Rogan, an accomplished stand-up comedian, former MMA fighter, and commentator, seems an unconventional choice for delving into the complexities of scientific discourse. Yet, this very diversity makes the “Joe Rogan Experience” a unique platform in the world of podcasts.

Rogan’s transition from the high-octane world of mixed martial arts to the often reflective and contemplative sphere of podcasting is as intriguing as it is unexpected and divisive. Whether you love or hate him, you’ve got an opinion on his impact.

His primary role as a comedian and commentator has equipped him with a conversational style that is at the same time, engaging and relatable. This style, coupled with a genuine curiosity for a wide range of subjects, allows Rogan to navigate complex scientific discussions easily (if not always accurately), making them accessible to a broad audience.

The “Joe Rogan Experience” is more than just a podcast; it’s a bridge between the scientific community and the general public, demystifying science in a way few other platforms have managed. He’s not a scientist by any stretch, but there’s no denying he’s bringing real scientists some genuine exposure to audiences they otherwise might not have a chance to connect with.

In this blog post, we will explore Rogan’s influence on bringing science into the mainstream through his podcast, highlighting his engaging interviews with guests like luminary astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson and examining the wider impact of this medium on public understanding of scientific matters.

Joe Rogan’s journey to becoming a podcasting titan is as unconventional as it is impressive. Known primarily as a stand-up comedian and a color commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Rogan’s foray into podcasting wasn’t an obvious career move. However, since its inception in 2009, the “Joe Rogan Experience” has grown exponentially, becoming one of the most downloaded podcasts globally.

Joe Rogan’s Influence on Podcasting

Rogan’s influence in the podcasting world stems from his ability to blend humor, insight, and a wide array of interests into a format that appeals to a diverse audience. His relaxed, conversational style, devoid of the formal constraints typical of traditional media, invites listeners into what feels like an intimate discussion among friends. He seems at ease (whether authentic or not) with fellow comedians and the Joe Rogan science guests alike.

This approach has not only garnered a massive following but has also reshaped the landscape of podcasting with his absolutely massive deal with spotify.

A significant aspect of Rogan’s influence is his openness to exploring a variety of topics, including science. He does so as a long-form discussion without notes that allows the guests time to breathe and the discussion to flow naturally. It’s not something you’re going to see as a B-block guest on Colbert, for example. There isn’t the time.

Unlike typical science communication platforms, Rogan’s podcast doesn’t shy away from controversial or complex subjects. He’s caught a lot of grief for this… sometimes rightly so.

Why the Joe Rogan Science Podcast Guests Bring Out the Best of the Show

This willingness to dive into the depths of scientific discussion without losing the inherent curiosity and excitement that drives science itself has made his podcast a unique and important voice in the world of science communication.

Rogan’s insane audience reach means that his discussions on scientific topics have the potential to influence public opinion and understanding significantly. Or ruin it.

But by bringing esteemed scientists and thinkers to his show, he exposes his audience to scientific ideas and debates that might otherwise remain confined to academic circles. It does seem like a good-faith effort. Not the purist, but done in relatively good faith.

So, who is that helping? Well, you dear reader, of course.

The Best Joe Rogan Podcast Episodes on Science

Let’s get to the meat of the experience. Joe has, without question, brought some pseudo-science to the table along with those who really do their absolute best to follow the scientific process. But like every experiment science conducts, if you’re drawing a conclusion before you test your hypothesis, that’s a problem.

Nobody is perfect, and the cosmos is a mysterious place generally, but this round-up is sure to evolve. Keep checking back. Sign up for our email list to get updated on our latest curation efforts.

A Recurring Theme Among Joe Rogan Science Guests

One thing you’re going to notice in the Joe Rogan Experience world is that credible guests will appear multiple times. If someone is a complete crackpot, well, sometimes there are booking issues. Science is a long game, right? The universe is 14 billion years old? We think?

It’s, then, laudable that the Joe Rogan science guests making multiple appearances are not only experts in their fields but are solid communicators of their work. As such, I’m not going to mention each and every appearance a particular guest may have made. These are just the episodes that you should listen to first to broaden your horizons as a listener.

If I didn’t pick your favorite, we may circle back. Hit us up on… ugh… X (@Discover_Pods), to let us know what you think is a better Joe Rogan science podcast episode.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson

Neil has been appearing on Joe Rogan’s show since way back in 2013. Right around the dawn of podcasting, he’s been appearing. You can scantly have a Joe Rogan science podcast without Neil. Of course you can… keep reading, but he’s a staple in science media in general.

What makes his appearances so memorable and some of the most worthwhile shows to listen to is his innate (and practiced) ability to break down physics and the wonders of the universe in a way most everyone can understand. He makes items on massive scales, like the solar system comprehensible to the average Joe. See what I did there?

