Podcasts

Underwood & Underwood. *Circus broadcasted by radio for first time.* 1925. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Exploring the world of science through podcasts is a great way to familiarize oneself with complex concepts through easy to understand episodic series.

The following list is comprised of selected podcast series that come recommended by subject specialists in the Science Reference Section. Each links to their respective podcast main page where you can find more information.

These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the Library of Congress of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. The Library of Congress bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

60-Second Science External
Tune in every weekday for quick reports and commentaries on the world of science—it'll just take a minute.
Disappearing Spoon External
A podcast by author Sam Kean about the history of science.
Gastropod External
Each episode, they look at the hidden history and surprising science behind a different food and/or farming-related topic, from aquaculture to ancient feasts, from cutlery to chile peppers, and from microbes to Malbec. They interview experts, visit labs, fields, and archaeological digs, and generally have lots of fun while discovering new ways to understand the world through food.
Invisibilia External
Unseeable forces control human behavior and shape our ideas, beliefs, and assumptions. Invisibilia—Latin for invisible things—fuses narrative storytelling with science that will make you see your own life differently.
The Naked Scientists External
The Naked Scientists flagship weekly science show. Science news stories, scientific breakthroughs and interviews with leading scientists.
Ologies External
Volcanoes. Trees. Drunk butterflies. Mars missions. Slug sex. Death. Beauty standards. Anxiety busters. Beer science. Bee drama. Take away a pocket full of science knowledge and charming, bizarre stories about what fuels these professional -ologists' obsessions. Humorist and science correspondent Alie Ward asks smart people stupid questions and the answers might change your life.
Quirks and Quarks External
Quirks & Quarks is Canada's award-winning national science program. Every week, host Bob McDonald presents the people behind the latest discoveries in science, technology, medicine and the environment - from the smallest sub-atomic particle to the largest objects in the sky and everything in between.
Science Friday External
Covering the outer reaches of space to the tiniest microbes in our bodies, Science Friday is the trusted source for news about science, technology, and other cool stuff. Host Ira Flatow mixes it up by featuring people in the know and those who want to be. Science Friday frequently features listeners that call in with their most riveting science questions.
Science Rules! with Bill Nye External
Bill Nye is on a mission to change the world— one phone call at a time. He’ll tackle your curliest questions on just about anything in the universe. Give him a call! Perhaps you’ve wondered: Should I stop eating cheeseburgers to combat climate change? How often should I really be washing my pillowcase? Can I harvest energy from all those static-electricity shocks I get in the winter? With a little help from his co-host Corey S. Powell, field experts, and special celebrity guests, Bill will answer those questions and convince you that science rules!
Sci_Burst
Sci_Burst is an Australian podcast devoted to popular culture and science topics, with guests appearing each episode to dive deeper into the selected topic.
The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe External
The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe is dedicated to promoting critical thinking and science literacy through insightful content and resources including a weekly podcast.
Star Talk External
The StarTalk® podcast network bridges the intersection between science, pop culture and comedy with clarity, humor and passion. Through our various shows, we explore captivating subjects such as space travel, extra-terrestrial life, the Big Bang, the role science plays in people’s lives, the future of our Earth and the environment, the science behind the most iconic sports plays in history, and breaking news from the universe.
The Story Collider External
Whether we wear a lab coat or haven't seen a test tube since grade school, science is shaping all of our lives. And that means we all have science stories to tell.
Techathlon External
Popular Science’s Techathlon tackles tech news through games, trivia, and (mostly) friendly competitions. Jason Lederman hosts a panel of experts—including PopSci editors Stan Horaczek, Corinne Iozzio, and Rob Verger—in a weekly throwdown designed to help you better understand tech, the internet, and everything.
This Podcast Will Kill You External
Grad students studying disease ecology, Erin and Erin found themselves disenchanted with the insular world of academia. They wanted a way to share their love of epidemics and weird medical mysteries with the world, not just colleagues. Plus, who doesn't love an excuse to have a cocktail while chatting about pus and poop?
Undiscovered External
A podcast about the left turns, missteps, and lucky breaks that make science happen.
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week External
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is where PopSci editors go to unleash the most bizarre stories they can find. From the fascinating to the creepy with pit stops for everything in between, Weirdest Thing promises to leave you shocked, delighted, and ready to fill awkward silences for the rest of your life.

Science Through Pop Culture: A Research Guide

Science & Technical Reports: Ask a Librarian

Podcasts