As listeners and podcast producers, we’re always on the hunt for shows that help us improve in some aspect of our lives. The best educational podcasts fill the void with episodes about entrepreneurship, language learning practice, and even philosophical debates.
When Craig sat down with Kevan Lee from Buffer, he didn’t plan on digging deeper into how Buffer creates their educational podcasts. But after hearing about their unique process and transition into scripted episodes, we had to know more.
This week on Audience, we’re talking about a popular podcast topic and category–educational podcasts. These podcast’s formats take many forms but one thing remains constant. The audience is there to learn something and they need actionable steps to get started.
Listen to our interview with Kevan to find out how Buffer produces their show then read on to discover 10 of the best educational podcasts out there.
Why You Should Consider an Educational Podcast Format
The best educational podcasts tackle a theme or niche topic and analyze it down to its basic points. These shows are popular because podcasts are a great way to learn new skills from experts. They also help audiences access more information about a specific interest that may be too complicated to understand via other mediums.
For example, there is a community interested in learning about how to save and invest for retirement. But it takes time to research and understand complex financial topic from articles around the internet. Instead, people listen to Money For The Rest of Us. The host, David Stein, previously managed billions of dollars and is there to guide his listeners through a variety of financial topics. His goal is to help people become more confident investors and take control of their financial futures.
For individual hosts, like David Stein, educational podcasts offer an opportunity to become an industry authority. He published a book in 2019, curates a weekly newsletter, and speaks at live events due to his podcast’s success. For aspiring podcasters, if you’re interested in educating others about a topic or skill then this podcast format is for you.
In the same vein, brands like Buffer are producing educational podcasts that weave in their products with actionable information. Buffer’s team is an expert on all things social media so they’re able teach listeners about industry best practices and how their tool can help. Brands producing educational podcasts offer more value to their customers, helping them refine a skillset along the way.
What Buffer Learned From Producing a Podcast
We weren’t shocked to hear about Buffer’s transition from an interview-based podcast to a scripted show because their written content is the pinnacle B2B of content marketing. Recording an educational podcast based off their high performing blog content sounded like a no-brainer. But it took some trial and error from them to get there.
The Science of Social Media started as an interview-style show where 3 different hosts would rotate through interviewing industry experts. But they found it was difficult to have a unique perspective in a sea of similar educational podcasts that were speaking with the same people. So they pivoted into talking about “the how” behind trending industry practices so listeners could learn how to set up their own social media campaigns effectively.
Now the podcast is hosted by two of Buffer’s team members and they follow a script to ensure they drive home the takeaways. No more than 15-20 minutes long, they aim to make everything sound conversational but the end goal is provide as much knowledge as possible within the show’s run time.
Tips for turning a blog post into a podcast script
Scripting the show based off blog posts took some effort to get it right. Kevan’s main learning points included:
- Include some conversational cues so the hosts knew to add short anecdotes or humor to keep things light.
- Remove all commas from the script. Speaking something out loud has different natural pauses compared to reading it.
- Practice the script as a group to make it sound as conversational as possible.
- Keep an eye on word counts. For a 15-20 minute episode, Buffer looks for 2,000 word articles. If pieces are too long, they cut sections out but make sure everything still flows.
- Chuck the blog post into sections so topics flow and the audience has the relevant information to understand the subsequent topic.
- Remember to add in filler words and transitions so hosts can naturally pass the conversation back and forth.
- Spell out acronyms and rehearse difficult to pronounce words and names.
- When important visuals appear within the blog post, get detailed in how you describe it audibly. You want the audience to be able to recreate the action on their own while listening.
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The Best Educational Podcasts of 2023
We’ve compiled a list of the best educational podcasts that offer an engaging and entertaining way to learn about a wide range of topics. Whether you’re a student looking to supplement your learning or simply someone who enjoys exploring new ideas and perspectives, there’s something for everyone on this list of the best educational podcasts.
1. Stuff You Should Know
Stuff You Should Know, an immensely popular educational podcast that has been on air for over a decade, dominates the top charts with its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics. Whether you have an interest in history, science, or pop culture, there is no doubt that Stuff You Should Know has an episode that caters to your liking.
With engaging co-hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant at the helm, Stuff You Should Know delves deep into each topic to provide an undeniably enjoyable and easily digestible listening experience. You will not only gain a wealth of knowledge on a wide range of subjects but also partake in entertaining discussions with the hosts and various guests.
2. Radiolab
Radiolab is undeniably a must-listen for anyone new to the podcasting world (and to not mention it would be downright disrespectful, given how phenomenal it is). Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, Radiolab is a nationally syndicated radio program and podcast that delves into an array of scientific and philosophical topics in a refreshingly accessible manner.
