Podcasts have become a very popular way to learn about new and interesting things. Podcasts dive into all sorts of topics, from current events and true crime to specialized fields like finance and business. Nearly 160 million Americans were listening to podcasts everyday.
Podcasting has become popular because you don’t need to invest all of your energy into it. Instead of getting frustrated about the traffic on your commute to work, you can just turn on your favorite episode of whatever subject. You can listen while you’re exercising or doing mundane chores. Podcasts turn everyday discussions into interesting topics, and most importantly, they are simplified and meant for anyone to relate to.
Podcasts for CFOs are no different. There are numerous topics covered, and the hosts do a great job of discussing interesting topics, new trends, and everyday tricks that finance experts can learn from.
Best CFO Podcasts
#1 FP&A Today
- Host: Glenn Hopper
- Number of episodes: 176+
- Frequency: Weekly
- Year started: 2022
- Link: FP&A Today podcast
FP&A Today is your go-to podcast for Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), brought to you by Datarails. The weekly show probes into the challenges and opportunities within the world of FP&A, with a focus on CFOs and finance leaders. It features candid and often humorous interviews with FP&A leaders, CFOs, and other finance professionals.
Each episode offers actionable advice about FP&A, from career goals to navigating common challenges and offering powerful Excel tips.
FP&A Today celebrated its 100th episode in early 2024, and it has been providing weekly content for almost 3 years. It is hosted by Glenn Hopper, a serial start-up CFO, U.S. Navy veteran, and author, so he definitely has a variety of experience and enough ways to connect and talk to people. The show never hesitates to push the boundaries with compelling episodes.
FP&A Today is available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Podbean App, Spotify, YouTube, etc.
#2 CFO Thought Leader
- Host: Jack Sweeney
- Number of episodes: 1000+
- Frequency: Biweekly
- Year started: 2014
- Link: https://cfothoughtleader.com/
CFO Thought Leader started about a decade ago, well before the podcast hype. With a rich archive of interviews, it captures the highs and lows of CFO careers across various sectors. Hosted by Jack Sweeney, it dives deep into the career journeys of CFOs in each episode.
A standout feature of the podcast is when CFOs share their “finance strategic moments”— strategic insights that have empowered them to drive organizational change. The podcast digs into their career struggles, perseverance, and what makes them successful. These were all aimed at inspiring finance professionals to embrace leadership roles. By learning from both the successes and failures of others, today’s CFOs can navigate their own leadership paths with greater confidence and take inspired action.
#3 Run the Numbers
- Host: CJ Gustafson
- Number of episodes: 245+
- Frequency: Semiweekly
- Year started: 2024
- Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/0zQCkklNnVgMD364kCW5SV
Run the Numbers is a biweekly podcast focusing on financial metrics and business models. It was tailored for ambitious individuals in tech startups. Hosted by CJ Gustafson, the CFO at Partstech and author of “Mostly Metrics,” the podcast shares insights and lessons CJ has gained from his experience as a tech CFO.
The show aims to be a practical guide, covering the essential knowledge CJ wishes he had earlier in his career, informed by both his own experience and by learning from others. Regular topics include Startup SaaS Metrics, Annual Budgeting, Financial Forecasting, Headcount, Equity, Dilution, and Fundraising, all crucial for driving business performance and growth.
#4 CFO Weekly
- Host: Megan Weis
- Number of episodes: 200+
- Frequency: Weekly
- Year started: 2022
- Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cfo-weekly/id1511978445
With over 200 episodes to its name, CFO Weekly is a podcast produced by outsourcing provider Personiv. Megan Weis, VP and General Manager at Personiv, hosts the podcast. It previously snagged Gold for “Best Business Podcast” in the Stevie Awards‘ first year. The podcast features a diverse array of guests discussing cost-cutting strategies and providing insights on special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs).
CFO Weekly addresses the evolving role of the CFO, which now encompasses being a long-term performance driver, technology expert, and strategic guide for the entire company. Many accounting leaders find themselves overwhelmed by these expanding responsibilities. The podcast offers valuable advice from CFOs, Controllers, and other industry veterans on streamlining accounting processes, improving efficiency, and adopting a data-driven model, so you can focus on strategy and business growth.
