32 Best Educational Podcasts for Adults to Listen to (2026)

Beginner friendly if listened to in order! For anyone interested in an educational podcast about philosophy where you don't need to be a graduate-level philosopher to understand it. In chronological order, the thinkers and ideas that forged the world we live in are broken down and explained. more

Ever wanted to know how music affects your brain, what quantum mechanics really is, or how black holes work? Do you wonder why you get emotional each time you see a certain movie, or how on earth video games are designed? Then you've come to the right place. Each week, Sean Carroll will host conversations with some of the most interesting thinkers in the world. From neuroscientists and engineers to authors and television producers, Sean and his guests talk about the biggest ideas in science, philosophy, culture and much more. more

Everything Everywhere Daily is a daily podcast that explores a wide range of topics in history, science, geography, and culture, delivering concise, engaging explanations designed to make complex subjects accessible and interesting to a broad audience. Every day, Everything Everywhere Daily explores fascinating subjects from world history, geography, science, culture, and current events, giving you clear, concise explanations designed to help you learn something new in just minutes. Whether it's the rise and fall of empires, the mysteries of ancient civilizations, the stories behind famous people, or the science that shapes our world, each episode breaks down complex ideas into accessible, entertaining insights. This educational podcast covers a wide range of topics, including world history, historical events, geography, countries of the world, science and technology, space exploration, economics, politics, and cultural traditions. Episodes dive into everything from the Roman Empire, World War II, and the Age of Exploration to black holes, quantum physics, climate science, and global trade. If you enjoy learning about how the world works and why history matters, this podcast is designed for you. Perfect for curious minds, students, lifelong learners, and fans of educational content, Everything Everywhere Daily delivers daily knowledge in an easy-to-understand, fun-to-listen-to format. Each episode is carefully researched and crafted to provide accurate, reliable information while keeping the storytelling engaging and memorable. If you're interested in history podcasts, science podcasts, geography podcasts, educational podcasts, or daily learning content, Everything Everywhere Daily brings it all together in one place. With thousands of episodes available, you can explore topics like ancient history, modern geopolitics, scientific discoveries, famous biographies, and little-known facts from around the globe. Subscribe today to Everything Everywhere Daily and join millions of listeners who are learning something new every day. more

The Sofa King podcast is a twice-weekly show dedicated to influential people, popular culture, historical events, true crime and listener suggested topics the hosts find interesting. From conspiracy theories and technology to the mass media and the future, this show explores major issues in way that is simultaneously informative, critical, and humorous. The hosts have big ideas, big opinions, big mouths, and give their take on topics in a way that is both cynical and educational. Adult content, themes, and language. more

