Educational podcasts are an excellent way to learn and improve your knowledge while making the most of your downtime. Whether at home or on the go, downloadable audio content provides a perfect opportunity to improve your skills and boost your knowledge. These convenient and easily accessible educational podcasts are a wealth of information and inspiration. They cover a range of subjects from science and technology to philosophy and creativity. 

Here, we’ll take you through 25 educational podcasts that help you expand your knowledge and stay ahead of the curve in studies. 

1.What Is an Educational Podcast?

Educational podcasts provide audio content as episodes that can be streamed online or downloaded for offline use. These episodes typically feature a qualified person delivering informative and engaging content on a chosen subject. Unlike lectures in a traditional classroom, these episodes are often more light-hearted and entertaining, making them an excellent asset for learners of all ages.

They are often used to supplement traditional learning methods or as a stand-alone learning tool. Short educational podcasts like The Habitat, Ted Radio Hour, and Educate can help you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. With the right podcast, you can gain valuable knowledge and skills in a fun and engaging way.

2.What Are the Benefits of An Educational Podcast?

• Boost Learning

Educational podcasts can be a great way to supplement your existing learning. By listening to podcasts related to your field of study, you can gain a deeper understanding of the topics you are learning about. It helps reinforce your existing knowledge and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the subject. 

• Flexible 

Educational podcasts provide you with flexibility as to where and when you listen. They can be downloaded on any device, allowing the students to learn anytime and anywhere. Furthermore, educational podcasts allow you to engage with topics in a much more persoanlized way than might be provided in a lecture or class setting. The conversational style and slighter tone are much more conducive to learning.

• Stay Updated

Educational podcasts can be a great way to stay updated with the latest developments in your field. Listening to podcasts regularly will keep you informed about everyday happenings and keep you up wit the pace without feeling overwhelmed. 

3. 25 Best Educational Podcasts for Learners

3.1 1619

1619 is a New York Times Magazine initiative that reexamines the legacy of slavery in the United States and its ongoing impact on American society. The project includes a series of essays, podcasts, and other forms of storytelling that aim to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the center of the national narrative.

The podcast is named after the year 1619, which marked the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the British colonies in America. The series features stories, interviews, and discussions about history and its impact on modern-day issues such as race, politics, and inequality.  

• Best-rated Episodes – The Genesis of American Slavery, Black Wall Street, The Economy of Enslavement, The Future of Reparations 

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the New York Times website.

• Hosted By – Nikole Hannah-Jones

3.2 50 Things That Made the Modern Economy

50 Things That Made the Modern Economy is a podcast series by the BBC World Service that explores the innovations, ideas, and inventions that have shaped the modern economy. Each episode focuses on a different item or concept. Tracing its history and explaining how it has impacted the world we live in today. 

It’s also a lot of fun – Tim Harford is a lively and engaging host, bringing his stories to life with humor and insight. The podcast aims to provide a better understanding of the economic forces and historical events that led to the creation of the modern global economy. 

• Best-rated Episodes – The Shipping Container, The Barcode, The Credit Card

• Platforms – BBC world service website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

• Hosted By – Tim Harford

3.3 99% Invisible

99% Invisible is a weekly podcast about design and architecture hosted by Roman Mars. Each episode is a fascinating look at the hidden history and stories behind the design of our world. Radiotopia produces the show and explores the unnoticed or unseen aspects of design and architecture that shape our world and impact our lives. 

The show covers various topics, from creating everyday objects and spaces to the impact of large-scale urban planning projects and infrastructure. 

• Best-rated episodes – Invisible Women, The Secret Lives of Color, Palaces for the People

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the 99% Invisible website.

• Hosted by – Roman Mars.

3.4 Blowback

If you want to learn about the potential consequences of American foreign policy, then you need to listen to the Blowback podcast. In each episode, the host interviews experts on various topics related to American foreign policy. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of US foreign policy, such as the war in Iraq, the war on drugs, and the global financial crisis, and discusses the long-term consequences of these decisions. 

As a result, the podcast provides a nuanced and critical perspective on US foreign policy. It encourages listeners to consider the broader historical context and potential blowback of current and future decisions. 

• Best-rated Episodes – The Host, American Caeser, Train to Busan

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the website of The Dispatch.

• Hosted by – Noah Kulwin, Brendan James

3.5 Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History is one of the most popular history podcasts. It has been downloaded over 100 million times and has won numerous awards. Carlin’s podcast is unique in its format. Rather than simply narrating history, Carlin uses historical events to tell educational and entertaining stories. 

His storytelling style makes complex topics accessible to a broad audience, and his passion for history is evident in every episode. Whether you’re a history buff or want to learn more about the world, Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History is a must-listen.

