April 29, 2025
Emily Wathen
Naturally at 4Science, our team has been gravitating toward several podcasts that focus on the various corners of science. We love to take inspiration from others who are explaining science to the public, and these podcasters are masters of science communication. Here are six of our favorite shows.
Exploring the mysteries of science, philosophy, and human nature.
Radiolab is a beloved show that blends storytelling with science in a way that makes complex ideas accessible and entertaining. The show covers a wide array of topics, from physics and biology to ethics and the human experience. The show's thoughtful narrative style and intriguing topics, like "What is the nature of time?" or "What happens when you don’t sleep?" make it a must-listen for anyone interested in life’s deeper questions.
Why listen?
Radiolab’s unique blend of curiosity and creativity is perfect for those who like their science served with a side of storytelling.
Exploring the world of scientific experts and their unique fields.
If you've ever been curious about the specific "ologies" in science—like microbiology, geology, or ornithology—this is the podcast for you. Hosted by Alie Ward, Ologies dives into various scientific fields, each episode focusing on a different “-ology” and featuring an expert in that area. Whether you’re learning about the science of bugs (entomology) or the study of viruses (virology), Ward’s engaging interviews make complex topics fun and approachable.
Why listen?
Ologies brings expert knowledge to the table in an approachable and often humorous way, making science feel less intimidating and more exciting.
Debunking myths and battling fads with science.
Hosted by Wendy Zukerman, Science Vs tackles popular myths and misconceptions by pitting them against the facts of science. In each episode, Zukerman examines a topic (like diets, climate change, or parenting) and uses research and interviews with experts to separate fact from fiction. The show is both entertaining and educational, as it goes beyond surface-level discussions and dives into what the science really says.
Why listen?
If you're tired of hearing misleading claims and want to know what the science says about a topic, Science Vs is the podcast for you.
Unveiling the science of human behavior and the mind.
Hidden Brain, hosted by Shankar Vedantam, takes a deep dive into the psychological and behavioral aspects of human nature. The show explores a wide range of topics—from how biases shape our decisions to the science behind our emotions and relationships. Each episode helps uncover the hidden forces that influence our daily lives, backed by research and expert insights.
Why listen?
Hidden Brain will challenge your assumptions about human behavior and offer new perspectives on how the brain works, making it perfect for psychology enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
An entertaining and thought-provoking dive into the wonders of the universe.
Hosted by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince, The Infinite Monkey Cage blends humor with scientific insights. The show features scientists and experts from various fields, discussing everything from quantum physics to the search for alien life. The dynamic between Cox’s scientific expertise and Ince’s comedic take on complex topics makes this show both fun and enlightening.
Why listen?
It’s an entertaining way to dive into deep scientific concepts without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, the guest experts make each episode feel like a lively discussion with brilliant minds.
A reputable source for science news and deep insights.
Produced weekly by Science Magazine and hosted by Sarah Crespi, this pod features discussions on the latest scientific discoveries, interviews with researchers, and coverage of global science news and commentary. It covers diverse topics from breakthrough research (e.g., nuclear waste disposal, and diversity mapping) to lighter segments like playful bumblebee behavior. It has been active since 2006 and currently has over 580 episodes.
Why listen?
It’s one of the best sources for science reporting and analysis and has excellent production standards.
We hope you will find these podcasts as inspiring and fun to listen to as we do. The creative storytelling techniques, tonal style, and formats of these shows give us a lot to think about when we’re crafting science videos for our clients. Let us know if you have any favorite science podcasts that we should add to our listening queue.