57 Best Learn Something Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered. more

Radiolab is on a curiosity bender. We ask deep questions and use investigative journalism to get the answers. A given episode might whirl you through science, legal history, and into the home of someone halfway across the world. The show is known for innovative sound design, smashing information into music. It is hosted by Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser. more

Wow in the World is the #1 science podcast for kids and families, sharing the most amazing stories in science, technology, and new discoveries happening in the world around us. Each week, join hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz as they take curious kids and their grown-ups on a cartoon for the ear journey filled with laughter, adventure, and wow-worthy stories. From the tiniest microbes to the farthest reaches of space, every episode of Wow in the World inspires wonder, fuels imagination, and makes science fun for the whole family. Weekly episodes of Wow in the World come out every Monday for free! Plus, each week listeners get even more opportunities to say WOW with two other shows: Two Whats?! And A WOW!, a fun-for-the-whole-family game show, and WeWow, a bonkerballs variety show hosted by Dennis featuring YOUR comments, reviews, and messages! 🎉 Grownups, want to keep the Wow going and support our mission to connect laughter to learning, curiosity to innovation, and kids to the WOWs in their world? Join the World Organization of Wowzers (W.O.W.) at tinkercast.com/joinwitw. Your Wowzers will receive quarterly mailings, birthday cards, a welcome kit with a t-shirt, autographed photo of Mindy & Guy Raz, access to 1,000+ digital activities and exclusive access to members-only events! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. more

Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell's journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood. Every episode re-examines something from the past—an event, a person, an idea, even a song—and asks whether we got it right the first time. From Pushkin Industries. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance. To get early access to ad-free episodes and extra content, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus . iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries. more

Why do I feel stuck? How can I become more creative? What can I do to improve my relationships? If you've ever asked yourself these questions, you're not alone. On Hidden Brain, we help you understand your own mind — and the minds of the people around you. (We're routinely rated the #1 science podcast in the United States.) Hosted by veteran science journalist Shankar Vedantam. more

Freakonomics co-author Stephen J. Dubner uncovers the hidden side of everything. Why is it safer to fly in an airplane than drive a car? How do we decide whom to marry? Why is the media so full of bad news? Also: things you never knew you wanted to know about wolves, bananas, pollution, search engines, and the quirks of human behavior.To get every show in the Freakonomics Radio Network without ads and a monthly bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, start a free trial for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. more

Volcanoes. Trees. Drunk butterflies. Mars missions. Slug sex. Death. Beauty standards. Anxiety busters. Beer science. Bee drama. Take away a pocket full of science knowledge and charming, bizarre stories about what fuels these professional -ologists' obsessions. Humorist and science correspondent Alie Ward asks smart people stupid questions and the answers might change your life. more

Exploring the biggest questions of our time with the help of the world's greatest thinkers. Host Manoush Zomorodi inspires us to learn more about the world, our communities, and most importantly, ourselves. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You'll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening for TED Radio Hour. more

Design is everywhere in our lives, perhaps most importantly in the places where we've just stopped noticing. 99% Invisible is a weekly exploration of the process and power of design and architecture. From award winning producer Roman Mars. Learn more at 99percentinvisible.org. more

Join Holly and Tracy as they bring you the greatest and strangest Stuff You Missed In History Class in this podcast by iHeartRadio. more

The official channel for the show about everything: four dorks discuss the most amazing facts they've learned over the last seven days.The multi award-winning, globe-travelling, 600-million-download phenomenon. Hosted by Dan Schreiber, James Harkin, Andrew Hunter Murray and Anna Ptaszynski. more

Brains On!® is a science podcast for curious kids and adults from Brains On Universe. Each week, a different kid co-host joins Molly Bloom to find answers to fascinating questions about the world sent in by listeners. Like, do dogs know they're dogs? Or, why do feet stink? Plus, we have mystery sounds for you to guess, songs for you to dance to, and lots of facts -- all checked by experts. Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/ more

Throughline is a time machine. Each episode, we travel beyond the headlines to answer the question, 'How did we get here?' We use sound and stories to bring history to life and put you into the middle of it. From ancient civilizations to forgotten figures, we take you directly to the moments that shaped our world. Throughline is hosted by Peabody Award-winning journalist Rund Abdelfatah. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org . You'll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening for Throughline. more