• Best-rated Episodes – Fall of the Roman Empire, American Civil War, and World War I

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

• Hosted By – Dan Carlin

3.6 Encyclopedia Womannica

Encyclopedia Womannica is a podcast that tells the stories of important and interesting women throughout history. The podcast is hosted by Sarah Mirk, a writer, editor, and feminist activist. Mirk began the podcast to share the stories of women often left out of traditional history books. 

Each episode of Encyclopedia Wommanica focuses on a different woman, with Mirk providing an in-depth look at her life and accomplishments. The podcast covers a wide range of women, from well-known figures like Cleopatra and Joan of Arc to lesser-known women like Hedy Lamarr and Ida B. Wells.

• Best-rated Episodes – Explorers & Contenders, Beautiful Minds, and Pioneers

• Platforms – Spotify, Google Podcasts, Appl Podcasts, and Womannica

• Hosted By – Sarah Mirk

3.7 Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders

Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders podcast is a weekly series produced by Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. The podcast features interviews with successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators who share their insights and experiences about starting and scaling businesses. 

The guests come from various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and retail, and offer practical advice and guidance to entrepreneurs and aspiring business leaders. The podcast aims to provide a platform for exploring the latest trends and ideas in entrepreneurship and to inspire and educate the next generation. 

• Best-rated Episodes – Some of the most popular episodes of the Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders podcast include interviews with entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Reid Hoffman. 

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the Stanford Graduate School of Business website.

• Hosted By – Stanford professor Bob Lutz

3.8 Every Little Thing

Every Little Thing podcast by Gimlet Media explores the quirky and fascinating stories behind everyday things. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from the history of paperclips to the science of yawning, and offers listeners a unique perspective on the world around them.

Each episode deeply delves into a specific subject, uncovering the hidden stories and surprising details that make these seemingly mundane objects or activities so interesting. The podcast is hosted by Flora Lichtman and offers a mix of humor, information, and storytelling, making it a fun and entertaining listen for people of all ages.

• Best-rated Episodes – Meet the Scrunchie Queen, Don’t Underestimate the Flamingo, Is My Cat Trying to Murder Me?

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the Gimlet Media website.

• Hosted By – Flora Lichtman

3.9 Floodlines

Floodlines is a podcast by The New York Times that examines the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and its impact on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. The podcast explores the events leading up to and following the hurricane. Including the inadequate response from the government, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents, and the ongoing struggle for justice and recovery. 

It draws on extensive interviews with survivors, witnesses, and experts to offer a comprehensive and intimate account of one of American history’s most devastating natural disasters. The podcast also considers the broader implications of Hurricane Katrina, including the systemic failures that led to the disaster and the ongoing legacy of the storm. 

• Best-rated Episodes – Through the Looking Glass, The Bridge, Exodus

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and The New York Times website.

• Hosted By – Vann R.Newkirk

3.10 Grammar Girl

Grammar Girl is one of the best educational podcasts on Spotify. It offers quick and easy tips for improving your writing and speaking skills. The podcast is hosted by Mignon Fogarty, who has a Master’s degree in English and is a former software engineer. Each episode of Grammar Girl covers a specific grammar or writing-related topic, offering practical advice and explanations clearly and concisely. 

This podcast covers many subjects, including grammar rules, common writing mistakes, and the art of effective communication. What makes Grammar Girl stand out from other grammar podcasts is its approachable style. Mignon is an engaging and entertaining host, and she does a great job of making complex topics easy to understand. 

• Best-rated Episodes – Top 10 Grammar Myths, World Cup Words, The Wonderful Words of Christmas

• Platforms – The podcast can be found on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the Grammar Girl website.

• Hosted By – Mignon Fogarty

3.11 HiddenBrain

Hidden Brain is an educational podcast by NPR (National Public Radio) that explores the unseen patterns of human behavior and decision-making. The podcast is hosted by Shankar Vedantam and draws on the latest research in psychology, neuroscience, and economics to uncover how our thoughts and actions are influenced by unconscious biases, emotional reactions, and other mental processes that operate outside of our awareness. 

This podcast covers a wide range of topics, from the science of empathy and the power of habit to the influence of culture on our behavior and beliefs. 

• Best-rated Episodes – Hidden Brain Classics, A Life Well Lived, and You 2.0. Cultivating Your Purpose

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the NPR website

• Hosted By – Shankar Vedantam

3.12 How I Built This Podcast

How I Built This, produced by NPR (National Public Radio), features interviews with entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders about the story behind their companies. The podcast explores the challenges, successes, and lessons learned along the way, offering listeners an inside look at the process of building a successful business. 

Host Guy Raz delves into the personal stories of entrepreneurs, asking questions about how they got started, their motivations, and how they navigate the ups and downs of building their companies. It covers many businesses and industries, from small startups to large corporations, and features interviews with well-known entrepreneurs such as Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Sara Blakely. 

