41 Best University of Chicago Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

We investigate how capitalism is—or more often isn't—working in our world today. Hosted by economist Luigi Zingales and business journalist Bethany McLean, our podcast explains why capitalism can go wrong and what we can do to fix it. Send us your questions or comments by emailing ****@gmail.com Cover photo attributions: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/research/stigler/about/capitalisnt. more

Big Brains explores the groundbreaking research and discoveries that are changing our world. In each episode, we talk to leading experts and unpack their work in straightforward terms. Interesting conversations that cover a gamut of topics from how music affects our brains to what happens after we die. more

The biggest ideas in physics, broken down. Join theoretical physicist Dan Hooper and co-host Shalma Wegsman as they answer your questions about dark matter, black holes, quantum mechanics, and more. Part of The University of Chicago Podcast Network. more

David Axelrod, the founder and director of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, and CNN bring you The Axe Files, a series of revealing interviews with key figures in the political world. Go beyond the soundbites and get to know some of the most interesting players in politics. more

Economists are always talking about The Pie how it grows and shrinks, how it's sliced, and who gets the biggest shares. Join host Tess Vigeland as she talks with leading economists from the University of Chicago about their cutting-edge research and key events of the day. Hear how the economic pie is at the heart of issues like the aftermath of a global pandemic, jobs, energy policy, and more. more

With all the noise created by a 24/7 news cycle, it can be hard to really grasp what's going on in politics today. We provide a fresh perspective on the biggest political stories not through opinion and anecdotes, but rigorous scholarship, massive data sets and a deep knowledge of theory. Understand the political science beyond the headlines with Harris School of Public Policy Professors William Howell, Anthony Fowler and Wioletta Dziuda. Our show is part of the University of Chicago Podcast Network. more

Elucidations is an unexpected philosophy podcast produced in association with Emergent Ventures. Every episode, Matt Teichman temporarily transforms himself back into a student and tries to learn the basics of some topic from a person of philosophical interest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Rights matter, but conversations about rights can be polarizing, confusing and frustrating. Lawyers and law professors Claudia Flores and Tom Ginsburg have traveled the world getting into the weeds of global human rights debates. On Entitled, they use that expertise to explore the stories and thorny questions around why rights matter and what's the matter with rights. Entitled is produced with the support of University of Chicago Law School and Yale Law School, and is part of the award winning University of Chicago Podcast Network. more

Carry the Two pulls back the curtain to reveal the mathematical and statistical gears that turn the world. We're the show for people who enjoy discovering hidden elements that impact our lives in the most unexpected ways, and math is certainly one of those!We are a curiosity-driven podcast that looks to find unique perspectives from the fields of mathematics and statistics.We use stories to convey how mathematical research drives the world around us, with each episode tackling a different topic. This can be anything from modeling how bees in a swarm make group decisions to how we can use textual analysis to reveal surprising changes in policy documents.You can also find Carry the Two on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.Carry the Two is hosted by Sadie Witkowski and Ian Martin. Audio production by Tyler Damme. Music is from Blue Dot Sessions. more

The Chicago Booth Review Podcast is the audio companion to CBR's coverage of the latest academic research in business, policy, and markets. Each week we dig into CBR articles and videos to examine a different topic in depth, from inflation to artificial intelligence. Join host and CBR editor-in-chief Hal Weitzman for groundbreaking research, explained in a clear and straightforward way. more

Listen to lectures by—and discussions with—the University of Chicago Law School's eminent faculty, as well as some very special guests. more

A podcast series featuring all things related to search funds and entrepreneurship through acquisition. Hosted by Brian O'Connor, Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business and Managing Partner of NextGen Growth Partners. more

Are you tired of the same climate and energy stories? A warmer world is here. We're living with it. Now what? Will countries ever stop burning fossil fuels? Should we use less energy? Can we adapt to a warmer world? What will it cost? Sometimes, we need to start by reexamining things we thought we knew.Axios journalist Amy Harder and University of Chicago economist Michael Greenstone share new ways of thinking about the challenge from people on the frontlines as well as cutting-edge solutions — like changing the earth's atmosphere, making batteries out of sodium and using artificial intelligence to predict the weather. Listen to learn about energy, climate, and the shocking ideas that will change your perspective. more

This is 'Briefly,' a podcast produced by The University of Chicago Law Review. Join us as we discuss current cases, contemporary controversies, and the forefront of legal scholarship. more

