The Diary of a CEO – Guide to Episodes Guests Platforms

The Diary of a CEO has become one of the most influential interview podcasts globally, offering in-depth conversations with world-class entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and experts. Hosted by British entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, the show provides listeners with unfiltered access to the minds behind some of the world’s most successful ventures, making it essential listening for anyone interested in business, personal growth, and achievement. Since its launch, the podcast has amassed billions of views and consistently ranks among the most-listened-to shows on major platforms worldwide.

Unlike typical interview formats, The Diary of a CEO dives deep into the philosophies, failures, and strategies that shape its guests. Each episode runs between two and three hours, allowing for nuanced discussions that go beyond surface-level talking points. The show’s name also doubles as an acronym—DOAC, standing for Dreamers, Open-minded, Awareness, Connection—reflecting Bartlett’s mission to inspire bold dreaming and foster meaningful connections through storytelling.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the podcast, from its origins and host to the best episodes, listening platforms, and what sets it apart from other business shows. Whether you’re discovering the show for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding of its impact, the information below will help you navigate The Diary of a CEO effectively.

What is The Diary of a CEO?

The Diary of a CEO is a long-form interview podcast that features candid conversations with CEOs, entrepreneurs, scientists, therapists, athletes, and thought leaders. Launched on September 29, 2017, by Steven Bartlett, the show quickly evolved from personal diary-style reflections into a platform for in-depth, filmed interviews with some of the world’s most influential figures. Available in both audio and video formats, the podcast covers topics including business insights, habit formation, communication strategies, wealth-building, AI impacts, and behavioral change. The show’s extended format allows guests to share personal stories, lessons learned from failures, and frameworks for success that listeners rarely hear in shorter formats.

Podcast Format and Topics

The podcast operates on a weekly or bi-weekly release schedule, with new episodes typically arriving on Thursdays. Each conversation is recorded on video and made available in full-length format across multiple platforms. The show’s broad topic coverage spans inspiring personal narratives, tactical business advice, mental health discussions, and explorations of emerging technologies. Guests range from startup founders to established executives, offering listeners diverse perspectives on leadership, productivity, and personal development.

Overview

Key Insights

• Ranked No. 5 on Spotify’s global most popular podcast list in 2024
• Episodes regularly attract millions of views each on YouTube
• The show operates as the DOAC acronym: Dreamers, Open-minded, Awareness, Connection
• Bartlett earned $1.2 million annually from sponsors by August 2021
• The back catalogue spans hundreds of episodes across multiple industries
• Episodes are filmed in a professional studio setting with multi-camera setup
• Bartlett authored the book The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life

Who Hosts The Diary of a CEO?

Steven Bartlett is the founder, host, and executive producer of The Diary of a CEO. A British entrepreneur, investor, and author, Bartlett brings a unique blend of business acumen and storytelling ability to each conversation. His background includes founding Flight Story, a media company, and Flight Fund, an investment fund dedicated to emerging businesses. In 2024, he co-founded Flight Studio, the podcast network that now houses The Diary of a CEO and related content operations.

Before the podcast launched, Bartlett established himself in the startup ecosystem, experiences that deeply inform his interview style and the questions he asks guests. His approach emphasizes vulnerability and authenticity, encouraging guests to share setbacks alongside successes. This philosophy stems from his own entrepreneurial journey, which includes both triumphs and failures that shaped his perspective on business and life.

Steven Bartlett’s Journey

The first five episodes of The Diary of a CEO featured Bartlett alone, sharing personal diary-style reflections on entrepreneurship. Episode six marked the show’s pivot to guest interviews, with Bartlett speaking with Mark Stringer, CEO of web and design agency AHOY. This episode established the format that would define the show going forward.

Bartlett’s success with the podcast led to the publication of The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life, a book distilling lessons from hundreds of interviews into actionable principles. His work has earned recognition from major media outlets and positioned him as a thought leader in the personal development and entrepreneurship space. Live events, such as a 2024 Melbourne tour, have further expanded his reach beyond the digital format.

What Are the Best Episodes of The Diary of a CEO?

With over 500 episodes in the archive, identifying the “best” episodes depends largely on your interests and goals. The show features a wide range of guests, from high-profile CEOs to behavioral scientists, making it valuable for entrepreneurs, career professionals, and anyone seeking personal growth. Listener favorites often highlight episodes that deliver both inspirational stories and practical frameworks.

Top Guests

The show has hosted an impressive roster of guests across multiple industries. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi appeared on January 1, 2026, discussing leadership and cultural reset within organizations. Habit scientists James Clear and BJ Fogg featured together on December 12, 2025, offering deep dives into behavior change and routine-building. Other notable guests have included Chase Hughes on influence and behavior, Alison Wood Brooks, Chris Williamson, Chris Koerner, Natalie Dawson, and Professor Steve Keen, known for his contrarian economic views.