Now, granted, in addition to being an extremely gifted scientist, Neil is also a tremendous science communicator, so when he’s doing this show, he’s in his “pop” science mode, which makes these episodes all the more accessible.

One of my favorite appearances is episode #1159. The discussion starts and orbits around the intrinsic value of learning and how to become more curious generally. When the world is changing faster than ever, fostering that curiosity is more important than ever. Learning ought not to end with school.

Not only do they discuss astrophysics, cosmology, and Neil’s show Star Talk, but they bring so many other shows that can introduce science in an entertaining manner to the masses. He’s our generation’s Carl Sagan… he does host Cosmos, after all.

He’s one of the guests who draws the best out of a conversation with Rogan and creates some of the best content as a result.

Medicinal Mushrooms with Paul Stamets

Episode #1035 introduces the listeners to mycologist Paul Stamets for a wide-ranging discussion about altering consciousness and fungus’s role in practical medicine.

Now, obviously, we’re not promoting illicit drug use, but with programs like Mind Bloom making strides into the world of mental health and states like California seriously working to legalize psychedelics, this conversation is more important and relevant than maybe it has ever been.

Rogan, himself, is not shy about his use of mind-altering substances to explore his own consciousness. He’ll even walk right up to the line of recommending the experience without really crossing it. This conversation was way back in 2017. A conversation ahead of its time, the acceptability of cutting-edge science versus what society is ready to accept, can take a while.

Gallileo, Gallileo… and so forth.

This past summer, Joe had Amanda Fielding on the show to discuss psychedelics as well. While not a purely science-based episode or a classically trained scientist herself, she has worked in the field for over 50 years. In addition, her Beckley Foundation has a scientific advisory committee that is dripping with credentials.

This is a good example of a subject where Rogan has drawn some backlash. However, it makes for some great entertainment and should pique some curiosity or interest.

Joe Rogan Podcast Episode #1233 – Brian Cox

From across the pond, this episode brings us a fascinating conversation with particle physicist Brian Cox from the University of Manchester.

This conversation will blow your mind. For a couple of obvious reasons. One, contemplating the infinite is positively fascinating, and two, Cox was able to mount a global tour selling thousands of tickets per engagement to talk about cosmology. To discuss the absolutely unfathomable complexities of the universe and how what we call reality came to be. Or possibly how it came to be.

I’m not sure how many of us were around 13 billion years ago to say exactly what happened with the Big Bang, but that we can discuss it in a popular manner with expertise and rigor is encouraging.

In college, I had a professor who mentioned that sitting in on university lectures was how his mother exposed them as children to new ideas. It was their primary form of entertainment during high school for budgetary reasons, and this discussion/tour reminded me of that professor. It’s just all around, very encouraging stuff.

I don’t want to spoil the conversation for you any more than I have, but spend a couple of hours, perhaps with mushrooms, and get a larger perspective on existence.

Episode #1958 – Andrew Huberman, PhD

Andrew Huberman has been mentioned on this site before. I first heard him on the James Altucher show during the pandemic, discussing his work at Stanford and the Huberman Lab. He also has a podcast of the same name that you should check out if you enjoy this discussion with Joe.

While a trained neuroscientist, Huberman’s main focus is on improving human health using science-based approaches. It’s pretty widely known America has a problem with our collective health, so this discussion is right up a fitness buff like Rogan’s alley.

Now, these guys come from wildly different backgrounds, but everyone likes food, and they both like nutrition. It’s a good example of Rogan’s ability to skillfully interview a guest by expressing genuine curiosity.

Episode #940 – Sam Harris & Dan Harris

Two Harris’ (Harrisey?) for the price of one with this episode of JRE. Like Andrew Huberman, Sam Harris has a PhD in neuroscience and a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Harvard University. He’s probably more well known for his book The End of Faith, but he does take a very methodical, logical approach to his philosophical work. Not unlike a mathematician. Which can draw some ire from his critics.

Affleck, looking at you here, bud.

Say what you will about Joe Rogan science podcast episodes, but he’s given science and scientific topics a new push. But he wasn’t the bomb in Phantoms. That’s all Ben.

Dan Harris, to whom Sam is not related, is a former anchor for ABC and is now working on his project, 10% Happier. They both have podcasts and have become media figures in their own right, which is why this discussion is particularly engaging.

Sam Harris has been on the Experience a few times, but putting all three of these guys in the same room was very interesting. If you are into Joe Rogan and haven’t listened to either Sam or Dan, you will need to add their shows to your queue.

Dan’s description of a panic attack and how utterly consuming they are was of particular interest, and Sam’s take from the scientific insight was welcome.

Start with this episode, and then check out some of Sam’s other appearances on the show. If you’re interested in starting your own podcast, and you certainly should be, Joe and Sam have a discussion about how the human brain, from a neuroscience perspective, changes how you might go about monetizing said podcast.

