‘Freakonomics Radio’ fan? Check out these 10 other smart and informative podcasts

If you’re an avid “Freakonomics Radio” listener, we’ve rounded-up several podcasts you might also enjoy. These educational shows wholeheartedly encourage curiosity and perhaps you’ll find your latest research obsession.

Some shows on our list combine science with storytelling and explore the universe. There’s an insightful podcast focusing on human behavior, our patterns, and how we interact with the world. We’ve also included a few shows by Freakonomics. One podcast host answers questions at the intersection of healthcare and economics, and in another series, you’ll hear some valuable work advice.

Radiolab

“Radiolab” is a classic podcast that continues to fuel listeners’ brains since 2006. Episodes dig deep into questions with hosts Jad Abumrad, Lulu Miller, and Latif Nasser, taking listeners on journeys through a variety of topics like science, legal history, the planet, and more. Known for its meticulous investigative journalism and beautifully-crafted sound design, each episode will make you even more curious about the world.

Planet Money

“Planet Money” is about business and the economy. Episodes take a look at different topics like “The NRA’s Secret Tapes,” “how the burrito became a sandwich,” and the “buy now, pay later” sales model. Check out the podcast’s archive of over 300 episodes, running less than 35 minutes on average.

Hidden Brain

In “Hidden Brain,” host Shankar Vedantam combines science and storytelling to share patterns that define human behavior, choices, and relationships. Episodes this May covered money and other forms of currency (like emotions), budgeting, and expenses. Other episodes tackle topics like habits, rage, silence, moral dilemmas, and the internet – just to name a few.

WorkLife with Adam Grant

TED Audio Collective presents “WorkLife with Adam Grant,” sharing tips, tools, and work advice from an organizational psychologist. Adam sits down with professionals from traditional and unusual lines of work to share their perspectives on unlocking a better work life. There are episodes on letting go of perfectionism, pushing your limits (with artist Jon Batiste), pitching your best ideas, and more topics to possibly reframe your approach to work.

TED Radio Hour

NPR’s “TED Radio Hour” examines huge questions with some of the world’s brightest minds, hosted by Manoush Zomorodi. In episodes, hear inspiring conversations about the world, ourselves, and communities. Recent episodes looked at leadership, caregiving, and how the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” actually works.

No Stupid Questions

From Freakonomics comes “No Stupid Questions,” hosted by Stephen Dubner (co-author of the Freakonomics book series) and research psychologist Angela Duckworth (author of Grit). The engaging hosts are peppering guests with tons of questions because that’s what they love to do. Recent episodes answered questions like: Is it normal for adults to have imaginary friends? Is having children worth it? Why is Chick-fil-A a big deal? What’s bad about denial? Check out questions like these in new, weekly episodes under 40 minutes on average.

StarTalk Radio

Neil deGrasse Tyson is combining science, pop culture, and comedy on “StarTalk Radio.” The astrophysicist and Hayden Planetarium director is joined by comic co-hosts, scientists, and celebrity guests to talk about physics, astronomy, and the universe. In fascinating episodes, they’ll chat about topics like indigenous science, identifying human remains, multiverses + wormholes, and climate change.

Freakonomics, M.D.

Physician and economist Dr. Bapu Jena is answering questions where economics and healthcare overlap. Along with guests, Dr. Jena is discussing topics like COVID-19 vaccines, why kids born in the summer get the flu more often, and if surviving a hurricane promotes a longer life. Do heart surgery and grocery store pricing have any similarities? Tune in weekly for new episodes.

Life Kit

Need help human-ing? “Life Kit” is here to help and sharing tips with experts on everything from sleep to budgeting, grilling on an open flame, getting a job, flower arranging, and more. There are episodes on how to overcome FOMO, paying attention to your surroundings, enjoying nature on your own terms, and living more sustainably. There’s an episode on storytelling, tips on giving the perfect toast at your next big event, and making the most out of your health insurance plan. Cheers to adulting!

Something You Should Know

Mike Carruthers is sharing information and advice on “Something You Should Know.” Hear how stress distorts your thinking, how to ask the best questions, how peer pressure works, and other nuggets of wisdom in conversations with experts from their respective fields.