“A day that I don’t learn something new is a wasted day.” - B.B. King
Just because your school days are behind you doesn’t mean you stop learning. From history and language to science and philosophy, life is full of chances to learn something you never knew before.
The problem is finding time to fit these changes into your busy schedule. Thankfully, podcasts make these easier than ever!
We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best educational podcasts to satisfy your love of learning and inspire you to share your knowledge through your own podcast.
Best Educational Podcasts
1. Stuff You Should Know
Stuff You Should Know is the perfect podcast for those with eclectic interests. Hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant are great at sharing the ins and outs of a myriad of topics, from champagne to the Stonewall Uprising and everything in between.
SYSK has been around since 2008, so there’s a lot of episodes to catch up on!
2. Freakonomics
Based on the bestselling book, Freakonomics covers “the hidden side of everything.” Hosted by the book’s co-author, Stephen Dubner, this show is like a crash course in economics, exploring how everything—from the latest trends to historical events—are shaping our lives.
The conclusions they reach may surprise you and you’re likely to find yourself coming back for more!
3. Science Vs.
If you were a fan of the hit show MythBusters, you’ll love Science Vs.! Hosted by your friendly science fact-checker, Wendy Zukerman, this show dives into the latest trends and talking points to find out what the science says.
From detox teas to resurrecting dinosaurs, no topic is off limits.
4. TED Talks Daily
Now, you can get your daily dose of wisdom through podcasts! TED Talks Daily is like taking the power and inspiration of a TED Talk and bringing it with you wherever you go.
Learn from experts from a variety of disciplines and kindle your curiosity!
5. Getting Curious
You may know him from the hit Netflix show Queer Eye, but Jonathan Van Ness is more than a makeover expert. He’s also very curious about the world.
In Getting Curious, Van Ness talks with doctors, artists, entertainers, and more to get his (and our) burning questions answered. Tackling subjects with empathy, humor, and—of course—curiosity, you’ll not only learn something new, but find yourself challenged to explore the world on your own.
6. Duolingo
Expert linguists have long praised the effects of immersion when learning to speak a new language. But if you can’t pack up and move to France or Mexico, why not try the next best thing?
With Duolingo podcasts, you’ll be able to benefit from everyone’s favorite language learning app while driving or cooking. Available in Spanish, French, and English (for Spanish and Portuguese speakers), you’ll be fluent in no time!
7. Stuff To Blow Your Mind
Exploring the intersection of science and myth, Stuff To Blow Your Mind takes listeners on a journey into the very fabric of reality.
Hosts Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick follow their curiosity to explore some of the strangest things the universe has to offer. From the ecology of Star Trek creatures to dissecting the game of telephone, you’ll come away with a new understanding of the world.
8. Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about astronomy (but all that jargon kept getting in the way), let Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe.
Hosted by a physicist and online cartoonist, this show is like a casual science class taught by your best friend. Now you can finally impress your friends by explaining what the Higgs Boson particle really is!
9. I Spent a Day With…
Sometimes we learn the most, not from a classroom, but from everyday people like you and me. In I Spent a Day With…, host Anthony Padilla sits down with a guest from a misunderstood group (such as psychics, YouTubers, wrestlers, and more) to separate fact from fiction.
The things he learns will not only surprise you, they will uncover greater truths about the human condition.
10. Podcasting Step-By-Step
The most effective learning takes place when we can immediately implement our knowledge in our day-to-day lives. As a podcaster, this means learning how to podcast!
In Podcasting Step-By-Step, Sarah Mikutel will give you actionable, practical advice to snap you out of the “research rabbit hole” and take steps to building a successful show. From interview tips to podcast statistics, you’ll be an expert in no time!
Conclusion
Having a lifelong love of learning will not only open you up to life’s curiosities, it will foster a spirit of open mindedness that will benefit any podcaster.
Whether you’re hoping to learn something new on your morning commute or looking for ideas for your own show, these are the best educational podcasts that will inspire you to reach new levels of success.
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