Practical science in action there in Episode #1241.

They also discuss presidential candidates, censorship, Snowden, and all sorts of other topics that aren’t exactly science but are spurred by curiosity. So, that’s still fun.

Episode #1428 – Brian Greene

Brian Greene is a genius. Full stop. The scope of his work is to explain the universe from beginning to end and everything in between. Quantum mechanics, supernova, entropy, Stephen Hawking, universal field theory, order and chaos… it’s all on the menu.

Existential questions abound around every corner, which really put life into perspective. The finitude of life and the knowledge of that mortality is what makes us special, according to Greene. How does that small slice of time stack up in the cosmos? Especially since “we” think all complex matter will decay into nothing.

Could simulation theory help our finite minds grasp these monumentally complex concepts?

This discussion will suck you in and get the brain juices flowing.

Controversies and Criticisms

Rogan is a controversial figure. He’s divisive. No doubt about that, though I’m not sure that’s always intentional. Just about everyone in the podcast community has an opinion, and a good deal of time is that Joe Rogan sucks.

This needs to be taken with a grain of salt, though. He gets into trouble when he strays outside his perceived lane and into subject matters where he’s not a subject matter expert. But at heart, he’s an entertainer. What else would we, should we, expect?

Joe Rogan’s approach to podcasting, while widely popular and influential, has not been without its controversies, particularly in the realm of science communication. Two notable issues that have sparked debate are the reaction of some in the science community to Spotify’s support of Rogan and accusations of spreading misinformation.

Spotify’s Support: A “Slap in the Face” to Some in the Science Community

When Spotify signed an exclusive deal with the “Joe Rogan Experience,” it was seen by many as a significant win for the streaming platform. However, this move wasn’t received positively by all. Like, at all.

Some figures in the science podcasting community, such as the hosts and creators of science-focused content, viewed Spotify’s support of Rogan as a ‘slap in the face.‘ This sentiment stems from Rogan’s occasional hosting of guests who have controversial or fringe views on scientific topics.

For a platform to endorse Rogan’s podcast, which sometimes strays from the mainstream scientific consensus, felt to some like a disregard for the rigorous standards typically upheld in scientific discourse. This criticism highlights the tension between the open, exploratory nature of podcast discussions and the precision and consensus sought in scientific communication.

But Spotify is a business. A business that just dropped a tremendous amount of money on Joe Rogan’s person. Again, what should we expect from Spotify and specifically Ek? They caught a good deal of grief from the censorship lobby when they culled some of his past shows from the catalog. Should we really expect stronger methods of scientific rigor to be used by someone who is objectively not a scientist?

He talks about the existence of aliens in the same breath as a keto diet. I’m exaggerating somewhat, but these discussions are often all over the place.

Accusations that Rogan was Indulging in the Spreading of Misinformation

Joe Rogan has also faced accusations of spreading misinformation, particularly in episodes where the discussion veers into highly controversial or complex scientific topics. In some instances, his platform has given voice to perspectives that challenge or contradict established scientific consensus without sufficient counterbalance or fact-checking.

These instances have raised concerns about the responsibility of influential media figures to ensure the accuracy of the information they disseminate, especially on topics like public health or climate change where misconceptions can have real-world consequences. This was of particular interest during the pandemic when Joe Rogan flirted or outright questioned the validity of COVID-19 vaccines.

Wendy Zukerman and Blythe Terrell of the Science Vs podcast specifically called out Spotify’s content moderation rules, in an open letter, which they saw as lacking when it came to the Rogan show specifically. In protest, they went so far as to stop producing new episodes of their show on the platform unless they were created specifically to combat misinformation. Literally, they would only create new Science Vs episodes to combat misinformation.

It’s important to recognize the distinction between a platform designed for open conversation, like Rogan’s podcast, and traditional scientific communication channels. While the former provides a space for a wide range of ideas and opinions, the latter is grounded in a rigorous process of peer review and validation.

This difference can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or the spread of unverified information among the public, particularly when complex scientific matters are simplified or discussed without the necessary context.

Weighing the Balance and Seeing the Value

In conclusion, while the “Joe Rogan Experience” has played a significant role in popularizing science and making it more accessible, these controversies underscore the need for critical thinking and further inquiry among listeners. They also highlight the ongoing debate about the role of new media in science communication and the balance between open discourse and maintaining scientific integrity.

Science is the best guess, even by the experts. There’s little doubt that the guests we’ve highlighted here are some of the best in their fields who are subject matter experts. In this format, they’re talking to a curious layman who shouldn’t be seen on par.