Learning a language is hard, but Easy Stories in English makes it easy! Ariel Goodbody introduces each story, explaining difficult vocabulary and talking about their life. Thanks to their high energy and clear pronunciation, the stories are entertaining and simple to understand. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate or advanced learner, there's something for everyone. The stories cover a wide range of genres, such as fairy tales, myths and legends, drama, comedy, romance, horror, science fiction and action. There is a balance of children's stories, as well as more mature themes for adults. While listening to the stories, you can read the transcript at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com and get both reading practice and listening practice. With enough time, you'll find that your reading and writing skills improve as well. Ariel Goodbody has a strong background in linguistics and language acquisition, and they base the podcast on Stephen Krashen's theory of comprehensible input. Ariel changes the level of grammar to suit each level, but prioritise comprehension and good storytelling over anything else. Vocabulary is described using paraphrase, cultural references, pictures, intonation and sound effects. British culture, especially English culture, is naturally introduced throughout the episodes. Ariel also has experience in theatre, and treats every episode like an audiobook performance. With character voices, dramatic timing and a range of accents, adults and kids alike will soon forget that they're 'learning' at all! Some of the most well-known stories from the podcast are: the Doggo and Kitty stories, Grimm Brothers' Fairy Tales, The Very Hungry Dragon, Sleeping Beauty, The Perfect Pet, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Why Blood is Red, Saint George and the Dragon and Pioneers of the Continuum. Many stories are adapted from famous authors, such as Edgar Allan Poe, Hans Christian Andersen, Isaac Asimov, Josef Čapek, Margery Williams and Ryuunosuke Akutagawa. Ariel studied linguistics at the University of Cambridge and started teaching in 2018. As a language teacher, they use comprehensible input techniques such as TPRS and story listening. In 2021 they published a series of graded readers. These easy readers allow fans to get their favourite stories in a physical format. Apprendre l'anglais facilement avec des contes de fées et histoires racontés en anglais britannique. Méthode pour étudier les vocabulaires, la prononciation, la grammaire et la lecture en anglais. Les livres audio en anglais pour les niveaux débutant, intermédiaire et avancé. Einfach Britisches Englisch lernen mit Märchen und Geschichten. Methode, um Vokabeln, Aussprache, Grammatik und Lesen auf Englisch zu studieren. Hörbücher auf Englisch für Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene. Imparare l'inglese facilmente con fiabe e storie in inglese britannico. Metodo per studiare vocabolario, pronuncia, grammatica e lettura in inglese. Audiolibri in inglese per i livelli principiante, intermedio e avanzato. Aprender inglés fácilmente con cuentos de hadas e historias en inglés británico. Método para estudiar vocabulario, pronunciación, gramática y lectura en inglés. Audiolibros en inglés para todos los niveles: principiante, intermedio y avanzado. 童話、メルヘン、物語でイギリス英語を学ぶことがやさしくさせるイージー・ストーリーズ・イン・イングリッシュ。アリエル・グッドボディはきれいなブリティッシュイングリッシュの発音で新しい単語を説明して、毎週のストーリーを語る。初級、中級、上級の生徒にむかうオーディオブックで英語文法や英語読書をアップさせる勉強取材。 通过英国英语的童话故事和故事轻松学习英语。学习英语的词汇、发音、语法和阅读。为初学者、中级和高级学生提供英语的有声读物。 Легко изучать английский язык с помощью сказок и историй на британском английском. Методика изучения словарного запаса, произношения, грамматики и чтения на английском языке. Аудиокниги на английском языке для начинающих, студентов среднего уровня и продвинутых студентов. تعلم الإنجليزية بسهولة مع القصص الخرافية والحكايات باللغة الإنجليزية البريطانية. طريقة لدراسة المفردات والنطق والقواعد والقراءة باللغة الإنجليزية. كتب مسموعة باللغة الإنجليزية للمبتدئين والمتوسطين والمتقدمين. more

Most self-help advice is guesswork dressed up as wisdom. We dig into psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science to find what actually changes lives. WHY LISTEN? Over 8 million downloads because we answer the questions that matter: How do I build mental strength? What creates lasting motivation? How can I understand my own mind well enough to work with it, not against it? This podcast is for curious skeptics who want frameworks backed by psychology studies, not Instagram quotes. Whether you're navigating procrastination, building self-discipline, or designing your own philosophy for a life well lived—we explore the hidden psychology behind real change. WHAT YOU'LL GET Mental models and simple techniques from cognitive psychology, positive psychology, and ancient wisdom traditions like Stoicism and Buddhism. Being a human can be confusing, learning about it doesn't have to be. We cover everything from emotional intelligence and habit formation to brain health and the nervous system. WHAT YOU DON'T GET No pseudoscience. No oversimplified 'hacks.' No hustle porn. Just practical insights on mindset improvement, self-development, and human psychology that respect your intelligence and mental health. THE APPROACH Instead of telling you what to think, we explore how thinking works. Armed with psychology studies, social science research, and relentless curiosity, we uncover the mechanics of belief change, attitude change, and personal development. Success is personal. You might want to leverage your neurodiverse strengths, build a business, or simply discover how to be happier. We provide the mental frameworks to pursue your definition of success with mental strength and self-care that fits your life. YOUR HOST I'm Sam Webster Harris—a lifelong learner with ADHD and an obsession with finding answers to hard questions. After launching businesses, traveling the world, and nearly dying a few times, I concluded that psychology and science are where real wisdom lives. This show is my excuse to dive deep into health and fitness research, behavioral psychology, and cool science while helping you build genuine self-discipline and motivation. PREMIUM Go ad-free and access exclusive content, AMAs, and our community Discord. Growth Mindset Premium PAST SERIES Previous guests include Olympians, Scientists, Billionaires, and Sam's Mum. Past series: — Psychology vs Stoicism — Time Management for Busy Mortals — Independence and Knowing Yourself — Cognitive Biases and Rational Thinking — Psychology of Connection and Relationships — Carol Dweck and the Multiverse of Mindsets — Addiction and Behaviour Change — Nervous System Mastery and Polyvagal Theory — Mental Strength and Self-Discipline more

We are five experts in psychology, bringing you science-backed ideas that can help you flourish in your work, relationships, and health. more

