10 Best Engineering Podcasts for CTOs

In the fast-paced technology scene, staying updated is crucial, especially for Chief Technology Officers. As a CTO, navigating your company's tech trajectory requires constantly evolving knowledge.

Enter podcasts: the ideal medium for busy CTOs to stay informed. They offer insights from fellow CTOs, solutions to potential challenges, introductions to industry leaders, and updates on the latest trends.

This article presents ten top engineering podcasts for CTOs, curated based on relevance, content quality, update frequency, host expertise, and listener feedback.

Let's dive into the top selections.

1 — Modern CTO

• Host: Joel Beasley
• Platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
• Average episode length: 30 to 50 minutes
• Start date: 2017
• Episode frequency: 1 episode per week

The Modern CTO is a podcast hosted by Joel Beasley, a developer and CTO with a wealth of experience in founding and working with various companies. It has consistently delivered insightful discussions on building companies from the ground up, the strategic steps companies take for growth, and more.

These thought-provoking conversations have attracted guests like Kevin Scott (Microsoft CTO), Raghu Hiremagalur (LinkedIn CTO) and many technology executives from companies like IBM, Zoom, Nasa, and many more. They come aboard to share the unique approaches their respective companies have taken to achieve growth.

If you're looking for a podcast that offers in-depth technical insights and leadership tips, Modern CTO should be your go-to resource.

Key episodes from Modern CTO

With a whopping count of over 700 episodes, picking standout episodes from the list can indeed be challenging. Yet, here are three that certainly make the cut:

• TECH TITANS: Navigating the Cosmos of Leadership: This episode explores leadership in the context of space exploration and technology with NASA's CTO, Douglas Terrier.
• TT: The Key to Continuous Growth with Mark Porter, then CTO at MongoDB: Mark Porter, former CTO at MongoDB, shares insights on achieving continuous growth in the world of technology.
• The Future of AI and Search with Sean Mullaney, CTO at Algolia: Sean Mullaney, CTO at Algolia, discusses the future of artificial intelligence and its role in search technologies.

2 — The CTO Advisor

• Host: Keith Townsend
• Platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
• Average episode length: 30 minutes
• Start date: 2017
• Episode frequency: 2-3 podcasts per month

The CTO Advisor podcast was founded to deliver on Keith's unique view that honest, down-to-earth, and easy-to-consume content helps enterprise IT customers identify the best solutions and make better purchasing decisions.

It specializes in guiding organizations through the complexities of digital transformation. Their offerings encompass IT infrastructure assessments, the formulation of enterprise technology roadmaps, and hybrid IT strategy workshops.

Esteemed figures, such as representatives from Dell Marketing, Craig Connors from Velocloud by VMWare, and Kubernetes co-founder Joe Beda, have graced the podcast with their insights.

Key episodes from The CTO Advisor

Here's a glimpse into three recent episodes that have garnered significant attention:

• Cisco to buy Splunk – 5 Things to Watch: Security pundit Jo Peterson shares her perspective on the $28B acquisition, its implications, and five key areas to monitor.
• Opportunites for VMware Partners post-Broadcom Aquisition: Josh Odgers, founder of End to End, joins Keith Townsend, to discuss potential opportunities for partners post-acquisition of VMware by Broadcom.
• Broadcom and VMware – Divergent Views: Daniel Newman, Futurum Group's Principal Analyst and Keith Townsend shared their different takes on the $69B Broadcom purchase of VMware.

3 — The CTO Podcast (7CTOs)

• Host: Etienne de Bruin
• Platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
• Average episode length: 50 minutes
• Start date: 2018
• Episode frequency: 5-10 podcasts per month

The CTO Podcast by 7CTOs focuses on topics crucial to CTOs, such as improving hiring practices, time management, and C-Suite leadership.

With a roster of seasoned professionals and experts from diverse spheres like cryptocurrency, AI, web innovations, and scaling IT entities, the podcast provides a balanced blend of real-life accounts, actionable advice, and discourses on the ascent of these emerging technologies.

Key episodes from The CTO Podcast

Here are three interesting recent episodes:

• Work on Your Reputation Inside and Outside Your Company! - Kevin Goldsmith: In this episode, Kevin Goldsmith discusses the importance of building and maintaining your reputation both within your company and in the broader industry.
• Coaching Your Engineers vs. Giving Them Feedback - Etienne de Bruin: Etienne de Bruin explores the nuances of coaching engineers as opposed to simply providing feedback, shedding light on effective leadership strategies.
• The Role of A CTO is Complicated: This episode discusses the complexities of a CTO's role, offering insights into the multifaceted responsibilities that come with the position.