The show’s masterful production, unique rhythm, and style, largely attributed to its strong narrative focus and creative sound design, set it apart from the rest. With each episode covering a range of off-beat topics such as how we see color and an exploration of the concept of blame, the show provides an immersive, educational, and unforgettable experience, all thanks to Abumrad and Krulwich’s magic touch.
3. Revisionist History
Revisionist History is one of the best educational podcasts that’s hosted by Malcolm Gladwell that re-examines and challenges historical events, people, and ideas. With Gladwell’s signature style of storytelling and in-depth research, each episode of the podcast uncovers overlooked aspects of the past, shedding new light on familiar stories and people.
Gladwell draws connections between past and present, offering thought-provoking insights and perspectives that challenge conventional wisdom. The podcast covers a range of topics, from overlooked musical geniuses to underappreciated moments in civil rights history and invites listeners to question their assumptions and look at history in a new light.
4. Tim Ferris Show
The Tim Ferriss Show is a podcast hosted by author and entrepreneur Tim Ferriss. In each episode, Ferriss interviews a high-profile guest, ranging from celebrities to successful entrepreneurs and athletes, to explore their habits, routines, and secrets to success. Through in-depth conversations, Ferriss uncovers the tools and tactics that his guests have used to achieve their goals and overcome challenges.
The podcast covers a broad range of topics, from fitness and health to business and personal growth. With its insightful and engaging interviews, The Tim Ferriss Show offers listeners practical advice and inspiration to help them improve their own lives and achieve their goals.
4. Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History is one of the most unique history podcasts, so it defintely belongs on our list of the best educational podcasts. This show explores historical events and figures in a deep, immersive, and engaging way. Hosted by journalist and broadcaster Dan Carlin, the podcast covers a range of topics, from ancient civilizations and wars to more recent events in history.
Rather than focusing on the dry facts and figures of history, Carlin brings the past to life with vivid storytelling and detailed accounts that delve into the human experience. His unique approach to history has made the podcast a fan favorite, with episodes often running several hours long.
Some of the most popular episodes of Hardcore History include “Blueprint for Armageddon,” a six-part series on World War I, “Wrath of the Khans,” a five-part series on the Mongol Empire, and “Death Throes of the Republic,” a five-part series on the fall of the Roman Republic. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in history, storytelling, and the human experience.
5. Planet Money
Planet Money is a podcast that covers a wide range of economic and financial topics in a way that is engaging, accessible, and entertaining.A team of journalists and economists use storytelling, humor, and creative approaches to explore complex economic concepts and ideas.
Each episode of Planet Money focuses on a specific topic, such as the economics of the avocado industry, the history of inflation, or the impact of automation on jobs. People like Planet Money because it makes economics interesting and accessible to a wider audience. The podcast uses real-life stories and examples to explain economic concepts and how they affect our lives, and it does so in a way that is entertaining and easy to understand.
In addition, Planet Money has a reputation for producing high-quality, well-researched episodes that offer new insights and perspectives on the economy and financial markets.
6. Reply All
Reply All focuses on the internet and its impact on society and culture. It covers a range of topics, from internet memes and online communities to cybersecurity and tech industry scandals. The podcast uses a mix of reporting, storytelling, and humor to explore the ways in which the internet is changing our world.
Some popular episodes of Reply All include “The Case of the Missing Hit,” which investigates a mysterious song that a listener heard on the radio as a child but could never identify, “Long Distance,” which follows a group of scammers who use the internet to prey on vulnerable people, and “Zardulu,” which explores the story of a performance artist who became internet famous for creating viral videos featuring animals.
7. Unexplainable
Unexplainable explores the unexplained and mysterious phenomena that captivate people’s imaginations. Journalist and author Noam Hassenfeld investigates throughout-provoking stories and mysteries from all over the world, from ancient legends and folklore to modern-day enigmas. Its engaging storytelling and in-depth research offers a unique perspective on the unexplained and unknown.
Some popular episodes of Unexplainable include “The Endless Hounds,” which explores the legend of the black dogs that have been seen throughout history, “The Human Magnet,” which examines the story of a man who claims to have the power to attract metal objects, and “The Ghost Fleet,” which investigates the strange phenomenon of abandoned ships washing up on the shores of Japan.
8. Encyclopedia Wommanica
Encyclopedia Womannica is a daily podcast that highlights the stories of women from throughout history and around the world. Each episode is only a few minutes long and features a brief overview of a woman’s life and accomplishments.
The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from politics and science to the arts and sports. The aim of the podcast is to provide listeners with a more complete and accurate picture of history by showcasing the contributions of women who are often overlooked or forgotten. You’ll learn a lot about the remarkable women who have shaped our world.
