7 min read
Give your eyes a rest and start sending spectacular biology content straight to your brain while you're on the road or in the lab
Below are our favorite biology podcasts in 2024. There's a huge variety here, but they are all well worth a listen. We tried to select a wide range of podcasts from diverse hosts with unique perspectives. We even fully hyperlinked every social media account and listening platform to make it easy to follow along!
Happy listening!
Episode Length: 60-90 minutes
Frequency: Monthly
This Week in Evolution is a podcast about what makes humans tick and how our biology influences our behavior. On the topic of evolutionary biology and genetics, Nels and Vincent bring their diverse backgrounds to bear. They usually get guests who are specialists in their respective fields for some deeper insight.
This podcast will bring you a wide variety of topics, from viral evolution and transposon domestication to Neanderthal introgressions to resolving Peto's conundrum in elephants. The hosts' excitement for science and the environment drives every aspect of the show, and you'll want to listen more. For anyone interested in evolutionary biology, this is a must-listen!
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Castbox, Stitcher
Main page: https://www.microbe.tv/twievo/
Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Episode Length: 30-120 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
The Big Biology podcast covers in-depth discussions with experts on topics such as evolution, genetics, ecology, climate change, neurology, illnesses, life's origins, psychology, and more! Each episode focuses on a key idea, with experts providing a wealth of information to help you understand their field of study. It's clear that they're passionate about biology, which makes the podcast a pleasure to listen to. Accessible biology conversations and highly entertaining; what more could you ask for?
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Castbox, Stitcher
Main page: https://www.bigbiology.org/
Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Episode Length: 40-90 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
Lucas Aoun hosts Boost Your Biology, focused on “bio-hacking” to improve your mood, health and performance. Lucas goes into great detail with experts on these substances, amino acids, nootropics, and more. A word of caution: much of the information is on the fringe of scientific consensus and understanding and many guests are there to promote products, so stay skeptical while listening and consult your doctor before making any changes to your routine.
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Castbox, Stitcher
Main page: https://www.nofilter.media/podcast/boost-your-biology
Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Episode Length: 30 minutes
Frequency: Monthly
The hosts of the podcast New Species chat with biologists on their research into newly discovered species! Designed to help everyone better comprehend our planet's tremendous biodiversity, this podcast will get you the behind-the-scenes story, as well as why these discoveries matter to everyone (not just scientists). It also has a fantastic flow and gives techniques to identify species. The host is well-versed in the subject matter and knows how to keep the audience interested. If you're doing chores, having your morning coffee, or driving to work, this is an excellent podcast to have on your phone or tablet.
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Castbox
Follow them on Twitter
Episode Length: 20-40 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
The ultimate podcast for biology students is Teach Me Biology. Join Ria as she teaches A-level biology to her co-host and younger sister Sarah. Topics range from energy and ecosystems to photoreceptors to genetic diversity and natural selection. It’s a great way to reinforce your fundamental concepts in biology and learn easy ways to teach it to younger students. This podcast will undoubtedly help students who are struggling in biology class.
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Castbox, Stitcher
Main page: https://teachmescience.co.uk/
Follow them on Twitter and Instagram
Episode Length: 30-45 minutes
Frequency: Monthly
This is the podcast for you if you want to learn cutting-edge biological research from a wide range of topics. Scientists and graduate students in biology discuss biological systems from molecules to ecosystems for 30-45 minutes on the RadioBio podcast. In terms of science and biological research, it is incredibly educational and useful for both students and the general public as well. Insects and coevolution were our favorite topics as they talked about how insects have led to numerous discoveries as well as the evolution of new traits that are determined by interactions between organisms.
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Castbox, Stitcher
Main page: https://www.radiobio.net/
Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Episode Length: 20-40 minutes
Frequency: Monthly
The Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar podcast will immerse you in a rich world of biological and medical research. There are tons of topics to choose from, ranging from cancer vaccine research to why we feel pain, with entertaining hosts who are easily able to express complex concepts.
We appreciate the fact that the topics are discussed in a relatively straightforward manner so you can still enjoy the story even if you aren't a scientist. This is like being a fly on the wall when super-intelligent people discuss science and medicine in a way that anyone can understand.
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Castbox, Stitcher
Main page: https://www.gene.com/topics/two-scientists-walk-into-a-bar
Follow them on Twitter
Did you hear we made a Microbiology word magnet set to encourage creativity and self-expression in labs, classrooms and offices? Each specialty pack comes with 144 tiles carefully designed by a PhD in that field for technical accuracy and tacit absurdity.
