If there is one thing we can learn from the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of online and asynchronous learning, especially in this technological age. 

Podcasts in particular offer a great way to continue the learning process anywhere and at any time since it is hands-free so whether you’re shopping for groceries or driving home from work you’re all set and ready to go.

Related: Check out these articles to find out which educational apps, websites, and YouTube channels made it into our top 5 list.

Here is a comprehensive list of podcasts every student should try – plus my top 5 picks. These podcasts will span many topics, such as science, history, politics, finance, and self-help, in order to encourage listeners to gain necessary real-world knowledge. 

Here are my top 5 picks:

1. Overheard at National Geographic (Science)

Honorable Mentions: Every Little Thing, Medical Mysteries, Science… sort of, Science Weekly

Favorite Episode: “The Zombie Mice of Marion Island”

I have always been a fan of National Geographic and grew up watching it so when I heard they made a podcast I was extremely hopeful – and it definitely did not disappoint. Overheard does a fantastic job of honoring their parent company’s original commitment to science and high-quality work that tingles the senses. 

Related: Check out the National Geographic website if you would like to read the transcripts or listen on your computer.

2. American Scandal (History) 

Honorable Mentions: Civics 101, Noble Blood, Throughline

Favorite Episode: “Big Tobacco” 1-3

If you’re a history nut like me then you’ll definitely enjoy the American Scandal docu-series. It is truly amazing and is one of the few podcasts that continues to keep me at the edge of my seat. Every action-packed episode will leave you breathless and feeling as if you’re a part of history. 

3. Left, Right & Center (Politics)

Honorable Mentions: Politico’s Nerdcast, The Weeds

Left, Right & Center is the perfect antidote to the polarization and partisanship in our current political climate with three panelists of different political views (left, right, and center) providing their insight on all of the important issues. This podcast will challenge the way you think about politics so I recommend you give it a listen.

4. Planet Money (Finances)

Honorable Mentions: Popcorn Finance, We Study Billionaires, Yahoo Finance Daily

Favorite Episode: “Seed Spy”

Planet Money is a docu-series that breaks down how the economy works and discusses financial aspects of important issues in a fun and engaging way. I encourage anyone interested in learning finance to give it a try.

5. The Journal (News)

Honorable Mentions: NBC Nightly News, WSJ Tech News Briefing 

Keep yourself informed of what is going on in the world by listening to The Journal. This podcast by the Wall Street Journal presents news that is digestible and easy to understand. 

* = Highly recommended