10 Best Podcasts for Teens

If you don’t have the time to read and are too busy with educational television, listening to podcasts may be the way to go. Podcasts are a great way to absorb relevant and exciting information without focusing too much on the activity. In this blog, we’ll be exploring some of the podcasts that you may enjoy as a teenager.

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1. Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know is a great podcast that covers a plethora of topics. Stuff You Should Know would be especially useful for you if you want a podcast with no boundaries with a very varied field of coverage. You can benefit from the podcast if you listen closely since each podcast is very information-packed. On the flip side, this podcast is also suitable for a more passive listener if you’re looking to get a glimpse into many different subject areas. Stuff You Should Know is also well known for its entertaining and funny portrayal of topics ranging from serious to exciting.

2. Radiolab

Radiolab is a podcast for older teens and focuses on many complex topics. However, Radiolab differs from other podcasts because it excels at breaking down complex scientific issues into simple, bite-sized ideas. For that reason, Radiolab is a podcast that requires a lot of focus but can be rewarding and diverse. The podcast discusses a variety of topics, but they usually center around scientific or philosophical ideas. Radiolab is also very innovative in the way it covers shows, as it uses a simplistic yet robust style of coverage. Radiolab will benefit you if you’re an older teen with some scientific background ready to learn more advanced STEM concepts.

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3. MentalMusic

In this age of increasing stress from school and the world’s public events, MentalMusic is a great way to unwind and learn more about your mental state. MentalMusic covers various topics dealing with mental health and how stressors affect you, including insomnia, social media, and more. MentalMusic is likely to interest you the most if you are an older teenager facing a lot of stress and would like to learn more about your mental state. However, even younger students can benefit from learning about themselves and how to manage better their mental health going forward.

4. Science Friday

Science Friday, also known as Sci Fi, is another podcast that centers around science and technology. Unlike Radiolab, Sci Fi uses more current events and looks at the progress being made in scientific research today. However, in comparison to Sci Fi, Radiolab typically tackles broader concepts without the same level of simplicity. As a result, Sci Fi may be a more complicated show and maybe too advanced for younger viewers. On the other hand, older viewers are sure to learn more about the current scientific landscape. This podcast would also be especially beneficial to students in STEM and academic research.

5. TED Talks

TED Talks are known for their videos on the TED or Youtube platform, covering various topics in-depth or in the abstract. However, TED posts many of these videos on its podcast platform as well. This access means that you can have the opportunity to learn more about the complex ideas covered in topics via only audio-based podcasts. TED Talks are a great source of knowledge as background audio that does not require large amounts of focus because it caters to an audience of all backgrounds and education levels. On the other hand, the podcast platform also has podcasts meant for more knowledgeable listeners that delve deeper into some ideas.

6. Stuff You Missed in History Class

Stuff You Missed in History Class is a historical podcast created by the people behind How Stuff Works. This podcast covers historical topics that are typically glossed over in most schools’ curriculum. This podcast is excellent for history buffs that want to round out their knowledge by looking at other historical knowledge sources or different perspectives on past events. However, even more, STEM-oriented students can benefit from this podcast by adding more variety to their knowledge and creating a more diverse set of interests. This podcast is not overly advanced and can be understood by someone even with minimal background or experience.

7. Business Wars

Business Wars is a podcast that discusses business rivalries between different companies or brands. Business Wars is excellent for students interested in finance and business growth and is highly rated in multiple finance magazines. Business Wars examines the top companies in their respective field (for example, Nike vs. Adidas) and breaks down the competitors’ industry structure and merits. Business Wars may be especially useful to you if you are interested in a specific market (the shoe and athletic wear market for the previous example) and want to learn more about the companies or industry as a whole.

8. Up First

Up First is a podcast on NPR that provides concise news briefings. Up First is known for covering only the day’s important topics with short articles and quick discussion. Listening to the news each day can make you a more well-rounded student and provide you an update on critical current events. Also, for students interested in the business or finance space, keeping up with the news and current affairs is necessary. Up First also often discusses the market’s movement, a key metric to be aware of if you have an interest in the business sphere.

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9. 99% Invisible

99% Invisible is an independently produced radio show created by Roman Mars. This show discusses art and architecture, as well as the role it plays in society. Specifically, this podcast discusses the subtleties of architecture and how many art forms have overlooked facets that still play an essential role. For students interested in design and the elements of creation, 99% Invisible does a great job of explaining the hidden intricacies of many works. Even students not directly interested in art or design can benefit from learning more about human cognition and the effect of subtle design choices on societal perception.

10. Lore

Lore is a fun and spooky podcast that discusses non-fiction horror stories from the past. Specifically, Lore covers events from the past and unusual occurrences, often frighteningly retelling them. Lore is not for the faint of heart, and we recommend it to mainly older teens. However, Lore can be a great way to learn more about past historical events while having an enjoyable (and frightening) time. Lore can be beneficial to students who want to learn more about the history but want to be hooked with an entertaining story along the way. Lore was also adapted to a television show, which enticed fans may want to check out.

Continue To Expand Your Mind!

Podcasts are a great tool to add an extra dimension of knowledge to your life. As a teen, you likely have a fair amount of time dedicated to learning more and expanding your intellectual capabilities. As a result, podcasts can add some diversity to what you know and provide you with an exciting and intellectually stimulating source of information.

10 Best Podcasts for Teens