• Best-rated Episodes – Spanx: Sara Blakely, Lululemon Athletica: Chip Wilson, Real Estate Mogul: Barbara Corcoran

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the NPR website.

• Hosted By – Guy Raz

3.13 Ologies

Ologies podcast hosted by Alie Ward explores a different scientific discipline in each episode. It aims to make science accessible, entertaining, and a little weird by delving into a range of topics in scientific disciplines. 

Each episode features an expert in a different field, such as ornithology, helminthology, or phycology, who shares their knowledge and insights with the host and listeners. “Ologies” has been praised for its approachable and engaging style, making it an excellent podcast for anyone looking to learn about science in a fun and informative way.

• Best-rated Episodes – Algology (Study of Algae)” “Mycology (Study of Mushrooms)” “Mammalogy (Study of Mammals)” “Ornithology (Study of Birds)” “Herpetology

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts. 

• Hosted By – Alie Ward

3.14 PhilosophizeThis!

Philosophize This! is an educational podcast by Stephen West that explores various philosophical concepts, ideas, and thinkers. Each episode focuses on a different philosopher or philosophical movement and explains their ideas and theories in-depth. 

It covers many philosophical traditions, including ancient Greek philosophy, Renaissance humanism, and contemporary philosophy. The podcast is suitable for philosophy students and anyone interested in learning about the history of ideas and the development of human thought.

• Best-rated Episodes – Plato, Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Martin Heidegger.

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Philosophize website 

• Hosted By – Stephen West

3.15 PlanetMoney

Planet Money is one of the best educational podcasts for adults by NPR (National Public Radio). It focuses on economics and finance. The podcast helps make complex financial and economic topics accessible and entertaining for a general audience. 

Each episode takes on a specific topic, such as the global trade of goods and services, the history of money, or the inner workings of the Federal Reserve, and explains it in a way that is easy to understand. The host uses real-life examples, humor, and storytelling to bring its topics to life and make economics and finance interesting and relevant for listeners. 

• Best-rated Episodes – How Four Drinking Buddies Saved Brazil, The Square Deal, Blacklisted in China

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.

• Hosted By – Amanda Aronczky, Karen Duffin, Kenny Malone, Mary Childs, and Sarah Gonzalez

3.16 Radiolab

Radiolab is an educational podcast that explores a wide range of scientific and philosophical topics, using storytelling, humor, and innovative sound design to make complex ideas accessible and engaging. The podcast is produced by WNYC, a public radio station based in New York City. This podcast covers various subjects, from science and technology to philosophy and human behavior. 

Some of the most popular episodes focus on topics such as the nature of time, the mysteries of the human brain, and the science of happiness. The podcast is well-regarded for its creative storytelling approach and ability to make complex ideas entertaining and enlightening.

• Best-rated Episodes – The Rhino Hunter, Galapagos, Apocalyptical

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, NPR One

• Hosted By – Lulu Miller, Jad Abumrad, and Robert Krulwich

3.17 Reply All

Reply All is an educational podcast by Gimlet Media that explores the internet and technology. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including online culture, digital privacy, and the impact of technology on society. Each episode focuses on a specific aspect of the internet and technology and uses storytelling, humor, and investigative journalism to make complex ideas accessible and engaging. 

The podcast is well-regarded for its in-depth reporting, creative storytelling, and ability to shed light on the impact of technology on our lives. It is suitable for students, professionals, and anyone interested in technology and the internet. 

• Best-rated Episodes – The Case of the Missing Hit, Is Facebook Spying on You, The Case of the Phantom Caller.

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and Gimlet Media

• Hosted By – PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman

3.18 Revisionist History

Revisionist History is an educational podcast hosted by Malcolm Gladwell that revisits past events, ideas, and people and reexamines them in a new light. The podcast challenges our understanding of the world and the conventional wisdom surrounding certain events and ideas. Each episode focuses on a specific topic and uses storytelling, humor, and insightful analysis to shed new light on the subject. 

This educational podcast covers a wide range of topics, including history, economics, psychology, and more, and is well-regarded for its creative approach and thought-provoking content. It is suitable for students, professionals, and anyone interested in history, economics, and psychology. 

• Best-rated Episodes – The Big Man Can’t Shoot, The Basement Tapes, Free Brian Williams

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts

• Hosted By – Malcolm Gladwell

3.19 Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know podcast by HowStuffWorks explores a wide range of topics, from science and technology to history and culture. Each episode of “Stuff You Should Know” focuses on a specific topic, such as the history of the Olympics, the science of sleep, or the universe’s origin. 

The podcast uses storytelling, humor, and informative explanations to make the subject matter interesting and relevant. It is well-regarded for its engaging and informative content and is suitable for students, professionals, and anyone interested in learning about the world and how it works.

• Best-rated Episodes – The Black Panther Party, The Dyatlov Pass Mystery, What’s the What with Fish Fraud?

