Honestly, there are probably too many podcasts out there right now. There are comedy podcasts, mystery podcasts, podcasts about love, podcasts that tell short stories, podcasts dedicated to serial killers – it can be hard to sift through all of them. So how about some science podcasts that may actually make you smarter?
Even in this niche, it can be difficult to find the perfect science podcast for you. Here, we’re breaking down the top 10 science podcasts that you need to be listening to right now.
Radiolab
Radiolab is the perfect podcast for the scientifically-curious. Each episode is guided by a central theme of scientific curiosity and discovery, but it’s all weaved together through documentary-style storytelling. It isn’t hard to understand why it’s one of NPR’s most popular podcasts.
With the tagline, “Investigating a strange world,” Radiolab challenges you to see the world differently, finding the unexpected in some of the most mundane places. With episodes that can run an hour long or more, it’ll be the perfect companion for your rush hour commute.
Science Friday
Each and every Friday (obviously), Science Friday airs to bring you the latest in scientific discovery. And this podcasts covers everything under the science umbrella: Physics & Chemistry, Earth Science, Space, Health, Biology, Nature, Math, Technology & Engineering, Food & Garden, and much more.
A truly comprehensive science podcast, Science Friday will keep you updated on the most recent science news in an engaging, enthusiastic manner.
StarTalk Radio
As one of the modern faces of science, it isn’t surprising that Neil deGrasse Tyson has his own science podcast. With 10 full seasons of Star Talk Radio, Tyson has explored everything from the cosmos’ most pressing questions and how time travel would work to how science is used to solve crimes and how accurately science is depicted in pop culture.
He’s even had a number of celebrity guests, including Weird Al Yankovic, Stephen Colbert, Jeff Goldblum, and so many more. You can tune in with the world’s most famous scientist every Friday night.
Science Rules!
Speaking of the modern faces of science, Bill Nye is right there next to Neil deGrasse Tyson. In recent years, he’s moved from educating science classrooms to trying to educate the masses on all things STEM-related, especially as these subjects pertain to sustainability and climate change.
On Science Rules! Bill Nye dives into the most curious audience questions. Some examples: “How often should I be washing my pillowcase?” and “Should I stop eating cheeseburgers to combat climate change?” Bill Nye the Science Guy dives into your most pressing scientific questions, helping you understand how you can live smarter.
Science Vs.
Today’s world is full of fads, doubts, and questions. Science Vs. takes these things head on, separating fact from fiction. They take a deep look at everything from exercise fads to dinosaurs and everything in between.
Are you curious why peanut allergies are increasing? Or maybe you want to learn if CBD is more than just a fad. If you want to dive into more fascinating, niche questions like these, then Science Vs. is for you.
Hidden Brain
Everyday, our unconscious brain drives us to make certain decisions. Most of the time, this unconscious part of us goes completely undetected. Hidden Brain wants to bring it into the limelight.
Another NPR podcast, Hidden Brain uses science and storytelling to reveal these unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices, and affect our relationships. This involves everything from how babies communicate to how the fear of death affects the way we live. Hidden Brain provides a fascinating insight into what is happening inside your own head.
Medicalization
MedicalizationA little more niche than the other science podcasts on this list, Medicalization takes a look at some of the most bizarre and world-changing discoveries that have taken place throughout the history of medicine. Through a combination of skits and thorough explanation, the hosts make these stories easy to digest in simple, 20-minute episodes.
Medicalization explores everything from how anesthesia was invented to how the cure for scurvy was discovered. With only one season underway, you can breeze through Medicalization quickly, making it an easy listen. Check out our full review of Medicalization here.
Discovery by BBC
High production value and high-quality, documentary-style storytelling are Discovery‘s strongest qualities. It’s an easy listen from the BBC, telling stories from all over the world. Exploring the historic and the modern, Discovery takes you on a worldwide journey of science.
This science podcast includes episodes like: “Why do birds sing?” and “Will we ever find alien life?” They also feature technology and science experts from all around the world, sharing their expertise on everything from lasers to smartphones.
TedTalks Science & Medicine
TedTalks have made themselves famous for providing unique perspectives and engaging storytelling. That theme applies to TedTalks Science & Medicine, their science-based podcast. In typical Ted fashion, each episode features a different expert providing their insight on a subject of their choosing.
With different speakers each episode, TedTalks Science & Medicine provides a nice variety. Plus, episodes are about 10-15 minutes on average, making it an easy listen on short commutes.
Listen to TedTalks Science & Medicine Now!
Science Talk
Coming from Scientific American, Science Talk expertly explores the leading stories in science. By working with expert scientists and journalists, Science Talk is accurate and thorough, providing deep insights into each episode’s subject matter.
If you’re looking for a science podcast that goes into a little more depth, Science Talk’s 45-minute episodes will give you what you’re looking for.
