The natural world has always been a source of wonder, inspiration, and countless stories waiting to be told. Aside from actually stepping outside, podcasts are a great medium for bringing the sounds, science, and stories of nature directly into our daily lives.
Whether you’re passionate about wildlife conservation, fascinated by the intricate ecosystems that surround us, or seeking the therapeutic sounds of rustling leaves and flowing water during your commute, there’s a nature podcast perfectly suited to your interests. From deep dives into animal behavior and environmental science to immersive soundscapes recorded in remote wilderness areas, these audio adventures offer a unique way to connect with the natural world without leaving your home. Here are some of the finest nature podcasts that will transport you to forests, oceans, mountains, and meadows while educating, entertaining, and inspiring you to see the world around you with fresh eyes.
Creature Feature
Peter and Michael take a look at the world from an animal’s perspective, uncovering surprising similarities between human and animal behavior. With a mix of comedy and curiosity, they dive into what might be going on inside the minds of other creatures.
Nature Podcast
Each week, The Nature Podcast showcases top stories from across the scientific landscape. From the cosmos to the animal kingdom, it features groundbreaking studies from the pages of Nature magazine, with insights from the researchers themselves and expert commentary from Nature‘s editors and reporters.
Outside/In
It’s a show where curiosity meets the wonders of the natural world. The hosts dive into topics like science, energy, the environment, and how we understand and represent nature, while making sure there’s always room for some lighthearted fun along the way.
Overheard at National Geographic
Join Peter Gwin and Amy Briggs as they tune into the fascinating and unexpected conversations happening inside National Geographic’s headquarters. Together, they follow scientists, photographers, and adventurers to the farthest corners of our strange and stunning planet.
The Common Descent
David and Will take listeners on a journey through life and Earth’s history, offering a paleontologist’s take on a wide range of subjects. Every episode includes a fun and informative deep dive into a listener-suggested topic, covering everything from fossils to evolution and deep time. They also kick things off with a news segment highlighting the latest discoveries in paleontology and evolutionary science.
A Life More Wild
Step outside with A Life More Wild, a podcast that takes listeners on nature-filled walks alongside remarkable guests. Each episode immerses you in the outdoors while uncovering how these individuals have integrated nature into their lives.
The Wild with Chris Morgan
THE WILD with Chris Morgan delivers captivating stories from nature in a rich, immersive format. With vivid soundscapes and compelling narration, Chris takes listeners into remote wildernesses across the globe, joined by ecologists, scientists, and the unique individuals working at the heart of the natural world.
The Science of Birds
The Science of Birds offers an engaging and playful look at the fascinating world of bird biology. Perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike, it’s a great way to deepen your understanding of ornithology, and maybe even show off some fun facts to your fellow birders. The show is hosted by Ivan Phillipsen, a dedicated naturalist with a PhD in Zoology.
Birth of a Naturalist
Jonathan Tulloch, an acclaimed author and contributor to *The Times*’ ‘Nature Notebook,’ resides in the serene landscapes of North Yorkshire. Readers can accompany him on his peaceful strolls along the secluded country paths.
Living Planet
Seeking to rediscover a connection with nature? Hoping to make more sustainable choices for the planet? Each Friday, *Living Planet* delivers insightful stories, essential facts, and thought-provoking discussions on today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
In Defense of Plants
Plants sustain life, and fascinate at every turn. From tiny duckweed to towering redwoods, the plant kingdom overflows with marvels. Join *Everything Botanicals* for a podcast that explores the extraordinary world of plants.
Nature Revisited
*Nature Revisited* is a podcast delving into humanity’s connection with the natural world. Through thoughtful interviews, engaging stories, and insightful discussions, it reinforces the idea that nature isn’t merely a destination, it’s something we inherently belong to. The show embodies the truth that *We Are Nature*.
EWN – Engineering With Nature
“Engineering With Nature (EWN)’ is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initiative using natural systems to create economic, environmental, and social benefits. For over a decade, EWN has advanced nature-based solutions for infrastructure and water projects. This podcast shares stories of scientists, engineers, and researchers collaborating worldwide to innovate sustainable solutions. It explores how blending nature and engineering delivers remarkable results for communities and ecosystems.
