10 Best Educational Podcasts for Lifelong Learners

Learning can never be enough. In a world full of so much information and fascinating facts, you can never have enough knowledge. And if you are always curious in search of information, education podcasts are a great place to feed your mind.

For lifelong learners, educational podcasts offer a convenient and fun way to get knowledge while you are on the go. You can easily listen to one of these podcasts while commuting or relaxing at home. We have listed the top 10 educational podcasts for long-term learners covering various topics, from science and education to self-discipline and growth. These are a few topics that you can never get enough of. Everyone, from teenagers to people in their 50s, can benefit from these podcasts.

Two Male bloggers filming online episode of Educational Podcasts

So, if you are curious and want to dive into the world of knowledge, these 10 entertaining and educational podcasts are exactly what you need. These are available on all podcast hosting platforms and services, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, PodBean, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Overcast, and Pocket Casts.

So, without further ado, let us look into the list of educational podcasts and then what makes them so popular.

All podcasts on this list are available on major platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Most episodes are free to stream. Subscribe to get new episodes automatically.

10 Best Educational Podcasts

The EdSurge on Air

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One of the most popular educational podcasts and probably the most sought-after on our list, The EdSurge On Air Podcast is the go-to place for anybody who wants to know about the future of education and technology. The podcast contains a lot of interviews and discussions with top educators and innovators that explain the future of learning. The EdSurge Podcast is for people who love exploring new ideas and are always eager to learn.

The EdSurge on Air

The EdSurge on Air

  • Episodes: 400+
  • Average length: 30 min
  • Best for: EdTech enthusiasts
  • Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Weekly podcast exploring the future of education and technology. Features interviews with top educators, researchers, and innovators reshaping how we learn.

The History Extra

If you are interested in history and old tales, this podcast is for you. The History Extra Podcast will make you relive history. It is like a time machine that talks about ancient civilizations, famous battles, great empires, and historical figures. Not every fact and theory is present in textbooks, so if you want a little more in-depth knowledge, listen to this podcast. Every episode brings about something new, something fascinating for all the curious minds out there.

The History Extra

The History Extra

  • Episodes: 500+
  • Average length: 35 min
  • Best for: History buffs
  • Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BBC Sounds
The official podcast of BBC History Magazine. Covers ancient civilizations, famous battles, empires, and historical figures with expert historians.

TED Talks Education

TED Talks is a highly popular talk show that covers a wide range of topics. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design; thus, its episodes contain relevant information in the three domains. Experts come and share facts and inspiring stories in small talks. Each episode comes with fun and intriguing topics ranging from physics and mathematics to psychology, architecture, and even human emotions.

TED Talks provides a platform for storytelling and a source for people to expand their knowledge of miscellaneous topics and gain everyday skills.

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TED Talks Education

TED Talks Education

  • Episodes: 200+
  • Average length: 15 min
  • Best for: Quick inspiration
  • Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TED app
Curated talks from the TED stage covering education, technology, design, and human potential. Short, inspiring episodes from world-class speakers.

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know” is like a teacher on your mobile. The podcasters behind “Stuff You Should Know,” Josh and Chuck, take you on an adventure of learning full little topics ranging from science and history to entertainment and pop culture. So, if you always want to stay updated with the trendiest news, this podcast is for you. Each episode is special, and what makes it even more special is how the podcast sounds like a silly conversation between two friends. It is lighthearted yet filled with information, making the podcast a must-listen for curious minds.

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

  • Episodes: 1500+
  • Average length: 50 min
  • Best for: Curious generalists
  • Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart
Hosts Josh and Chuck explore how everything works, from science and history to pop culture. One of the most downloaded podcasts of all time.

The Art of Charm

The Art of Charm is a lifestyle podcast that helps you improve your social life, develop communication skills, and become a better converser. The podcast deals with topics like self-improvement, building confidence, improving relationships, and presenting yourself better. It is a course on how to improve social skills and excel in both your personal and professional life.

We suggest the podcast, especially if you are a socially awkward and shy person. Following the tips given in the podcast can change your view of life and drastically improve your social life.

The Art of Charm

The Art of Charm

  • Episodes: 800+
  • Average length: 45 min
  • Best for: Social skill building
  • Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
A lifestyle and self-improvement podcast focused on building social skills, confidence, and better relationships for personal and professional growth.

The Infinite Monkey Cage

The Infinite Monkey Cage is a science and technology podcast hosted by Brian Cox and Robin Ince. Here, you will get information on topics like physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, mathematics, and more. The podcast is pretty lighthearted and fun to hear, but that doesn’t mean it lacks information. The lively talk between all the hosts, the panel members, and the guests makes the show entertaining and not so serious, even when discussing complex scientific concepts. It is a chill way to broaden your horizon in science. A few topics covered in the podcast include stuff like the cosmos, quantum mechanics, the human brain, and genetics.

The Infinite Monkey Cage

The Infinite Monkey Cage

  • Episodes: 200+
  • Average length: 45 min
  • Best for: Science lovers
  • Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BBC Sounds
Brian Cox and Robin Ince host this BBC science comedy podcast covering physics, biology, astronomy, and more. Entertaining and educational in equal measure.

