficionados, comedians, scholars, and business leaders all have stepped up to meet demand. There are now more than 4 million registered podcasts around the world – and more than 100 million listeners in the United States alone. And according to Edison Research, as of June 2024, podcasts occupied 9% of Americans’ total audio consumption time.
“From podcast to podcast, thought leadership is everywhere, educating the masses in innovative ways,” Nancy Marshall – aka The PR Maven – wrote in a Forbes Council post.
Supply chain-focused podcasts, in particular, have evolved into powerful platforms for building brand authority, sharing thought leadership, and achieving deeper audience engagement.
The State of Supply Chain Podcasts in 2025
Podcasts today cover everything from the arts to zoology. In January, several of the top podcasts on Spotify were devoted to crime, self-help, and relationships. The Joe Rogan Experience, ranked No. 5, is categorized as a culture podcast. How I Built This, No. 9, is all about entrepreneurship.
Notably, two-thirds of listeners say they hear news discussed on podcasts and they expect what they hear to be accurate, according to The Pew Research Center.
No matter the subject matter, podcasts “help build strong communities,” WorldWide Digest said. “Many podcasts have loyal listeners who share similar interests or experiences. These listeners often engage with each other on social media or forums, creating a sense of connection. Podcast hosts also interact with their audience, whether it’s through listener questions, fan shout-outs, or live events. This connection makes podcasts feel more personal and engaging for everyone involved.”
Supply chain professionals prefer informative industry-focused podcasts over, say, in-person conferences with thousands of attendees because they can listen when they want to – during commutes, workouts, or lunch breaks. They can tune in to learn about niche topics, such as supply chain sustainability or artificial intelligence in warehousing or pharma logistics, and join the conversation about industry trends such as robotics, nearshoring, and the adoption of renewable energy.
While listeners benefit from being able to digest content how and when they want it, companies and supply chain thought leaders also benefit. Podcasts have become a strategic marketing tool.
Three Reasons Supply Chain Podcasts Are Vital for Brand Leadership in 2025
WorldWide Digest said podcasts have become “a powerful and popular form of media. They provide entertainment, education, and inspiration in a way that fits into the busy lives of listeners. With their growing influence and the rise of new technologies, podcasts will continue to shape the future of media.”
Today, supply chain podcasters are building brand leadership by:
Establishing Thought Leadership
- Supply chain executives demonstrate their expertise by addressing industry pain points and trends.
- Industry leaders address critical issues like supply chain resilience, innovation, and sustainability.
Building Trust and Credibility
- Podcasts foster personal connections through their conversational tone and real voices.
- Podcasters receive third-party validation through guest appearances and partnerships.
Engaging a Niche, Focused Audience
- Podcasts provide direct access to decision-makers and practitioners in the supply chain ecosystem.
- Podcasts provide an opportunity to tailor messaging to specific verticals.
The Outlook is Bright for Supply Chain Podcasts in 2025
More podcasts – and more listeners – are being added almost daily. That means more opportunities for:
- Increased personalization. Podcasts can be tailored to hyper-specific audiences and industry verticals.
- Integration with broader content strategies. Podcasts can serve as a foundational element for broader marketing campaigns.
There certainly will be exciting developments to talk about this year. The top nine supply chain innovations and trends identified for 2025 are:
- AI
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Flexible supply chains
- Big data and analytics
- Robotics
- Supply chain sustainability
- Supply chain traceability
- Last-mile delivery
- Cybersecurity
Supply Chain Now: The Leader in Supply Chain Podcasts
Launched in 2017, Supply Chain Now has grown to be a leader in the industry-focused podcasting space, with a global reach and unique approach with engaging storytelling and real industry practitioners. Today, when listeners look for a supply chain podcast, they seek out Supply Chain Now.
Our industry-leading programs include:
- Supply Chain Now, hosted by company founder and CEO Scott W. Luton.
- Logistics With Purpose, which spotlights organizations around the world making a positive impact.
- Digital Transformers, hosted by industry thought leader Kevin L. Jackson.
Our library also is packed with podcasts focused on the supply chain – everything from AI to warehousing. Check out these and other podcasts. Listen now.
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