23 Best Benjamin Franklin Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

Explore the life and mind of one of America's founding figures through a collection of narratives that highlight themes of self-discovery, ambition, and innovation. This podcast draws on works that reflect the journey of personal growth and intellectual pursuit, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of shaping one's destiny. Each week, tune in to a different complete audiobook, offering a fresh perspective from various authors and eras. Whether you're seeking to learn from the past or gain inspiration for the future, this series provides a diverse range of styles and viewpoints that illuminate the complexities of human ambition and achievement. New audiobooks are added weekly. Check out more shows at solgoodmedia.com. This show includes AI-generated content. more

Delve into the wisdom and wit of Benjamin Franklin with 'Poor Richard's Almanac.' This podcast brings to life the timeless aphorisms, proverbs, and advice on daily living from one of America's founding fathers. Perfect for those seeking practical wisdom and historical insights. more

His life was like a full five-act play—prophetic prologue and stately epilogue, and swelling scene imposed upon swelling scene, until the tallow chandler's son, rising from the humblest levels of human fortune to the highest by uninterrupted gradations of invincible success, finally becomes the recipient of such a degree of impressive homage as has rarely been paid to anyone by the admiration and curiosity of mankind. (from Introduction) This show includes AI-generated content. more

Before he was Benjamin Franklin, inventor and statesman, he was just Ben, a boy in Colonial Boston with an adventurous spirit, a curious mind...and a penchant for getting into trouble. Meet our most endearing founding father at fourteen; a charming rebel years away from discovering the ageless sayings and brilliant inventions that made him famous. When Ben and his friends stumble upon a mysterious letter leading to a legendary treasure, he'll have to use his wits and bravery to outsmart the cruel British governor of Massachusetts. For more great shows and to listen early and ad-free, visit ⁠GZMShows.com⁠ . more

This is a multiple award-winning podcast about early American history. It's a show for people who love history and who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world. Each episode features conversations with professional historians who help shed light on important people and events in early American history. more

250 years ago, the United States of America was born. But how did people in America rise up, overthrow British rule, and go on to create a radical new nation?Welcome to Founding Fathers: An American Dream - the new show from the award-winning Noiser Podcast Network, hosted by Clarke Peters (The Wire, Treme, Da 5 Bloods).Each week, we'll take a deep dive into this epic story. We'll follow George Washington as he leads patriots into battle...travel with Benjamin Franklin on crucial missions overseas...sit alongside Thomas Jefferson as he writes the Declaration of Independence...and hear Alexander Hamilton fiercely debate the future of the country.But the tale of American independence is about more than just a handful of patriotic men. It features a cast of millions - men and women, enslaved and free, indigenous and colonial. We'll explore lesser-known stories in this immense fight for liberty...and ask who lost out along the way...Brought to life with immersive sound design and original music, plus contributions from leading historians and descendants of those involved.Founding Fathers: An American Dream is available for free wherever you get your podcasts or at noiser.com. Noiser+ subscribers get early access to new episodes and ad-free listening. Click the Noiser+ banner at the top of the feed or head to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started. more

Created by Actor and Historian, Bryan Austin, Let's be Frank uses primary sources and historical documents to resurrect Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father, inventor and all around ladies man, to host a podcast about the times and trials that shaped his mind.This weekly podcast encourages viewers to empathetically connect with the past in hopes to better connect empathetically with the present.Clever, quirky and thought provoking; Let's Be Frank is a palette cleanser to your curiosity that will leave you thirsty to learn more.For more information, visit bfranklinlive.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Inventor, author, printer, scientist, politician, diplomat—all these terms do not even begin to fully describe the amazing and multitalented, Benjamin Franklin who was of course also one of the Founding Fathers of America.At the age of 75, in 1771 he began work on what he called his Memoirs. He was still working on it when he died in 1790 and it was published posthumously, entitled An Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. The book had a complicated and controversial publication history. Strangely enough, the first volume only was first published in French, in Paris in 1791. Later in 1793 a couple of English translations appeared containing the second volume as well. In 1818 Franklin's grandson brought out a three volume edition, which left out the last unfinished fourth volume. William Temple Franklin also took great liberties with the text and made his own revisions. However, in 1868, publisher John Bigelow purchased the original and complete manuscript and brought out the most complete edition so far. The 20th century saw several scholars bring out more definitive and complete versions.An Autobiography... was written apparently to apprise his son about the events of his life and also meant to be a treatise that would lead to the self betterment of the younger generation. As a book, it is a difficult and complex read. The tone is often meandering, arrogant and condescending in turn and does not have a consistent feel. Written over an extended time period, there are large gaps in sequence and often the author contradicts his own recounting of events. In fact, it ends abruptly, without a shred of information about Franklin's seminal role in the American Revolution. Yet, two centuries after its debut, it remains widely read and acclaimed, valued for its being almost the first autobiography to have been written in English. Its extensive advice on how to go about achieving a list of virtues is probably the first ever self-help book.As a glimpse of life in 18th century America, it is unrivaled. An Autobiography... also provides readers with the immense possibilities that the New World holds. A poor middleclass youth, one of 10 children, whose parents could hardly afford to send him to school, who attains learning and honest employment by dint of sheer hard work can even today be said to represent the American Dream. With the publication of An Autobiography... it was possible for this new and emerging superpower to establish a history and tradition of its own.As a slice of history, An Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is indeed an interesting and riveting read. more