When Joe Rogan discusses scientific subjects like vaccines without those subject matter experts and medical professionals, the audience shouldn’t be expected to take that as truth from on high. Discussing the cosmos with Louis C.K. isn’t the same as discussing cosmology with a trained astrophysicist.

See where we’re going here? Does he spread some misinformation? Sure. But, the audience bears some responsibility, when they get called out for saying something ridiculous at a party they heard on Joe Rogan, to, maybe, change their mind and consider their source. Exposure is the critical role Joe Rogan plays here, not subject matter expertise.

The Evolution and Future of Science Podcasting: Comparisons and Predictions

The landscape of science podcasting is diverse, and we think that’s a good thing. “The Joe Rogan Experience” is just one prominent example among many. In a relatively new medium, podcasting is still trying to find its footing and will go through boom and bust cycles.

In comparing Rogan’s podcast episodes that feature science-centric guests with science-focused podcasts, we can glean insights into the evolution of this medium and speculate on its future trajectory.

Comparisons with Science Podcasts

Let’s make this clear upfront. The “Joe Rogan Experience” is not a “science podcast,” per se.

Rogan’s approach to discussing science is markedly different from more traditional science podcasts. Shows like “StarTalk” hosted by Neil DeGrasse Tyson, or “The Infinite Monkey Cage” with Brian Cox, tend to follow a more structured format, often focusing exclusively on scientific content with experts in the field. These podcasts typically aim to educate their audience on scientific concepts, using a blend of humor and rigor to make complex topics digestible.

In contrast, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” with its long-form, conversational style, offers a broader, more eclectic mix of topics, including but not limited to science. This difference in style means that while other science podcasts usually delve deeper into specific scientific issues with a higher degree of precision, Rogan’s podcast offers accessibility and a more diverse range of perspectives, albeit sometimes at the cost of scientific accuracy. Especially when left to his own devices and without a subject matter expert in the room to reign in some of the more controversial claims.

Rogan is an entertainer, albeit a genuinely curious one, but entertainers will stray outside their lane from time to time. We have to accept that as listeners.

The Future of Science Podcasting

Looking ahead, the future of science podcasting appears to be moving towards a blend of entertainment and education, a trend that Joe Rogan has been instrumental in popularizing. The amount of scientific rigor vs entertainment on any given show is going to fall somewhere on a spectrum from completely dry and accurate to completely, and outlandishly, unbelievable.

Rogan’s show skews much further towards the latter, but not so much when he has his scientific subject matter experts in the studio.

As younger audiences increasingly turn to digital media for information and entertainment, the demand for content that is both engaging and informative is likely to grow. So meeting that audience where they’re at is critical in getting the scientific rigor out there.

This evolution suggests a future where science communication is not confined to academic circles or rigid formats but is part of the broader cultural conversation. Podcasts like Rogan’s might serve as gateways, introducing new audiences to scientific ideas, and potentially leading them to seek out more in-depth or traditional scientific content.

The challenge and opportunity for future science podcasting lie in balancing entertainment value with factual accuracy and depth of content. As this medium continues to evolve, it will be crucial for content creators to navigate these dynamics responsibly, ensuring that the pursuit of broader appeal does not compromise the integrity of scientific communication.

Conclusion: Joe Rogan’s Unique Role in Popularizing Science

As we reflect on the “Joe Rogan Experience” and its place in the landscape of science communication, it’s important to reiterate that Joe Rogan is not a scientist, nor is his podcast a traditional science podcast.

However, Rogan’s value to the scientific community should not be underestimated. His podcast serves as a unique and influential platform and introduces a vast audience to scientific ideas and subject matter experts they might not otherwise encounter. The show is a tool. A lens through which science can find a broader audience. Science loves lenses!

Rogan’s strength lies in his ability to entertain, engage in open-ended discussions, and bring a wide range of perspectives to the table. This approach, while not always perfectly (or remotely depending on the guest) aligned with scientific rigor, plays a vital role in exposing listeners to new concepts and sparking curiosity.

Through his conversations with scientists, thinkers, and experts, Rogan has managed to make science more accessible and relatable to a broader audience, particularly the younger generation.

It’s true that Rogan’s methods are not flawless. As an entertainer and a facilitator of discussion rather than a scientific educator, his approach to complex topics can sometimes lead to oversimplifications or misrepresentations. However, the value of his podcast in the context of science communication is its ability to open doors – to introduce scientific ideas to those who might not seek them out independently.

In essence, the “Joe Rogan Experience” underscores a crucial aspect of contemporary science communication: the need to engage with diverse audiences in ways that resonate with them. You have to meet people where they are or they tune out.

While traditional scientific discourse remains vital, platforms like Rogan’s play a complementary role, acting as a bridge between the scientific community and the general public. Scientists doing real science shouldn’t be conflated with what “The Joe Rogan Experience” is.

