Search engine optimization in 2026 looks very different from even two years ago. Between AI-powered search results, Google’s evolving quality signals, and the rise of GEO, AEO, and LLM-driven discovery, staying current is no longer optional. That’s where the best SEO podcasts earn their value.
The podcasts listed below aren’t fluff or surface-level commentary. They are run by practitioners, product leaders, and industry veterans who actively shape how SEO works today. This guide focuses on shows that explain why changes matter, not just what changed. If you’re looking for SEO podcasts that still deliver value in an AI-first search landscape, this curated list is designed to be your long-term learning hub.
How We Selected These SEO Podcasts (And Why It Matters)
Not every marketing podcast deserves your time. For this list, we prioritized SEO podcasts that:
Are hosted by active SEO professionals or platform leaders
Discuss real-world testing, failures, and outcomes
Explain algorithm changes with context and implications
Go beyond tactics to cover strategy, careers, and mindset
Remain valuable even when AI summaries exist
In an era where AI can summarize surface-level advice, podcasts that share lived experience, debate trade-offs, and explain second-order effects are far harder to replace.
SEO News & Algorithm-Focused Podcasts
1. Crawling Mondays
Focus: Weekly SEO news and algorithm updates
Best for: Busy SEOs who need fast, accurate updates
Why it’s different / valuable:
Aleyda Solis curates only what matters each week and explains the impact, not just the headline. This podcast is especially useful when Google rolls out overlapping updates and clarity is scarce.
Crawling Mondays is a weekly podcast hosted by Aleyda Solis that focuses on providing quick updates from the SEO world. If you’re looking for a way to stay informed without committing to lengthy discussions, this is a solid choice. Solis typically covers the most significant SEO news and trends from the past week, often including her own brief commentary to help listeners grasp the implications. The podcast’s strength lies in its conciseness, making it easy to digest key information rapidly.
This show is particularly useful for marketers who find their attention waning during longer episodes. It covers a range of topics, including the latest in AI search and general marketing analytics. For those who appreciate a more detailed breakdown of the subjects touched upon in Crawling Mondays, Solis also publishes a newsletter called SEOFOMO, which often includes additional insights not covered in the podcast itself. It’s a good way to get a handle on what’s happening in the industry without a huge time investment. You can find episodes on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, making it accessible for most listeners. It’s a great resource for staying current with SEO developments, and you can get a good overview of the industry by listening to this podcast.
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2. Search Engine Roundtable
Focus: Daily search and SEM news
Best for: Advanced SEOs tracking changes in real time
Why it’s different / valuable:
Barry Schwartz publishes concise, daily episodes that document algorithm volatility, SERP changes, and industry chatter. It’s one of the best ways to detect patterns before tools catch up.
For those who want to stay on top of the very latest in search engine marketing, Barry Schwartz’s Search Engine Roundtable podcast is a daily must-listen. Schwartz, who is also a contributing editor for Search Engine Land, delivers quick, digestible episodes that usually run between 10 to 15 minutes. While the focus is often on SEM, the content is highly relevant for SEO professionals as well.
If you’re looking for a reliable source for daily search marketing news, Search Engine Roundtable provides a consistent stream of information that keeps you informed without overwhelming you.
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3. Search Off The Record
Focus: How Google Search works (from Google employees)
Best for: SEOs who want first-party insight
Why it’s different / valuable:
Few podcasts offer direct access to Google’s internal thinking. While not instructional, this show helps SEOs understand intent, trade-offs, and how Google evaluates quality at scale.
For those looking to understand the inner workings of Google Search directly from the source, “Search Off The Record” is an excellent choice. This podcast features insights directly from Google employees, offering a unique perspective on how search algorithms and features are developed and implemented. While new episodes might not be as frequent as some other shows, the content is consistently informative and directly relevant to anyone involved in SEO or digital marketing.
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Tactical & Practitioner-Led SEO Podcasts
4. EDGE of the Web
Focus: SEO strategy, AI, and experimentation
Best for: In-house and agency SEOs
Why it’s different / valuable:
By alternating between news and deep-dive episodes, this podcast balances awareness with execution. It’s especially strong on AI’s practical impact on search workflows.
EDGE of the Web offers a solid mix of SEO news and deeper dives into specific topics. The show alternates its format, which keeps things interesting. One week, you might get a thorough analysis of a particular SEO trend, like how to use heatmaps to guide your strategy. The next week, host Erin Sparks provides a recap of the latest happenings in SEO and AI.
EDGE of the Web is a good option for marketers who want a balanced approach to staying current with SEO news and understanding specific tactics. It’s not just about the latest headlines; it’s about understanding the implications of those changes for your work.
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5. SERP’s Up
Focus: SERPs, SEO careers, and strategy
Best for: Working SEO professionals
Why it’s different / valuable:
Hosted by Mordy Oberstein and Crystal Carter, this podcast feels like internal SEO team discussions, covering rankings, branding, career growth, and how search is actually evolving.
For those deep in the SEO trenches, SERP’s Up is a podcast that really speaks the language. Hosted by Mordy Oberstein and Crystal Carter, both seasoned SEO professionals, this show dives into topics that matter to people working in the field every day. They don’t shy away from the technical details, but they also cover the broader aspects of an SEO career, like salary and professional development. It’s a good mix that keeps things interesting.
If you’re looking to stay current with SEO trends and get advice from people who are actively shaping the industry, this is a solid choice. They cover a wide range of subjects, making it a well-rounded listen for anyone serious about their SEO career. You can find episodes on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, making it easy to tune in.
The podcast often features discussions that go beyond just the technical aspects of SEO, touching on career growth and the business side of search marketing.
