Here’s the thing: while you can’t actually download intelligence directly into your brain (at least not yet) like some kind of bargain-bin Matrix sequel, you can at least sound marginally less ignorant when your coworker starts pontificating about behavioral economics or the fall of Rome.
So, fellow dummy, if you’re trying to impress that philosophy major from your yoga class, need ammunition for your next family argument about literally anything, or just want to feel superior while stuck in traffic, I’ve collected this list of podcasts that will give you just enough knowledge to be dangerous, and maybe, if you’re really lucky, actually teach you something along the way.
The History of the Twentieth Century
A historical account of the 1900s that documents artistic movements, musical developments, cultural trends, scientific advancements, religious shifts, along with political events and military conflicts of that era.
The Atlas Obscura Podcast
A spoken companion for discovering the planet’s peculiar, remarkable, and extraordinary locations. Co-creator Dylan Thuras alongside a team of Atlas Obscura journalists investigate a fresh marvel each weekday from Monday to Thursday. Within a quarter-hour, they transport listeners to an amazing destination while introducing captivating individuals and sharing their narratives.
Planet Money
At Planet Money, they examine the influences that mold human existence and invite audiences to join the journey. Rather than simply grasping economic concepts, they help listeners comprehend the broader world. Read our review of Planet Money.
Philosophize This!
Designed for anyone seeking an informative podcast concerning philosophy that doesn’t require advanced academic knowledge to comprehend. Presented in timeline order, the intellectuals and concepts that shaped our contemporary world are analyzed and clarified.
Let’s Know Things
A measured, non-argumentative weekly current events examination program for individuals of diverse backgrounds and perspectives who seek greater understanding of global developments occurring in their surroundings.
Conversations with Tyler
Tyler Cowen conducts discussions with contemporary leading intellectuals through comprehensive examinations of their research, global affairs, and various topics that span between.
Historically Thinking
Historical thinking develops disciplined analysis of the world and its past, fostering intellectual curiosity while detecting misinformation. Al Zambone, author of Daniel Morgan: A Revolutionary Life, interviews historians and professionals who practice this craft.
Intelligence Squared
Intelligence Squared serves as the venue for spirited debate and thorough examination. Listeners can access Intelligence Squared through their preferred podcast platforms and experience four weekly episodes that explore crucial contemporary issues alongside leading global thinkers.
Secretly Incredibly Fascinating
A weekly program exploring the background, research, traditions and unexpected elements that render ordinary objects surprisingly captivating. Presented by comedy writer, emoji inventor, and ‘Jeopardy!’ winner Alex Schmidt. Listeners can accompany Alex and his co-host Katie Goldin on an enthusiastic exploration into perceiving reality from an entirely fresh perspective.
The Jim Rutt Show
Sharp dialogues with influential intellectuals at the forefront of scientific research, technological innovation, political discourse, and societal structures.
Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
Examining theoretical physics, consciousness, AI, and divine concepts through scientifically precise methodology.
You Are Not So Smart
You Are Not So Smart presents a program concerning psychology that honors scientific inquiry and cognitive misconceptions. Each installment examines current knowledge regarding logical processes, mental predispositions, assessments, and choice-making. Read our review of You Are Not So Smart.
99% Invisible
Design permeates every aspect of human existence, particularly in locations where it has become overlooked. 99% Invisible offers a weekly investigation into the methodology and influence of design and architectural practice. Read our review of 99% Invisible.
The Ezra Klein Show
Ezra Klein draws listeners into discussions about significant topics. How can climate change be tackled when political mechanisms prove ineffective? Have market principles pervaded excessive areas of human existence? What lies ahead for the Republican Party? What insights do psychedelics offer regarding consciousness? Which aspects of contemporary life does science fiction illuminate that remain unnoticed? Is it possible for food systems to treat both humans and animals equitably?
Bullseye with Jesse Thorn
Bullseye presents a tribute to exceptional arts and culture through public radio format. Host Jesse Thorn separates quality content from mediocrity to deliver comprehensive interviews with the most respected and groundbreaking voices in contemporary culture.
