Science podcasts for geeks
We have all been told by our teachers or seniors to read books on science outside our school curriculum, but some of us never seemed to be successful in this attempt because we found these books to be too complex or lacklustre. However, podcasts did the thing for me that books couldn't. There is something about the emotions and the emphasis in a person's narration that retains your attention. Moreover, you can listen to them whenever you want – stuck in traffic jam, at a boring wedding, or when you're waiting in a queue for something.
Hence, if you're eager to learn more about science but books aren't just doing it for you, then here's a list of podcasts you can try out.
STUFF TO BLOW YOUR MIND
In this podcast, historical storytelling is blended with different aspects of science and presented in a simplified yet insightful manner. The hosts talk about an array of topics, starting from Space to Neurology, Evolution, Futurism, and even discussing the science behind myths. They seem to make even the most complex of quandaries easy to understand. This is sometimes done by making offbeat references to pop culture. They also provide a healthy dose of skepticism, so you will never stop questioning the world around you.
https://www.stufftoblowyourmind.com/podcasts
STARTALK RADIO
This podcast is hosted by an astrophysicist you may have heard of – Neil deGrasse Tyson, famous for his TV series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey. With a greater inclusion of pop culture than the aforementioned podcast, StarTalk Radio discusses physics and the universe, ensuring hilarity by bringing in guests from different backgrounds, including comedians and celebrities. Whether recent cosmic discoveries or the mechanism behind Formula E cars, StarTalk Radio has it all. My favourite segment of the podcast is Cosmic Queries, where listeners' questions regarding the universe are answered.
https://www.startalkradio.net/category/podcasts
BAD SCIENCE
Every time we watch a sci-fi movie with a group of friends, there is always this nerdy friend who points out the inaccuracy of the scientific elements in that movie. Even though they might always be told to shut up, have you ever wondered what the facts actually are? In Bad Science, a pair of scientist and comedian is present every episode, breaking down the incorrect scientific details in popular movies and TV shows. Beware of spoilers.
https://podtail.com/en/podcast/bad-science
60-SECOND SCIENCE
It is what its name says, providing you with the latest scientific developments, alongside useful explanations, in just 60 seconds. If you have a very hectic schedule but still want to keep up with the science fix, this one is for you.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/60-second-science
THE PEOPLE'S PHARMACY
This podcast is a must if you are interested in medicine, home remedies, and wellbeing in general. Even though it somewhat lacks a humorous approach, pharmacologist Joe Graedon and medical anthropologist Terry Graedon are sure to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of different diseases, the medicines that are in use and how they work, latest discoveries in pharmacy, herbs, and everything health-related. If you are more into biology or chemistry rather than just physics, this is for you.
https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/get-the-podcast
Zarin Rayhana likes to spend her time by pondering over alternative theories about the universe instead of studying for school. Send her your theories at facebook.com/zarinrayhana.n