As we all know, learning doesn’t end when you collect your certificate. The most successful professionals are those who stay curious long after graduation. While evening classes and weekend workshops are fantastic options, there are times when we need something more flexible. Enter podcasts – the perfect way to feed your mind during commutes, workouts, or while doing household chores.
The alumni team are podcast enthusiasts, and we’ve curated our absolute favourites for keeping your brain engaged and your skills sharp. These aren’t just any podcasts – they’re the ones that make learning feel less like work and more like discovery.
Stuff You Should Know
4 episodes weekly | 40-60 minutes (plus 10-15 minute “Short Stuff” episodes)
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant have mastered the art of making complex topics accessible to everyone. Recent episodes covering everything from “How Orchids Work” to “What We Know About MI6” showcase their signature approach – two curious guys researching fascinating subjects and sharing what they discover. Winners of the prestigious 2023 Ambies Governors Award and recently hitting 250 million Spotify streams, they’ve proven that learning can be both entertaining and informative. Their “everyman” approach means no topic feels too intimidating, whether they’re explaining impeachment processes or hang-gliding mechanics. Perfect for anyone who loves those “I never knew that!” moments.
TED Talks Daily
Daily Monday-Friday | 10-20 minutes
When you’re short on time but hungry for inspiration, TED Talks Daily delivers bite-sized brilliance. Host Elise Hu, an Emmy-winning former journalist, curates the best from TED’s vast library. Recent standout episodes include Yoshua Bengio on “The catastrophic risks of AI” and Katherine Dunn on “How to make climate stories impossible to ignore.”
At just 15 minutes on average, these talks fit perfectly into busy schedules while exposing you to cutting-edge thinking from world-class experts. Whether you’re interested in technology, psychology, or creative problem-solving, there’s always something to spark new ideas and challenge your perspective.
Ologies with Alie Ward
Weekly on Tuesdays | 60-100 minutes
Ever wondered what it’s like to study shipwrecks professionally or investigate crimes using nature? Alie Ward, an Emmy-winning science communicator and 2024 Shorty Award winner, interviews real experts in every “-ology” you can imagine. Recent episodes on Maritime Archaeology, Oceanology, and Forensic Ecology showcase her talent for making complex scientific topics understandable and genuinely exciting.
Ward’s infectious enthusiasm and smart questions help guests explain their work in ways that make you want to dive deeper. It’s like having access to university lectures, but way more fun and without the homework.
How to Fail with Elizabeth Day
Weekly | 60-65 minutes
What if failure wasn’t something to avoid, but something to learn from? Award-winning author and broadcaster Elizabeth Day explores this idea by interviewing successful people about their biggest setbacks. Recent conversations with comedian John Bishop and media mogul Simon Cowell reveal how failures often become stepping stones to success.
Day’s warm, thoughtful interviewing style creates space for honest conversations about resilience, growth, and the lessons that only come through difficulty. Winner of the 2019 British Podcast Awards “Rising Star,” this show has gone from strength to strength and will change how you think about career setbacks and personal challenges.
Huberman Lab
Twice weekly Monday & Thursday | 90-120 minutes
Dr. Andrew Huberman, a Stanford neuroscience professor, translates cutting-edge brain science into practical strategies for better living. Recent episodes exploring “Behaviours That Alter Your Genes” and “The Science & Art of Comedy & Creativity” demonstrate his ability to make complex research actionable.
Regularly ranked as the number one health podcast, Huberman Lab offers evidence-based approaches to everything from improving sleep and focus to managing stress and enhancing performance. These longer episodes require more commitment but deliver transformative insights about how your brain and body actually work.
Honourable Mentions
Three more favourites deserve recognition: 99% Invisible reveals the fascinating design stories behind everyday objects, The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes features inspiring interviews with high achievers, and Radiolab continues to push boundaries with innovative storytelling about science and philosophy.
Keep Learning, Keep Growing
The best thing about podcasts? They transform dead time into learning time. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or tackling household tasks, these shows keep your mind engaged and your curiosity alive. In a rapidly changing world, the habit of continuous learning isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential.
Ready to expand your horizons? Pick one podcast that intrigues you and give it three episodes. That’s all it takes to discover whether it clicks with your learning style. All of these podcasts are available on the main podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Your future self will thank you for the investment.