Useful Podcasts About Education and Learning
Contents
Understanding what's on the horizon in education is always a big question that's up for discussion. What new technologies can we expect in the classroom? How will remote learning affect the students of the future? What can students do to study smarter, not harder? How can you pay for college without going broke? And what shows can you listen to, to make you feel smarter?
These are great questions that need a good solution- this is where podcasts become an invaluable resource. In this article, we explore podcasts that not only discuss educational trends but also help fill your head with knowledge.
1. The EdTech Podcast
The EdTech Podcast is a weekly podcast that's all about well-informed, tech-savvy conversations surrounding the EdTech industry. As you can probably tell from the title, this is a podcast that dives into all things education and technology.
Hosted by Sophie Bailey, who has served as Head of Content at Bett, the world's largest education technology event. She also enjoyed a ten-year career in tech events, including at Informa Telecoms and Media (the founders of the Mobile World Congress).
This well-loved podcast is downloaded at least 2000 times each week from listeners across 145 countries– and for a good reason.
The EdTech Podcast covers a broad range of topics, including online learning platforms, the latest in classroom tech, digital strategies, removing barriers in skill development, AI edtech, and so much more.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, The EdTech podcast reached 40k downloads a month as it became a precious resource for those struggling with remote learning and working.
What we love about this podcast:
Episodes are 30 minutes long
Up-to-date information from within the industry
The host is beyond knowledgeable in her field
Well produced and has great guests!
If you're looking for a way to stay up-to-date on the latest in education technology, this is the podcast for you!
"Covering schools, higher education, and lifelong learning. Our mission is to improve the dialogue between 'ed' and 'tech' for better innovation and impact."
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website
2. The Inforium
College and all that comes with it can be tough. Thankfully, The Inforium (branded initially as The College Info Geek Podcast) is there to help you learn effectively, spend less time studying and become more productive (even if you're not in college).
Hosted by Thomas Frank and Martin Boehme, this weekly podcast features interviews with students and academic experts and is chock full of tips and tricks for boosting your academic performance. Whether that's choosing the right major, prepping for exams, paying your college fees (without going broke), or even reading more books - they are here to help.
No longer in academia? This isn't a podcast strictly reserved for college goers - oh no - in fact, they cover the post-college aspects of life too. Buying your first house, entering your 30s, finding the right career after college, and becoming comfortable with uncertainty, take on life's big steps that we all need to take.
New episodes go live every other Monday at 8 am EST.
What we love about this podcast:
Hosts are engaging and entertaining
Packed with helpful information for any student who wants to improve their academic career.
Excellent for post-grads, career changers or those wishing to improve their productivity
"Learn how to be a more effective student, even while you're doing your laundry. The Inforium features in-depth, actionable advice for boosting your productivity, earning better grades, paying off your student loans, and more."
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website
3. The School Leadership Show
Being in a leadership position can put a lot of pressure on anyone - but none more so than educators. They often have multiple spinning plates that need constant attention, such as budgets, staff management, and student care.
Enter the School Leadership Show, hosted by Dr. Mike Doughty. This podcast is 100% dedicated to helping practicing and aspiring school leaders realize their potential, advance their careers, and achieve work-life balance. In addition, the podcast gives school administrators the tools and knowledge to thrive and become extraordinary leaders.
In 45 minutes or less, each episode is chock full of useful takeaways from the greatest minds within education. Mike and the team certainly deliver the insights anyone might need to succeed in school leadership. Topics include spotting candidates, reviewing and updating hiring processes, developing interview questions, transforming your curriculums through art, to helping kids not fear failure.
What we love about this podcast:
Lots of content surrounding student behavior
It Covers educator self-care and avoiding burnout
Tackles unanswered questions about distance learning
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website
4. The Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast with Daniel Bauer
There are times when it's hard to get motivated, especially when you're stuck in a rut within a career you once loved. The Better Leaders Better Schools podcast can certainly help reignite that passion. Hosted by Daniel Bauer, the BLBS podcast is a show created for Ruckus Makers in education. Those leaders that challenge the status quo never give up and strive to make change happen.
Initially launched in 2015, this category-defining podcast has helped one million+ educational leaders gain traction within their careers and help positively shape their educational facilities for the future.
Daniel covers topics such as how educational leaders can create roles and scenarios that invite people to contribute authentically and how you can start solving BIG problems by empowering students to invent technology for community impact. And how teachers can begin building better relationships with parents.
As a bonus, Daniel also hosts a daily podcast for school leaders. Always 5-minutes or less, this show's goal is to offer quick inspiration and encouragement to educators around the world every Monday through Friday.
What we love about this podcast:
Highly focused on educational leaders
A lot of content on mental health and self-care
A huge community of other leaders
It offers a wide catalog of inspirational episodes
This podcast has directly impacted heads of education with their leadership and vision for their schools, with one review stating, "Danny is thoughtful, insightful and passionate about helping listeners level up their productivity so that we can impact young lives positively. Super applicable and realistic."
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify |
5. Teachers on Fire
Teachers on Fire is an excellent bite-sized podcast hosted by the 8th-grade teacher and assistant principal, Tim Cavey. Tim's a firm believer in the growth mindset and advocates for the kinds of informal professional learning that comes with social media, blogs, vlogs, or podcasts.
Tim's podcast vision is clear; to contribute to the essential conversations in and around education to inspire innovative practices by educators around the globe.
You can tell this podcast is a work of passion. While the episodes may be short, the content is mighty- giving busy educators the chance to tune in on a break or during a commute. But, if you wanted more long-form episodes with additional voices in the mix, Tim's past episodes included many roundtable discussions and guest interviews. One of the most stand-out points about this podcast is the current monologue format, which creates a feeling of closeness and intimacy.
