With over 500 episodes, 30+ million YouTube subscribers, and guests ranging from neuroscientists to billionaires, The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett has become one of the most popular podcasts on the planet. But is it actually worth your time?
We've listened to hundreds of episodes, taken detailed notes, and catalogued every key insight. Here's our honest, no-hype review.
Launched in 2017, DOAC started as Steven Bartlett's personal reflections on building Social Chain, his social media marketing company. It's since evolved into a long-form interview show covering business, psychology, health, relationships, and personal growth.
Episodes typically run 90 minutes to two hours. Steven's interviewing style is direct, emotionally intelligent, and research-heavy — he's known for asking guests the questions they've never been asked before.
"The moment you accept responsibility for everything in your life is the moment you gain the power to change anything in your life." — Steven Bartlett, The Diary of a CEO
DOAC appeals to a surprisingly broad audience, but it resonates most with:
There are thousands of business and self-improvement podcasts. Here's what sets Diary of a CEO apart:
Steven regularly shares his own struggles — from his childhood in poverty to battles with imposter syndrome. This creates a space where guests open up in ways they don't on other shows. The Bren— Brown episode on vulnerability is a perfect example.
Steven's team prepares extensively. He often references guests' older interviews, books, and research papers. This leads to deeper conversations that go beyond the standard promotional circuit.
The set design, lighting, camera work, and editing are cinema-grade. This matters more than you'd think — it signals respect for the guest and the audience.
In a single week, you might get an episode about building wealth, another about managing anxiety, and a third about gut health. This variety keeps things fresh.
"You don't find happiness by searching for it. You find it by removing everything that makes you unhappy." — Mo Gawdat, on The Diary of a CEO
If you're new to the show, these five episodes showcase the range and quality:
For a complete guide, see our ranked list of the best Diary of a CEO episodes.
We've written detailed comparisons with Joe Rogan and Lex Fridman, but here's the short version:
Fair point. At 1.5–2 hours per episode, it's a commitment. Our suggestion: listen at 1.5x speed, or check our episode summaries to find which episodes are worth your full attention.
This has improved significantly over the years. In early episodes, Steven would sometimes redirect conversations. In 2025–2026 episodes, he's become a much better listener.
Not true anymore. The podcast has expanded into health, relationships, parenting, and psychology. Some of the most popular episodes have nothing to do with business — like the Gabor Maté episode on trauma.
"The quality of your life is determined by the quality of the questions you ask yourself." — Steven Bartlett
Yes — emphatically. Whether you're building a business, working on your mental health, trying to improve your relationships, or just looking for motivation during your commute, DOAC delivers.
It's not perfect. Some episodes are stronger than others, and the length can be daunting. But the best episodes of this podcast are genuinely life-changing. The Simon Sinek conversation alone has shifted how millions of people think about leadership and purpose.
Our recommendation: start with the five episodes listed above. If any one of them resonates, you'll find dozens more that will too.
We break down every new Diary of a CEO episode into key takeaways, quotes, and action items — delivered to your inbox every week.
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