Best podcasts for supply chain management students

The Broad College of Business hosts the No. 1-ranked undergraduate program in supply chain management and logistics, according to US News & World Report and the No. 1 Supply Chain Department for research 10 years running. Here, students can expect to learn manufacturing operations, purchasing, transportation and physical distribution in a unified program from faculty and alumni who are global industry leaders.

But a competitive edge in the supply chain field calls for learning beyond the academic setting. Staying on top of news, innovations and challenges in supply chain management is essential for students seeking an experiential learning journey. Podcasts have emerged as one of the most accessible and dynamic tools for learning beyond the classroom. For students in supply chain programs, they complement classroom learning and reinforce end-to-end knowledge.

Read on to discover top podcasts for students majoring in supply chain.

Supply Chain Now is one of the most widely followed podcasts in the field. Episodes feature in-depth discussions on topics spanning logistics, procurement, manufacturing, technology, and leadership. The podcast is committed to offering an end-to-end view of supply chain, covering everything from seasonal disruptions to in-depth analyses on topics like AI adoption. “The Buzz” is a featured series where each Monday current news and developments across global supply chains are discussed.

Co-hosts and guests include industry thought leaders and often hail from renowned brands. Students can expect to hear from chief supply chain officers, academics, and other practitioners who share real-world case studies and advice.

In Dec. 2022, Supply Chain Now featured Jason Miller, Broad Professor of Supply Chain Management, on “The Now Generation: Spotlight on Michigan State University” where Miller is joined by Ashley Yearwood (B.A. Supply Chain Management ’23) and Jacob Levack (B.A. Supply Chain Management ’23). They discussed the Supply Chain Management Association at Broad, top industry trends, and realignment in global supply chains.

Check out Supply Chain Now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their webpage.

Let’s Talk Supply Chain focuses on the human and cultural side of the supply chain industry. Listeners can expect to hear about sustainable supply chains through best practices, career journeys, and startup stories from diverse professions and industry innovators. Conversations are around 45 minutes and often cover current topics with a human-centric lens.

Let’s Talk Supply Chain also features a popular series branded, “Women in Supply Chain” which spotlights female leaders in supply chain who candidly share their career journeys, success stories and barriers faced along the way.

Check out Let’s Talk Supply Chain on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their webpage.

Supply Chain Revolution challenges traditional supply chain thinking with bold, future-focused ideas. Positing itself as a movement toward a supply chain revolution, the show covers topics related to making this revolution a reality. Innovation is a recurring theme as the podcast considers the future of the supply chain with thought-provoking discussions.

The most recent series titled, “10 Big Ideas to Transform Supply Chains for a Regenerative Future,” takes listeners on a journey to reimagine the supply chain as a force for creating net-positive impacts. Through exploring regenerative approaches, it covers incremental improvements in tandem with overarching transformative themes. For students focused on ethical practices with a consideration for the triple bottom line, this series is a must-listen.

Check out Supply Chain Revolution on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Talking Logistics brings thought leaders and newsmakers from the supply chain and logistics industry. These 30-minute episodes work to bring practical solutions to expert issues ranging from fraud in the freight industry to anticipating new eras in supply chains. Expect in-depth conversations on emerging trends, technology and sector-specific challenges. Episodes cover real-world logistics operations through recurring themes in technology innovations, building resilience, and logistics workforce dynamics

Check out Talking Logistics on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their webpage.

Broad faculty and staff share insights on current issues and explore the real-world impact of their work on the Broad Matters podcast. Season 4 featured a mini-series on supply chain management, showcasing the expertise of Broad faculty who are making a significant mark in the field. The episodes offered an inside look at Broad’s supply chain management program, explored each pillar of the discipline, and highlighted how Spartans are leading innovative research.

One episode featured Jason Miller, who addressed five common supply chain myths—examining claims such as whether there is truly a driver shortage, if U.S. manufacturing has actually declined, and how AI is shaping the industry. Another featured Steven Melnyk, professor in the Department of Supply Chain Management, discussing the impact of cybersecurity on supply chains.

Check out these episodes and more of “Broad Matters” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or learn more on the “Broad Matters” webpage.

Whether it’s hearing from industry pioneers, exploring innovative ideas, or debunking common myths, these podcasts open the door to perspectives that can’t be found in textbooks alone. For Broad supply chain students, they offer an invaluable bridge between academic learning and the dynamic, ever-evolving realities of the global marketplace, helping Spartans stay informed, inspired, and ready to lead the future of the field.