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6. Ahrefs Podcast
Focus: Technical SEO, content, and links
Best for: Data-driven marketers
Why it’s different / valuable:
Tim Soulo dives deep into how SEO works in practice, often using Ahrefs data to challenge assumptions. Episodes focus on systems, not hacks.
For those looking to really understand the mechanics of search engine optimization, the Ahrefs Podcast is a solid choice. Hosted by Tim Soulo, this podcast typically features episodes that run up to 90 minutes, offering a deep dive into various SEO topics. It’s a great place to get detailed insights into how search engines work and how to improve your site’s performance.
The podcast covers a range of subjects relevant to SEO professionals and marketers. You can expect discussions on:
Keyword research strategies
Link building techniques
Content optimization
Technical SEO best practices
Understanding search engine algorithms
The discussions often go beyond surface-level advice, providing actionable steps that listeners can implement. It’s a good way to stay updated on the evolving landscape of SEO.
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Marketing Strategy & Growth Podcasts (SEO-Centric)
7. Marketing School
Focus: SEO, growth, and digital marketing fundamentals
Best for: Founders and general marketers
Why it’s different / valuable:
Short, daily episodes make this podcast easy to maintain long-term. While broad, it consistently reinforces principles that compound over time.
For marketers looking for quick, actionable advice, “Marketing School” hosted by Neil Patel and Eric Siu is a solid choice. This podcast delivers daily lessons, typically under ten minutes, covering a broad spectrum of digital marketing topics. You can expect insights on SEO, paid advertising, content creation, sales funnels, and general growth strategies. The hosts focus on providing direct takeaways, making it easy to absorb information even with a busy schedule. It’s a good way to keep up with the fast-paced world of digital marketing without dedicating large blocks of time. The podcast’s brevity is its main strength, allowing for consistent learning.
The consistent daily release schedule means there’s always something new to learn, and the short format makes it easy to fit into any routine. It’s like getting a daily marketing tip directly from industry leaders.
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8. The MarTech Podcast
Focus: Marketing platforms, tools, and trends
Best for: Tech-forward marketers
Why it’s different / valuable:
This podcast contextualizes SEO within the wider MarTech ecosystem, useful as SEO becomes more integrated with data, automation, and AI tooling.
For marketers looking to stay current without getting bogged down, The MarTech Podcast is a solid choice. Benjamin Shapiro, who has almost two decades of experience in marketing and business development, hosts this show. He brings on various industry professionals, founders, and executives to discuss their insights.
The podcast covers a range of topics relevant to today’s marketing landscape. You can expect discussions on things like mobile marketing, retail media networks, and the role of AI in advertising. Episodes are generally short, usually between 15 to 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule. This makes it a great way to get quick, actionable advice.
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SEO Careers, Mindset & Thought Leadership
9. Search With Candour
Focus: SEO strategy, storytelling, and industry debate
Best for: Intermediate to advanced SEOs
Why it’s different / valuable:
The podcast emphasizes how SEOs think, not just what they do. Discussions around narrative, positioning, and ethics are especially relevant in AI-driven search.
Search With Candour is a UK-based podcast hosted by Jack Chambers-Ward, focusing on the opinions and observations of seasoned search marketers. This show is particularly beneficial for those looking to deepen their understanding of SEO and content marketing, featuring interviews with prominent figures in the industry. The podcast emphasizes the significance of storytelling in marketing strategies.
Listeners can tune into new episodes weekly, typically released on Mondays. The podcast is accessible across major platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. If you’re interested in how to craft a compelling podcast description, understanding your audience and unique selling points is key for discoverability clearly defining your target audience.
Key discussion points often include:
Geographic SEO (GEO) strategies
Advanced content optimization techniques
The role of AI agents in search
Insights from SEO agencies
The importance of narrative in marketing campaigns
The show provides a platform for experienced marketers to share their knowledge, offering practical advice and insights that can be directly applied to current marketing challenges. It’s a good resource for staying current with industry trends and best practices.
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10. The SEO Mindset Podcast
Focus: Personal growth and professional confidence
Best for: SEO professionals managing burnout or leadership roles
Why it’s different / valuable:
This podcast addresses the human side of SEO, communication, boundaries, and mental resilience, topics rarely covered but increasingly critical.
The SEO Mindset Podcast, hosted by Tazmin Suleman and Sarah McDowell, takes a different approach to SEO discussions. Instead of focusing solely on technical tactics, this weekly show delves into the personal and professional development aspects that impact marketers. It’s about building confidence and improving your overall well-being to excel in the digital marketing field.
Here’s what you can expect:
Discussions on improving productivity and focus.
Strategies for managing stress and maintaining well-being.
Tips for developing a stronger personal brand.
Insights into effective communication within teams and with clients.
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Quick Summary: Best SEO Podcasts (2026)
Best for SEO news: Crawling Mondays, Search Engine Roundtable
Best tactical podcasts: Ahrefs Podcast, SERP’s Up
Best for Google insight: Search Off The Record
Best for growth & strategy: Marketing School, EDGE of the Web
Best for careers & mindset: Search With Candour, The SEO Mindset Podcast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SEO podcast?
An SEO podcast is an audio show focused on search engine optimization, covering rankings, algorithms, content, technical SEO, and digital marketing strategy.
Are SEO podcasts still useful in the AI era?
Yes, especially those that explain why changes matter. Strategy, experimentation, and experience-based insights cannot be replaced by AI summaries.
Which SEO podcast is best for beginners?
Marketing School and Crawling Mondays are accessible starting points with clear explanations and practical takeaways.
How often should I listen to SEO podcasts?
Most professionals benefit from 1–3 episodes per week, depending on how fast-moving their niche or industry is.
Can SEO podcasts replace courses or blogs?
No, but they complement them well. Podcasts are best for context, interpretation, and staying current.
Are SEO podcasts free?
Most are free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and other major platforms.