Future Ecologies
“Future Ecologies” invites both nature enthusiasts and sound lovers to explore humanity’s connection with the natural world. Blending storytelling, scientific insight, and immersive sound design, each episode offers fresh perspectives on ecological relationships. The show features interviews with knowledgeable experts while experimenting with formats, ranging from documentary-style narratives to abstract audio collages. Through creative storytelling and rich soundscapes, it reimagines how we understand our place in nature.
Nature Guys
“Nature Guys” helps listeners discover the wonders of the natural world just outside their doors. Through engaging discussions, the show fosters a deeper connection with nature, promoting mindfulness and inspiring positive action. Hosted by Bob, a lifelong nature enthusiast, “Nature Guys” encourages curiosity and appreciation for the environment in everyday life.
Terra Firma
“Terra Firma” explores humanity’s relationship with the natural world through immersive audio experiences. This podcast blends thoughtful observations about the outdoors with rich, field-recorded soundscapes from wilderness locations. Episodes, typically spanning five to ten minutes, offer listeners brief yet profound encounters with nature’s beauty and wonder.
The Happy Botanist
Join Allasandra Valdez, the passionate botanist, as she shares a decade of ecological wisdom and plant magic. Discover the enchanting world of botany and unleash your inner plant lover!
Wildly Curious
“Wildly Curious” is a hilarious science and nature podcast hosted by wildlife experts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole (25+ years in conservation education). They explore strange animal behaviors, weird science, and nature’s oddities, making complex topics fun for everyone. Packed with humor and surprising facts, it’s perfect for both science newbies and nerds alike!
All Creatures Podcast
The “All Creatures Podcast” aims to inform audiences about Earth’s remarkable biodiversity. As the planet faces its Sixth Mass Extinction, the show highlights species in need of protection. Weekly episodes feature in-depth discussions about different animals, interviews with international conservation specialists, and updates on critical environmental efforts.
The Jane Goodall Hopecast
“Jane Goodall: The Hopecast” presents an iconic scientist, activist and storyteller who redefined humanity’s relationship with nature. Now this trailblazing primatologist turns her attention to our own species, sharing wisdom from her remarkable life while spotlighting inspiring changemakers. Through intimate conversations and powerful stories, the podcast invites listeners to cultivate curiosity, embrace compassion, and join Jane’s global movement for a more hopeful future.
Tooth & Claw: True Stories of Animal Attacks
“Wild Animal Encounters” presents harrowing true stories of nature’s most intense predator attacks, analyzed by wildlife biologist Wes Larson. Joined by his brother Jeff and their friend Mike, each episode meticulously examines these dangerous incidents. The trio provides expert insights on avoiding such encounters while fostering deeper respect for the natural world’s untamed power.
Outside Podcast
The “Outside Podcast” brings the publication’s celebrated storytelling tradition to audio, delivering engaging and educational content for listeners. Since its debut in March 2016 with “Science of Survival”, the show has evolved to feature diverse formats, including field reports from correspondents and conversations with prominent figures in sports, adventure, and outdoor exploration.
BBC Earth Podcast
The “BBC Earth Podcast” delivers weekly doses of entertainment, humor, and extraordinary animal tales, accompanied by rare natural soundscapes. Listeners encounter creatures with extraordinary abilities, contemplate life’s deeper mysteries, meet dedicated conservation champions, and gain expert perspectives on nature’s hidden wonders.
The Atlas Obscura Podcast
“Atlas Obscura” serves as an auditory passport to Earth’s most astonishing and peculiar destinations. Each weekday, co-founder Dylan Thuras and a team of Atlas Obscura correspondents reveal a new marvel in under fifteen minutes. Listeners journey to extraordinary locations while discovering the intriguing individuals connected to these places.
