Podcasts have become one of the most powerful forms of content in 2025, blending storytelling, education, and entertainment all in one. Whether you’re into motivation, comedy, business, or celebrity gossip, there’s a podcast (and a podcaster) for everyone. But with thousands of creators out there, it’s not always easy to find influencers who are truly making an impact.
That’s why we’ve created this curated list of the top 12 podcast influencers you should follow in 2025. These creators aren’t just hosting popular shows, they’re building global communities, starting trends, and changing the way people listen, learn, and connect online. From Alex Cooper to Steven Bartlett, discover who’s shaping the future of audio content right now.
Why Podcast Influencers Are Valuable for Brands
Podcasting isn’t just about audio anymore, it’s an ecosystem of loyal communities, cross-platform content, and authentic voices.
- High Engagement & Loyalty – Podcast listeners often tune in for 30–60 minutes at a time, making them one of the most attentive audiences in digital media.
- Long-Form Storytelling – Unlike short ads, podcasts let brands integrate messages into conversations and narratives.
- Niche Targeting – From tech to wellness, podcasts serve hyper-specific communities, helping brands reach precise audiences.
- Cross-Platform Influence – Many podcasters also build strong presences on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, extending campaign reach.
For marketers, this means more authentic connections and better ROI compared to traditional ads.
Types of Podcast Influencers
Not all podcast influencers are the same. Understanding categories helps brands align with the right voices.
- Business & Entrepreneurship – Focus on startups, leadership, and financial growth. Great for B2B brands and SaaS tools.
- Lifestyle & Wellness – Cover topics like fitness, mindfulness, nutrition, and productivity. Popular among consumer wellness brands.
- Comedy & Entertainment – Lighthearted shows with large audiences, perfect for mainstream campaigns.
- Tech & Gaming – Dive into AI, gadgets, and gaming culture. Highly engaging for tech-savvy listeners.
- True Crime & Investigative – Story-driven podcasts with huge binge-listening audiences, ideal for media, streaming, and lifestyle brands.
- Education & Motivation – Focused on self-help, learning, and personal growth. Great for edtech and professional development platforms.
Tools & Platforms to Discover Podcast Influencers
Finding podcast influencers can feel overwhelming, but the right tools make it easier.
- Influencer Discoveries – A curated hub of top influencer lists, including podcasters across niches. Instead of sifting through endless directories, brands can quickly browse handpicked podcast creators by industry, relevance, and audience focus.
- Podchaser – The “IMDb of podcasts,” offering detailed host profiles, categories, and popularity metrics.
- Listen Notes – A podcast search engine where you can filter shows by keyword, language, and region.
- Chartable – Specializes in podcast analytics, rankings, and campaign performance tracking.
- MatchMaker.fm – A marketplace connecting brands with podcasters for sponsorships, guest spots, or long-term collaborations.
List of 12 Podcast Influencers:
1. Alex Cooper
Podcast: Call Her Daddy
Spotofy link
Alexandra Cooper started her journey as a vlogger and former college soccer player. She launched Call Her Daddy in 2018, initially focusing on dating and sex talk. Over time, it evolved into deep conversations on mental health, celebrity interviews, and pop culture. Her Spotify deal (reportedly worth $60 million) made her one of the highest-paid podcasters. In 2025, she expanded her podcast into a full media brand under her company, “The Unwell Network.”
2. Dr. Alex George
Podcast: Stompcast
Spotify link
Former UK government mental health ambassador and NHS doctor, Dr. Alex created Stompcast to help listeners improve their mental well-being while walking. He interviews guests outdoors, emphasizing physical movement’s connection with mental clarity. His podcast and Instagram presence have made him a trusted figure in the wellness and lifestyle niche.
3. Jason Nash
Podcast: Jason Nash Podcast
Spotify link
A seasoned comedian and YouTuber, Jason Nash gained initial fame as part of David Dobrik’s Vlog Squad. He later transitioned into long-form content, where his podcast features comedic takes on everyday life, influencer culture, and interviews with creators. His podcast blends humor, reflection, and nostalgia, resonating with millennials and Gen Z alike.
4. Jay Shetty
Podcast: On Purpose
Spotify link
Jay is a former monk who became a motivational speaker and podcaster. On Purpose features high-profile guests like Kobe Bryant, Alicia Keys, and Oprah. He focuses on love, leadership, and mindfulness. His calm voice, life wisdom, and structured interviews have earned him hundreds of millions of downloads and a loyal fanbase.