Franklin wrote his autobiography in the form of an extended letter to his son. While recording the events of his life, he adds instructions for good living which makes this work America's first 'How to Succeed' book. Edited by Frank Woodworth Pine (1869-1919). (Summary by Gary) more

As a teenager, Benjamin Franklin apprenticed with his brother James at the shop where The New-England Courant was printed. Since James would not publish any of Benjamin's works, fifteen-year-old Benjamin sent letters to The New England Courant under the pseudonym Silence Dogood. A total of fourteen letters were sent, one each fortnight, between April and December of 1722. (Introduction by Darcy Smittenaar) more

In this new season of Wayfinding, join historians Joe Thomas and Mark Draper for a journey through the lives and unlikely friendship of the two men who spread a spiritual awakening throughout the American colonies: George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin. more

This biography of Franklin was written for young people, but can be enjoyed by anyone. The author Robin McKown, is known for her young adult historical fiction and historical biographies. - Summary by Ciufi Galeazzi more

A fast-paced, somewhat racey look into the life, accomplishments and idiosyncrasies of Benjamin Franklin. Acclaimed biographer Paul L. Ford uses Franklin's letters, papers and journals to step us through Franklin's many adventures, to reveal intimate details of his personal life - relations with siblings, wife, children, friends, business partners; his physique, health, illnesses, schooling, personal habits and goals; his opinions on education, philosophy, religion, friendship, industry; his library; his career as printer and publisher, writer and journalist, politician and diplomat, scientist, humorist, jack of all trades; and his relations at home and abroad with the 'fairer sex'. Goes beyond the official Autobiography. A must read for Franklin devotees. - Summary by Michele Fry, Soloist This show includes AI-generated content. more

In Benjamin Franklin's lifetime, he kept good record of his life and travels, and although Franklin was never a president, he still plays a crucial part in our American history. (Summary by Elijah Fisher) more

This episode features Vol. 6, No. 7, Serial No. 155 of The Mentor magazine, published on May 15, 1918. Dive into the remarkable life of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most influential figures of the 18th century and a founding father of the United States. Franklins diverse talents as an inventor, author, politician, diplomat, scientist, and postmaster in Philadelphia reveal a man of extraordinary capability and vision. These captivating vignettes showcase the many facets of his life and career, providing a rich tapestry of insights into one of history's most fascinating characters. - Summary by Larry Wilson This show includes AI-generated content. more

This little book was intended for the education of school children and includes tales, sketches and anecdotes of his life written for the children of the mid 1800's and written in the English language of that period. Each chapter has numerous questions intended for the the reader or the teacher to quiz themselves to see if they gathered the pertinent information. The quiz questions will not be recorded. Also part of this book are numerous short essays written by Franklin on various topics. These entertaining and insightful samples occupy sections 17 through 27. (Summary by phil chenevert) more

This biography of Franklin was written for young people, but can be enjoyed by anyone. The author Robin McKown, is known for her young adult historical fiction and historical biographies. more

Franklin wrote his autobiography in the form of an extended letter to his son. While recording the events of his life, he adds instructions for good living which makes this work America's first 'How to Succeed' book. more

In today's episode we tell facts about Benjamin Franklin's life.

Podcast about the scientist Benjamin Franklin

The American Revolution was not merely a colonial rebellion—it was a world-altering conflict that saw thirteen fractious colonies unite to dismantle the British Empire's grip on North America. Hosts Lucas and Luna guide listeners through the war's full arc, from the Stamp Act crisis of 1765 and the Boston Massacre to the Continental Army's desperate winter at Valley Forge and the final triumph at Yorktown in 1781. They explore the ideological ferment of Thomas Paine's Common Sense, the military leadership of George Washington, and the diplomatic genius of Benjamin Franklin that secured French support. The show delves into lesser-known theaters: the brutal frontier war in the Ohio Valley, the Loyalist divisions that tore families apart, and the crucial role of African Americans and Native nations. Each episode examines a specific turning point—the Battle of Saratoga, the treason of Benedict Arnold, the mutiny of the Pennsylvania Line—and traces how ideas of liberty, taxation, and representation shaped a new nation. Why does the American Revolution still resonate? Because its debates over power, rights, and identity remain unresolved today. Join Lucas and Luna as they unpack the drama, the violence, and the radical experiment that birthed the United States.#AmericanRevolution #GeorgeWashington #ThomasJefferson #BenjaminFranklin #ContinentalArmy #Yorktown #Saratoga #BostonTeaParty #DeclarationOfIndependence #ValleyForge #Loyalists #NativeAmericans #BritishEmpire #FoundingFathers #18thCentury #History #WorldHistory #FexingoHistoryKeep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo more

Discover the pivotal figures who shaped the United States in the eleventh volume of the Beacon Lights of History series. This compelling installment introduces you to the extraordinary lives of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and John Marshall. Each leaders contributions to the foundation of America are explored in depth, offering insights into their visions, struggles, and legacies. Join us on this enlightening journey through history, narrated by KHand. This show includes AI-generated content. more

A one-season SYNC Original podcast looking at the real story of George Whitefield, Benjamin Franklin, and the Great Awakening with MBU Professor Dr. David Saxon. more