There are two kinds of people out there: those who listen to podcasts regularly and those who don’t. If you’re in the former group and working in the insights industry, you’ll love this article. If you’re in the latter group of people, perhaps it's time to tune in - you might find a few nuggets here to start with.
As of 2026, something that started as a hobby, podcasts have matured into an essential marketing tool. The data tells a compelling story:
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Around 55% of the U.S. population are monthly podcast listeners - a steady climb from the 42% in 2023 as reported by the Pew Research Center.
- The "audio-only" era is evolving: YouTube has become the top destination for podcasts, preferred by 39% of the monthly listeners, valuing the "video-first" experience.
- "Business and Finance" remains one of the fastest-growing genres fueled by professionals wanting to stay competitive and keep their pulse on rapid market and industry developments.
Why podcasts matter
Podcasts offer a light-touch, flexible way to absorb expert-level insights without staring at reports and spreadsheets. Shows often feature experts from various fields, offering valuable insights on hot topics such as AI ethics, cultural shifts, industry trends, and practical knowledge to enhance professional skills.
This form of "educational entertainment" allows you to multitask, turning commuting or leisure time into productive learning experiences, fostering a continuous learning mindset crucial for career development.
Launching a podcast in 2026 is easier than ever. If you ever played around with the idea, here are a few tips for Starting and Running a Successful B2B Podcast.
Check out our list of MRX industry podcasts you should be listening to (in no particular order) to keep your pulse on the market, consumers, people, and all things research.
Data Gurus
The Data Gurus Podcast, running since 2018, is hosted by the CEO of Infinity Squared Ventures, Sima Vasa, and has over 250 episodes, reporting a firsthand perspective on how technology, evolving data, and market research are transforming how people work, how organizations lead, and how people live.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube.
The Greenbook Podcast
Listen to The Greenbook Podcast, Lenny Murphy and Karen Lynch's weekly chat on the latest news and innovation in the insights industry. Explore hot topics and themes impacting the sector and interview some of the brightest minds in the field.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or watch on YouTube.
Intellicast
Intellicast, brought to you by EMI Research, is a market research industry podcast hosted by Brian Lamar, running since 2018. With over 300 episodes, it dives into the research industry from a vendor's perspective. Tune in to learn about current trends and upcoming events, and listen to special guest interviews with industry professionals.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or TuneIn.
MRXLab
The MRX Lab podcast explores how research and insights shape significant ideas in our lives. Presented by FlexMR, the podcast has covered everything from the impact of software developers on the market research industry to the role of memes in visual communication.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Insight Platforms Podcasts
Insight Platforms hosts 3 podcasts, each in a specific research niche.
The FutureView podcast, hosted by Henry Piney, explores how industry leaders use consumer insights and data to market, nurture, and grow their organizations.
The Insights From Elsewhere podcast, hosted by Cynthia Portugal, showcases experts and leaders in insights from LatAm, Asia, Africa, and anywhere that isn’t Western Europe or North America. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
The Founders & Leaders Series, hosted by Mike Stevens, interviews the tech entrepreneurs and business leaders building the future of research, insights, and analytics. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Rock'n'Roll Podcast
If you like podcasts that tell a story, Matt Valle’s show Rock n' Roll Research features market researchers as guest speakers who share their stories, experiences, and journeys to help others learn from their perspectives and encourage important conversations about research, people, consumers, and more.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
The New Mainstream
Explore the world of today's multicultural consumer with Mario Carrasco, Co-Founder of ThinkNow, on The New Mainstream Podcast. The show uncovers the intricacies of cultural nuances and their impact on communities in the U.S. and brand marketing.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Data Skeptic
Follow the Data Skeptic podcast to unlock your inner ‘scientific skepticism’ and tune into interviews and discussions that uncover insights on statistics, machine learning, big data, artificial intelligence, all from the pespective of applying critical thinking and the scientific method to evaluate the efficacy of approaches.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Whether you spend 20 minutes or 1 hour a day, a week, or even every 2 weeks listening to podcasts, staying informed on new tech, hot topics, and changing trends is almost a necessity in a world marked by continuous change.
Do you regularly listen to a market research, consumer insights, or creative strategy podcast that you think we should add to our list? Please let us know!
Have you been thinking about starting your podcast? Here are some tips to get started.