The books, TV shows, and podcasts CEOs are turning to this holiday season to unwind and advance their careers in 2026
CEOs are known for being perpetually “on”; even during their downtime, they’ll tune into business podcasts and flip through biographies of industry icons in pursuit of insight.
However, when the holiday season arrives, it becomes the ideal opportunity to catch up on their essential reading lists and indulgent TV shows. This year, chief executives are still making time for leisure while keeping up with their preferred career-focused entertainment.
has obtained a sneak preview of what CEOs will be reading, watching, and listening to this holiday season:
Books
Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
“I’ve been going through Elon Musk’s biography. It has shaped my perspective on being hands-on and staying connected to the core realities,” says Jonathan Siddharth, the CEO and founder of Turing.
All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks
“All About Love is really speaking to me at this point because it aligns with where I am in life—focusing on meaningful relationships, sincere self-examination, and understanding love in all its manifestations: romantic, familial, and self-love. A friend shared it with me at just the right time, as I’m gaining clarity on my future aspirations, and it’s impacting me more deeply than I anticipated,” says Rachel Liverman, the CEO and founder of Glowbar.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
“I was interested in Pachinko for several reasons, beginning with simple curiosity. I’ve been keen to further my understanding of Asian heritage and traditions through literature, and I’ve long valued how books such as Pachinko provide an intimate look at the experiences that form cultural identity. I recently read Peony in Love and devoured every page, so I’m eager to dive into another vividly told story.
Pachinko is also a New York Times bestseller and a National Book Award finalist, which underscores its cultural significance. I’ve always held that understanding diverse viewpoints is crucial for effective leadership, and tales like this reinforce the importance of listening, learning, and connecting with others,” says Sarah Chavarria, the CEO and president of Delta Dental.
Italian American Forever: Classic Recipes for Everything You Want to Eat by Alex Guarnaschelli
“I’m eager to read it. We’re collaborating to showcase her signature dishes in our Garden Inn restaurants, which has been a blast. As an Italian American myself, I enjoy cooking for my big family—I’m one of six siblings, and my wife and I have six daughters—so I’m always looking for new recipes that can feed a group,” says Chris Nassetta, the CEO and president of Hilton.
Movies/TV shows
Her
“I recently referenced Her while discussing a future where individuals have autonomous AI systems that can act on their behalf and function continuously in the background. I painted a picture of a world with a sort of digital proxy; an agent that interacts with other agents, aids in discovery, and performs tasks beyond the constraints of one’s own time and attention,” Siddharth says.
Landman
“Well, Landman is back, and I’m thrilled about it. I’m a big fan. It’s a fantastic show with incredible characters, set in Texas. What more could you want?” says Alvaro Luque, the CEO and president of Avocados from Mexico.
Yellowstone
“I make a point of balancing drive with mental relaxation. I know we’re late to the trend, but my husband and I are hooked on catching up with Yellowstone now, and really into Landman and Chad Powers, as a way to fully unwind.
We also recently watched Home Alone with our daughters for the first time, and it was wonderful to see them laugh so much!” says Loren Brill Castle, the CEO and founder of Sweet Loren’s.
Wicked: For Good
“I just saw the new Wicked film with my family, and we all loved it,” says Seth Berkowitz, the CEO and founder of Insomnia Cookies.
Love Actually
“When it comes to entertainment, I’m a fan of classics, and Love Actually is my annual must-watch. I watch it every year, play it while cooking at home, and truly feel the holiday spirit (though I always wish Emma Thompson’s character had a different outcome),” Chavarria says.
Podcasts/ series
Earn Your Leisure hosted by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings
“Earn Your Leisure has built an unparalleled community where entrepreneurs at all stages can connect, learn, and grow together, ultimately offering free financial education to people of color globally while actively narrowing the wealth gap for the African diaspora.
As a CEO who subscribes to the idea that ‘iron sharpens iron,’ I’m consistently inspired by the emerging entrepreneurs on their platform and the impactful spaces they’ve created, from virtual forums to events like Invest Fest, where we can collaborate and lift each other up,” says Derrick Hayes, the CEO and founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks.
Smart Girl Dumb Questions hosted by Nayeema Raza
“She poses straightforward, genuine questions to prominent (unpredictable) thinkers, and it always gives me a new/human-centered perspective,” says Julia Hartz, the CEO and cofounder of Eventbrite.
The Diary of a CEO hosted by Steven Bartlett
“Like many others, I’m completely enamored with The Diary of a CEO podcast. Steven Bartlett’s voice is almost ASMR for me, and I appreciate how deeply he engages with each guest. There’s no superficial discussion,” Liverman says.
Behind the Money hosted by the Financial Times
“Because it’s based in London, it offers some separation from the U.S. news cycle, and I find the perspective really refreshing. They delve into large, complex topics but still make them accessible, even for non-finance experts. It’s become my go-to recently,” says Ryan Lupberger, the CEO and founder of Clean Cult.
The Mel Robbins Podcast hosted by Mel Robbins
“I’m drawn to podcasts that help keep my mindset balanced and energized. The Mel Robbins Podcast and The Skinny Confidential provide practical insights and advice on confidence, personal growth, and wellness that I apply both in leadership and daily life,” Castle says.