Recent 2026 episodes have explored topics such as AI economy strategies, personal growth techniques, and communication methods like the PLAN framework. The variety ensures that returning listeners encounter fresh perspectives and actionable insights across episodes.

Episode Release Schedule

New episodes follow a consistent schedule, with documented release dates including December 11-12, 2025; November 13, 2025; January 1, 2026; February 27, 2026; and March 20, 2026. This pattern suggests a weekly or bi-weekly cadence, though exact timing may vary. Full episode lists are trackable through major podcast directories and the show’s official channels.

For listeners wanting to catch up efficiently, many fans recommend starting with the show’s most-viewed episodes, which often feature the most high-profile guests. The massive back catalogue is particularly valued by entrepreneurs and professionals navigating unconventional career paths.

Where Can I Listen to The Diary of a CEO?

The Diary of a CEO is available across all major podcast platforms, ensuring accessibility for listeners worldwide. The show operates on a free model, meaning no subscription or payment is required to access any episode. Both audio-only and full-length video versions are offered, allowing users to choose their preferred format.

Platforms and Accessibility

Spotify serves as one of the primary platforms, where the show has achieved significant visibility, ranking among the top podcasts globally. Apple Podcasts provides another major avenue, offering episode descriptions, reviews, and seamless integration with Apple devices. iHeart serves as an additional platform, delivering the same content through its podcast network.

The official YouTube channel publishes full-length video episodes, allowing viewers to watch the filmed interviews directly. This format showcases the professional production value, including multi-camera setups and studio lighting that distinguish the show from audio-only alternatives. The channel operates under the handle @TheDiaryOfACEO and maintains a comprehensive library of past episodes.

Additional platforms include Spotify via this direct link, Apple Podcasts at this listing, and iHeart through the dedicated show page. The official website at diaryofaceo.com also provides access to all episodes and additional content.

For those interested in deeper engagement, the show’s back catalogue offers hours of content spanning multiple years, making it easy to find relevant episodes on specific topics. RSS feeds allow podcast app users to subscribe and receive automatic updates whenever new episodes release.

The Diary of a CEO: Key Milestones

1. September 29, 2017 — The Diary of a CEO launches with Bartlett sharing solo diary-style reflections on entrepreneurship.
2. 2017 — Episode 6 features the first guest interview with Mark Stringer, CEO of AHOY, marking the show’s pivot to guest-driven content.
3. August 2021 — The podcast reaches $1.2 million in annual sponsor revenue, establishing its commercial viability.
4. 2024 — Flight Studio is co-founded by Bartlett, becoming the podcast’s official network and expanding production capabilities.
5. 2024 — The podcast ranks No. 5 on Spotify’s global most popular podcast list, reaching an international audience milestone.
6. 2024 — Bartlett conducts live events, including a Melbourne tour, bringing the podcast experience to in-person audiences.

What Is Known and Unknown About The Diary of a CEO

The Cultural Impact of The Diary of a CEO

The podcast has shaped how audiences consume long-form interview content in the digital age. Its success demonstrates that listeners value depth over brevity when seeking business and personal development insights. The show’s format, combining lengthy conversations with professional production values, has influenced a generation of podcast creators to prioritize substance over flash.

Bartlett’s approach—encouraging guests to share failures and vulnerabilities alongside successes—has contributed to a broader cultural shift toward authenticity in professional media. This contrasts with traditional business coverage that often focuses narrowly on achievements without examining the processes or setbacks behind them.

The show’s global rankings and consistent viewership numbers indicate strong audience demand for this type of content. Its influence extends beyond entertainment, with guests and listeners reporting applying frameworks and strategies shared on the show to their own professional and personal lives.

The podcast’s name doubles as an acronym—DOAC, standing for Dreamers, Open-minded, Awareness, Connection—reflecting Bartlett’s mission to inspire bold dreaming and foster meaningful connections through storytelling.

Summary and Getting Started

The Diary of a CEO represents a significant achievement in the podcasting space, combining journalistic rigor, authentic storytelling, and practical insights into a format that resonates with millions of listeners globally. Steven Bartlett’s vision, supported by Flight Studio and a commitment to quality production, has created a platform that continues to grow in influence and reach.

Whether your interest lies in business strategy, personal development, or understanding how successful leaders think, the show offers resources to support your goals. With hundreds of episodes spanning multiple industries and topics, the back catalogue provides endless opportunities for continued learning and inspiration. Start with any episode featuring a guest whose work aligns with your current interests, and explore from there.

For additional resources on manifestation and upcoming tech releases, explore our guides on How to Manifest Something and When Is PS6 Coming Out.

Frequently Asked Questions