Freakonomics Radio

Freakonomics Radio is a podcast on economics based on the popular book “Freakonomics” by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven D. Levitt. The podcast, also hosted by them, is an extension of the book. You will learn about the principles of economics and how human behavior shapes our world.

Economics is essentially present everywhere. From small daily things to large organizations, economics keeps our society from falling apart. In a lighthearted way, the podcast discusses the same relevance of economics through the mouths of experts and industry specialists. You will get to see the world in a completely new way with Freakonomics Radio, as it will help you relate economic theories to current news and changes around the globe.

Freakonomics Radio

Freakonomics Radio

  • Episodes: 500+
  • Average length: 40 min
  • Best for: Economics and behavior
  • Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher
Based on the bestselling book by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt. Explores the hidden side of everything through the lens of economics and human behavior.

What’s Next TBD

With two new weekly episodes, What’s Next TBD is a podcast focusing on technology. It covers various topics from fake news generation to augmented reality – anything related to the ever-expanding technology and its influence on our daily lives. Hosted by Lizzie O’Leary, the show is a news channel as it is associated with Slate’s “What Next” daily news program. The episodes are short, with an average time of 20 to 30 minutes, and you can easily catch up to them on the go.

What's Next TBD

What's Next TBD

  • Episodes: 200+
  • Average length: 25 min
  • Best for: Tech news
  • Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Slate
A Slate podcast hosted by Lizzie O’Leary covering how technology is changing everything from fake news to augmented reality. Short, focused episodes.

The MindShift Podcast

The MindShift Podcast is your go-to place if you want to get your life together. It talks about the science of mental health and learning and how to stay motivated or be productive. In a word, the podcast is here to help you bring about a positive change in your life. Hosted by Darrell Evan, the podcast is a fun and not-so-serious way to keep yourself motivated and learn ways to move forward with your life and achieve your goals.

The MindShift Podcast

The MindShift Podcast

  • Episodes: 300+
  • Average length: 35 min
  • Best for: Personal development
  • Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Hosted by Darrell Evans, this podcast covers mental health, productivity, motivation, and personal growth. Practical strategies you can apply immediately.

The Brain Science Podcast

With Ginger Campbell, a renowned MD, as its host, The Brain Science Podcast is here to help you understand the world of neuroscience. You can learn about the science behind the brain, recent discoveries in neurology, and technologies invented to help us understand the human brain a bit better.

Ginger Campbell also invites various neuroscientists as guests on the show to talk and shed light on the mysteries of the human brain. Coming from top experts in neuroscience, the podcast will surely show you a new perspective on the world of brain science.

The Brain Science Podcast

The Brain Science Podcast

  • Episodes: 200+
  • Average length: 50 min
  • Best for: Neuroscience enthusiasts
  • Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Dr. Ginger Campbell interviews leading neuroscientists about the brain, consciousness, and recent discoveries. A deep dive into how the brain works.

Looking for more learning resources? Pair these podcasts with online courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy for a deeper dive into any subject that catches your interest.

Endnote on Educational Podcasts

There you have it! These were our selection of the top 10 best educational podcasts for lifelong learners. From education and economics to technology and neuroscience, we have covered many topics that curious minds would love to know about.

These may seem overbearing, but trust us, with all the talented hosts, the podcasts are a simplified way to teach us complex concepts and their practical use. You can be commuting to work, hitting the gym, or relaxing at home; pick an episode and tune in. It is surely going to be not only knowledgeable but also entertaining. So, without any delay, pick the subject you are most curious about and continue on your path of learning.

If you are unsure which to pick first, start from #1 all the way down to #10.

You can never know too much, so happy listening!

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about educational podcasts for lifelong learners.

What are the best educational podcasts for students?

EdSurge on Air, TED Talks Education, and Stuff You Should Know are top picks. EdSurge covers education technology, TED offers short inspiring talks, and SYSK explores fascinating topics across every subject.

Are educational podcasts free to listen to?

Yes. All the podcasts on this list are free to stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms. Some may offer premium content, but the core episodes cost nothing.

How long are most educational podcast episodes?

Episode lengths vary by show. TED Talks Education episodes run about 15 minutes, while Stuff You Should Know and Freakonomics Radio average 40-50 minutes. Most educational podcasts fall in the 25-45 minute range.

Can podcasts replace traditional learning?

Podcasts complement traditional learning but don’t replace it. They’re best for discovering new ideas, staying current on topics, and reinforcing concepts you’ve studied elsewhere.

What is the best podcast for learning about science?

The Infinite Monkey Cage by Brian Cox and Robin Ince covers physics, biology, and astronomy with humor. The Brain Science Podcast is excellent specifically for neuroscience.

Which podcast is best for economics?

Freakonomics Radio is the standout choice. Based on the bestselling book, it explores the hidden side of everything through economic thinking and human behavior research.

Are there educational podcasts for self-improvement?

The Art of Charm focuses on social skills and confidence building. The MindShift Podcast covers motivation, productivity, and personal growth strategies.

How do I find new educational podcasts?

Start with the podcasts on this list, then check each platform’s ‘related shows’ recommendations. Apple Podcasts and Spotify both have Education category charts that surface popular shows.

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