Want TED Talks on the go? Everyday, this feed brings you our latest talks in audio format. Hear thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable from Artificial Intelligence to Zoology, and everything in between given by the world's leading thinkers and doers. This collection of talks, given at TED and TEDx conferences around the globe, is also available in video format. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

(Apple's Best of 2018) In-depth conversations with people at the top of their game. Jordan Harbinger unpacks guests' wisdom into practical nuggets you can use to impact your work, life, and relationships. Learn from leaders (Ray Dalio, Simon Sinek, Mark Cuban), entertainers (Moby, Tip 'T.I.' Harris, Dennis Quaid), scientists (Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye), athletes (Kobe Bryant, Dennis Rodman, Tony Hawk) and an eclectic array of fascinating minds, from art forgers and arms traffickers to spies and psychologists. more

The comedy podcast that takes history seriously. In each episode of You're Dead to Me from BBC Radio 4, Greg Jenner is joined by a comedian and an expert historian to learn and laugh about the past.History isn't just about dates and textbooks it's about extraordinary characters, amazing stories, and some very questionable fashion choices. How long did it take to build an Egyptian pyramid? What does the Bayeux Tapestry reveal about medieval life? Why did it take nearly half a millennium for Joan of Arc to become a saint? And was Catherine the Great really all that great? Whether you want to explore ancient landmarks like Stonehenge and Machu Picchu, dance through the history of Broadway and Bollywood, or find out how the Tudors rose to power, Greg and his guests promise to teach you something new that you won't have heard in history lessons.Previous episodes of You're Dead To Me have covered everything from royals to revolutionaries, actors to activists and divas to dictators. Take a stroll through the history of high-heeled shoes or get the scoop on the history of ice cream. Maybe you'd like to paint like the cave artists of the Palaeolithic era, work out like a Victorian bodybuilder, or fight like a Spartan? We've even hosted a special, live episode with the BBC Concert Orchestra to explore the dramatic life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.Whatever your historical interests, Greg and his guests make even the trickiest topics easy to follow. Join them for a history lesson that's as entertaining as it is enlightening - with no homework required. more

New discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines — in just under 15 minutes. It's science for everyone, using a lot of creativity and a little humor. Join hosts Emily Kwong and Regina Barber for science on a different wavelength. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org . You'll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening for Short Wave. more

Brains On Universe presents Forever Ago®, a history show for the whole family! Every episode looks into the surprising and fascinating history of things we think are ordinary, but they're not -- like ice cream flavors, video games, baths and more. We make learning about the past fun while teaching listeners to think critically about history. Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/ more

A Podcast For Curious Kids

Sometimes all it takes is one little fact or one little piece of wisdom to change your life forever. That's the purpose and the hope of 'Something You Should Know.' In each episode, host Mike Carruthers interviews top experts in their field to bring you fascinating information and advice to help you save time and money, advance in your career, become wealthy, improve your relationships and help you simply get more out of life. In addition, Mike uncovers and shares short, engaging pieces of 'intel' you can use to make your life better - today. Right now. more

Everyone needs a little help being a human. From sleep to saving money to parenting and more, host Marielle Segarra talks to experts to get the best advice out there. Life Kit is here to help you get it together. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org . You'll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening and helpful curated playlists by topic for Life Kit. more

Research psychologist Angela Duckworth (author of 'Grit') and tech and sports executive Mike Maughan really like to ask people questions, and they believe there's no such thing as a stupid one. So they have a podcast where they can ask each other as many 'stupid questions' as they want. New episodes each week. 'No Stupid Questions' is a production of the Freakonomics Radio Network.To get every show in the Freakonomics Radio Network without ads and a monthly bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, start a free trial for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. more

Welcome to Kelly Corrigan Wonders, a place for people who like to laugh while they think and find it useful to look closely at ourselves and our weird ways in the hopes that knowing more and feeling more will help us do more and be better. Author of 4 New York Times bestsellers about family life, Kelly wonders about loads of stuff: is knowing more always good? Can we trust our gut? How does change actually happen? We only book nice people who have a sense of humor and know things worth knowing. Each episode ends with Kelly's shortlist of takeaways, appropriate for refrigerator doors, bulletin boards and notes to your children. 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