Chicago Booth believes in life-long career development to help you maintain your professional edge. Through CareerCast, an online, audio recording series, we give alumni and students the chance to hear experts discuss topics such as crafting your story, making an industry or function change, managing employees, taking the entrepreneurial plunge and more. Because these talks are available online, you can access them anytime, anywhere and as often as you want.You will have the opportunity to submit questions to the speaker in advance of the broadcast. Then check in the third Friday of each month to listen to the interview. For 24 hours after the broadcast, you can submit follow-up questions.We've created a CareerCast webpage for each broadcast where you can get more information about that month's topic. The page will feature useful links to tools, books, articles and first-hand stories. more

What conversations happen in and outside of the operating room, between surgeons, that patients don't often hear? What can be done to minimize the number of individuals who fall through the cracks of the U.S. healthcare system, so they can get the surgical care they need? As a surgery resident and public health advocate, Dr. Anthony Douglas has seen the ways biases limit access for patients, leading to poor health outcomes, especially for the most vulnerable in one's communities. Deep Cuts, the first podcast from The University of Chicago Department of Surgery, addresses these questions while exploring why equity and community-focused care matter in surgery, and how these topics improve outcomes for the patients and communities served not only on the South Side of Chicago, but also across the United States of America. more

Each year state and local governments spend $4 trillion dollars. Where does that money come from? Where does it go? Who manages it? And what do citizens and taxpayers have to show for it? In this podcast we explore the budgets, bonds, and bureaucrats at the heart of state and local public finance. The Public Money Pod is a production of the University of Chicago's Center for Municipal Finance. It is co-hosted by Liz Farmer and Justin Marlowe. more

The official podcasts of The Chicago Maroon, the University of Chicago's largest student-run paper since 1892.Feedback and inquiries: tinyurl.com/2m4xuzfnSpotify: tinyurl.com/4wrrkr26Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/urzt6h2y more

UC3P is a student-run podcast network based at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy. Our main page hosts current events, politics, research, debates, and more from across the University of Chicago. more

Why are some places affected by violence and disorder while others enjoy peace and stability? From the University of Chicago Public Policy Podcasts, 'Root of Conflict' analyzes violent conflict around the world, and the people, societies, and policy issues it affects. We meet with leading experts to discuss what can be done to create more peaceful societies. We're produced and hosted by Sabrina Beaver. more

Visceral: Listen to Your Gut features the latest research updates and treatment options on specific digestive diseases. Episodes are presented by the physician-scientists and experts at the University of Chicago and feature compelling patient stories. Podcast episode topics include pediatric Crohn's disease; risk and prevention of GI cancer; hepatology and liver disease; the microbiome and gut health; surgical treatments for ulcerative colitis, and the intersection of diet, nutrition, and GI health. more

Presented by the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Center for Research on Wealth Inequality and Mobility at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy, The Inequality Podcast brings together scholars across disciplines to discuss the causes and consequences of inequality and strategies to promote economic mobility. This podcast is hosted by sociologist Geoff Wodtke and economists Steven Durlauf and Damon Jones. more

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures of the University of Chicago is a leading research center for the ancient Middle East. The museum houses some 350,000 artifacts — around 5,000 of which are on display — excavated mainly by ISAC archaeologists. Founded in 1919, at a time when the Middle East was called the Orient, ISAC has pioneered innovative excavations and comprehensive dictionary projects that chronicle ancient civilizations. The ISAC Museum aims to understand, reveal, and protect ancient Middle Eastern civilizations. more

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics at the University of Chicago (BFI) serves as a hub for cutting-edge analysis and research across the entire UChicago economics community to uncover new ways of thinking about the field. Featuring conversations and lectures from premier BFI events, this podcast explores the latest economic insights and trends from leading voices in policy, business, the media, and academia, revealing how rigorous thinking shapes our understanding of the world. more

'Battle of the Branches,' a joint initiative of the UChicago Law School, the Harris School of Public Policy and the Social Sciences Division of the University of Chicago. This is part of a project that we call the Balance of Powers, which is driven by the expertise of individual faculty members from across the University of Chicago. more

Podcast by University of Chicago Divinity School

In 2010, the University of Chicago Medicine spearheaded the use of the ECHO model in an urban setting with the launch of ECHO-Chicago, the longest-running urban ECHO program in the world. ECHO-Chicago leverages existing assets by bringing together community health centers (CHCs) and academic medical centers for collaborative, curriculum-based, iterative, case-based learning. Using video-conference technology, ECHO-Chicago provides 'telementoring' for community-based providers in managing common chronic physical and mental health conditions with the goal of improving healthcare outcomes for underserved populations. Join ECHO-Chicago for our new podcast series where we share stories and information from our program! Looking for more information about ECHO? Check out our website at www.echo-chicago.org more

