I’m a huge podcast-listener (is it called a Podie???). Ever since college when I was bored out of my mind while working in the school archives, I took up podcasts to entertain my brain. I love learning, so podcasts enable me to learn in the car, at work doing a simple task, or while cleaning the house.
I’m the kind of guy who likes learning just for fun! So occasionally I fill my podcast queue with selections meant to educate–from science to history to espionage to conspiracy theories. So I’ve gathered my favorite podcasts to listen to in the broad category I’m calling “Random Learning.” Read the list and give them a listen!
(And rest assured there will be future posts of other podcast categories I adore)
My Top “Random Learning” Podcasts
In no particular order, here are my favorites from this category.
Not So Random Facts
Host Michael Rainey starts off each show with a random fun fact. But each episode seeks to make the fact not so “random” by providing context, more information, and how the fact was proven true. One of my favorite episodes is “There Is Only One Word Understood By Everyone On the Planet.” Listen to the episode to figure out the special word.
Cabinet of Curiosities
Presented by the amazing storyteller Aaron Mahnke, famous for his podcast, book series, and Amazon show Lore, brings home random fact nuggets in the short 10ish minute episodes of Cabinet of Curiosities. Mahnke is a master at digging up historical tidbits, especially of the scary, spooky, or alarming variety. Most of these episodes look at strange historical objects or weird historical tales. I can’t say I believe every story is accurate, but they are interesting!
Part-Time Genius
Part-Time Genius is a podcast from the brains behind the magazine and website Mental Floss. Hosted by Will Pearson and Mangesh Hattikudur, the two dive into a conversation about a particular topic and share facts. The show concludes with a “fact-off” where they attempt to come up with the coolest fact on the topic. I like the show because it is funny and always interesting!
Science Vs
I was so close to becoming a scientist before bailing for a liberal arts degree, but I still love science. Science Vs weaves masterful storytelling with excellent rigorous journalism to prove or debunk fads, popular myths, or political messages. I love their honesty when they don’t have enough data to say something is true and how they interview experts in the specific topic to get a specialist’s opinion. Host Wendy Zukerman is a delight (and I love when she makes puns!). Check out the episode “Fasting Diets: What’s the Skinny” to hear my professor and mentor Dr. James D. Dvorak thanked for helping pronounce a Greek word!
Unexplained Mysteries
From the Parcast Network, which produces lots of great shows, comes Unexplained Mysteries. If you like conspiracy theories mixed with historical mysteries, this is the right podcast. They’ve looked at Bigfoot, Atlantis, and the Holy Grail but also have wondered about the location of The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, discussed Jack the Ripper theories, and wondered who was the Man in the Iron Mask. Great stuff! They examine each mystery in a two-part episode. You must purchase Stitcher Premium to listen to episodes older than six months.
TED Radio Hour
This podcast originally appeared on radio and is made from weaving together TED Talks while the host, Guy Raz, interviews guests. These productions are always done so well but most importantly, they often give you life-changing perspectives or tips on how to change the world. Of all the podcasts on this list, the TED Radio Hour is not a bunch of “random facts’ but very relevant facts.
Surprisingly Awesome
The premise of the show Surprisingly Awesome is to take a boring topic and show how actually–quite surprisingly–it’s awesome. Sadly, the show is not being produced. Adam Davidson and Adam McKay brought humor and wit and amazing facts to previously “boring” topics like mold, concrete, and frequent flyer miles.
Fall of Civilizations
My latest podcast pleasure is Fall of Civilizations, hosted by Paul Cooper. It tells in-depth stories about how ancient civilizations met their downfall. The hour-plus long stories dive into the life of ancient cultures and include readings from relevant historical writers. The podcast creates a very immersive experience, and it tells history as a cautionary tale for today. My favorite episode is the second one, “The Bronze Age Collapse – Mediterranean Apocalypse” because of how mysterious it all is and because of it’s connection to Biblical history.
Honorable Mention
I’ve additionally enjoyed some episodes of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Espionage, Ridiculous History, Gone, and Lore.
What else is out there that I need to listen to under the category of “random learning?” Are you fans of any of the podcasts I’ve mentioned? Let me know in the comments below!
