11 Best Educational Podcasts of All Time

1. Freakonomics Radio

The Freakonomics podcast proves that economics CAN be fun. If you want to skip out on a traditional economics 101 course for something more exciting, then this is one of the best podcasts for learning how the economy works. From game theory at Chuck E. Cheese to Uber’s gender pay gap, you’ll find answers to questions you didn’t realize you were wondering about.

2. The Knowledge Project

In episodes of the Knowledge Project, host Shane Parrish speaks with guests who are experts on a variety of self-improvement topics. Many of these conversations hone in on leadership tactics, innovation, and lifelong learning. This makes each episode well-suited for those who are wanting to elevate their professional development. Overall, in terms of learning and development podcasts, this is a great one to have in your pocket, especially when the time comes for you to pull out a conversation piece at the next networking event.

3. Quiz Quiz Bang Bang

You’ll need a pen and paper (or your smartphone) to record your answers while tuning in to this show! From general knowledge to speciality topics, this trivia style podcast will test your expertise on everything and anything. Originally intended as a practice method for pub trivia games, you can also turn this pod into a fun competition with friends by simply playing along together. This places it high on our list of the best podcasts for learning new things, as it’s also extremely engaging! Once a month, guest players are also brought on the show to compete live, providing fun commentary and support as you test your own know-how.

4. Overheard at National Geographic

Good informative podcasts that touch on the world around us can be difficult to find, but this one is certainly a gem. In this podcast, we’re brought into National Geographic’s HQ, where their Indian Jones-esque team of biologists and writers dive into their latest finds. It’s safe to say that if you’re looking for more enlightenment on the planet we live on, this is where you’ll find it. From the search for the world’s southernmost tree to scuba diving beneath a pyramid in Sudan, the episodes are never dull. The National Geographic team does a superb job of bringing us into their wild adventures and discoveries—for some of the best podcast learning you can do!

5. TED Talks Daily

We all know and love TED Talks for their ability to bring up thought-provoking topics. TED Talks Daily is no different. Listen in as thought leaders probe you with empowering and inspirational lessons. Host Elise Hu is also a captivating speaker, making her one of the best educational podcasts hosts. As a bonus, these episodes are often under 20 minutes long, so you can easily squeeze them into your day.

6. Hidden Brain

Impress your friends with an array of knowledge on human behaviour with this educational podcast. This is the best podcast to learn about why we act in the manners that we do, and may be of particular interest to those who have a love for psychology. But be warned: you may become hyper-conscious of your daily actions and thoughts—from the way you laugh to your relationship struggles.

7. CodeNewbie

If you’re searching for a coding podcast for beginners, CodeNewbie is a great go-to. Many new developers have applauded the show for its encouraging advice on everything from building your own app to securing your first full-time job, making it different from your typical learn to code podcast. The show has also done a phenomenal job of selecting its guests from a variety of backgrounds, including self-taught gurus to the best and brightest from The New York Times, Google, and more.

8. Coffee Break French

Whether you’re on your way to becoming a polyglot or picking up a second language, there are several free french podcasts for beginners. However, Coffee Break French could easily be considered the best, due to how they break down terminology and phrases in a digestible way. With over 200 French lessons that become progressively more complex, the show guides you to become an advanced learner. High on the practicality list, you’ll be able to do everything from introduce yourself to complain about your cold meal (hey, it happens), in no time!

9. Life Kit: Money

Adulting can be hard, but knowing the best podcast to learn finance strategies certainly helps! The handy part about this show is that they assume you have no pre-existing financial knowledge, making it one of the most appropriate podcasts for beginner investors. Beyond the stock market, they also offer practical advice on how to best spend your money, touching on topics such as what to purchase at the grocery store and how to master buying a car.

10. 50 Things That Made the Modern Economy

After listening to this series, you’ll never look at stamps, rubber, or even a pencil in the same way again. As a long-time Financial Times columnist, host Tim Harford knows a thing or two about the economy, and walks us through how everyday objects have had a considerable impact on the world. Each episode starts by taking us back to the origin of “how it all started” in an enjoyable, story-like fashion, making this an easy and educational listen.

11. Stuff You Should Know

In Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh and Chuck cover valuable topics that commonly arise in today’s society, but that in reality, you may have little knowledge about. This includes overviews of how global warming actually works, why swing states matter, and even how sushi became a global phenomenon. If you’re looking for podcasts that teach you something, this is a light, conversational-style series that will help fill your quest for knowledge.