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts

• Hosted By – Josh and Chuck

3.20 TheAmericanLife

The American Life is a weekly public radio show and podcast hosted by Ira Glass. The show features various stories and segments on multiple subjects, including personal experiences, current events, and cultural trends. Each episode has a central theme, and the stories and segments are woven together to create a larger narrative. 

The podcast is known for its captivating storytelling, humor, and emotional depth. It has been widely praised for its ability to bring the world’s complexities to listeners in an accessible and engaging way. 

• Best-rated Episodes – No Coincidence, No Story, What’s Going On There, Notes On Camp

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the show’s official website.

• Hosted By – Ira Glass 

3.21 The College Info Geek Podcast

The College Info Geek Podcast is an educational podcast hosted by Thomas Frank, a successful student, and entrepreneur. The podcast focuses on helping college students improve their academic and personal lives through practical tips and advice on various topics. 

The podcast covers multiple issues, including studying and test-taking strategies, productivity and time management, and career development. Each episode is designed for you with actionable advice and tips that they can use to improve their college experience and achieve their goals.  

• Best-rated Episodes – The Hedonic Treadmill, Essentialism: How to Do More by Doing Less, A 12-Step Exam Prep Checklist

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.

• Hosted By – Thomas Frank

3.22 Tim Ferris Show

The Tim Ferriss Show is a long-form interview show in which the host interviews successful individuals from various fields, such as entrepreneurs, athletes, and authors. The guests share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned, providing listeners with actionable advice and inspiration. 

The podcast has been widely popular and highly rated, with many listeners praising Tim’s unique style of asking thought-provoking and insightful questions. In addition, the conversations often delve into practical tips and tactics that listeners can apply to their own lives. 

• Best-rated Episodes – Forget New Year’s Resolutions and Conduct a ‘Past Year Review’ Instead, Reinventing your life at 30,40, and Beyond

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher

• Hosted By – Tim Ferriss

3.23 Unexplainable

The Unexplainable podcast explores the mysteries of the human mind, consciousness, and the universe. The show features conversations with experts in various fields, such as neuroscience, quantum physics, and spirituality, who delve into the nature of reality, the power of the mind, and the mysteries of consciousness. 

The show aims to bridge the gap between science and spirituality. They provide isteners with a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the world and the universe. It is an excellent podcast for anyone interested in the intersections of science, spirituality, and the mysteries of the human mind.

• Best-rated Episodes – No one nose, Skeleton Lake, Why is everyone getting food allergies?

• Platforms – Spotify, Vox, Apple Podcasts, 

• Hosted By – Noam Hassenfeld

3.24 You Are Not That Smart

You’re Not That Smart explores how people are deceived, misled, and mistaken in their beliefs and perceptions. The show is hosted by David McRaney, a journalist, and author who has written extensively on the topics of self-delusion and the biases that influence human thinking. 

Each episode focuses on a specific psychological bias, illusion, or error in reasoning and how it affects our beliefs, perceptions, and decision-making. The show is entertaining and informative and provides listeners with a deeper understanding of how our minds can deceive us and the steps we can take to overcome these biases.

• Best-rated Episodes – The Climate Paradox, How Minds Change, Conspiratorial Thinking

• Platforms – Spotify, Apple Podcasts 

• Hosted By – David McRaney

3.25 You’re Wrong About

You’re Wrong About is an educational podcast that takes a closer look at some of the most misunderstood events, people, and cultural touchstones of the recent past. The show is ‘hosted by two journalists, Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall, who delve into stories and events that have been widely misreported, misunderstood, or remembered incorrectly. They aim to set the record straight and provide listeners with a more accurate and nuanced understanding of these topics. 

The show covers a wide range of subjects, from the O.J. Simpson trial to the Y2K panic, and is both entertaining and informative, providing listeners with a fresh perspective on events and stories that have shaped our world.

• Best-rated Episodes – The Obesity Epidemic, The D.C. Snipers, Anna Nicole Smith

• Platforms – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Castbox

• Hosted By – Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall

4. FAQs

• What Podcast to Listen To When Studying?

When studying, you should listen to podcasts that are educational, informative, and related to your field of study. Some popular options for students include – Ted Radio Hour, Science Friday, How To Do Everything, and The History of Rome.

• What Is the Number 1 Educational Podcast?

No definitive educational podcast would suit everyone’s needs due to varying topics of interest. However, some of the most highly rated and popular educational podcasts include: “Ted Radio Hour” “Science Friday” “How to Do Everything” “The Joe Rogan Experience” “The History of Rome” “Stuff You Should Know” “The Tim Ferriss Show” “You’re Not That Smart” “Unexplainable” “Revolutions.”

• What are the best educational podcasts for kids?

Some of the best educational podcasts for kids are – Short & Curly, Wow in the World, KidNuz, Noodle Loaf, and Flyest Fables.