#5 GrowCFO Show
- Host: Kevin Appleby
- Number of episodes: 258+
- Frequency: Weekly
- Year started: 2022
- Link: https://www.growcfo.net/growcfo-show/
GrowCFO extends beyond its educational platform to mentor CFOs toward success. Host Kevin Appleby leverages the podcast to cultivate the next generation of dynamic and influential finance leaders. Each episode has a theme, tackling topics such as CFO competency assessment, structuring your finance team, and available mentoring opportunities.
In a recent episode, for example, Kevin Appleby and Alan Gonsenhauser talk about the importance of collaboration between CMOs and CFOs in synchronizing metrics and growth strategies. They stress the necessity for a shared understanding of modern marketing’s relevance to the organization and the importance of fostering a customer-centric culture. The episode also underscores the importance of cross-functional alignment and having clear boundaries on what marketing should not prioritize as essential elements for growth.
#6 FP&A Unlocked
- Host: Paul Barnhurst
- Number of Episodes: 88+
- Frequency: Weekly
- Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fp-a-unlocked/id1738654158
Paul Barnhurst, also known as “The FP&A Guy,” hosts FP&A Unlocked, a dynamic podcast exploring the daily challenges and future of financial planning and analysis. The show highlights stories from finance leaders around the world, covering topics such as budgeting, forecasting, leadership, and career growth.
Barnhurst’s approachable, conversational style makes complex FP&A concepts relatable, while guests offer practical takeaways for both aspiring analysts and seasoned CFOs. It’s one of the most well-loved shows in the finance community for its combination of technical insight and real-world storytelling.
#7 Diary of a CFO
- Host: Wassia Kamon
- Number of Episodes: 11+
- Frequency: Weekly
- Link: https://thediaryofacfo.com/
In Diary of a CFO, Wassia Kamon takes a refreshing approach to CFO life, mixing strategic insights with personal reflections and authentic conversations about leadership and balance. Her discussions often explore finance through a lens of inclusion, wellness, and the human side of executive leadership.
From career pivots to empowering future women CFOs, Kamon’s podcast serves as an inspiring listen for finance professionals seeking motivation beyond spreadsheets. It’s less about formulas and more about fostering purpose-driven financial leadership.
#8 The Growth-Minded CFO
- Hosts: Lauren Pearl & Alex Louisy (CEO of Upflow)
- Number of Episodes: 22 Episodes
- Frequency: Biweekly
- Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-growth-minded-cfo/id1773662367
The Growth-Minded CFO is a podcast that challenges how finance leaders view innovation and risk. Launched in late 2024, it’s cohosted by Lauren Pearl and Upflow CEO Alex Louisy, who bring together some of the most forward-thinking finance executives in the industry.
While the show supports Upflow’s brand visibility, its real purpose is to spark open conversations about creativity in finance. Each episode features high-profile guests — such as Wayfair CFO Katie Gulliver, Planned Parenthood CFO Ilana Esterrich, and fractional CFO Chris Ortega — who share how they balance innovation with accountability in complex financial environments.
According to Pearl, many CFOs tend to be naturally cautious, so the show’s mission is to explore how bold, growth-oriented finance leaders approach decision-making. The discussions reveal how experienced CFOs at large organizations navigate uncertainty, evaluate risk, and push their teams toward progress.
Final Thoughts
Finance has always been shrouded in intrigue and confusion, especially for non-finance individuals. It doesn’t get enough credit for its impact on business and the economy, and other than complicated finance books and some corny accounting jokes, there hasn’t been much useful, relatable content until recently.
That’s why podcasts are a game-changer for staying in the loop on finance. They’re easy to get into and are packed with wisdom from top players in the field. Picking the right podcast that speaks to your interests is key. Getting into these podcasts can seriously boost your financial know-how, fuel your career growth, and prepare you to handle the twists and turns of the FP&A world.