While Joe Rogan’s podcast may not fit the mold of a conventional science podcast, its contribution to popularizing science cannot be overlooked. By providing a space where science can be discussed in an approachable and engaging manner, Rogan has inadvertently become a significant player in bringing science to the masses. His podcast serves as a reminder of the power of media in shaping public understanding of science and the importance of making science accessible to all.

The post The 7 Best Joe Rogan Science Podcasts on Spotify appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

Podcasts pair very well with nature. Don’t you just love bringing your favorite podcast with you outside for a walk, to sit under a tree, or to hang out at the park? One of my favorite activities when I’m in a rut, creatively, is going on a podcast walk. I stick my AirPods in and set out on an outdoor adventure with zero destination in mind.

I listen to whatever’s in my queue. After just a few minutes of hearing from my favorite hosts and creators, ideas start flowing. On this Earth Day, let’s connect the two.

Why we Celebrate Earth Day and the History of Earth Day

Ironically, we celebrate EarthDay because climate activists and Richard Nixon got on a bit of an environmental kick in the late 1960s. So, the history of EarthDay is a little weird. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 and by the end of that year, the Nixon administration had created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and passed the Clean Air Act.

Environmental degradation and the world’s biodiversity have to be crashing pretty hard for the environmental movement to team up with Richard Nixon. Have environmental issues improved much since then?

Well, we are certainly using more renewable sources of energy and there is an official government organization devoted to problems like air pollution. So maybe future generations have a chance?

These podcasts ought to help us answer some of these pressing questions.

On to The Best EarthDay Podcasts For Your Normal Rotation

While you can find a podcast on pretty much any topic these days, including some fantastic science podcasts generally (let me know if you need any recommendations), in this blog post, I want to highlight podcasts that focus on climate change, the earth, sustainability, and similar topics. Earth Day is here! Let’s celebrate with some audio.

Climate Vision 2050

If you like audio fiction mixed with hope, this show is for you. It imagines a world in which we’ve radically reduced carbon emissions and saved ourselves from a climate catastrophe. The year is 2050. Do you think it’s possible? Listen to find out!

Climavores

How does food fit into the climate and sustainability discussion? Climavores looks into food systems and human consumption habits via this weekly chat show with journalists Tamar Haspel and Mike Grunwald. Learn about how wheat, a vital crop to so many diets, also has some pretty rough climate problems such as causing soil degradation.

Drilled

Amy Westervelt is an award-winning investigative journalist who looks into what she calls “true crimes about climate change.” In her latest series, which dropped both on the Drilled and Damages podcast feeds, Westervelt looks into what happened when Guyanese government officials announced they’d struck oil 40 miles offshore. The show looks at what oil colonialism looks like in the 21st century, and why everyone should care.

Still TBD

Curious about green tech? Still TBD is a solutions-oriented podcast from brothers Matt and Sean Ferrell, who discuss electric vehicles, renewable energy, smart technology, and how all of these impact our lives. Recently, Matt and Sean discussed how the future is… worms? Matt’s popular YouTube channel Undecided, which explores how sustainable and smart technologies impact our lives, has more than a million followers. Still TBD brings his smart and creative reporting and storytelling straight to your ears.

A Matter of Degrees

There’s a lot of doom and gloom when it comes to the climate crisis. Americans like to bounce between optimism and pessimism on a pretty regular basis. It’s something of a staple of the United States.

But what tools do we have to actually do something about it? On A Matter of Degrees, hosts Dr. Leah Stokes and Dr. Katharine Wilkinson discuss current events with a bend towards action, like reducing reliance on fossil fuels like natural gas.

Meet leaders in the climate justice movement, such as Marina Anderson, deputy director of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership, and learn how they are fighting the impacts of the climate crisis.

House on Fire

But where are the young people? You know, the people who are hopefully gonna live on this planet as it warms up… Right here! This show is a youth-centered podcast based in climate ground zero, AKA Miami, Florida. House on Fire brings you intersectional and intergenerational conversations with scientists, activists, artists, and more about how to become active in the climate crisis movement. If you’re looking to get involved, this show will be right up your alley.

TILclimate

Need news about climate change? Need it fast? TILclimate, the award-winning show from MIT, will give it to you. Each episode focuses on one topic and tells you what you need to know about it as it relates to the climate crisis and what you can do about it.

Climate Rising

How does the world of business factor into the climate crisis? Climate Rising from Harvard Business School brings business and policy leaders together to share insights about what business have done, are currently doing, and can do in the future to combat climate change. Where should companies be located? How should they make purchasing decisions? Where should their product roadmaps be focused on? Climate Rising explores these questions and more.

