40 Best NPR Science Podcasts

1. Short Wave

Washington, District of Columbia, US
New discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines - all in about 10 minutes, every weekday. It's science for everyone, using a lot of creativity and a little humor. Join host Maddie Sofia for science on a different wavelength.
Also in NPR Podcasts
npr.org/podcasts/5..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅3 episodes / week ⋅ Avg Length 14 min Get Email Contact More

2. Invisibilia

Washington, District of Columbia, US
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.
Also in Psychology Podcasts
npr.org/podcasts/5..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅2 episodes / month ⋅ Avg Length 36 min Get Email Contact More

3. Radiolab

Radiolab is on a curiosity bender. We ask deep questions and use investigative journalism to get the answers. A given episode might whirl you through science, legal history, and into the home of someone halfway across the world. The show is known for innovative sound design, smashing information into music. It is hosted by Jad Abumrad, Lulu Miller, and Latif Nasser.
Also in Classroom Podcasts
npr.org/podcasts/4..
Play 4 episodes / month ⋅ Avg Length 43 min Get Email Contact More

4. Arizona Science

Tucson, Arizona, US
Arizona Science explores the latest scientific research and technological innovations taking place in Southern Arizona and at the University of Arizona. Catch Arizona Science each Friday during Science Friday on NPR 89.1.
Also in Arizona Podcasts
radio.azpm.org/ari..
Play⋅ 24.6K⋅ 13.6K ⋅8 episodes / quarter ⋅ Avg Length 6 min Get Email Contact More

5. Cool Science Radio

From the discovery of new dinosaurs to the science of an avalanche. From the secret technology behind Facebook, to nanotechnology. Deciphering science and technology in an entertaining, amusing and accessible way. If we can understand it, so can you. Hosted by Lynn Ware Peek and John Wells.
npr.org/podcasts/6..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅1 episode / day ⋅ Avg Length 52 min Get Email Contact More

6. This Green Earth

This Green Earth is a weekly, hour-long program that focuses on the environment and environmentalism. Co-hosts Christopher Cherniak and Nell Larson explore the science, politics, economics and ethics behind the environment, natural resources and sustainability. The program includes interviews with local and national experts in the fields of water resources, air quality, environmental policy, fossil and renewable fuels, climate, conservation, ecosystems, agriculture, aquaculture and sustainability.
npr.org/podcasts/6..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅1 episode / week ⋅ Avg Length 50 min Get Email Contact More

7. Science Friday

Brain fun for curious people.
npr.org/podcasts/5..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅1 episode / week ⋅ Avg Length 48 min Get Email Contact More

8. Attribution with Bob McKinnon

Long Island City, New York, US
Why do some people make it, while others don't? How do the facts of our lives differ from our perception of it? And how does our psychology shape how we view ourselves and others? Attribution is, where people from all walks of life, reflect on who and what has contributed to where they ended up. Our hope is after each episode, you feel a little more inspired, grateful, or supported, than when you first hit play.
Also in WLIW Podcasts
wliw.org/radio/pro..
Play⋅ 3.3K⋅ 250 ⋅1 episode / month ⋅ Avg Length 57 min Get Email Contact More

9. Teen Scientist

Teen Scientist with host Rayna Malhotra brings you groundbreaking innovation in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines entirely from a teenage perspective. The program highlights local, regional, and national STEM stories with young people and respected experts in their fields.
npr.org/podcasts/1..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅1 episode / month ⋅ Avg Length 32 min Get Email Contact More

10. WXPR All Things Outdoors

From hunting to hiking and snowmobiling to water skiing, there's no shortage of outdoor recreation opportunities in the Northwoods.In WXPR's All Things Outdoors, we talk with DNR Conservation Warden Tim Otto about what you need to know to stay safe and have fun while out in the woods.
npr.org/podcasts/1..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅2 episodes / month ⋅ Avg Length 5 min Get Email Contact More

11. Manu Minute

Need a break in your day? Whether you're in your car or your kitchen, or still in bed, Manu Minute brings you the rich sounds from Hawai'i's native forests and shorelines. Each week, we feature a different Hawai'i bird and its unique song and talk about its environment and conservation.
npr.org/podcasts/1..
Play⋅ 23.3K⋅ 8.7K ⋅1 episode / month ⋅ Avg Length 2 min Get Email Contact More

12. WXPR The Stream

Rhinelander, Wisconsin, US
Water in Wisconsin's Northwoods and Michigan's Upper Peninsula serves as the basis of life and health. With countless lakes, rivers, springs, and aquifers, water is also linked with the very identity of this region.
npr.org/podcasts/7..
Play⋅ 3.8K⋅ 1K ⋅5 episodes / quarter ⋅ Avg Length 6 min Get Email Contact More

