Best Tech Podcasts for CTOs and IT Decision Makers
In a tech industry where attention is currency and insight is power, IT leaders can't afford to waste time on noise. We've curated a list of insightful and substantive podcasts that deserve a spot on every IT decision maker's playlist. These aren't your average tech chats, they're the strategic soundwaves fueling boardroom decisions and innovation roadmaps.
If you want to know what your competitor’s CTO is listening to between meetings, you’re in the right place.
Why are podcasts an essential tool for tech companies leaders?
Here, in IT, we all love podcasts.
Whether we're jogging, hitting the gym, stuck in traffic, cooking Sunday dinner, or tidying up the house, chances are, we’re tuned into our favorite show.
According to PodcastStatistics, the industry has skyrocketed in recent years. By the end of 2025, the global number of listeners is expected to surpass 600 million. Among the most popular genres, tech & business podcasts are holding strong.
What are the top podcasts for tech enthusiasts?
Consider this your ultimate guide. We’ve done the hard work, scouring the ocean of technology podcasts to spotlight the ones that truly matter and provide you with important tech news and real life stories.
No fluff. No filler. Just sharp, strategic content you can rely on.
Recommended list of top podcasts for IT decision makers
Tech Lead Journal
Host Henry Suryawirawan, a seasoned engineer and cloud advocate, cuts through the noise to focus on what truly matters: the human and strategic side of technical leadership.
Each episode brings you face-to-face with experienced tech industry experts who share their personal journeys and hard-won lessons on building high-performance teams, cultivating technical excellence, and navigating the complex road from coding to leadership.
Forget generic advice. This podcast is where you'll find actionable insights on software architecture, building great products, and shaping the culture of your team. If you want to master the skills no school can teach you, start here.
Visit Tech Lead Journal website for more.
Alphalist
Becoming a CTO is a journey. Staying one requires a community. The Alphalist podcast is where you'll find it. Born from an exclusive network of CTOs, this show goes beyond trends and buzzwords to tackle the unique challenges only a technical leader can understand.
Hosts from the Alphalist CTO Network bring you firsthand discussions with top players in the global tech world ecosystem. This isn't just theory, it's a trusted space for leaders to share practical problems and real-world solutions.
If you're looking to grow beyond the "alpha version" of yourself and learn from a peer group that truly gets it, this is your go-to source for actionable leadership insights.
Visit Alphalist Podcast website for more.
Refactoring Podcast
Writing great software is only half the battle. The other half is working well with humans. This is the core belief behind the Refactoring Podcast, which tackles the most crucial and often overlooked side of engineering leadership.
Hosted by Luca Rossi, this show publishes new episodes every two weeks with world-class leaders like DHH and Martin Fowler. You'll hear their firsthand insights and breaking tech news on everything from building scalable systems to machine learning or cultivating a high-performing team.
By the way, with a community of over 150,000 engineers and managers, Refactoring offers more than just a podcast. It's a direct line to actionable ideas and deep-dive essays that will help you master your job's technical and human challenges.
Visit Refactoring Podcast website for more.
Pragmatic Engineer
From the inside of Big Tech and startups, this is where you get the unvarnished truth about building software. Hosted by Gergely Orosz, a seasoned engineering manager from Uber and Microsoft, The Pragmatic Engineer is an in-depth plunge into the true challenges and hard-won lessons that define a career in tech.
This podcast is the audio companion to Substack's number one tech newsletter. It's a masterclass in pragmatic engineering, sharing compelling stories and advice from experienced professionals. Don't expect a marketing pitch; expect actionable, no-nonsense insights on everything from career growth to navigating complex technical landscapes.
Definitely, this one is essential for any software engineer or engineering leader who wants to understand how the industry works.
Visit the Pragmatic Engineer website for more.
Beyond the Desk
True innovation in insurance technology happens beyond the desk. Hosted by Mark Thomas, a seasoned recruiter in the sector, this podcast features direct conversations with leaders actively shaping the industry's future.
Each week, Thomas delves into these experts' career journeys, pivotal moments, and challenges. Listeners will gain valuable insights into thinking strategically, overcoming adversity, and achieving success in insurance tech.
This podcast is an opportunity to learn firsthand from the individuals truly making a difference in the field.
Visit Beyond the Desk website for more.
All-In Podcast
This isn't just a podcast about tech, it’s about power, business, and the forces shaping our world. What began as a poker game among four friends has become a top-ranked show that offers raw, unfiltered conversations.
Hosted by tech moguls Chamath Palihapitiya (Social Capital), Jason Calacanis (This Week in Startups), David Sacks (PayPal), and David Friedberg (The Production Board), the All-In Podcast provides an insider's look at the intersection of technology, venture capital, and society.