The Trail Ahead

When we refer to “the great outdoors,” what do we really mean? Hosts Faith E. Briggs and Addie Thompson are athletes, environmental advocates, and activities. On The Trail Ahead, they speak with folks from all walks of life about what the outdoors means to them. Part of that discussion is focused on environmental sustainability, but also on equal access to being and enjoying “the great outdoors.” 

Outside/In 

Humans “use” the natural world in a number of ways. Outside/In explores how, mixing powerful storytelling and reporting  to cover topics like hiking, sledding, driving, worms, and so much more. Each episode investigates a topic and shares reflections on how we depict nature. Curious about competitive sled dog racing and how it relates to the climate? Outside/In has got you covered.

Conclusion

This may be where we are ending today, but it isn’t really the conclusion. Get out there and volunteer. Continue to recycle. Pick up a bit of extra litter in your day to day life. Start to compost. Swap out a plastic bottle for a metal flask. Learn something about the endangered species act.

There are a myriad of activities we can collectively do to save our oceans and the planet. Including listening to the relevant podcasts and vetting your resources. Don’t let EarthDay be something we only think about during the spring equinox. It can be something we take part in each and every day.

Happy Earth Day 2023! I hope these podcasts help you celebrate this planet and also expose you to some stories, people, and opportunities you may not have been aware of previously. Happy listening.

The post The Best 10 EarthDay Podcasts To Unlock Your Green Side appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

But even if you don’t have as much time to spend listening to podcasts as I do, there are still plenty of excellent science shows out there for everyone.

Whether your interests lie in zoology or botany or geology or physics or chemistry—or any other discipline in between—there’s bound to be at least one interesting show about it on this list. (Also: sorry for including so many medicine-oriented ones. Sorry, not sorry. I think we need it.)

Sit back, relax and enjoy some fascinating facts from these 17 outstanding science pods!

Radiolab

In their words: “Radiolab is a show about curiosity. Where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and human experience.”

The Gold Standard of Documentary Podcast-Making

If you’ve ever thought about science as the most boring subject in school—or if you’re someone who loves science but finds it hard to explain why it’s so fascinating to others—Radiolab’s podcast will be a great way to learn more about how scientists work and why they do what they do. It can be a little confusing at times (if you’re not a scientist), but this podcast will give you insight into some of today’s biggest questions.

The Life Scientific

If you’re into science, medicine, and the arts, then this podcast is for you. Hosted by Michael Moseley and produced by the BBC (and originally broadcast on Radio 4). It explores all aspects of life as we know it.

The BBC – The Sterling Standard in the Story Telling Podcast World

Each week, Moseley interviews top scientists and doctors about their latest discoveries in science and medicine, covering everything from human evolution to cancer treatments. They also feature special episodes where guests share personal stories about how they became interested in science or discovered their passion for a particular area of study.

Stuff You Should Know

If you’re looking for a podcast that’s both educational and funny, Stuff You Should Know is the perfect fit. The hosts—Josh Clark and Charles W. Chuck Bryant—explore everything from the history of world religions to the science behind breaking up at work.

Getting Inside Ones Head is Our Other Favorite Topic

The show is divided into three different segments: first comes “What Is?” where Josh and Chuck explain topics like how to build a hovercraft or what happens if you eat too much salt; then we get into “How Do I?” which tackles questions ranging from how to clear your Internet browser history on an iPhone to what makes soda fizz; finally comes our favorite part: “Who Made That?” It’s basically just a list of interesting stories about people who’ve made important contributions to society over the years (and sometimes, it involves someone breaking the law).

One thing that makes this podcast stand out from others is its format—instead of having one host reading off facts while music plays in the background, they record their conversations with each other live so listeners can hear them interact with each other. This makes it feel more like listening in on a casual conversation between friends than sitting through a lecture by some boring professor who has no sense of humor!

Invisibilia

Invisibilia is a podcast about the invisible forces that control human behavior. The show, hosted by two NPR favorites, Lulu Miller and Hanna Rosin, brings you stories about the invisible forces that control human behavior — things like ideas, beliefs, assumptions, and emotions. You know, psychology. Why we’re all messed up. If you’re a fan of Hidden Brain, try Invisibilia.

Science Podcasting for the Greater Good

You know how you have that friend who is conspiracy prone because it just “makes sense.” Well, an unintended consequence of Invisibilia is that we get to see how Oz is making the magic happen. Just because it makes sense doesn’t mean it’s a conspiracy. Sometimes it’s science.

Invisibilia was created by Kaitlin Prest of WNYC Studios, along with Lulu Miller and Alix Spiegel of This American Life (another great podcast). In 2014, it won a Peabody Award for its “ability to transport listeners to new worlds and make them care about what happens next.”

Science Friday

NPR podcasts have a reputation for being wonky, but this one is a great place to start if you’re looking for an accessible science show that still covers a lot of ground.

NPR… Cranking Out Great Science Podcasts Since… Ever?