9. Making Gay History
Making Gay History tells the stories of the LGBTQ+ movement and the people who fought for LGBTQ+ rights throughout history. Hosted by Eric Marcus, the show features interviews with activists, organizers, and everyday people who have been a part of the LGBTQ+ movement from its early days to the present.
The podcast covers a range of topics, including the Stonewall uprising, the AIDS crisis, and the fight for marriage equality. It uses personal stories and interviews to take an intimate look at the individuals who have played a key role in the LGBTQ+ movement.
Some popular episodes of Making Gay History include “Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson,” which explores the lives of two transgender women who were at the forefront of the Stonewall uprising, “Cleve Jones,” which tells the story of the AIDS activist who created the AIDS Memorial Quilt, and “Barbara Gittings,” which examines the life of the activist who fought for LGBTQ+ rights in the 1950s and 1960s.
10. 99% Invisible
99% Invisible explores the unnoticed and overlooked aspects of design, architecture, and culture. Hosted by Roman Mars, the podcast takes a deep dive into the hidden elements of the built environment, such as the history of streetlights, the design of airport terminals, and the evolution of the wheelchair symbol. Through interviews with designers, architects, and experts, as well as engaging storytelling and sound design, 99% Invisible illuminates the ways in which design shapes our lives and the world around us.
What sets 99% Invisible apart is its ability to find beauty and significance in the often mundane and overlooked aspects of the world. From the design of manhole covers to the history of the fax machine, the podcast shows how even the most ordinary objects and systems have a rich and complex history.
11. How I Built This
How I Built This features interviews with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders about their journeys in building their companies. It offers an inside look at the stories behind some of the world’s most successful businesses, including Airbnb, Patagonia, and Spanx.
Each episode of How I Built This features an in-depth conversation with a different entrepreneur, exploring the challenges they faced, the risks they took, and the lessons they learned along the way. The podcast covers a wide range of industries, from tech and retail to food and hospitality.
Some popular episodes of How I Built This include “Airbnb,” which tells the story of how the popular vacation rental platform was created, “Patagonia,” which explores the history of the iconic outdoor clothing company, and “Bumble,” which examines how Whitney Wolfe Herd created the dating app that empowers women to make the first move.
12. 1619
The 1619 is a production of The New York Times that explores the legacy of slavery in America and its ongoing impact on our society. Hosted by journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, the podcast traces the history of slavery in the United States from its arrival in 1619 to the present day.
1619 examines how slavery has influenced everything from our political and economic systems to our culture and identity as a nation. It also highlights the contributions and experiences of Black Americans throughout history and the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.
People like the 1619 podcast because it offers a powerful and unflinching look at the legacy of slavery and racism in America. The podcast is deeply researched and features a range of voices and perspectives, including historians, scholars, activists, and ordinary people whose lives have been shaped by the legacy of slavery.
13. Science Vs.
Science Vs. is a podcast that examines popular and controversial topics from a scientific perspective. It takes a deep dive into issues ranging from climate change and nutrition to gun control and alternative medicine. Each episode explores a different topic and examines the scientific evidence behind it.
What sets Science Vs. apart is its rigorous and thorough approach to research. The show tackles complex topics in a way that is accessible and entertaining, using engaging storytelling and sound design to bring the science to life.
Listeners appreciate Science Vs. for its ability to cut through the noise and misinformation around controversial topics and provide clear, evidence-based information. The podcast’s commitment to scientific accuracy and integrity has earned it a reputation as a trusted source of information on a wide range of issues.
14. Hidden Brain
Hidden Brain explores the hidden patterns and biases that shape our behavior and decision-making. It draws on insights from psychology, sociology, and neuroscience to shed light on why we do the things we do.
Each episode of Hidden Brain examines a different topic, such as the psychology of stereotypes, the science of sleep, or the effects of social media on our mental health. Through engaging storytelling and in-depth interviews with experts, the podcast offers a fresh perspective on familiar topics and uncovers the underlying factors that influence our thoughts and actions.
What sets Hidden Brain apart is its ability to make complex ideas accessible and relevant to everyday life. The podcast’s thoughtful and thought-provoking approach to a wide range of topics can help us better understand ourselves and the world around us.
Your Thoughts on the Best Educational Podcasts
The world of podcasting offers a wealth of educational content that can help us expand our knowledge and deepen our understanding of the world. Whether you’re interested in history, science, business, or culture, there’s a podcast out there that can offer unique insights and perspectives.
The podcasts listed in this article are some of the best examples, offering engaging storytelling, rigorous research, and valuable information. Use them to expand your horizons, challenge your assumptions, and become more curious and informed.
Which shows do you think are the best educational podcasts? Let us know in the comments!