Each week Greg and Mitch of AsapSCIENCE explain the science behind a controversial subject. They use studies, recent research and anecdotes to keep you entertained while *BAM* simultaneously LEARNING! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Unexplainable takes listeners right up to the edge of what we know…and then keeps on going. The Unexplainable team — Noam Hassenfeld, Julia Longoria, Byrd Pinkerton, and Meradith Hoddinott — tackles scientific mysteries, unanswered questions, and everything we learn diving into the unknown. New episodes Mondays and Wednesdays. From Vox and the Vox Media Podcast Network. more

Comedian Adam Conover talks to the most interesting experts and thinkers on Earth about today's most pressing topics. From the rise of AI to the fight for workers' rights, from porn bans to microplastics, Adam and his guests reveal shocking truths and thought-provoking new perspectives. It's an investigative comedy interview podcast for curious people who never stop asking questions. Advertise on Factually via Gumball.fm more

Tyler Cowen engages today's deepest thinkers in wide-ranging explorations of their work, the world, and everything in between. New conversations every other Wednesday. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. more

Part quiz show, part offbeat trivia, and all awesome. We here are nuts about trivia and pub quiz! And we are darn sure there are people out there who share our unusual obsession. Play along and laugh along as Karen, Colin, Dana, and Chris school each other on some of the weirdest and most interesting facts about our funny little world.Do you relish beating your friends at Trivial Pursuit? Do you blab out the answers at the gym when Jeopardy! is on? And don't you just loathe badly worded questions? Gggrraahhh!Then this podcast, fellow trivia nut, is the ultimate mental nutrition for your very big brain. So eat up! more

Imagine This is a science podcast for the young and curious. Have you ever wondered how bees make honey? Or how do fish breathe underwater? Or, very importantly, where your poo goes when you flush it down the toilet? Imagine This is a series of puzzling science questions from inquisitive young minds. Our host, Dr Niraj Lal, chats to kids and Australia's leading academics, taking you on imaginative adventures to learn about the world around us and find the answers together. This podcast is suited to kids aged 4 and up, though all members of the family are sure to learn something!  more

Whether the topic is popcorn or particle physics, you can count on BrainStuff to explore -- and explain -- the everyday science in the world around us. more

Joe Marler used to hate people, but then he met Tom Fordyce, and a load of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and a podcast was born that changed his mind forever. It might just change your life too. Because everyone is interesting if you ask the right questions. And this is a show about all the weird and wonderful things people do. Together, Joe and Tom meet astronauts, teachers, marine biologists, cheesemakers, prison guards and everyone in between. Along the way, they've learned things that have blown their minds, heard stories that have made them laugh until it hurts, and well, felt a whole lot better about the world around them and the people that fill it. To be on the show, fill in this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rfSo3PVJgtBRZHCCAZndem-iyy2EdvGcEYDqycsM2aQ/viewform?ts=62602129&edit_requested=trueCome and see us at Pub in the Park on 18th May (Marlow) or 1st June (London)! Get your tickets here. Hit follow, and tell a friend to #growtheshow. more

Free daily dose of word power from Merriam-Webster's experts

Welcome to Curiosity Weekly from Discovery, hosted by Dr. Samantha Yammine. Once a week, we'll bring you the latest and greatest in scientific discoveries and break down the details so that you don't need a PhD to understand it. From neuroscience to climate tech to AI and genetics, no subject is off-limits. Join Sam as she interviews expert guests and investigates the research guiding some of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs affecting our world today.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

A weekly podcast about the history, science, lore and surprises that make everyday things secretly incredibly fascinating. Hosted by comedy writer, emoji creator, and 'Jeopardy!' champion Alex Schmidt. Join Alex & his co-host Katie Goldin for a joyful deep dive into seeing the world a whole new way! (For research sources, bonus episodes, and how you can support the podcast, visit sifpod.fun.) more

Cool Stuff Daily covers the most interesting and coolest stories in the world of science, progress, life-hacks, memes, exciting art, and hope. This is the antidote to depressing headlines. Smart stuff in podcast form. Cool news, as a service. Hosted by Zach Morris. more