What does it take to lead with purpose across a lifetime? Enduring Excellence features in-depth conversations with leaders, cultural figures, and scholars who have shaped their fields over the long arc of time. Hosted by former CNBC anchor Tyler Mathisen, the series offers thoughtful perspectives on excellence, continuous learning, and what it means to lead and live at the highest level, over a lifetime. The podcast is produced by the Graham School, the University of Chicago's home for lifelong learning and leadership. more

Created by The University of Chicago Campus in Hong Kong, The Course is a compilation of personal conversations with professors from The University of Chicago. Each episode features one professor, where they talk about who they are outside lecture halls, the path that led them to become a professor, and all the ups and downs along the way. For curious students and anyone interested, here's The Course on career stories as told by professors from UChicago. more

The In-House Ethicist provides you new ways of thinking about the moral dilemmas we face when we're at work, out in society, or in the privacy of our own homes. Host John Paul Rollert doesn't give you feel good, cookie-cutter answers or bullet point to-do lists. You're already on LinkedIn. Instead, He takes the 'Great Books' approach the University of Chicago is famous for, drawing on lessons from history, literature, philosophy, and political economy as well as popular politics, contemporary culture, and the modern business experience. If you want to be challenged to think a little harder and learn something completely new, then you're in the right place.A Chicago Booth Review podcast. more

The World Beyond the Headlines series is a collaborative project of the Center for International Studies, the International House Global Voices Program, and the Seminary Co-op Bookstores and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Its aim is to bring scholars and journalists together to consider major international issues and how they are covered in the media. more

Interested in ideas that can help improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities? Hear UChicago Crown Family School faculty and colleagues discuss ideas and topics in social work, social welfare, and policy. The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice is one of the top ranked graduate schools of social work and this podcast reflects our mission. In each episode, a different Crown Family School faculty member will be joined in a conversation with an expert in their field to talk about issues and ideas that can help advance a more just and humane society. more

How do we know our selves, the world, or anything else for that matter?  Join University of Chicago professor Eric Oliver as he explores this question with some of the world's most interesting minds. more

Chicago Policy Radio seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and policy practice. Featuring short, insightful conversations with prominent policy makers and academics, our podcasts keeps you informed of the most innovative policy ideas from academia and from the field. Chicago Policy Radio is a production of the Chicago Policy Review and the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy. Test. more

ChatADS is a podcast from the University of Chicago exploring how data science and artificial intelligence are shaping industries, careers, and the world around us.Hosted by Daniel Truesdale, Director of Enrollment Management & Analytics, the show features candid conversations with faculty, students, alumni, and industry professionals. Episodes cover real-world applications, career paths, ethical considerations, and emerging trends shaping the future of data science. more

The University of Chicago Division of the Social Sciences' 'Dialogo' Podcast brings alumni into conversation with Paul Poast, Associate Professor in the Dept. of Political Science and Deputy Dean for Doctoral Education, and Kelly Pollock, Dean of Students. Each season will feature alumni with careers in a particular field or industry. more

A policy potpourri, The Forum is a space to engage with a grab bag of fresh perspectives and new voices. Each episode features a member of UChicago's Harris policy community sharing their hallway conversations, the concept, intervention, or discussion that has their attention in the public policy space. It's a West Wing walk and talk without the Sorkin script. Pull up a bench and join UC3P in: The Forum. Presented by the University of Chicago Public Policy Podcasts (UC3P). more

Interviews with authors of University of Chicago Press books.

Policy People is the newest podcast from the University of Chicago Public Policy Podcast Network (UC3P). In this series, we will be interviewing current MPP and MSCAPP students on their previous experiences, their background, and why and how they ended up in Harris! There are so many stories waiting to be unfolded, and we want you to be part of it! more

Season 2 of Cancer Luminaries spotlights the groundbreaking work and visionary leadership shaping cancer care and research at the University of Chicago today. Through conversations with leading faculty, the season highlights the rich history, expertise, and innovation driving progress—while exploring future ambitions as UChicago prepares to open its new Cancer Pavilion. Featuring personal stories and perspectives, this season offers insight into current breakthroughs, evolving approaches to treatment, and the people advancing the field, all while amplifying UChicago's voice on the national stage. 2024 was the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center's 50th anniversary of National Cancer Institute designation, thus we planned a year full of events to honor our past, communicate our present, and envision our future. Season 1 of Cancer Luminaries Season 1 was our effort to learn more about the lives and careers of our Alumni Stars Lecture Series' invited guests. more

Burning Issues is a podcast focused on the diverse issues and policy challenges of wildfires in the American West. Join University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy students Matt Kaufmann, Emily Barnett, Jonas Heim, and Mia Jiang as they explore the intersection of wildfires and policy issues such as housing, energy, and land conservation. Additional support by Harrison Lee and Gabriele Bortolotti. Brought to you by the University of Chicago Public Policy Podcasts more