Learn Spanish free with music-based Spanish lessons and conversations.  The best way to learn Spanish and become fluent is through immersion in the culture.  Learn to speak Spanish like a native speaker with real-life conversations in Latin American Spanish without boring grammar textbooks.  Whether you're a Spanish beginner or intermediate Spanish learner, you'll learn Spanish quickly listening to this podcast. Learning Spanish for adults can be fun, so let us help you go from Spanish beginner to bilingual. more

On Teach Me How To Adult, we tackle the deep questions that help us know ourselves, and each other, a little better… how do we have better conversations? How do we grow together in our relationships, instead of apart? How do we stay optimistic when the world is a dumpster fire? Are we really in a loneliness epidemic? How do we cultivate more awe? Why are everyone's hormones so out of whack? Is everyone having more sex than me? Join host and writer Gillian Berner every week for expert interviews and meaningful conversations on the growth, changes, and transitions of adulthood. Wherever you are on your journey, we're here to figure out the messiness of being human, together. more

D iscover N ew A dvances in the world of genetics, from technology like CRISPR to rare diseases to new research. For 14 years, multi-award winning podcast 'DNA Today' has brought you the voices of leaders in genetics. Host Kira Dineen brings her genetics expertise to interview geneticists, genetic counselors, patient advocates, biotech leaders, researchers, and more. ***Best Science and Medicine Podcast Award Winner (2020, 2021 and 2022)*** Learn more (and stream all 400+ episodes) at DNAtoday.com. You can contact the show at ****@DNAtoday.com . This show is part of 'Gene Pool Media: The Science Podcast Network' head to GenePoolMedia.com to explore all our science themed shows. more

ChinesePod makes learning Mandarin fun and easy. It isn't your typical language learning resource - we think you'll be entertained as well! If you're just trying to learn some survival Chinese or looking to start a lifelong relationship with the language, this ChinesePod - Beginner Level Podcast Channel is where to start.Expand your Mandarin Chinese learning experience by also SUBSCRIBING to ChinesePod - Intermediate and ChinesePod - Advanced Podcast channels.For more lessons, go to www.chinesepod.com and take us for a spin. more

The Deeper Thinking Podcast The Deeper Thinking Podcast offers a space where philosophy becomes a way of engaging more fully and deliberately with the world. Each episode explores enduring and emerging ideas that deepen how we live, think, and act. We follow the spirit of those who see the pursuit of wisdom as a lifelong project of becoming more human, more awake, and more responsible. We ask how attention, meaning, and agency might be reclaimed in an age that often scatters them. Drawing on insights stretching across centuries, we explore how time, purpose, and thoughtfulness can quietly transform daily existence. The Deeper Thinking Podcast examines psychology, technology, and philosophy as unseen forces shaping how we think, feel, and choose, often beyond our awareness. It creates a space where big questions are lived with—where ideas are not commodities, but companions on the path. Each episode invites you into a slower, deeper way of being. Join us as we move beyond the noise, beyond the surface, and into the depth, into the quiet, and into the possibilities awakened by deeper thinking. more

The decisions we make have a tremendous impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. But what goes into making better decisions? Hear from experts from diverse backgrounds as they share insights on how asking the right questions, improving predictions, managing cognitive biases, and other strategies can make us better decision makers. Through real-life stories and cutting-edge research, gain practical strategies and transform your understanding of the role decisions play in our lives. more

Do your eyes glaze over when looking at a long list of annual health insurance enrollment options or maybe while you're trying to calculate how much you owe the IRS? You might be wondering the same thing we are: Where's the guidebook for all of this grown-up stuff? Whether opening a bank account, refinancing student loans, or purchasing car insurance (...um, can we just roll the dice without it?), we're just as confused as you are. Enter: 'Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult' a podcast dedicated to explaining the complexities of adulting for which most of us are woefully under-prepared. In each episode, we seek out folks who can actually help us start to make sense of all the basic life skills required to be, well, a grown-up. more

Studying for a degree or professional qualification alongside work and life isn't easy especially when nobody's ever taught you how to study strategically. I'm Chloe Burroughs, a specialist study skills tutor and author of The Return to Study Handbook. I help adult learners develop the study skills and academic strategies they need to succeed in their qualification and open the door to their next career move. I understand what you're going through the challenge of fitting studying around work and your personal life, the pressure of needing strong results to move forward in your career, and the feeling that everyone else somehow knows to study, except you. In each episode I share practical, step-by-step ways to: study in a way that works for your course, schedule and learning style, including ADHD, dyslexia and other neurodivergent learning profiles study more efficiently so your qualification doesn't take over your entire life write clearer, more analytical essays prepare for and perform in exams build academic confidence and resilience improve your marks over time Whether you're studying for a university degree or professional qualification, this podcast will help you ditch the guesswork and approach your studies with a clear, strategic and sustainable plan. more

