As a college student, finding the right resources for learning, inspiration, and entertainment can be a challenging quest. Podcasts have become an invaluable resource for students looking to broaden their horizons and enhance their academic and personal growth. They offer a flexible and engaging way to consume information, whether you’re on the go, hitting the gym, or just taking a well-deserved break from studies. Catering to a wide variety of interests and fields, podcasts can be your go-to source for insights, advice, and stories. Here’s a curated list of seven must-listen podcasts that every college student should add to their playlist for a dose of knowledge, inspiration, and a touch of fun.
1. The College Info Geek Podcast
College life is more than just academics—it’s about developing life skills that carry you through your career and beyond. The College Info Geek Podcast, hosted by Thomas Frank and Martin Boehme, is a treasure trove of tips on how to be a productive and efficient student. From study hacks to career advice, this podcast covers everything you need to know to excel in college while still having time to enjoy your social life. It’s the perfect companion for any student looking to optimize their university experience and come out ahead.
2. How I Built This with Guy Raz
Inspiration is a vital ingredient in the recipe for success, and “How I Built This” delivers just that. This NPR podcast, hosted by Guy Raz, dives into the stories behind some of the world’s best-known companies. Raz speaks with the founders of various businesses, giving listeners a front-row seat to the trials and triumphs of starting and building a successful enterprise. As a college student eyeing the entrepreneurial path or simply looking for motivational career stories, this podcast is sure to ignite that spark of ambition and creativity.
3. The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss has been described as a “human guinea pig” for his approach to life optimization and experimentation. The Tim Ferriss Show is where the author of “The 4-Hour Workweek” deconstructs world-class performers from diverse areas, including investing, sports, business, and art, to unearth the tools, tactics, and tricks listeners can use. This podcast is ideal for college students who are on the lookout for strategies to perform better, think critically, and step up their overall game.
4. Stuff You Should Know
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, hosts of the Stuff You Should Know podcast, break down complex topics with humor and sharp insight. This widely-renowned podcast tackles a mosaic of subjects, ranging from science to history to urban legends. For any inquisitive mind wanting to fill gaps in their knowledge or just be entertained while learning something new, this show is a must-listen. It’s like the college elective you wish you could take that covers all the fascinating things you never knew you needed to know.
5. TED Talks Daily
Bite-sized wisdom from the world’s top thinkers and doers is the essence of TED Talks Daily. Keeping up with all the TED Talks can be a challenge, but this podcast streamlines the process by providing the latest talks in audio form. Perfect for students seeking intellectual stimulation, TED Talks Daily is a go-to for expanding your understanding of a wide array of subjects—right from the brilliant minds shaping our world. Grab your headphones and prepare to be introduced to ideas that could change the way you see the world and your place in it.
6. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Mental health and well-being are just as important as academic success. In The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos explores the science of happiness and provides practical advice on how to achieve a happier, more fulfilling life. Based on the psychology course she teaches at Yale—the most popular class in the university’s history—this podcast dispels common misconceptions about happiness and is particularly beneficial for students navigating the stresses of college life.
7. Radiolab
Curiosity is a driving force for learning, and Radiolab satisfies that urge with stories and conversations that blur the lines between science, philosophy, and human experience. Co-hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich engage listeners with thought-provoking topics that make complex scientific ideas accessible and entertaining. Whether you’re a STEM major or a humanities enthusiast, Radiolab will give you a deeper appreciation for the wondrous world around you and fuel your passion for discovery.
Podcasts offer a multitasking-friendly approach to learning and self-improvement. Whether you’re tuning in during your commute, while working out, or in the midst of a study break, these seven podcasts can enrich your college experience, providing valuable insights, information, and inspiration along the way. Don’t just study hard—study smart, stay curious, and allow these voices to guide you through your academic journey and beyond. Remember, learning doesn’t end in the lecture hall. With these podcasts, the world becomes your classroom.