4 — The Changelog podcast

• Host: Adam Stacoviak and Jerod Santo
• Platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
• Average episode length: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Start date: 2020
• Episode frequency: 3 podcasts per week

The Changelog podcast is an essential listen for both developers and CTOs alike. Every week, it offers varied content: concise software updates on Mondays, in-depth interviews on Wednesdays, and a fun talk show on Fridays.

Beyond its regular program, it features specialized podcasts like Founders Talk for CTOs, Practical AI, and some language-specific shows to serve diverse developer interests. Covering topics from engineering to artificial intelligence and the human mind, its wide range of discussions is driven by a stellar guest list.

Key episodes from The Changelog podcast

Here are four interesting episodes that may catch your attention:

• Wisdom from 50+ years in software: This discussion covers the birth of Unix, Ken Thompson's skills, C's longevity, views on modern languages like Go and Rust, changes in 50 years of software, the power of platforms like Unix and the web, thoughts on programmers skipping university, and various other topics.
• Principles for hiring engineers: In this podcast, Jacob Kaplan-Moss discusses work sample tests used in hiring engineers. He shares insights gained as an engineering leader, offering valuable expertise on effectively evaluating and hiring engineers.
• Leading leaders who lead engineers: Lara Hogan, an ex-engineering leader at Kickstarter and Etsy, and now co-founder of Wherewithall, a consultancy aiding managers and emerging leaders, discusses leadership roles—mentoring, coaching, sponsoring, and giving feedback—in the tech industry.

5 — Alphalist CTO

• Host: Tobias Schlottke
• Platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
• Average episode length: 40 minutes
• Start date: 2020
• Episode frequency: 2 podcasts per month

The Alphalist CTO podcast offers valuable insights into the world's leading technology companies, notable personalities, and emerging trends. They cover a diverse range of topics including technical leadership, advancements in AI, cloud computing, databases, networking, and more.

The Podcast has recently featured interviews with CTOs of eminent companies such as GitHub, Cloudflare, Slack, and Nvidia.

Key episodes from Alphalist CTO

Here are three interesting episodes that may catch your attention:

• How to Build Sticky Products: Cal Henderson, CTO at Slack and creator of Flickr, shares how Slack was built from both a tech and product perspective.
• The Past, Present, and Future of C++: Bjarne Stroustrup, creator of C++, explains the challenges of maintaining a language used by millions of people, how C++ trumps other languages in performance and efficiency.
• The Future of Single Page Apps: Kent C. Dodds, a seasoned software educator and JavaScript influencer explains the evolution of the web architecture from Multi-Page Apps to Single Page Apps and everything in between.

6 — Behind the Tech

• Host: Kevin Scott
• Platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
• Average episode length: 1 hour
• Start date: 2018
• Episode frequency: 1 podcast per month

Behind the Tech is a podcast that goes behind-the-scenes with today's most innovative tech leaders to uncover the inspirations, challenges, and breakthroughs that have shaped their remarkable journeys. In each episode, guests are invited to share their unique stories and insights that have fuelled their rise in the ever-evolving world of technology.

Key episodes from Behind the Tech

Here are two featured episodes:

• Mira Murati, Chief Technology Officer, OpenAI: Mira Murati explained how she has helped to scale OpenAI to the company it is today and how she lead teams to build ground-breaking technologies and products like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and the revolutionary GPT-4.
• Tobi Lütke: CEO and Founder, Shopify: In this episode, Tobi Lütke, CEO and founder of Shopify, joins Kevin to talk about applying computer science and engineering techniques to build and scale his company, the idea of bringing an apprentice mindset to his work, and how his daily practice of writing code and tinkering in his home lab inspires him to be a more creative leader.

7 — CXO Talk

• Host: Michael Krigsman
• Platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
• Average episode length: 1 hour
• Start date: 2013
• Episode frequency: 3-5 podcasts per month

This podcast is perfect for anyone who is eager to engage in deep conversations with some of the most forward-thinking tech visionaries globally. It has over 400 episodes and features discussions with leaders hailing from diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, government, and more.

Key episodes from CXO Talk

Here are three featured episodes you may love:

• Harvard Business School Professor: How to Lead Enterprise AI: In this episode, Iavor Bojinov, an Harvard Business School professor explained how to make enterprise AI projects successful, given their high rate of failure.
• Data Science, AI, and Machine Learning: Technology and Ethics for Good: Rayid Ghani, a Machine Learning Professor at Carnegie Mellon University explains the impact of culture in driving socially responsible AI.
• The Democratization of Data and Analytics: In this episode, Alan Jacobson, the chief data and analytics officer (CDAO) of Alteryx, explained how organizations can democratize their data and analytics efforts.

8 — Y Combinator podcast

• Host: Craig Cannon
• Platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
• Average episode length: 60 minutes
• Start date: 2017
• Episode frequency: 2-4 podcasts per month

Y Combinator, one of the most prominent startup accelerators and venture capital entities globally, offers listeners a front-row seat to the experiences, insights, and stories of some of the brightest minds in the world of startups and entrepreneurship.