A podcast exploring the history of science from the beginning. We will cover all of the most important scientific discoveries from Archimedes to Newton to Einstein. The aim is to give a complete overview of how science evolved and how it shaped the modern world. Support the show and keep it going: https://www.patreon.com/TheCompleteHistoryofScience Website: https://thecompletehistoryofscience.com/ Follow me on BlueSky for updates: https://bsky.app/profile/gethinrichards.bsky.social YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thecompletehistoryofscience Music credit:Folk Round Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Photo credit: 'L0015096EB' by Wellcome Library, London is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Image has been cropped. more

Donald Robertson, author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor and How to Think Like Socrates, explores the meeting point of Stoicism, philosophy, psychology, psychotherapy, and the art of living through solo reflections and conversations with leading experts on anger, anxiety, resilience, self-improvement, and how to live well. donaldrobertson.substack.com more

As we get older our interest in learning seems to wane. Life gets in the way and educating ourselves becomes less important. My name is Jeff St. Pierre and I fell into that trap. Now I'm craving information. Join me for Adult Education, a podcast that aims to bring conversations with experts in all different fields so we can learn a little something new. more

Driven by their infantile curiosity, Sebastian and Panos look to explore the often overlooked beauty of science. Everything around you, from gravity to the the fcat taht you're siltl albe to raed tihs, has an explanation ready to be found. Curiosity is about simplifying the complex, untangling the convoluted, and having a laugh along the way. What are you curious about? more

For the Joy of Learning suhawn.substack.com

This Day in History - Science is an podcast that attempts to explores the remarkable moments that shaped the scientific landscape. Each episode, we journey back in time to rediscover groundbreaking discoveries, pivotal inventions, and the fascinating individuals who dared to push the boundaries of knowledge. From the invention of the light bulb to the discovery of DNA, we delve into the stories behind the science that changed our world.Listen to This Day in History - Science to: - Learn about the most important scientific discoveries of all time - Meet the brilliant minds who made them possible - Understand how science has shaped our world - Be inspired to explore your own curiosity about science This Day in History - Science is a great podcast for anyone who is interested in science, history, or just wants to learn something new. Subscribe to This Day in History - Science on your favorite podcast app today! - history - discovery - invention - innovation - technology - medicine - space - exploration - education - learning This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI. more

Welcome to This Wasn't On The Test, the podcast where knowledge meets humor in the most unexpected ways! Join Dr. Jake Berg and Dr. Kayla Berg, a couple with Doctoral degrees in their respective fields, as they dive deep into all things educational—from the latest research trends to historical curiosities. But don't worry, they're not alone—adding a dose of fun and wit is their sister, Kelsey, who may not have a PhD but sure knows how to keep things light with her quick humor and relatable take on the world. Whether you're a scholar or just a curious mind, this trio will make you laugh, think, and maybe even learn something new along the way. Tune in and find out why this wasn't on the test!This Wasn't On The Test is a podcast where a PhD couple and their hilariously non-PhD sister explore educational topics with humor, wit, and a dash of insight.New episodes Tuesday mornings! more

Thinking in English is a podcast for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to do more than just study grammar and vocabulary. I believe that thinking is one of the most important steps on the road to fluency. That's why each episode explores fascinating topics, from politics, economics, and history to philosophy, science, and culture. Instead of simply learning English, this podcast helps you learn in English. You'll expand your knowledge, discover new ideas, and improve your language skills, all at the same time. Bonus episodes and ad-free episodes, exclusive for Patreon subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/collection/869866 Join our Conversation Clubs and support the podcast: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠ Visit the website: ⁠https://thinkinginenglish.blog/⁠ Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Contact ****@airwavemedia.com to advertise on Thinking in English. more

Never Stop Learning Podcasts is an investigative learning audio library for curious minds. Each episode is a long-form deep dive designed to take you through a topic from beginning to end—exploring the foundations, the mechanics, the tensions, and the bigger picture in a clear, structured way.The show begins with our own curiosity. We choose the subjects, shape the questions, and follow the threads we want to understand more deeply. From there, we use AI as part of the creative process to help organize ideas, build the narrative, and turn that exploration into a coherent long-form story. The final audio is then created using Google LM to make each deep dive practical to listen to while walking, driving, or moving through everyday life.This show is not built to hand you an answer or tell you what to think. It exists to help frame complex topics more clearly, deepen understanding, and leave you with a broader perspective than you had when you started. The goal is to satisfy curiosity, explore ideas honestly, and help listeners understand the full picture in a world that usually stops at the headline. more