Unexplainable
Unexplainable transports audiences to the boundaries of human knowledge…and then ventures beyond. The Unexplainable team: Noam Hassenfeld, Julia Longoria, Byrd Pinkerton, and Meradith Hoddinott, addresses scientific enigmas, unresolved inquiries, and discoveries made while exploring uncharted territory.
The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe
The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe presents a weekly scientific program examining recent scientific developments, analytical reasoning, flawed research, conspiracy theories and disputed topics.
The 80,000 Hours Podcast
Exceptionally thorough discussions regarding the globe’s most urgent challenges and potential solutions individuals can implement. Available for subscription by searching ‘80000 Hours’ on any podcast platform.
The Conversation Weekly
A program designed for inquisitive intellects. Academic specialists share their captivating research findings that illuminate our understanding of the world, along with the major mysteries they continue to investigate each week.
The Indicator from Planet Money
A concise program covering significant concepts. Created by the makers of Planet Money, The Indicator assists listeners in comprehending current economic developments. It delivers brief bursts of understanding about finance, employment, and commerce.
Ologies with Alie Ward
Volcanic activity. Forests. Intoxicated butterflies. Martian expeditions. Gastropod reproduction. Mortality. Aesthetic ideals. Stress remedies. Brewing research. Apian conflicts. Listeners acquire scientific insights and delightfully peculiar tales about what drives these expert specialists’ fascinations. Humorist and science journalist Alie Ward poses seemingly simple questions to brilliant minds, and their responses could transform one’s perspective on life. Read our review of Ologies.
Science Vs
Amid countless trends, online commentary and passionate viewpoints, there exists SCIENCE. Science Vs represents the Spotify Studios production that determines what constitutes truth, fiction, and everything in between. They undertake the rigorous task of analyzing scientific research so audiences don’t need to, examining topics ranging from 5G and ADHD to Fluoride and Fasting Diets. Read our review of Science Vs.
Do you really know?
Listeners may have encountered it, but do they truly comprehend it? Within 3 minutes, the program clarifies the genuine significance of trending topics, ideas and abbreviations dominating news cycles. Following each episode, audiences will possess definitive understanding.
Converging Dialogues
Converging Dialogues presents a program structured to facilitate genuine and sincere discussions featuring varied perspectives and viewpoints. Broad subject matter encompasses philosophy, psychology, politics, and cultural analysis. Principles of courtesy, mutual regard, and intellectual openness serve as the directing framework.
The History of English Podcast
The Oral Chronicle of a worldwide language. This podcast goes through the history of the English language in chronological order.
No Such Thing As A Fish
Prize-winning program from the QI headquarters where the creators of the popular BBC series share the most fascinating discoveries they’ve made during the week. Read our review of No Such Thing as a Fish.
The Gray Area with Sean Illing
The Gray Area with Sean Illing applies a philosophically-oriented perspective to culture, technology, politics, and intellectual discourse. Weekly episodes feature guests who examine significant questions or subjects. From democratic conditions to mental health challenges involving depression and anxiety, to digital-era identity formation, each installment seeks complexity and authenticity in contemporary society’s most crucial discussions.
No Stupid Questions
Research psychologist Angela Duckworth (author of “Grit”) and technology and sports executive Mike Maughan enjoy posing inquiries to others and maintain that no question lacks merit. Therefore, they host a podcast where they can present each other with unlimited “foolish questions” as desired.
Modern Wisdom
Existence presents challenges. This program offers assistance. Insights from the world’s most brilliant minds with Chris Williamson. Featuring participants such as David Goggins, Naval Ravikant, Sam Harris, Jocko Willink, Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Julie Smith, Steven Bartlett, Ryan Holiday, Robert Greene, Matthew McConaughey, Alain de Botton, Alex Hormozi, Tony Robbins, Chris Bumstead, Mark Manson and others. Read our review of Modern Wisdom.
Team Human
Team Human represents a weekly program and collection of materials facilitating human involvement in the economic, technological, and social systems that shape daily existence, employment, and relationships. This constitutes media serving as cultural opposition and a route toward societal transformation.