Key episodes from Y Combinator podcast

Here are three recent episodes you may love:

• Secrets You Can Learn From Your Customers: In this episode, Michael and Dalton discuss how forging genuine connections with your users can unlock insights and growth.
• How to Compete with Amazon and Google: Y Combinator Group Partners Harj Taggar, Michael Seibel and Brad Flora discuss the traps founders often fall into when looking at the competition.
• The REAL Potential of Generative AI: Managing Director of YC Continuity Ali Rowghani joins Raza Habib, CEO of Humanloop to discuss the transformative power of AI in today's technological landscape and its promising future.

9 — Technovation

• Host: Peter High
• Platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
• Average episode length: 30 minutes
• Start date: 2023
• Episode frequency: 2 podcasts per week

Technovation is a podcast series that engages in discussions with prominent executives (CTOs, CIOs, CDOs) and visionaries who operate at the convergence of business, technology, and innovation.

Each episode discusses the technologies reshaping the business landscape and spotlights the individuals spearheading digital transformation within their respective organizations.

Key episodes from Technovation

Here are three recent episodes you may love:

• Data & AI in Real Estate: Vijay Sankaran on the Future of Work: In this episode, Vijay Sankaran discusses the future of work, the growing impact of AI, and its downstream effects on real estate.
• Priceline CTO Martin Brodbeck on Leveraging AI and Scaling Innovation: Martin, CTO of Priceline joins Peter in a discussion on how he has developed his team and the new platforms and capabilities that he has driven across the company.
• Generative AI & Geopolitics: Placing Smart Bets: In this episode, two representatives from Goldman Sachs delve into the intersections between global affairs, geopolitics, and cutting-edge technology such as generative AI.

10 — Software Engineering Daily

• Host: Jeff Mayerson
• Platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • RSS
• Average episode length: 40 minutes
• Start date: 2022
• Episode frequency: 2 episodes per week

The Software Engineering Daily podcast is a dedicated source for all things related to software engineering. Hosted by Jeff Mayerson, this podcast features engaging interviews with a diverse array of software engineers who share their knowledge about key engineering concepts and insights into the future of the field.

As a listener, you can expect a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, databases, strategies for company growth, and various cutting-edge technologies, among others. The podcast also has an impressive guest list, featuring professionals from renowned companies like StackOverflow, AWS, PolyScale, and many more.

Key episodes from Software Engineering Daily

Here are three recent episodes you may love:

• Making Data-Driven Decisions with Soumyadeb Mitra: This podcast explores the significance and challenges of fostering a data-driven culture within your organization.
• AI for Software Delivery with Birgitta Böckeler: In this episode, Birgitta Böckeler from Thoughworks discusses the transformative role of cutting-edge language models in software development.
• Why We Switched from Python to Go: The episode delves into Stream's transition from Python to Go as its main programming language, addressing the reasons and challenges, especially given the team's initial limited experience with Go.

Two more podcasts for CTOs

Some other popular podcasts still have past content available but no longer release new episodes. These past episodes are so rich and still prove to be valuable to current and aspiring CTOs, engineering managers, and those in other leadership roles.

1 — CTO Think

• Host: Don Vandemark and Randy Burgess
• Platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
• Average episode length: 40 minutes
• Existed: 2017 - 2020
• Number of Episodes: 100+

CTO Think delves into the nuances of leadership, technology decision-making, and product development through the lens of veteran CTOs, Don Vandemark and Randy Burgess. Eschewing guest appearances, the duo offers listeners a more intimate and direct connection, recounting tales and sharing insights from their collective experiences.

Key episodes from CTO Think

Here are three episodes you may love:

• Automation vs Programming
• Headless CMS + Static Site Generators
• How should CTO use their time?

2 — Cto.coffee

• Host: Benjamin Reitzammer
• Platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
• Average episode length: 45 minutes
• Existed: 2017 - 2020
• Number of Episodes: 17

The Cto.coffee podcast is akin to an espresso shot of wisdom for technology enthusiasts. Hosted by freelance CTO, Benjamin Reitzammer, the show encapsulates deep and enriching conversations that underscore the pivotal human element in technology and software development. Although its run was brief, the 17-episode series features enlightening dialogues with industry mavens.

Key episodes from cto.coffee

Here are two episodes you may love:

• Building Team Trust with Daniel Jilg
• Developer Relations and Community with Felicitas Kugland

Final thoughts

Listening to a podcast is a great way to stay tuned with the latest technology, news, and trends in the industry, as you can listen to inspiring stories on the go and gather crucial insights to benefit your organization.

We hope that our list of best tech podcasts has given you an idea of podcasts that might interest you.

Did I miss out on any cool CTO Podcasts? Let me know on X (Twitter).