Podcasts are a great way to get information without having to read long articles or watch boring lectures – and this is a large reason for their rise in popularity in recent years. There are thousands of free educational podcasts available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music,
Stitcher, and other platforms, and these podcasts cover topics ranging from science to history to current events.
We have put together a list of the very best educational podcasts on the market right now – no matter whether you are a teacher looking to improve your practice, entrepreneur or simply a curious learner on the hunt for new information, we have the podcast to teach you!
Top Educational Podcasts For Learning On The Go
#1 TED Talks Daily Podcast
Perhaps one of the most famous podcasts on the market, TED Talks have become an invaluable tool for anyone looking to expand their knowledge around the world. With new talks released every week, it’s always worth checking back if you haven’t heard any of them yet.
In addition to education, topics vary from science to business to culture, but all of them tend to be packed with interesting facts and figures that will challenge your views of the world – and all presented by quality speakers who are considered experts in their chosen field.
#2 Khan Academy
One of the biggest names in education today, the Khan Academy offers over 4,000 videos covering everything from US History to Biology to Algebra to Business Statistics.
The content is designed to help people understand different concepts at varying levels of difficulty, so even if you don’t know much about a subject already, there’s likely to be something here to help you out.
The Khan Academy supplement their teaching and opportunities to learn with “Homeroom With Sal” – a podcast where they interview some of the smartest and brightest stars from a range of industries, and share information on everything from travel and business to finance and science – and including plenty of discussion on the latest changes to education.
#3 Ed’s Not Dead
For the latest issues impacting the world of education, Ed’s Not Dead is the perfect podcast choice.
Hosted by experts in the field, the podcast covers a wide variety of topics relating to learning theory and practice and includes interviews with educators, researchers, and students themselves.
A great resource for anyone looking to boost their teaching, or simply learn more about the world of education and the issues surrounding this.
#4 The Education Exchange
If you’re looking for a podcast that focuses specifically on the policies that have an impact on education, then this is the perfect solution – The Education Exchange is hosted by Paul E Peterson, the senior editor of Education Next, and focuses on policy issues that affect schools and teachers across the globe.
#5 The Teacher Cast
Another excellent podcast focusing on the policies that impact education, The TeacherCast is hosted by former teacher Jedd Bradbury, and features interviews with leading thinkers and practitioners in the field of education.
#6 The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
If you are interested in learning more about home education, the Schoolhouse Rocked podcast is a perfect choice.
Hosted by Yvette Hampton, the podcast explores the many ways parents can educate their children at home, and also looks at how other countries educate their young people.
One of the best elements of this podcast is the wealth of homeschooling resources, tips, and ideas that are available – and these can be super valuable to parents getting started in homeschooling, or those looking for new ideas and inspiration.
#7 Unexplainable
Unexplainable is one of the most popular podcasts in the education niche, and this is largely due to its focus on the most curious curiosities that arise in a range of subjects.
From asking whether psychology is actually accurate, to considering the nuances of dark matter, this is a great way to take a closer look at the limits of human knowledge and is perfect for sparking creativity in inquiring minds.
#8 99% Invisible
This fascinating podcast was created by Roman Mars, who has worked as a radio producer for NPR and is now focused on exploring the hidden aspects of our everyday lives.
In this podcast, he takes listeners on a journey through the fascinating world of design, architecture, technology, and culture, and asks questions such as: What would happen if we took away all the roads?
How did we get to this point? And what happens when we stop using things?
#9 The Skeptics Guide To The Universe
The Skeptics Guide To the Universe is another fantastic podcast dedicated to helping promote critical thinking and analytical skills in the world of science and covers a huge host of different topics.
From examining the evidence behind claims made by conspiracy theorists, to investigating the validity of alternative medicine, this podcast will help develop your ability to think critically and make informed decisions.
#10 Hardcore History
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History is a long-format podcast series that delves deep into historical events and figures. Carlin’s narrative style and in-depth research make the podcast feel like a thrilling audio book rather than a dry history lesson.
The episodes, which can be several hours long, are released every few months. Topics range from the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan to the horrors of World War I.
#11 Stuff You Should Know
Hosted by Josh Clark and Charles W. “Chuck” Bryant, this podcast is a division of HowStuffWorks. The duo explain everything from science to history to pop culture phenomena in a digestible and entertaining format.
They have a relaxed, friendly style that makes even complex topics seem approachable. Each episode is typically about an hour long, and new episodes are released three times a week.
#12 Freakonomics Radio
Hosted by Stephen J. Dubner, with economist Steven Levitt as a regular guest, Freakonomics Radio uses the tools of economics to explore real-world behavior.
It covers a wide range of topics, often using data and research to challenge common assumptions. The podcast includes interviews with renowned experts and thinkers, and it’s known for its ability to make economics engaging and relevant.
#13 The Infinite Monkey Cage
This BBC Radio 4 program is hosted by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince. The show takes a light-hearted approach to serious scientific discussions.
Each episode features a panel of guests, typically including at least two scientists and one comedian, who discuss a specific scientific topic. The combination of humor and education makes complex topics both fun and engaging.
FAQ
Which podcasts keep you learning?
I find podcasts like Hardcore History, Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, and TED Talks Daily to keep me learning.
Can you actually learn from podcasts?
Yes, you can learn from podcasts. Podcasts offer a wide range of topics, from history and science to language learning and personal development. They can provide valuable insights, expand your knowledge, and stimulate intellectual curiosity.
What podcast to listen to when studying?
For some, listening to podcasts that align with their field of study can enhance learning. For example, a student of history might benefit from “Hardcore History” by Dan Carlin.
However, if you find lyrics or spoken word distracting, you might opt for instrumental music or ambient sound podcasts instead, such as “Sleepy” or “Calm Collective”.
Why use podcasts for learning?
Podcasts are great for learning because they allow you to explore a wide range of topics at your own pace, they can be enjoyed while multitasking, and they often delve deeper into subjects than traditional media, offering a more comprehensive understanding.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the fantastic educational podcasts available on the market – happy listening and learning!