The host, Ira Flatow, is an award-winning journalist who regularly reports on science news and discoveries. The show is broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR) stations across the US and Canada, where it reaches more than 2 million listeners each week—and beyond! It’s also available online via iTunes or wherever you subscribe to podcasts.

Topics covered include space exploration, physics, biology, chemistry, technology, medicine, health and fitness, engineering, robotics, environmental issues, food production, to climate change.

Ologies with Alie Ward

A word of advice for anyone who wants to make a podcast about their favorite subject: don’t do it if you don’t love your topic. Alie’s Ologies Podcast is proof that passion can overcome any obstacle and make even the most difficult subjects accessible and fun. Did you know mountain goats aren’t goats?

Ward has a background in biology and chemistry, but her real interest lies in “the science of the everyday.”

The Ology of life. Is that Theology? No. Wait. Is it?

She’s been writing about science since she was young, starting with her blog Misadventures of a City Girl (which later became an Amazon best-selling book). Most recently, she has written for Popular Mechanics, Wired Magazine, and National Geographic Society, among others. In 2016 she published “Ologies,” which went on to become an international bestseller.

Science Vs

Science Vs is a podcast that explores the evidence behind popular science topics. The hosts are Wendy Zukerman, Julia Belluz, and Christie Taylor. They won the Peabody Award for their show in 2017, which means they’ve been recognized by the most prestigious of awards committees for their excellent work on this podcast.

In 2022 it remains one of the more interesting science podcasts you’ll find.

The show is produced by Gimlet Media, a business that creates podcasts on nearly every subject imaginable — from education to politics to entertainment — so you can be sure there’s something for everyone here, no matter what your interests are.

Science Magazine Podcast

Science Magazine Podcast is a weekly show produced by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The podcast is “hosted” by AAAS CEO Rush Holt, who interviews scientists and other experts on a wide range of topics. Though the bulk of the work is done by writers, editors, and even interns. So each show has a different vibe to it which keeps it fresh and made it one of the best science podcasts 2021 had to offer… that garbage year.

2022 has seen much of the same.

The podcast covers a variety of topics, including space exploration and planetary science to technology, public health, and biology. It also features interviews with Nobel Prize winners and other notable figures in science.

This Week in Virology (Virology)

If you’re looking for a weekly podcast that discusses the latest news in virology, then This Week in Virology (Virology) is the show for you. The show’s host is Dr. Vincent Racaniello and he covers all things related to viruses, including influenza, Ebola and Zika viruses!

Listen to Science

The production quality of this podcast is great—you can hear different voices talking about interesting topics each episode, as well as music that sets the mood for each topic being discussed. There are even videos from scientists explaining parts of their research or testing methods that they’ve developed. Scientists tempered by writer Alan Dove make this one of the best science podcasts for adults.

Like, hey, did you need good science podcasts about coronavirus to share with your uncle (you know, Uncle “what even are podcasts about science anyway) this Thanksgiving? Here you go.

This podcast also covers many different types of viruses like those mentioned above but also ones such as measles and mumps, so there’s something for everyone!

This Week in Parasitism (Parasitology)

This Week in Parasitism (Parasitology) is a weekly podcast about parasites. The show explores their biology and ecology as well as their impact on humans and other animals. So, once the virus (see above) is under control, science can figure out where it came from.

Recent episodes have included interviews with experts about dung beetles that can jump like fleas, parasitic wasps that lay eggs in cockroach brains, and tapeworms found in walrus stomachs.

The Story Collider

The podcast is a weekly show featuring stories about science, medicine, and life from all kinds of people. It’s a nonprofit organization dedicated to the art and science of storytelling. It uses the explainer podcast style to make it a contender for winner of funny science podcasts monthly.

Good Podcasts About Science are Relatable

On this podcast, you’ll hear stories about everything, from what it’s like finding out your uncle was part of Hitler’s inner circle to living with OCD or Tourette’s syndrome. You’ll learn what it was like for a woman who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the 1950s (and then again today), how an astronomer used math to help his sister understand her diagnosis after she survived cancer, and why one man decided not only to become an astronaut but also a poet—with both professions at once!

StarTalk Radio

Hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, this show is a weekly podcast that covers a range of topics. It also features interviews with scientists and celebrities as they discuss issues surrounding science, pop culture, and the intersection between the two.

He seems to feel right at home in the classroom or educating laymen like Joe Rogan. Neil deGrasse Tyson demonstrates over and over again why he’s such a quality, engaging messenger for astrophysics. But also science in general.

One of the Top Science Podcasts for a Reason

Astrophysicist, A minus list celebrity, and other titles, I’m sure. This is one of the “out of this world” scientific podcasts on the internet. Like Carl Sagan, deGrasse Tyson makes the literal infinite digestible. Nothing like those textbook science courses you may have hated in high school.

