Written by: Josephine Jacob, Josiah Kwek, and Filza Alisha
Podcasts have rapidly become a popular medium for consuming audio content, thanks in part to the rise of short clips from podcasts being reposted on platforms like TikTok. However, younger audiences might struggle to enjoy a 40 minute discussion with no accompanying visuals. That’s why we’ve put together a list of youth-friendly podcasts, ranging from educational to local news, that are sure to capture and hold the attention of interested listeners. All these podcasts are readily available for listening on Spotify. So Hear Me Out, and check out our suggested podcasts!
You’re Dead to Me
This award-winning BBC podcast combines both history and comedy to present entertaining discussions about various historical topics in a lighthearted manner. Hosted by author and historian Greg Jenner, each episode of ‘You’re Dead to Me’ brings together a historian and a comedian – both highly esteemed in their respective fields, to explore historical events, personalities, or periods. This unique podcast covers topics ranging from Cleopatra to The History of Fandom, so there’s something for everyone, comedy geeks and history buffs alike.
The expert guests in each episode are also adept at making connections between the historical points of discussion and modern-day issues, which is especially relevant to youths today as they can apply what they have learnt to their daily lives. Even if you’re just a casual listener, this podcast is sure to make your sides hurt, all while expanding your historical knowledge in a fun and accessible way!
Huberman Lab
Are you looking for an exciting way to discover the secrets of the brain and body? Look no further than the Huberman Lab podcast!
Hosted by the charismatic and intelligent Dr. Andrew Huberman, this Stanford professor explores the latest research on neuroscience, psychology and everything in between. Each episode meticulously uncovers the intricacies of the mind while imparting fascinating insights about our physical beings. He presents these findings engagingly, making even the most complex topics easy to listen to and understand.
Huberman Lab is a means to widen our understanding of ourselves through cost-free education about our physiology. By learning how our brain and bodies work, we can pinpoint areas in our lives with room for improvement. For example, one of our Stories & Co. members went from not having a sleep schedule to sleeping 8 hours minimally daily after listening to this sleep toolkit.
They also feature some of the most inspiring and innovative minds, ranging from world-renowned researchers to Olympic athletes. With this large pool of knowledgeable speakers, there’s no doubt that you’ll gain informative insights bound to inspire personal growth and encourage you to strive for a better, science-based life
Yah Lah BUT…
‘Yah Lah BUT…’ is a news-comedy podcast that discusses Singapore’s current issues and latest scandals. Hosted by Haresh & Terence from Youtube channel Ministry of Funny, the podcast provides uncensored commentary on the latest Singaporean current affairs in a humorous manner. For those looking to get their weekly fill of gossip or scandalous news, this podcast is for you. The hosts go into detail about what transpired during the said events and often make snarky or witty remarks regarding them. Being one of Singapore’s leading podcasts, it has garnered more than 1.3 million downloads! ‘Yah Lah BUT…’ is therefore one of the most entertaining outlets for youths of today to learn about Singaporean news in a more digestible yet engaging way. With 3 episodes being released per week, the content is endless!
TEDTalks Daily
‘TEDTalks Daily’ is very useful for students as it offers an array of educational yet engaging talks from some of the most brilliant minds in the world. With a diverse range of topics including technology, business, education, and personal affairs, the episodes cater to the various interests of students, allowing them to choose and listen to what they find most intriguing. So, whether you’re a science geek or a history nerd, there’s something for everyone!
This podcast provides the opportunity for students to broaden their worldview by introducing new fields of studies, or inspire them to pursue their interests. With expert presenters and real-life experiences integrated into the talks, you’ll be sure to learn something new and gain a fresh perspective on the world around you.
Let’s not forget about the convenience factor! Each episode is roughly around 10-20 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy students who are always on the go. So, whether you’re commuting to class or waiting for it to start, ‘TEDTalks Daily’ is the perfect way to kill time and expand your mind.
99% Invisible
‘99% Invisible’ is a must-listen podcast for anyone who has an innate curiosity for the world around them. Created and hosted by Roman Mars, this podcast provides a window for listeners to explore the unseen aspects of design that shape our world. It covers a wide range of topics, including infrastructure, graphic design and even everyday objects. As students, this podcast allows us to expand our knowledge about the world beyond what’s taught in textbooks. ‘99% Invisible’ takes its iconic name from a quote by architect Buckminster Fuller, “Ninety-nine percent of who you are is invisible and untouchable.”
Each episode is meticulously crafted with the help of experts in their respective fields. From a show that was created by Mars alone in his bedroom, the podcast now has around 500 million downloads worldwide. It first gained popularity for its captivating storytelling and unique topics that aren’t usually dissected elsewhere. This podcast is relevant to students now more than ever because we rarely have time to fully appreciate the world around us, especially in light of the recent surge in instantaneous content. Fortunately, ‘99% Invisible’ is here to teach us how to look beyond the surface to think critically about the nature of the world around us.
And there you have it! From thought-provoking discussions to entertaining storytelling, these podcasts are sure to captivate and interest the youths of today. By tuning in to these shows, you might just gain fresh perspectives and broaden your horizons about issues that you do not usually think about. So, get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and embrace the power of podcasts – Whether you’re on the bus to school or studying at home, these podcasts will undoubtedly serve as powerful companions to compliment your daily lives.
