Michigan Ross Students and Alums Are Taking Over the Podcast World — Here are Nine to Add to Your Rotation

With so many podcasts out there now, how can you possibly choose which ones are worth your time? Here’s an idea: Check out the podcasts with a Michigan Ross connection.
Below, we’ve gathered the best episodes and series featuring Ross students and alums. Pick one, or two, or a few — we think you’ll like what you hear.
Side Hustle Pro with Nicaila Matthews, MBA ‘15
Hosted by Nicaila Matthews, MBA ‘15, Side Hustle Pro is one of the most popular business podcasts in the Apple iTunes store. Matthews, the head of digital marketing at NPR, launched Side Hustle Pro to inspire a new generation of African-American entrepreneurs. With a half million downloads within the first year of launching the podcast, it’s clear she’s doing just that.
Career ReLaunch with Joseph Liu, MBA ‘07
“Making the effort to pursue meaningful work is absolutely worth it,” says Joseph Liu, MBA ‘07. Liu hosts Career ReLaunch, featuring true stories of people who have successfully navigated big career changes — a topic near and dear to a lot of our MBA students.
Almirah Radio Hour with Sheela Lal, MBA ‘19
Sheela Lal, MBA ‘19, is co-founder of this podcast “dedicated to putting microstories under the magnifying glass.” The Almirah Radio Hour features a wide variety of topics, ranging from political activism, politics in the U.S. and India, #MeToo, self-care, and Indian culture.
Don’t have time to explore a full podcast? Check out these single episodes:
“Soar Like an Eagle and Never Look Back” | Women and Manufacturing Podcast
Priyanka Komala, MBA ‘13, shares her journey as a woman and mentor in the tech industry. Komala works for the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, delivering web strategy and tech direction. This episode is presented by the Women and Manufacturing podcast, which features conversations between accomplished women in the industry.
“The Future of MBA Education” | HBR Ideacast
Scott DeRue, the Edward J. Frey Dean of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, says the old model of business school education is gone. It’s no longer good enough to sequester yourself on campus for two years before heading out into the world of commerce. DeRue discusses how the perceived value of an MBA education is changing in the digital era, and how MBA programs are innovating in response to individual and company demands. This episode is featured on Harvard Business Review’s Ideacast podcast.
“Label Me This” | The Findings Report
Gluten free, organic, local, craft, artisanal — labels are everywhere, and they’re more powerful than we might think. Aradhna Krishna, the Dwight F. Benton Professor of Marketing, discusses her research on the hidden influences labels have on consumers in an episode of The Findings Report, which features the latest in consumer psychology and the science of marketing.
“#MeToo, Dreamers, and A Year of Difficult Conversations” | Business Beyond Usual
Business Beyond Usual is the Michigan Ross student-led podcast. In its first-ever episode recorded with a live audience, Ramu Annamalai, MBA ‘18, chats with classmates about some of the most challenging conversations happening in America right now.
And here are a few unreleased pods we have our eye on for the future…
Discussion with Ross Alum Cathy Bessant, The Most Powerful Woman in Banking
Cathy Bessant, BBA ‘82, will feature in an upcoming episode of the American Banker Podcast from American Banker magazine. Bessant, who was recently named the most Powerful Woman in Banking, will sit down with host Penny Crosman for a discussion Bessant said is “a vital topic every industry leader needs to prepare for: Responsible AI.”
Untitled project with Michigan Athletics
In a partnership with Michigan Athletics, Ross professors will join coaches and players for a new podcast series examining the intersection of business and sports. The first episode of the project was recorded earlier this month, featuring Ross Professor Kim Cameron and former Michigan Hockey Coach Red Berenson. Stay tuned for more information on the release of this podcast.
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