While the show ventures far beyond the typical tech world, with influential guests like Sam Altman, Sheryl Sandberg, or Elon Musk, this is precisely what makes it so valuable. For any leader looking to broaden their horizons, it offers fascinating insights on business strategy and emerging trends from a unique, all-in perspective.
Visit the All-In Podcast website for more.
Diary of a CEO
Here's another podcast that extends far beyond the tech world but offers valuable insights. Hosted by entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, Diary of a CEO explores the stories and lessons of some of the world's most influential people.
The show delves into the journeys of leaders and thinkers from various fields, from business to psychology. While it doesn't focus on technology, it provides a broader perspective on leadership, creativity, and innovation.
Listeners can gain practical wisdom on managing teams, building companies, and navigating professional challenges, drawing on the experiences of those who have achieved significant success.
Visit the Diary of a CEO website for more.
Beyond the Commit
A brand new proposition for leaders who know that actual impact goes far beyond a single code commit. Hosted by Paweł Dolega, a CTO with two decades of experience, this show takes you directly into the minds of top technology leaders.
Instead of theoretical discussions, you'll get candid, tech-leader to tech-leader chats grounded in real challenges and tech trends. Each episode dives into the difficult architecture choices, scaling strategies, and the delicate craft of building a resilient engineering culture.
It's an unfiltered look at what it takes to lead from the front lines, providing pure value for those serious about technical leadership.
Visit Beyond the Commit website for more.
a16z Podcast
Produced by Andreessen Horowitz, a leading venture capital firm, the a16z Podcast is a window into the minds of the people building the future.
This show goes beyond the headlines to explore how technology is changing companies and reshaping society, culture, and daily life. With expert discussions on everything from AI and fintech to healthcare and enterprise, the podcast features insights from a16z partners, top founders, and leading thinkers.
It offers a unique, inside perspective on the most significant trends in tech and provides valuable context for anyone seeking to understand where the industry is heading next. a16z podcast is a key source of information for founders and curious leaders alike.
Visit a16z Podcast website for more.
Lex Fridman Podcast
For a deep dive into the most fundamental questions of our time, look no further than the Lex Fridman Podcast. Hosted by Lex Fridman, an AI researcher from MIT, the show is built on the premise that the future of technology is inseparable from the nature of humanity itself.
Fridman conducts long-form conversations with some of the world's most fascinating minds: from Nobel-winning physicists and celebrated mathematicians to tech pioneers and thought-provoking artists.
While topics often center on AI, science, and engineering, the actual value lies in the philosophical exploration of consciousness, intelligence, love, and power. This is the place for a broader, more profound perspective beyond the code to consider the bigger picture.
Visit Lex Fridman Podcast website for more.
Theo - t3.gg
Last but not least on our list is Theo's channel. For an unvarnished, high-energy take on the world of software development, check out this dynamic show. Known for his candid and often provocative style, Theo dives into the latest trends and controversies in the tech industry, from the state of AI to the future of JavaScript frameworks.
This isn't a traditional podcast format; it's a direct pipeline to the sharp insights and strong opinions of a full-stack developer who isn't afraid to challenge the status quo. With a massive and engaged community on YouTube, his videos are a great way to stay connected to what the developer community is truly buzzing about.
Theo is a must-watch if you want to know what developers are thinking and debating.
Visit Theo - t3.gg website for more.
Tech Podcasts Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best podcast for a CTO?
The "best" podcast depends on your needs, but some of our choices like Tech Lead Journal and Beyond the Commit focus on the strategic and human aspects of technical leadership.
Which podcasts cover software engineering trends?
For deep dives into software engineering, consider The Pragmatic Engineer and Refactoring Podcast, which offer expert insights on coding practices and team management.
Are there any non-tech podcasts that tech leaders should listen to?
Yes, podcasts like All-In Podcast and Diary of a CEO are highly recommended for broadening your perspective beyond tech, with discussions and interesting stories on business, leadership, and society.
What is a good tech podcast for understanding venture capital?
The a16z Podcast, produced by leading VC firm Andreessen Horowitz, is an excellent resource for insights into tech investments, market trends, and innovation.
Which podcasts are best for staying updated on the latest tech news?
If you're focused solely on news, start with WSJ Tech News Briefing, a concise daily update from The Wall Street Journal covering the latest in Silicon Valley, artificial intelligence, and global tech shifts.
Next step? Just push play & listen to IT visionaries
Your competitor's playlist is no longer a mystery.
We've cut through the noise to deliver the essential insights you need to stay ahead. The real value of these shows isn't just in the knowledge they offer, but in the strategic advantage they provide. By tuning in, you're not just staying informed; you're shaping the decisions that will define the future of your software developers, your products, and your career.
Now, all that's left to do is press play.