Staying current in today’s fast-moving supply chain and manufacturing world can feel overwhelming. Between keeping inventory flowing and trying to fine-tune your day-to-day operations, it’s tough to find the time to stay on top of industry trends.
However, if you want to be among the most successful professionals in your industry, you need to make time for professional development. In which case, podcasts are a great way to do just that. A good podcast can deliver real-world insights, practical strategies, and expert perspectives in an hour or less.
We’ve curated the top seven podcasts that every inventory, manufacturing, ecommerce, and supply chain professional should have on their watch list. These shows don’t just talk theory, they dive into the nitty-gritty challenges you face every day and offer actionable solutions you can implement today.
1. Secret Life of Inventory
Let’s get the shameless self-promotion out of the way. When we set out ot make Secret Life of Inventory two years ago, we had one goal in mind. Help small to medium-sized businesses solve real-world problems and elevate their business operations. We go beyond the basics and explore real-world stories behind successful inventory management strategies, effective workflows, entrepreneurship, and business innovation.
The show features both solo episodes with hosts Jared Plumb (that’s me) and Melinda Tse, where we dive deep into specific inventory topics and guest interviews with entrepreneurs and industry leaders. We’ve covered everything from the fundamentals of inventory management to barcoding, and even more topical subjects like the recent US tariffs.
Best for: Small to medium-sized business owners, inventory managers, warehouse operators, manufacturers, retailers, ecommerce professionals, and anyone working in supply chain and logistics.
2. Manufacturing Talks with Jim Vinoski
Jim Vinoski brings a unique perspective to manufacturing because he’s an industry executive who never left the shop floor. With over 200 Forbes columns and nearly 1 million pageviews, Vinoski makes manufacturing topics both accessible and engaging.
On Manufacturing Talks Jim connects with some of the top minds in manufacturing to discuss industry trends, workforce development, business strategy, and operational efficiency. He aims to celebrate and document “real stories” from manufacturing: the companies and people behind the products we use.
Best for: Manufacturing professionals, plant managers, machinists, and anyone involved in production.
3. Supply Chain Now
As one of the most recognized supply chain podcasts, Supply Chain Now delivers comprehensive coverage of industry trends, expert interviews, and real-world case studies. The show tackles complex supply chain topics and helps professionals stay informed on the latest developments in global supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, and procurement.
The show is hosted by experienced industry leaders, practitioners, and solution-providers. They aim to have meaningful conversations to try to make crucial supply-chain information accessible and relevant.
Best for: Supply chain managers, logistics coordinators, procurement professionals, and anyone involved in global trade.
4. The New Warehouse Podcast
Kevin Lawton draws on his background in inventory management and warehouse operations to educate his audience on The New Warehouse podcast. Kevin conducts regular interviews with technology providers, warehouse operators, and logistics experts who share real-world experiences with automation, robotics, and warehouse management systems.
The New Warehouse aims to “make warehousing sexy”. That is, to treat warehousing and logistics not as dull operations but as dynamic, innovation-driven parts of the supply chain. By combining practical industry experience with forward-looking thought leadership, this podcast serves as an educational resource for professionals interested in the future of distribution, transportation, and logistics.
Best for: Warehouse managers, distribution center operators, logistics professionals, and anyone involved in the physical movement and storage of goods.
5. Let’s Talk Supply Chain
Let’s Talk Supply Chain brings together supply chain professionals from every corner of the industry. Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, a supply chain veteran with decades of experience, hosts the show. She features a range of guests from executives at logistics/transportation firms to pioneers in technology, sustainability, women leaders in supply-chain, and other key voices. Each guest discusses real-world challenges, industry trends, innovations, best practices, and the future direction of supply-chain management.
Coverage spans AI-first approaches for logistics providers to women’s leadership in supply chain, with emphasis on practical, implementable insights. It aims not only to inform, but to build inclusive, connected communities.
Best for: Supply chain professionals, logistics managers interested in emerging technologies, and anyone looking to advance their supply chain career.
6. Manufacturing Happy Hour
If you’re looking for a more casual approach, then Manufacturing Happy Hour is right up your alley. Chris Luecke hosts the podcast, aimed at people working in manufacturing. Every week, the show features interviews with makers, founders, and other manufacturing leaders, as well as experts in automation, robotics, digital transformation, supply-chain, and operations.
The show’s mission is “making manufacturing current, cool, & approachable,” and Chris and his guests always seem to deliver on it. The informal atmosphere allows the conversations to dive into topics that might otherwise feel intimidating or overly technical.
Best for: Manufacturing professionals who want industry insights without corporate jargon, and young professionals entering manufacturing.
7. Supply Chain Next Podcast
The final podcast on our list focuses on global supply chain evolution, with particular attention to digitization and technological transformation. Supply Chain Next explores how technology, innovation, and changing business models are reshaping the future of logistics, manufacturing, and global trade.
The show’s host Richard Donaldson interviews industry-leaders, innovators, and thought-leaders. They discuss topics like cloud-based supply-chain automation, digital marketplaces and ecommerce, AI and sustainability in retail logistics, blockchain for supply-chain traceability, circular-economy strategies, supply-chain standards, and other emerging trends in supply-chain management.
Best for: Supply chain leaders and executives, technology professionals working in supply chain, and anyone interested in the future of supply chain technology and innovation.
Leveling up your career in supply chain, inventory management, and manufacturing
The supply chain and manufacturing landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying informed isn’t just helpful; it’s essential for career growth. These seven podcasts on supply chain, inventory, and manufacturing offer different perspectives so that you can find the right mix for your current role and aspirations.
Start with one or two shows that most closely align with your immediate challenges, then expand your listening as needed. Don’t feel pressured to listen to every episode of every show. Pick ones that align with your current struggles and interests. Before you know it, you’ll be hooked.
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