Top 10 educational podcasts

Whether you want to grow your history knowledge, light your creative spark, build your budgeting know-how, lead a healthier life or just gather useful titbits that you can whip out at your next pub quiz, we’ve got just the thing. Scroll down to our choice of the 10 best educational podcasts going.

For: General Knowledge

Stuff you should know

This series will grow your knowledge on an eclectic range of topics, from whistling to how dopamine works, J. Edgar Hoover to mudlarking. Subjects are random for sure but will provide you with nuggets of wisdom that are bound to come in handy at the weekly pub quiz. Expect to be surprised, intrigued and informed by this one.

Ted Talks Daily

You’ve no doubt heard of TED Talks, but did you know they also have a brilliant podcast series that comes out every weekday? Each episode covers a different subject and is led by an expert in their field, who shares insightful information that’ll make you feel that be smarter for plugging in and listening.

For: History

Short history of...

Covering famous individuals and events throughout time, this is one of the best history podcasts for those of you looking to grow your history knowledge on the go. Topics range from Frida Kahlo and The Wild West to the Rosetta Stone, Michelangelo and Boudica. Episodes come out weekly and last around the 50-minute mark, making them perfect for some bitesize learning.

When you're not indulging your history interests with a podcast? We have a variety of history courses that are sure to pique your interest.

For: Literature & Language

Something rhymes with purple

For those of you looking for something to enjoy alongside your literature course with us, we'd suggest Something Rhymes with Purple. Episodes last from 30 to 40 minutes and are hosted by Countdown’s Dictionary Corner star Susie Dent and Gyles Brandreth. Not only will it help you grow your vocabulary and spark your interest in the English language, but you will also have a chuckle at the same time.

Two images: one of the Short History Of... poster which has the title in the foreground and a circular world shape in the background and a number of famous characters and landmarks along the outside. The second is a poster of Something Rhymes with Purple which has hosts Gyles Brandreth and Susie Dent standing back to back against a purple background

For: Creativity

Daily Creative

Daily Creative is a great educational podcast that will help you become more creative and productive. The weekly show (don’t be fooled by the name) looks into a different topic each time such as slow productivity, the role of vision in our work and personal lives, overcoming resistance and overthinking. Plus, episodes range from 15 – 40 minutes so you can pick and choose episodes depending on the time you have available.

For: Budgeting

The Martin Lewis podcast

While our budgeting courses will help you feel financially confident, Money Saving Expert's Martin Lewis also has his own podcast that will provide great tips that you can use in your daily life. Episodes come out twice a week and cover matters such as how to boost your savings interest, how tax works, renter’s rights, Government Budget explainers and more. With his no-nonsense explanations and actionable suggestions, Lewis’ podcast is definitely worth checking out.

Two images: one of the Daily Creative podcast poster which has two half circles back to back. One is yello and one is dark teal blue. Daily Creative is in capitals. The second image is the poster for the Martin Lewis podcast. Martin Lews is standing in the foreground wearing a loose shirt and blazer and in the background is a panel of coins.

For: Art and culture

The Great Women Artists Podcast

Plug in and learn more about often overlooked female artists from all periods and backgrounds. Host and art historian Katy Hessel interviews various female artists, curators, writers and other creatives on their careers and lives, or on the female artists that inspire them the most.

We also teach art history, both online and in community venues around the country that you may be interested in exploring.

For: Health & wellbeing

Zoe Science & Nutrition

Without a doubt, one of the best education podcasts in the UK, Zoe Science & Nutrition is based on research from world-leading scientists on the topic. Each week, Zoe host Jonathon Wolf sits down with an expert to discuss the latest in health, nutrition and gut health research and the practical advice that you can follow in your daily life. With all of that at your fingertips, it's no surprise that it’s the country’s number 1 health podcast.

Two images: one of The Greatest Women Artists Podcast poster which has a peach coloured background, and image of the host in greyscale and the title written in large thin writing with shading. The second is the poster for ZOe Science & Nutrition which has a warm yellow background, the title in the top right hand corner and and number of tubular shapes in pastel colours and browns to symbolise DNA or non-descript polymers

For: Philosophy

Philosophize this!

No, you don’t need a philosophy degree to understand this educational podcast. Philosophize this! is a beginner-friendly podcast that discusses philosophical theories and famous thinkers throughout time, but in digestible chunks. There are over 200 episodes to binge on. We’d suggest starting at the beginning and watch your knowledge grow as you work your way through the series.

For: Languages

Coffee break Languages

Looking for the best educational podcasts to learn a new language? Look no further than Coffee Break Languages, a series of podcasts teaching you different languages. Learn French, Italian, Chinese, German, Spanish, Swedish, Gaelic or Portuguese in simple 30-minute chunks. Plus, this year, they are also launching Japanese lessons! Combine that with one of our language courses and you’ll be fluent before you know it.

Two images: one of the Philosophize this! poster which has a light grey background with a drawing of a non-descript Roman bust. The second is a poster for CoffeeBreak Languages which has an animation of a coffee mug with coffee in it. THe mug is painted light great and teal blue. The title is int he foreground with the title Languages in the same light green colour.

We hope that you enjoyed our suggestions and it inspires you to try something new. If you have any other suggestions for educational podcast listens, feel free to send us a message via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!