13. WXPR Field Notes

On the second Tuesday of every month, we hear from our contributors in the field. Susan Knight and Gretchen Gerrish both work for the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Limnology at Trout Lake Station. Scott Bowe is the Director of Kemp Natural Resources Station.
npr.org/podcasts/8..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅1 episode / month ⋅ Avg Length 5 min Get Email Contact More

14. Petrie Dish

San Antonio, Texas, US
A weekly explainer on the coronavirus and its ripple effects with science journalist Bonnie Petrie from Texas Public Radio.
Also in TPR Podcasts
tpr.org/podcast/pe..
Play⋅ 33.2K⋅ 21.7K ⋅3 episodes / quarter ⋅ Avg Length 32 min Get Email Contact More

15. Focus On Technology

Ann Thompson reports on the latest trends in technology and their effects on medicine, safety, the environment or entertainment.
npr.org/podcasts/5..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅1 episode / week ⋅ Avg Length 5 min Get Email Contact More

16. The Point

WCAI's award-winning public affairs program. Tuesday through Thursday, Mindy Todd hosts a lively and informative discussion on critical issues for Cape Cod, the Islands and the South Coast. Every Friday is the News Roundup, as CAI News Director Steve Junker speaks with news editors and reporters from around the region.
npr.org/podcasts/4..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅1 episode / day ⋅ Avg Length 45 min Get Email Contact More

17. Outside/In

A show about the natural world and how we use it. We explore science, energy, environmentalism, and reflections on how we think about and depict nature, and always leave time for plenty of goofing off.
npr.org/podcasts/4..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅1 episode / week ⋅ Avg Length 33 min Get Email Contact More

18. Blue Dot

Blue Dot, named after Carl Sagan's famous speech about our place in the universe, features interviews with guests from all over the regional, national and worldwide scientific communities. Host Dave Schlom leads discussions about the issues science is helping us address with experts who shed light on climate change, space exploration, astronomy, technology and much more. Dave asks us to remember: from deep space, we all live on a pale, blue dot.
npr.org/podcasts/5..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅1 episode / day ⋅ Avg Length 52 min Get Email Contact More

19. A Moment of Science

Bloomington, Indiana, US
A Moment of Science is a daily audio podcast, public radio program and video series providing the scientific story behind some of life's most perplexing mysteries.
Also in Indiana Public Media Podcasts
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Play⋅ 8.9K⋅ 17.2K ⋅2 episodes / week ⋅ Avg Length 2 min Get Email Contact More

20. The Pulse

US
Go on an adventure into unexpected corners of the health and science world each week with award-winning host Maiken Scott. The Pulse will take you behind the doors of operating rooms, into the lab with some of the world's foremost scientists, and back in time to explore life-changing innovations. It explores the questions that make people go, 'Yeah, why is that?' It tells stories from ground level, where illness, healing and discovery are personal. The Pulse celebrates science, and covers breakthroughs with healthy skepticism.
Also in Health Podcasts, WHYY Podcasts
whyy.org/programs/..
Play⋅ 7K⋅ 7.9K ⋅4 episodes / month ⋅ Avg Length 49 min Get Email Contact More

21. Are We There Yet?

Orlando, Florida, US
There's a lot going on up there. Join space reporter Brendan Byrne each week as he explores space exploration. From efforts to launch humans into deep space, to the probes exploring our solar system, Are We There Yet? brings you the latest in news from the space beat. Listen to interviews with astronauts, engineers and visionaries as humanity takes its next giant leap exploring our universe.
Also in Space Podcasts, WMFE Podcasts, Space Exploration Podcasts
wmfe.org/category/..
Play⋅ 11.8K⋅ 6.5K⋅ 1.4K ⋅1 episode / week ⋅ Avg Length 28 min Get Email Contact More

22. Western Slope Skies

A bi-weekly short feature on astronomy, produced by members of the Black Canyon Astronomical Society.
npr.org/podcasts/4..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅1 episode / day ⋅ Avg Length 4 min Get Email Contact More

23. Living Permaculture

Permaculture is a design system for ecological and sustainable living, integrating plants, animals, buildings, people and communities. Living Permaculture airs on KDNK on the 4th Wednesday of every month.
Also in Sustainable Living Podcasts
npr.org/podcasts/3..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅2 episodes / quarter ⋅ Avg Length 28 min Get Email Contact More

24. Creature Comforts

Each week, you'll learn more about the animals that live in our homes and the animals who live in the world around us. You'll also find out more about family-friendly exhibits and events at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson.
npr.org/podcasts/3..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅2 episodes / quarter ⋅ Avg Length 45 min Get Email Contact More

25. Living on Earth

As the planet we call home faces a climate emergency, Living on Earth is your go-to source for the latest coverage of climate change, ecology, and human health. Hosted by Steve Curwood.
npr.org/podcasts/3..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅1 episode / week ⋅ Avg Length 53 min Get Email Contact More