Join Jacob and curious kids, 12 year old Olivia and 9 year old Noah, as they get curious about new topics each and every Sunday. Learn all about airplanes, dinosaurs, the moon, and over 300 other topics in 20 minutes or less with fun and educational episodes. And here's the best part: all topics covered in the podcast are listener-suggested, so let us know what you're curious about so we could get curious for you. more

Smart People Podcast is a biweekly, interview-based podcast that features today's most well respected thought leaders engaging in authentic, insightful conversation for the benefit of the listener. The host, Chris Stemp, and his co-host/producer Jon Rojas, utilize their insatiable curiosity and relatable charm to provoke their guests into giving the interview of a lifetime. Every single guest has achieved a high level of recognition within their arena and in doing so has collected a wealth of experiences and insights that are brought to life in this top ranked podcast. Show topics include: psychology, leadership, education, technology, entrepreneurship, relationships, and much more. more

We've got bedtime down to a (Sleep Tight) Science! Sleep Tight Science is an engaging bedtime show that makes science accessible and enjoyable for the whole family. Snuggle in and drift off to sleep while learning about science topics submitted by listeners! Designed for curious young minds (but simple enough for grown-ups to understand), Sleep Tight Science uses big words to answer big questions that kids wonder about, like why do we feel icky sometimes and how do our legs help us move? Learn something new about the natural world while drifting off to dreamland. Have an interesting science question or a topic you're curious about? Email us at ****@sleeptightscience.com, and it might just be the focus of an upcoming episode! more

As an organizational psychologist, Adam Grant believes that great minds don't think alike; they challenge each other to think differently. In Re:Thinking with Adam Grant, he has lively discussions and debates with some of the world's most interesting thinkers, creators, achievers, and leaders—from Lin-Manuel Miranda to Brené Brown to Mark Cuban, and Olympic medalists to Nobel laureates to Oscar winners. By diving inside their minds, Adam is on a mission to uncover bold insights and share surprising science that can make us all a little bit smarter. Tune in to Re:Thinking with Adam Grant. You might just be inspired to let go of some old ideas and embrace some new ones. Follow Adam on Instagram @adamgrant , LinkedIn at @adammgrant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Neuroscientist and author David Eagleman discusses how our brain interprets the world and what that means for us. Through storytelling, research, interviews, and experiments, David Eagleman tackles wild questions that illuminate new facets of our lives and our realities. more

Welcome to 'Kids Animal Stories,' the captivating kids podcast where education meets entertainment through the exploration of the animal kingdom. Hosted by the engaging Mr. Jim, this show takes young listeners on thrilling adventures into the wild, diving deep into the lives of animals from every corner of the globe. Each episode of this kids podcast is a journey, rich with learning opportunities and fun facts that spark curiosity and foster a love for nature.'Kids Animal Stories' is the perfect kids podcast for young animal enthusiasts eager to learn about the natural world. Through immersive storytelling, Mr. Jim brings to life the fascinating behaviors, habitats, and conservation stories of animals, making each episode an educational expedition. With a focus on being a kids podcast, it provides a platform where children can not only listen but also engage with the content, learning about the environment and the importance of caring for our planet.As a leading kids podcast in the realm of educational entertainment, 'Kids Animal Stories' combines factual information with engaging narratives, making learning about animals exciting and memorable. Whether your child is interested in the deep sea, the jungle, or their own backyard, this kids podcast delivers stories that captivate and educate, sparking a lifelong interest in wildlife and conservation.Parents and educators value 'Kids Animal Stories' as a resourceful kids podcast that complements learning with fun. Each episode is thoughtfully crafted, ensuring that the content is not only informative but also suitable for children of all ages. As a trusted kids podcast, it's an excellent way for children to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world around them, all through the power of storytelling.Subscribe to 'Kids Animal Stories' and join Mr. Jim on this exciting kids podcast, where each episode is an adventure waiting to happen. Ignite your child's passion for learning and their love for animals with this engaging kids podcast, where every story is an opportunity to learn something new about our planet's incredible wildlife. 'Kids Animal Stories' is more than just a kids podcast—it's a window to the world, opening young minds to the wonders of the animal kingdom, one story at a time. more