5. Josh Richards
Podcast: BFFs Podcast (co-hosted with Dave Portnoy)
Spotify link
Josh is a TikTok star turned entrepreneur and podcaster. His content dives into internet drama, creator economy, and influencer trends. As co-host of BFFs, he offers a Gen-Z perspective on viral news. His business acumen and media savvy have allowed him to expand into investments and production as well.
6. Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps)
Podcast: The Ranveer Show
Spotify link
An Indian YouTuber turned life coach and wellness podcaster, Ranveer interviews celebrities, athletes, monks, and scientists. His podcast is India’s #1 self-help show on Spotify. Ranveer’s content mixes productivity, spirituality, fitness, and success stories, making him a leading voice among young professionals in South Asia.
7. Joe Budden
Podcast: The Joe Budden Podcast
Spotify link
A former rapper, Joe Budden turned his passion for music and culture into a high-energy, unfiltered podcast. He’s known for deep dives into the music industry, heated debates, and real-talk sessions. His show was previously part of Spotify’s exclusive lineup before he went independent again. His audience values his authenticity and opinions on hip-hop and media.
8. Scott Aukerman
Podcast: Comedy Bang! Bang!
Spotify link
Scott is a comedian and director known for his absurd and improvised podcast style. Comedy Bang! Bang! is a pioneer in comedy podcasting, blending character sketches with real interviews. He’s also known for working with stars like Paul F. Tompkins, Reggie Watts, and Lauren Lapkus. His influence on modern comedy podcasts is immense.
9. Marc Maron
Podcast: WTF with Marc Maron
Spotify link
Marc is a stand-up comic and veteran interviewer. WTF is one of the original long-form interview podcasts, famous for its depth and honesty. His guests range from Barack Obama to Robin Williams, and he’s respected for his emotional openness. His format inspired thousands of podcasters who followed.
10. Conan O’Brien
Podcast: Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
Spotify link
After leaving late-night TV, Conan launched his podcast with a fresh, humorous tone. Instead of typical celebrity interviews, his show focuses on building fake friendships with guests like Tom Hanks and Michelle Obama. His natural charisma and improv skills translated perfectly into the podcasting medium, making him a chart-topper worldwide.
11. Mel Robbins
Podcast: The Mel Robbins Podcast
Spotify link
Mel is a best-selling author and motivational speaker known for her “5 Second Rule.” Her podcast focuses on self-improvement, anxiety, career advice, and emotional intelligence. In 2025, she’s been consistently outranking many shows—even Joe Rogan—on Apple and Spotify charts. Her direct, science-based approach resonates deeply with working professionals and creatives.
12. Steven Bartlett
Podcast: The Diary of a CEO
Spotify link
Steven is a UK-based entrepreneur and investor who interviews high-level guests like CEOs, athletes, and founders. His show emphasizes emotional intelligence, success psychology, and honest storytelling. With a sleek production style and minimalist branding, he has built one of Europe’s most trusted podcast brands. In 2025, he was featured in TIME100 Creators.
How to Vet Podcast Influencers Before Collaborating
Finding podcasters is step one—vetting them ensures your investment pays off.
- Audience Demographics – Ensure their listeners match your target age, region, and interests.
- Engagement Signals – Look at podcast reviews, episode ratings, downloads per episode, and community discussions.
- Content Relevance – Check if the podcast’s style and tone align with your brand identity.
- Authenticity & Trust – Smaller podcasters often have stronger community bonds compared to mega-podcasters.
- Past Brand Collaborations – See if they’ve worked with your competitors or complementary brands before.
Emerging Trends in Podcast Influencer Marketing (2025)
- Video Podcasts on YouTube & Spotify – Blending video + audio for maximum reach.
- Rise of Micro-Podcasters – Smaller creators with hyper-loyal audiences are becoming brand favorites.
- AI-Driven Podcasts – Synthetic hosts and AI-generated content are gaining traction.
- Live Events & Cross-Media Collabs – Podcasters increasingly host live shows, offering new sponsorship opportunities.
- Programmatic Podcast Ads – Seamlessly integrated ads powered by data targeting.
Conclusion:
The podcasting world is growing faster than ever, and these 12 influencers are at the heart of that movement. Each one brings a unique voice, message, and experience to the mic—whether it’s inspiring self-growth, sparking meaningful conversations, or just making us laugh.
If you’re a brand, listener, or aspiring creator, keeping an eye on these top podcast influencers can help you stay ahead of trends and discover content that truly resonates. As 2025 continues to unfold, these podcasters will no doubt keep leading the way—one episode at a time.