26. The Loh Down on Science

Pasadena, California, US
The Loh Down on Science is the fun way to get your daily dose of science -- in less than two minutes! Writer/performer and Caltech alumna Sandra Tsing Loh explains the world of science with a dash of humor. It's a program for those who love science as well as for those who avoid it!
Also in Southern California Public Radio Station Podcasts
omny.fm/shows/the-..
Play⋅ 91.1K⋅ 121.2K ⋅3 episodes / week ⋅ Avg Length 2 min Get Email Contact More

27. InHospitable

Phoenix America's hottest and fastest-growing big city is on the frontlines in the fight against drought, extreme heat, and wildfire. We bring you stories of how these global problems affect real Arizonans, and what is being done to solve them.  
npr.org/podcasts/1..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅2 episodes / quarter ⋅ Avg Length 40 min Get Email Contact More

28. Chronic Catastrophe

Chronic Catastrophe is a four-episode podcast about the impacts of cumulative climate change-induced disasters on our minds, bodies, and spirits.
npr.org/podcasts/1..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M Get Email Contact More

29. CREEP

In the earth beneath our neighborhoods, the woods surrounding our favorite hiking trails, and the waters that line our coast lurks a strange phenomenon: Creatures that have traveled great distances to call communities in the South home and wreak havoc on the world around them. As unwelcome as these new neighbors may be, they're also giving scientists, farmers, fisherfolk, homeowner associations, and more a chance to get creative finding ways to eliminate these species, mitigate their harm or work toward more peaceful coexistence.
npr.org/podcasts/1..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅2 episodes / month ⋅ Avg Length 19 min Get Email Contact More

30. Higher Ground

Climate change is already here. On Long Island, communities must prepare, and people find ways to adapt to rising tides and extreme weather that threatens America's first suburbs. Higher Ground tells the stories of these communities exploring solutions that may or may not give them the best chance at survival and help save the places millions of people call home. Or they may discover that the only way forward for suburban America is retreating from the sea. Hosted and reported by J.D. Allen.
npr.org/podcasts/1..
Play⋅ 3.6K⋅ 2.3K ⋅10 episodes / year ⋅ Avg Length 21 min Get Email Contact More

31. Rain & Shine

KVNF's regional weekly science update where we explore how our planet works and how we work with the planet.
npr.org/podcasts/9..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅11 episodes / year ⋅ Avg Length 6 min Get Email Contact More

32. ADAPT

In the ADAPT podcast, host Brendan Rivers talks with six people who are working to help Northeast Florida adapt to sea-level rise and climate change. Guests include Florida's first-ever Chief Resilience Officer and an environmental psychologist who teaches people how to talk about climate change.
npr.org/podcasts/8..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M Get Email Contact More

33. Science Diction

What does the word 'meme' have to do with evolutionary biology? And why do we call it 'Spanish flu' when it was never Spanish? Science Diction is a podcast about words and the science stories within them. If you like your language with a side of science, Science Diction has you covered.
npr.org/podcasts/8..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅5 episodes / year ⋅ Avg Length 19 min Get Email Contact More

34. NOVA Now

Cambridge, Massachusetts, US
From the PBS science series NOVA, a biweekly podcast digging into the science behind the headlines. Alok Patel takes you behind the scenes with the people scientists, engineers, technologists, mathematicians and more working to understand our world. Now it's more critical than ever to distinguish fact from fiction and find science based answers to the most pressing questions of our time.
Also in PRX Radio Station Podcasts
pbs.org/wgbh/nova/..
Play⋅ 16.3K⋅ 36.5K ⋅8 episodes / year ⋅ Avg Length 28 min Get Email Contact More

35. Looking Up

Hosted by Cincinnati Observatory's Dean Regas and Anna Hehman, Looking Up brings you the latest astronomical discoveries in a fun, quick-paced conversation.
npr.org/podcasts/5..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅8 episodes / year ⋅ Avg Length 34 min Get Email Contact More

36. Living Downstream

Living Downstream
npr.org/podcasts/6..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M Get Email Contact More

37. Science on the Radio

'Science on the Radio' is a 90-second science information segment featuring Marvin Druger, retired chair of the Department of Science Teaching and professor of biology and science education at Syracuse University.
npr.org/podcasts/3..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M ⋅5 episodes / year ⋅ Avg Length 2 min Get Email Contact More

38. The Environment Report

Ann Arbor, Michigan, US
The Environment Report, hosted by Lester Graham and other Michigan Radio reporters, explores the relationship between the natural world and the everyday lives of people in Michigan.
listennotes.com..
2.8K⋅ 10.5K Get Email Contact More

39. Natural Selections

Conversations about the natural world with Dr. Curt Stager and Martha Foley, from member-supported North Country Public Radio. 010329
npr.org/podcasts/3..
Play⋅ 6.7M⋅ 8.9M Get Email Contact More

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