Did you know that the average podcast enthusiast devours over seven hours of content each week? With a staggering 4.3 million podcasts actively dishing out episodes to a global audience of over 500 million listeners, it’s clear that podcasts have become a powerhouse medium for sharing information and sparking curiosity.

While comedy, true crime, and talk shows often steal the spotlight, there’s a treasure trove of educational and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) podcasts designed to captivate both young minds and adults. These well-crafted shows weave compelling narratives that ignite imagination and inspire career-connected learning.

So, if you’re on the hunt for fact-based, seriously fun science podcasts that are perfect for your teen’s ears, look no further.

Here’s our curated list of top-notch shows that make learning a blast.

Ologies (and Smologies for young listeners):

The term “ology” signifies a scientific field of study, and the podcast “Ologies,” hosted by the dynamic journalist and media personality Alie Ward, delves into a vast array of these disciplines. Some of our favorite episodes include speleology (the study of caves), momiology (the study of mummification), Gustology (the study of taste), and entomology (the study of words). Between the wide variety of topics and genuine curiosity, “Ologies” is a podcast you (and your teens) will not want to miss. 

 

Smologies” is the sibling show to “Ologies.” “Smologies” takes “Ologies” episodes and makes them kid-friendly by boiling down the information into shorter and easier-to-understand conversations. You can also find bleeped episodes of “Ologies” for a clean listening experience for your teens on “Ologie’s” website. 

 

Radiolab:

With topics from under the sea to outer space, ant colonies to psychology, “Radiolab” by WNYC has something for everyone. With compelling, one-of-a-kind storytelling, “Radiolab” leads listeners on a thought-provoking exploration of a wide spectrum of complex topics including science, philosophy, and politics.

 

Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Craft:

Going Wild,” hosted by acclaimed wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, offers captivating interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds pursuing fascinating careers in wildlife research. The podcast’s storytelling is compelling, drawing listeners into the intricate worlds of leeches, lemurs, and lizards, while providing societal insights into the careers and journeys of these scientists. It’s an enlightening experience that broadens your understanding of the natural world and the people dedicated to studying it.

 

Wild Thing:

For some, the spark of curiosity that ignites the pursuit of science and the natural world is ignited by some of the greatest mysteries and lore that add wonder and obscurity to our everyday lives. In the first season, journalist Laura Krantz takes “Wild Thing” listeners on a wholesome adventure examining “Science, Sasquatch, and Society” with a gripping second season in search of the truth about extraterrestrial life. The fun doesn’t stop there, “Wild Thing’s” third season covers some of society’s most well-known and yet mysterious nuclear incidents and disasters.   Even with the occasional expletive, Krantz offers a welcoming entry point for listeners in middle school to adulthood making “Wild Thing” a binge-worthy favorite for the whole family. 

 

StarTalk with Neil Degrase Tyson:

Hosts astrophysists, Niel Degrasse Tyson and comedian, Chuck Nice engage scientists and thought leaders of all things related to the cosmos in lively and thoughtful interviews that dive into their work and humanize the vast scope of people who have spent their careers lifting up the advancement of science. “StarTalk” blends science and humor to explore the wonders of the cosmos. “StarTalk addresses all of the quandaries you have been pondering about the universe including those questions you didn’t yet know you had. 

 

Last but Not Least: 

For listeners eager to delve deeper into the broad spectrum of STEAM careers and explore the experiences of women and gender minorities in these fields, we highly recommend our own podcast, “Closing the Gap.” This series features insightful conversations with professionals, educators, and advocates who share their professional journeys and discuss systemic issues contributing to the gender gap in STEM and skilled trades. Our goal is to foster inclusive and welcoming workplaces for all by highlighting solutions and inspiring change.

You can listen to “Closing the Gap” on various platforms, including Spotify and YouTube

 

*In the digital-age information literacy is important. Be sure to practice good research skills and investigate the information you receive through digital media and AI for yourself.