60-Second Science

60-Second Science is a weekly podcast that explains a new discovery in short, scripted discussions. A rotating cast of science journalists from Scientific American hosts delivers the show, which keeps it dynamic.

The show features questions like “Why do we need sponges?” and “How does plastic pollution affect animals?” These are answered by scientists from around the world who provide clear explanations of complicated topics without dumbing down their work or simplifying it too much for laypeople to understand—and all within one minute! If you’re looking for something quick but engaging that will change your perspective on how things work, this is definitely the podcast for you.

Stuff to Blow Your Mind

The name says it all. As a podcast created by the editors of Scientific American, this show is about mind-blowing science. The hosts discuss topics like “Why do we love horror movies?” and “What makes you you?” The episodes are short (usually about 20 minutes), but the information is always fascinating. With nearly 2,000 (yeah, you read that right) episodes, it remains one of the best science podcasts 2022 can offer up.

Stuff to Blow Your Mind is a podcast hosted by Robert Lamb and Christian Sager. It is a near-daily show about the brain, mind, and human behavior.

The hosts discuss science news items and interview guests on topics related to neuroscience, psychology, and the science of everyday life. They also delve into pop culture to see how science fiction has influenced society’s understanding of these fields.

Stuff to Blow Your Mind features interviews with scientists who are working in the field or are expert writers on their subject matter area—including Maria Konnikova, who spoke about her book Mastermind: How To Think Like Sherlock Holmes (2015), as well as Carl Zimmer who discussed his book Brain Cuttings: The Curmudgeonly Quest In Neuroscience To Understand Yourself (2016).

The Infinite Monkey Cage

This apish theorem has been a staple of pop culture since the turn of the millennium. In fact, it was first introduced to American audiences by none other than Stephen Colbert on his show The Colbert Report. As he explained in an episode from 2005:

“So you’re saying there’s a chance?”

Although Colbert was being facetious at the time (he’s not actually that much of a science buff), this quote inspired many people to take up this strange idea and run with it—to ask themselves if maybe there are things beyond human understanding that we could never explain, even with all our knowledge about the universe.

What makes popular science podcasts successful is relatability. That’s where Cox and Ince shine as hosts. They bring in comedians and make science communication accurate but irreverent. That’s what cool science podcasts do.

Quirks and Quarks

Quirks and Quarks is a weekly half-hour science program that has been on the air since 1972. It’s produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the national public broadcaster for Canada, and airs on CBC Radio One across the country.

In addition to its radio broadcasts, there are also podcasts for those who want to listen on their own time in any location with an internet connection! The show also airs as part of American Public Media’s popular podcast feed PRI’s The World, which means you can hear it if you have a favorite listening app like Stitcher or Podcast Addict.

It’s an amazing show covering anything and everything quantum. Quantum entanglement, you bet. Quantum computers? Yes. This isn’t even a podcast about science. It’s a podcast about existence itself.

Give this show a listen.

Brain Science with Ginger Campbell, MD: Neuroscience for Everyone

Making a subject like neuroscience accessible to the masses isn’t easy. As a philosophy student, I am fascinated with neuroscience. It’s the math behind what I just postulate on. Dr. Campbell gets the job done.

Ape language studies, embodied cognition, and how the brain interacts with the mind are just some of the topics discussed. It’s like little shots of science vs a whole treatise. I love this one.

What Are the Best Podcasts About Science?

The best Podcasts about science are useful, explain, and excite.

As you can see from the podcasts listed above, science is a process, not so much a subject. We get to explore the brain (my topic of choice), the cosmos, and the sub-atomic.

Any podcast that attacks the subject matter with rigor can rightly be said to be a podcast about science.

What Are Good Science Podcasts?

Good science podcasts make the complex relatable.

Journalists who listen to science put together some of the best podcasts about science. They make science podcasting relatable, understandable, and entertaining. That is exactly what makes this genre so exciting.

There are so many more cool science pods to discover… Get it? What Are Some Other Pods?

It’s true! There are science pods for people of all ages and interests. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

The Royal Society podcast features talks by cutting-edge scientists, but it also touches on topics like the history of science and how it affects our lives today.

The 60 Second Adventures in Science is a great podcast for kids with short episodes that focus on a single topic each time.

If you’re looking for something more adult-oriented, check out the BBC Radio 2 Science In Action program. It covers pretty much everything from astronomy to zoology—and even includes interviews with top scientists from around the world!

Conclusion

So there you have it: our list of what we think are the best science podcasts. If you haven’t listened to any of them yet, now is your chance! We know they will help you stay informed and entertained while learning more about the world around us. And if you already love one or two of these shows but want more, just check out our other articles on awesome educational podcasts—there are so many great ones out there!

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