Ologies
“Ologies with Alie Ward” delves into the wonderfully weird world of scientific obsessions – from erupting volcanoes and intoxicated insects to Martian exploration and mollusk mating rituals. The podcast blends bizarre facts with profound discoveries as humorist and science correspondent Alie Ward poses delightfully irreverent questions to top researchers. Discover the best episodes of Ologies.
Our Numinous Nature
“Our Numinous Nature” is a mobile podcast uncovering deep connections between people and place through regional ecology, forgotten histories, and local mysteries. Hosts gather stories from those intimately tied to the landscape, herbalists, outdoorsmen, traditional artisans, ghost hunters, and historical reenactors. Each episode seeks to reveal the spiritual essence of locations and their inhabitants through extraordinary narratives. Listeners are invited to settle in and experience these captivating tales around an auditory fireside gathering.
Urban Wildlife Podcast
The “Urban Wildlife Podcast” proves nature thrives in concrete jungles. Hosts Bill and Tony guide listeners through the surprising ecosystems of metropolitan areas worldwide, revealing how cities teem with fascinating flora and fauna.
Backyard Ecology
Shannon Trimboli believes nature exists not just in distant wilderness, but in every backyard and neighborhood. Through her work, she helps time-strapped homeowners across the eastern United States cultivate vibrant, wildlife-friendly ecosystems around their homes. She invites others to rediscover wonder in their local environment while enhancing habitats for pollinators and other creatures.
A Matter of Degrees
“A Matter of Degrees” offers listeners a fresh perspective on climate change, replacing anxiety with understanding. Hosted by Dr. Leah Stokes and Dr. Katharine Wilkinson, the podcast examines both the systemic drivers of global warming and the practical solutions available. Through compelling narratives, it highlights innovative climate initiatives, transformative policies, and everyday people contributing to meaningful environmental progress.
Just the Zoo of Us
“Ellen and Christian Weatherford” invite listeners to join them as they evaluate beloved animal species across three key criteria: effectiveness, ingenuity, and aesthetics. Each episode features lively discussions and ratings out of ten, offering both entertainment and fresh perspectives on the animal kingdom.
National Park After Dark
This podcast takes listeners beyond the postcard-perfect views of America’s wilderness. Co-hosts Danielle and Cassie, two outdoors enthusiasts with a shared curiosity for nature’s untold stories, examine the hidden histories and harrowing tales woven into these landscapes. Each episode reveals extraordinary survival accounts, tragic events, and eerie encounters while celebrating the parks’ enduring magic.
Best of Natural History Radio
The BBC Natural History Unit creates diverse programming designed to transport audiences into nature’s most astonishing moments. Their productions capture the marvel, unpredictability and profound significance of the natural world through immersive storytelling.
Rewildology
This podcast explores critical environmental themes through global perspectives. Host Brooke Mitchell, a conservation biologist and seasoned adventurer, engages with international experts to examine pressing ecological challenges. Their discussions focus on habitat restoration, species recovery, community-based solutions, and exceptional nature destinations.
The Climate Question
Why is it so hard to save the planet we’re on? This podcast tackles the psychological aspects of climate change.
Wild Tales
“Wild Tales” reveals nature’s most astonishing stories – from bizarre spider mating rituals to groundbreaking fossil discoveries and ocean mysteries. Experts Rosie Holdsworth, Ajay Tegala, and Heather Birkett explore Britain’s wild places, uncovering extraordinary wildlife connections in every episode.
Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast
“Amazing Wildlife” reveals nature’s wonders, from matriarchal elephant societies to grizzly bears with bone-crushing jaws. Hosts Rick Schwartz and Marco Wendt take listeners behind the scenes at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, showcasing rare species and global conservation partnerships. Each episode shares unique stories of how the “San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance” works with communities to protect endangered animals and ecosystems worldwide.
Off Track
“Off Track”, hosted by Ann Jones, is an immersive Australian nature program blending atmospheric field recordings with compelling stories about wildlife and ecological research. Each episode transports listeners into outdoor environments through rich soundscapes and scientific storytelling.
Do you know of another nature podcast that you think should be on this list? Let me know.
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