Founded is a history podcast that takes a look at the stories you missed in history class about the founding of the United States of America. Instead of boring you with dates to memorize, we're digging into the drama of the Founding Fathers because that tea was piping hot before AND after they dumped it into the harbor on that Boston night! There still might be a test though so listen up and learn something but most importantly, let's have fun finding out who FOUNDED the United States of America. more

Explain Like I'm Five, aka ELI5, is the mini-podcast series where we take the questions you always wanted to ask, and talk about them in a way that is easy to understand. Made possible by the amazing reddit community at r/explainlikeimfive. See episode show notes for user credits. more

Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke explain how our brain works.

We see the connections to aviation and space in literally everything. From our favorite movies and the songs in our playlists to the latest news of space exploration and your commercial flight home for the holidays aerospace is literally everywhere you look. Twice a month, our hosts riff on some of the coolest stories of aviation and space history, news, and culture. We promise, whether you're an AVGeek, wannabe Space Camper, or none of the above, you'll find a connection to your life and learn something interesting in the process. more

The average person spends 20-25 minutes per day commuting to and from work - why not learn while getting there? Join Dave & Jay every Monday to learn about a few fascinating things that'll make you the most interesting person in the room. more

Whether you're curious about getting healthy, the Big Bang or the science of cooking, find out everything you need to know with Instant Genius. The team behind BBC Science Focus Magazine talk to world-leading experts to bring you two bite-sized masterclasses on a new subject each week. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday and you can subscribe to Instant Genius on Apple Podcasts to access all new episodes ad-free and all old episodes of Instant Genius Extra. Watch full episodes of Instant Genius on BBC Science Focus Magazine's YouTube channel. Follow us on X: @SFIGPod more

Welcome to Well… That's Interesting, a comedy sciencey podcast for weird people who like learning about weird sh*t, like can hair grow between your teeth or could we ever lose our moon? (Sadly, yes to both.)WTI tells the story behind the facts and, turns out, those stories are funny. Join Jill ChaCha every week as they take The Flock on a journalistic, storytelling adventure into new, bizarre, often unexpected findings. The tales are epic and the laughter is plentiful.--WTI is a part of the Airwave Media podcast network! Visit AirwaveMedia.com to listen and subscribe to other incredible shows. more

Every week, we present a fast and fun trivia game where general knowledge is taste-tested from a specific topic...or specific knowledge on a general topic. Either way, the delicious bits of trivia minutiae will be served up, piping hot! more

A podcast for the curious. Interviews on Society, Sex, Science and Sports. From CERN Particle Physicists and Professional Casino Cheats to Erotic Hypnotists and Olympic Athletes, every week host Nick VinZant sits down with a guest from a different walk of life. The story is never the same but the goal always is, to truly learn something new. Signal Award winner for Best Interview Podcast. more

A bite-sized informational podcast covering all things insect and arthropod, hosted by a master in entomology! Join me every week to learn something new, from notable species to broad topics and lore! You can support the show and get extra episodes here: patreon.com/user?u=46499107 Email: ****@gmail.com more

Welcome to the Norton Library Podcast, where we explore influential works of literature and philosophy with the leading scholars and teachers behind Norton's newest series of classics. In each episode, with a Norton Library editor or translator as our guide, we'll learn something new and surprising about these classic works—why they endure, and what it means to read them today. Hosted by Mark Cirino and produced by Michael Von Cannon, the co-creators of the Hemingway Society's popular show One True Podcast. more

You've heard about it, but do you really know it? In 3 minutes, we help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. After listening, you will really know for sure. more

A weekly roundup of the most interesting links featured on DamnInteresting.com. Hosted by Jennifer Lee Noonan.

The neuroscience of everyday life without the big words. If you are fascinated with the human brain and would like to learn something new, this is the podcast for you. more

National Park Scouts takes curious kids on awesome adventures through America's national parks. Join us as we investigate wild animals, cool geology, and big mysteries hiding inside these amazing parks.Every time, you'll learn something most adults don't know! We decode park sounds, hear from other kids and learn what makes these national parks so special. more