San Francisco, Feb 24 (IANS): Microsoft-owned LinkedIn is reportedly debuting a podcast network that features in-house shows from the LinkedIn News team as well as programmes from leading industry figures.

The shows are geared toward a professional audience. They focus on areas including understanding technology, managing mental health and explaining the hiring process, reports Engadget.

Reid Hoffman, the co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn, will co-host a podcast about personal entrepreneurship called 'The Start-Up of You' that will premiere this spring.

The company said the LinkedIn Podcast Network is a pilot and builds on the success of Hello Monday, a podcast produced by LinkedIn News in which host Jessi Hempel delves into the evolving nature of work, the report said.

The podcast network ties into LinkedIn's other products -- such as newsletters, live events, videos and posts -- with the idea that hosts and audiences will be able to keep conversations going outside of the shows, it added.

Listeners will be able to check out the podcasts on LinkedIn directly if they follow the hosts and subscribe to their newsletters. The shows will also be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.