The Microbiology word magnet set was designed by Dr. Susanna L Harris, who chose words to make it both science-y and humorous. Grab a set for your lab or desk here with free shipping in the USA!
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Episode Length: 20-30 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
Bio Eats World examines all aspects of biology today, from the most recent scientific discoveries to the most popular trends. This podcast covers a wide range of interesting and timely topics in biology, and the hosts do a fantastic job! We love the first episode, titled "The Biology of Aging," it presents substantial evidence that ageing can be slowed down. Some of the most eminent scientists in the field of biology provide compelling evidence in this discussion. This show's host and guests are gifted at conveying high-level concepts in a way that keeps listeners interested and coming back for more.
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Castbox, Stitcher
Main page: https://future.a16z.com/bio-eats-world/
Follow them on Facebook and Twitter
Episode Length: 40-80 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
Already on its 133rd episode, you won't run out of episodes to binge-listen to. James eloquently presents a wide range of subjects, including sleep science, genetic testing, and volcanoes. It's a fascinating feast!
If you are a scientifically curious person, this one is for you. You'll be surprised to suddenly find yourself with a deep understanding of complex topics like organic chemistry and quantum mechanics. So go ahead and feed your curiosity!
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Castbox
Episode Length: 30-40 minutes
Frequency: Periodic
In a more academic approach, Chris interviews renowned scientists and established professionals working on cutting-edge biological research. It's a fantastic opportunity to hear from the people behind some of humanity's novel discoveries in the life and medical sciences.
Ever wondered if vaping inflames the brain? Find out in an intriguing recent episode.
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Castbox, Stitcher
Main page: https://elifesciences.org/podcast
Episode Length: 10-20 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
With short episodes that are both comprehensive and digestible, this podcast will keep you enthralled and up to speed with the new discoveries and the science behind the headlines. Be sure to stay tuned until the end of the episode to hear about the key takeaways and the potential game-changing applications that the science behind it has to offer.
Check out their episode about Clarice Phelps, one of the first black women to make her mark on the Periodic Table.
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Castbox, Stitcher
Main page: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510351/short-wave
Follow them on Twitter
Episode Length: 30-80 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
The All Creatures Podcast takes the focus off of the microbial world and helps us appreciate larger creatures. Most ecologists agree that we are in the midst of the Earth's sixth mass extinction and learning more about conservation science can really help the animal kingdom.
From evolution to physical characteristics to the issues they now face, Chris and Angie detail each species they discuss. They are our guides with plenty of tips for contributing to wildlife conservation initiatives. Every week, it's like they write an hour-long love letter about each creature they cover, clearly conveying their passion and dedication. If you're a wildlife biologist or just care about wildlife and the planet, you'll be hooked!
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Castbox, Stitcher
Main page: https://www.allcreaturespod.com/
Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Episode Length: 30-40 minutes
Frequency: Monthly
A long-running highly regarded show that a lot of people grew up with, this podcast has been entertaining and educating its listeners with insightful stories and perspectives for ages. One day it'll be tales about sharks and another day it'll be mud science. You never know what fascinating stories await you. It's an oldie, but a goodie!
Find out how cats are paving the way to better understanding science in an episode entitled "Biology Explained by Cats."
Listen on: Spotify, Google Podcast, Stitcher
Main page: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/listen-and-watch
Follow the host's Twitter
Episode Length: 30-90 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
Ologies with Alie Ward is one of the most popular science podcasts on the planet. Alie Ward, a science correspondent and humorist, asks smart people silly questions and the answers might transform your life for the better. It’s all sciences (or “ologies”, but there’s a lot of biology.
You’ll learn about everything from knee pain to avian mourning patterns. Even if you have a PhD in Biology, there’s still so much to learn from this podcast. Alie brings a lot of fun and levity to her interviews with the smartest, funniest scientists around, making each subject so accessible and easy to comprehend!
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Castbox, Stitcher
Main page: https://www.alieward.com/
Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Episode Length: 30-60 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
Finally, we've come to the end of our biology voyage through the world of plants, or botany. Plants are so much more than they appear. There aren't many podcasts on plants out there, so this is a hidden gem that provides you with a wealth of information about their world. The botanical world is full of beauty, from the tiniest duckweed to the largest redwood.
Every episode is filled with Matt's passion and energy, and all of his guests do the same. More importantly, the way they communicate about plants is totally enthralling.. For starters, you can check out the older episodes on the Ozark Chinquapin, butternut blight, and Hawaiian plant conservation.
Listen on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Castbox, Stitcher
Main page: https://www.indefenseofplants.com/podcast
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