Do Go On
A factual comedic program. Weekly, Melbourne performers Matt Stewart, Jess Perkins and Dave Warneke alternate investigating subjects and presenting their findings to the group.
Inquiring Minds
Weekly episodes deliver fresh, comprehensive examinations of where scientific knowledge intersects with societal issues. The program upholds the principle that striving to comprehend one’s environment through scientific inquiry and analytical reasoning can advantage all individuals, and result in improved choices.
The Life Scientific
Professor Jim Al-Khalili conducts discussions with prominent researchers regarding their personal journeys and professional endeavors, discovering what drives and encourages them while exploring how their findings may benefit humanity in years to come.
The Infinite Monkey Cage
Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince present a clever, unconventional examination of the world from a scientific perspective. Accompanied by a group of researchers, specialists and famous science advocates, they explore existence, the cosmos and all that lies between on The Infinite Monkey Cage from the BBC.
The James Altucher Show
James Altucher interviews elite achievers from various fields, focusing on their personal reinvention stories rather than typical success narratives. The James Altucher Show features billionaires, authors, athletes, entertainers and champions who overcame struggles to create meaningful, financially independent lives.
Timesuck with Dan Cummins
Explore historical mysteries with Timesuck, the weekly podcast diving into dark history, conspiracies, and bizarre true stories. Hosted by comedian Dan Cummins, episodes combine humor with research covering infamous figures, unsolved cases, and serial killers. Also featuring Short Sucks, bite-sized episodes released twice monthly. Read our review of Timesuck with Dan Cummins.
Ideas
IDEAS serves as a destination for individuals who enjoy intellectual engagement. Those who appreciate profound discussions and surprising revelations will find this program appealing. From the origins and growth of authoritarian systems to near-death phenomena to the evolution of sanitation facilities, no subject remains excluded.
Stuff You Missed in History Class
Holly and Tracy present the most remarkable and peculiar historical content from Stuff You Missed In History Class through this iHeartRadio podcast.
Make Me Smart
Daily, Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams clarifies current events alongside her Marketplace peers, analyzing developments in technology, economics, and culture. Their collaborative approach acknowledges that collective intelligence surpasses individual understanding.
How To Do Everything
Part advice, part survival guide, part comedy. Each episode answers listeners’ questions from bathroom etiquette to panda encounters. When they don’t know answers (92% of the time), they consult experts. Eventually, audiences learn how to handle everything.
Omnibus
Weekly, Ken Jennings and John Roderick contribute fresh material to the OMNIBUS, an encyclopedia-style collection of peculiar yet factual tales they’re assembling as a historical record for posterity.
Hidden Brain
Hidden Brain assists listeners in comprehending their own psychology and that of others around them by addressing common questions about feeling trapped, enhancing creativity, and strengthening relationships.
Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg
Clearer Thinking features weekly conversations with brilliant guests discussing four important ideas each episode. Topics span psychology, philosophy, science, economics, and self-improvement, focusing on practical concepts that enhance decision-making and understanding of oneself and the world.
The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens
The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens examines finance, power systems, economics, and ecology through discussions with global specialists and authorities to comprehend interconnections and future directions.
The Seen and the Unseen
The Seen and the Unseen, presented by Amit Varma, offers extended dialogues designed to provide profound understanding of the topics under examination.
HBR IdeaCast
A weekly show that brings together top minds in business and management for insightful conversations.
Dwarkesh Podcast
Thoroughly researched and investigated conversations with some of the most interesting people in the world.
Hi-Phi Nation
Hi-Phi Nation blends storytelling with philosophy, combining narrative journalism and complex ideas. The show explores real-life events, legal issues, science, pop culture, and the more unusual sides of human experience to uncover deep, challenging questions about justice, identity, morality, knowledge, and existence, with guidance from scholars and philosophers.
Go Fact Yourself
Host J. Keith van Straaten and co-host Helen Hong challenge their most brilliant celebrity friends to reveal the passions behind their obsessions. Taped live in downtown Los Angeles, this quiz show invites comedians, actors, and musicians to tackle obscure trivia in their self-proclaimed areas of expertise.
Do you know of another podcast that will make you smarter that you think should be on this list? Let me know.
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