The 7 best podcasts for beginners

The best podcast on any topic isn't the deepest — it's the one that makes you understand. These picks introduce big subjects (science, history, business, philosophy) without assuming you already know the basics. Paired with deeper follow-ups for when you're ready.

Updated: June 2026Picks: 7
  1. Danny Brown

    Be a better podcaster in just a minute a week. One Minute Podcast Tips is a weekly podcast packed with quick, actionable podcasting tips to help you start, grow, and improve your show. Whether you're learning how to start a podcast or looking to level up your existing one, each episode delivers practical advice you…

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    On Purpose with Jay Shetty
    iHeartPodcasts — I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into…
  2. Springer Nature Limited

    The Nature Podcast brings you the best stories from the world of science each week. We cover everything from astronomy to zoology, highlighting the most exciting research from each issue of the Nature journal. We meet the scientists behind the results and provide in-depth analysis from Nature's journalists and…

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    Radiolab
    WNYC Studios — Radiolab is on a curiosity bender. We ask deep questions and use investigative journalism to get the answers. A given episode might whirl you through science,…
  3. ELMA

    Dive into the fascinating world of blockchain technology with Blockchain Basics! This podcast breaks down complex topics like cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin, Dogecoin, NFTs, smart contracts, and Web 3.0 into simple, easy-to-understand insights. Whether you’re new to the field or eager to expand your knowledge, each episode…

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    All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
    All-In Podcast, LLC — Industry veterans, degenerate gamblers & besties Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks & David Friedberg cover all things economic, tech,…
  4. A.I 101

    52% match

    Daniel Lucas / Jackie Pelegrin

    A.I. 101 is a clear, practical podcast designed to demystify artificial intelligence for everyday listeners, creators, and professionals. Each episode breaks down how AI really works, where it’s being used, and how it’s reshaping work, creativity, and decision-making—without the hype or fear. We explore real-world…

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    Hard Fork
    The New York Times — “Hard Fork” is a show about the future that’s already here. Each week, journalists Kevin Roose and Casey Newton explore and make sense of the latest in the…
  5. btv

    Have you ever wondered about the silent battles, the unspoken thoughts, and the hidden mechanics of human behavior? Welcome to a dedicated auditory space for the introspective mind. We explore the deep intersections of philosophy and psychology, taking a closer look at the complex experiences that shape us—from the…

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    Hidden Brain
    Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam — Why do I feel stuck? How can I become more creative? What can I do to improve my relationships? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re not…
  6. Smartly Uneducated

    Welcome to The Smartly Uneducated Podcast, where no topic is off-limits! Prepare for a whirlwind of crude humor, wild speculations, and thought-provoking facts. We cover everything from cutting-edge tech to UFOs and conspiracies. Uncensored, unrestrained, and always entertaining. Dive in as we traverse the diverse…

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    Stuff You Should Know
    iHeartPodcasts — If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further.…
  7. Lyndsey Smith

    lyndseysmith.io is the podcast where curiosity has no limits. Hosted by Lyndsey Smith, each episode dives into the big questions, the ones that keep you up at night, the ones science hasn't fully answered, and the ones philosophy loves to wrestle with. From thought experiments with AI to candid conversations with…

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    The Rich Roll Podcast
    Rich Roll — A master-class in personal and professional development, ultra-athlete, wellness evangelist and bestselling author Rich Roll delves deep with the world's…
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