Tim and his guests speak directly from their experience, often highlighting a specific problem, challenge, or subject that's resolved through their unique expertise.
Tim also produces and hosts SPARKS, a mini-series intended to spark your thinking and ignite your practice. These short episodes are based on his written reflections, which you can find in the Teachers on Fire Magazine at Medium.com.
What we love about this podcast:
Honest conversations that cover a wide range of topics
Engaging storytelling
Shorter episodes are available - perfect for break time!
"Warming your heart, sparking your thinking, and igniting your professional practice."
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website
6. The Infinite Monkey Cage
Learning shouldn't be dull and nap-inducing. Instead, injecting a little humor into the mix can help boost long-term memory retention. The Infinite Monkey Cage, hosted by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince, this dynamic duo collides science and comedy to create a wonderfully witty and intellectually stimulating scientific ride.
Whether you want to help perk up a student's attention regarding science or just tune into something to make you giggle (but still stimulate the mind), this is an excellent podcast for your subscription list.
Episodes include the fundamentals of reality, why flies should be celebrated, not swatted, pushing Matt Lucas into a black hole (all in the name of science, of course), the magic of coral, and so much more.
What we love about this podcast:
Funny and entertaining, but chock full of scientific knowledge
Great guests, including comedians and academics
New seasons recorded!
Note: Since this is a BBC production, there may be a paywall to continue listening.
"Brian Cox and Robin Ince host a witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes."
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website
7. The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish
We've all heard the Latin saying "Scientia potentia est" or, more colloquially, "knowledge is power." The Knowledge Project podcast is a beautifully produced show that brings to the forefront interviews with world-class doers and thinkers to help us, the average Joe, better analyze problems, seize opportunities, and master decision-making. It promises that "every episode is packed with wisdom you can use at work and home," and it certainly delivers.
Episodes vary in length and range from under an hour to 2.5+ hours. But the lack of consistency between episode lengths shouldn't deter you from tuning in. You will always be able to find something to listen to for a time that suits you.
TKP covers a host of topics like navigating the fragility of confidence, making better decisions (both personally and financially), the difference between success and talent, and so much more.
What we love about this podcast:
Total brainfood
Interesting guests and insightful conversations
Great for professionals
Well produced
Varying episode length
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website
8. Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
Life is not all sunshine and roses. The last few years have been tough for those in education. But what if there was a remedy for the despair? A little perk-you-up when you're feeling particularly frustrated in the form of a podcast to bring you right back to center?
Angela Watson hosts Truth for Teachers, a podcast solely designed to speak life, encouragement, and truth into the minds and hearts of educators and get you energized for the week ahead. A caffeine boost for the soul if you will!
Truth for Teachers strives to inform their listeners about what's going on in classrooms beyond just your region. One listener said the podcast was "like sharing a cup of tea with an old friend!" Angela covers topics such as burnout and work-life balance, student behavior, what the state of education is like today, how to reclaim your weeknights, using playfulness in your lessons, and much more.
What we love about this podcast:
Each episode is beyond informative
Casual and friendly feeling
Excellent sound quality and production
Bingeable
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website
9. TED Podcast | Education
If you've never heard of TEDTalks you must have been living under a rock.TED Talks are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech, and creativity, accessible to all with subtitles in 100+ languages.
As a part of the TedTalks network, TedTalks Education hosts talks from some of the planet's brightest people in education- all available in podcast format. What should schools look like in the future? How do young brains learn? How online learning is changing academia for good. These are great questions that some of the world's greatest educators, researchers, and community leaders are tackling. They are standing up and sharing their stories on stage at the TED conference and TEDx events.
What we love about this podcast:
Impactful, inspirational, and often moving
Short form episodes
audio/video combos
Excellent sound quality
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website
10. Ten Minute Teacher Podcast
The 10 Minute Teacher is jam-packed with teaching strategies, ideas, and inspirational educators from everywhere. If you want a podcast hosted by a classroom teacher interviewing mostly classroom teachers — the 10 Minute Teacher is a show for you.
Hosted by @coolcatteacher, Vicki Davis, The 10 Minute Teacher Podcast is an incredible resource. Vicki has produced somewhere in the region of 700+ episodes, ensuring that there is a lot of helpful content and something for everyone.
Episodes are short and sweet yet tackle the topic in a way that drives home some tangible takeaways.
Thanks to the TMTP team, their work ethic ensures we all get brand new episodes five days a week (Monday to Friday) with themes such as Motivation Monday, EdTech Tool Tuesday, and 5-Idea Friday.
What we love about this podcast:
Short form episodes that touch on up-to-date topics
Friendly, positive, and relatable host
Tons of valuable tips and tools
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website
11. Empowered Principal Podcast
Are you at the helm of an educational facility? Are you the one running the show but running on empty and need a motivational pick me up? The Empowered Principal is designed to offer tools and strategies that no other elementary principal resource provides.
Hosted by Angela Kelly Robeck, a former teacher, principal, district administrator, and Certified Life Coach, is here to help educators navigate the emotional and mental demands of leading a school. It's no lie that principals can feel wholly overwhelmed, so Empowered Principal's primary goal is to tackle the common challenges and provide the tools needed to manage your thinking so that you can handle whatever comes your way.
What we love about this podcast:
Provides listeners with a sense of community
Addresses real leadership topics and challenges
Great rage of podcast episode lengths
Honest, truthful, and trustworthy
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website
SUMMARY
Podcasts have become a go-to resource for most people looking for a bit of guidance, and educators are no exception. The above list is designed to give a varied and broad overview of what podcasts can offer, not only in terms of information and resources but also community and support.
If you feel there should be another podcast on this list, reach out to us!