Education is more than the accumulation of knowledge. It's the growth we experience when digging deep into the topics, systems, and ways of thinking that give flavor to life. Enlighten Me is dedicated to bringing listeners into the world of the unknown and providing meaningful insights into issues that affect us all. In each episode, we bring in researchers and experts from a wide range of fields to discuss a topic and how it relates to their industry.Part of the TXST Podcast Network: https://www.txst.edu/podcast-network.html more

'The Chess Growth Podcast' is dedicated to helping adult chess enthusiasts improve their game, offering practical advice, training methods, and motivation. Whether you're returning to chess after years away or learning for the first time, this podcast provides insights tailored to the unique challenges of adult learners, focusing on consistent progress and enjoying the journey. more

'The Curious Minds' is your weekly journey into the fascinating details that shape our world. Each episode features a topic handpicked from what caught Jakub's attention that week—like how humble nails made skyscrapers possible, the origins of borders, or the mysteries behind maps. Inspired by authors, internet or simply by life, the podcast uncovers inventions, surprising insights, and stories of human ingenuity. Perfect for satisfying your curiosity or simply relaxing with thought-provoking stories. more

Have you ever wondered about the silent battles, the unspoken thoughts, and the hidden mechanics of human behavior?Welcome to a dedicated auditory space for the introspective mind. We explore the deep intersections of philosophy and psychology, taking a closer look at the complex experiences that shape us—from the profound impact of growing up too fast to the unseen psychology of those who choose to stay quiet in a loud world.This show goes past surface-level self-help. It provides empathetic, single-voice breakdowns of the mind's most intricate states. Whether you are navigating your own inner landscape or trying to understand the nuanced behaviors of those around you, each episode offers deeply reflective, well-researched essays designed purely for your ears on Spotify.Expect zero filler, no forced banter, and a completely immersive listening experience that peels back the layers of human nature.What to expect: Psychological Deep Dives: Exploring the hidden reasons behind why we act, feel, and retreat. Empathetic Philosophy: Grounded, relatable examinations of the modern human condition. Audio-First Immersion: A single, thoughtful voice delivering dense, thought-provoking insights.Tune in, find comfort in understanding, and equip your mind with the tools to navigate the complexities of being human. more

An entertaining and informative podcast to help people learn English as a second language [ESL] and more about English speaking culture. more

Aidan Helfant is a gamification and meta-learning expert best known for his course Self-Learning Quest, which helps video gamers make self-learning outside work and school effective and fun by combining gamification with science based meta-learning techniques. In his podcast, he deconstructs the lives of inspiring creatives, thinkers, and entrepreneurs, to learn how we can level up our creativity, learning, productivity, and wellbeing in the ultimate video game of life. Why Infinite Play? Because his favorite way to play life is to treat it like an infinite game. Every day is part of a greater whole, a level in your infinite game. You can't help but play with kindness, gratitude, and fun when you think you'll be playing for a long time. more

Lifelong Learning with A. A. Khatana is a knowledge-driven learning ecosystem for curious minds who want to understand themselves, understand the world, create value, and prepare for the future in an AI-driven era.Built on the Human Knowledge System (HKS), the channel connects 28 knowledge niches across five meta-domains:SELF — Health, Psychology, Personal Development, Spirituality, Cognitive Science & Well-beingKNOWLEDGE — Education, Philosophy, History, Science, Systems Thinking & Problem SolvingSOCIETY — Relationships, Geopolitics, Law, Culture, Ethics & CommunicationECONOMY — Business, Wealth, Livelihood, Exams, Skills, Innovation & EntrepreneurshipFUTURE — Energy, Technology, AI, Environment & Great Authors🎓 Learn to Learn — Test & Score™ adds AI-assisted learning and assessment for CBSE, UG/PG and competitive exams including UPSC, SSC. RRB, IBPS, NTA, JKPSC, JKSSB..28 Niches. 5 Meta-Domains. 1 Human Knowledge System.Understand Yourself. Understand the World. Create Value. Prepare for the Future. more

Host Alex Calder transforms dense philosophical puzzles into sharp, practical insights you'll actually use. Each episode unpacks one big idea—from weakness of will to belief—stripping away jargon and delivering concepts that stick. Philosophy built for real life. For more content like this, visit QuietPlease.ai more