From deep dives into scientific mysteries to delightful explorations of gastronomy and astronomy, here are seven shows that we love listening to right now. Grab your earbuds and prepare to have your mind blown.
By Brandon Miller
Science has been publishing cutting-edge research for over a century. So, it should be no surprise that their podcast sits at the top of our list. Episodes are short yet insightful, topics are varied, and new releases come out every week.
Science Vs is one of the top-notch science podcasts out there right now. Host Wendy Zukerman explores a wide array of fascinating topics, from the use of psychedelics in mental health treatment and the science behind astrology to the facts and myths surrounding COVID-19.
Recommended reading: The Genome Odyssey: Medical Mysteries and the Incredible Quest to Solve Them by Dr. Euan Angus Ashley
If you’re a foodie and a science buff, Gastropod is the ideal pod for you. Co-hosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley cover a variety of food and farming topics from a scientific standpoint. They interview experts, visit food laboratories, and even survey the fields where our food is grown to get the answers that you never knew you needed.
Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine
Sawbones has a fantastic premise. It’s a science podcast, hosted by an expert, Dr. Sydnee McElroy. But it’s also a marriage podcast, since her co-host is her husband Justin McElroy. Sawbones’ novel approach creates an interesting show dynamic. What’s more, any podcast that promises to get into the “weird,” “gross,” and “dangerous” aspects of the medical field has our vote.
The official podcast from NASA, Houston We Have a Podcast is a must-listen for any fan of astronomy. Not only does this podcast explore interesting topics related to space, it also features first-hand accounts from astronomy experts, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the work that NASA does.
Ologies is a more lighthearted take on the science podcast, hosted by humorist Alie Ward. Ward interviews experts in a variety of fields, presenting listeners with a number of “ologies” — dendrology, scorpiology, garology — that most of us have never heard of. In other words, she “asks smart people stupid questions” (her words — not ours!) so that you don’t have to.
The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry
The BBC produces a number of exceptional science podcasts — The Life Scientific being top among them. Yet The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry is our personal recommendation for the purposes of this list. First, the show’s hosts — Dr. Adam Rutherford and Dr. Hannah Fry — are a delight. Second, this captivating pod combines science and mystery to wondrous effect. Who doesn’t want to know why some people enjoy the cringey noises that most of us hate, or if a specially made pizza could fulfill all of our dietary requirements? We certainly do.
If you’re hungry for even more audio entertainment, check out our roundup of the best mystery and true crime podcasts, our favorite spooky podcasts, and our favorite podcasts about relationships and love.
