A curated collection of podcasts that sometimes venture into science or philosophy, among many other topics. Also see the Science Podcast Collection and the Philosophy Podcast Collection.
Select a podcast to view its profile page. Switch to grid view.
Updated: 2024-Jul-26 17:08 UTC. Podcasts listed: 27. Ordered by date of most recent episode (newest to oldest). AI-generated content is based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions.
Collection summary covering past 30 days of combined episodes (AI-generated):
These podcasts delve into a wide array of intellectual and cultural topics, bringing together experts from diverse fields to explore both contemporary issues and timeless questions. Many episodes focus on the intersection of science, philosophy, history, and politics. Discussions on medical innovations, climate action, and AI governance reflect a strong emphasis on how advancements in these fields are shaping our world. For instance, the evolution of quantum mechanics and the implications of AI competition between the U.S. and China are thoroughly analyzed.
Historical episodes cover significant events and figures, such as the fall of Rome, the year 1938 leading up to World War II, and the political history of Turkey. Various episodes highlight influential individuals, including Jane Goodall and her work with chimpanzees, as well as Tyler Cowen's musings on the future of humanity.
Philosophical inquiries are a recurrent theme, with episodes exploring concepts like moral realism, the philosophy behind depression and hope, and the nature of consciousness. Some episodes delve into specific philosophical ideologies and their practical impacts, such as discussions on Nietzsche's political thought, the ethos of Captain America, and the nature of liberalism and conservatism.
There is also considerable focus on social and ethical issues, including the decline of native bee species, the impact of systemic racism and ultra-processed foods on health, and the ethics of stepping down from power. Episodes discussing the future of wokeness, the rise of authoritarianism, and the role of the Olympics in promoting peace versus nationalism illustrate a critical engagement with current societal debates.
In addition, artistic and cultural content is present, with episodes featuring discussions on Broadway productions, the philosophy of romance, and the culinary traditions of Indian cuisine. Personal memoirs and historical accounts, such as those from a former NASA astronaut and a Ukrainian journalist, provide a narrative depth that complements the analytical discussions.
Overall, these podcasts offer a rich blend of analytical discourse, historical reflections, philosophical insights, and cultural narratives, appealing to listeners who are keen on understanding the complexities of both past and present human experiences.
| Podcasts: |
Making Sense with Sam HarrisProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 403 episodes 2013 to 2024 Median: 45 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Neuroscience and consciousness • Politics and society • Middle Eastern conflicts • Free speech and censorship • Mindfulness and meditation • Artificial intelligence • Philosophy and ethics • Climate change and health • Journalism and media analysis • Religion and spirituality Description (podcaster-provided): Join neuroscientist, philosopher, and five-time New York Times best-selling author Sam Harris as he explores important and controversial questions about the mind, society, current events, moral philosophy, religion, and rationality—with an overarching focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live. Latest episode (2024-Jul-26 14:36 UTC): #377 — The Future of Psychedelic Medicine |
IdeasProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 205 episodes 2023 to 2024 Median: 54 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Contemporary thought • Intellectual history • Ethical debates • Security and insecurity • Human rights and justice • Indigenous perspectives • Philosophy • Political and social issues • Culture and creativity • Science and technology Description (podcaster-provided): IDEAS is a deep-dive into contemporary thought and intellectual history. No topic is off-limits. In the age of clickbait and superficial headlines, it's for people who like to think. Latest episode (2024-Jul-26 12:10 UTC): The Hinge Years: 1963 | Social Revolutions |
Intelligence SquaredProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 1186 episodes 2013 to 2024 Median: 54 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Debates on capitalism and economics • Discussions on science and technology • Historical and cultural insights • Personal memoirs and biographies • Political analysis and ideologies • Interviews with authors and experts Description (podcaster-provided): Intelligence Squared is the home of lively debate and deep-dive discussion. Follow Intelligence Squared wherever you get your podcasts and enjoy four regular episodes per week taking you to the heart of the issues that matter in the company of the world’s great minds. We’d love to hear your feedback and what you think we should talk about next, who we should have on and what our future debates should be. Send us an email or voice note with your thoughts to [email protected] or Tweet us @intelligence2. Latest episode (2024-Jul-25 23:10 UTC): Generation One: The Climate Podcast | Brought to you by UCL |
Moral MazeProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 224 episodes 2015 to 2024 Median: 42 minutes Collections: Philosophy • SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Moral debates • Politics and leadership • Historical and cultural values • Social issues • Ethics of forgiveness • Employment and economic topics • Human rights and immigration • Various philosophical questions Description (podcaster-provided): Combative, provocative and engaging live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze Latest episode (2024-Jul-25 10:38 UTC): 24/07/2024 |
Lives Well LivedProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 12 episodes 2024 Median: 64 minutes Collections: Philosophy • SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): ethical living • personal fulfillment • inspiring interviews • activism • philosophy • human and animal rights • cognitive psychology • evolutionary ethics • conservation • science communication • decision-making Description (podcaster-provided): Lives Well Lived is hosted by Peter Singer & Kasia de Lazari Radek. Episodes consist of interviews with remarkable guests who have lived well, both in the sense of living an ethical life, but also in that they are fulfilled and happy with what they have achieved in their lives. Some of these guests will be well-known figures, but others who are doing extraordinary things will be unfamiliar to almost all of our listeners. The conversations will often cover ground that involves ethics, how to live well, and how to make a positive difference in the world. It will inspire and empower its audience to change their own lives for the better. Latest episode (2024-Jul-25 06:44 UTC): TYLER COWEN: the future of humanity |
Dwarkesh PodcastProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 72 episodes 2020 to 2024 Median: 90 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): In-depth interviews • Economic theories • AI and technological implications • Political insights • Historical analysis • Philosophical discussions • Effective altruism • Entrepreneurship • Global issues • Prediction markets Description (podcaster-provided): Deeply researched interviews Latest episode (2024-Jul-24 13:57 UTC): Patrick McKenzie - How a Discord Server Saved Thousands of Lives |
Conversations With ColemanProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 179 episodes 2019 to 2024 Median: 67 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Race and politics • Social issues • Intellectual debates • Culture and media • Personal narratives • Mental health • Philosophy • Historical analysis • Science and technology • Global and geopolitical discussions Description (podcaster-provided): Conversations with Coleman is home to honest conversations with leading intellectuals on polarised issues in the realm of race, politics and culture in the West. Latest episode (2024-Jul-24 12:00 UTC): The Future of Woke w/Eric Kaufmann [PLUS AUSTRALIA SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT] |
Conversations with TylerProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 228 episodes 2015 to 2024 Median: 57 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Interviews with thinkers • Politics • Economics • Culture • Philosophy • History • Technology • Methodologies • Intellectual contributions • Global perspectives Description (podcaster-provided): Tyler Cowen engages today’s deepest thinkers in wide-ranging explorations of their work, the world, and everything in between. New conversations every other Wednesday. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Latest episode (2024-Jul-24 11:30 UTC): Alan Taylor on Revolutionary Ironies and the Continental Civil War |
Good Is In The DetailsProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 148 episodes 2019 to 2024 Median: 46 minutes Collections: Philosophy • SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Philosophy • Ethics • Self-improvement • Morality • True Crime • Literature • Health • Relationships • Education • Cultural Analysis • Creativity • Science • Law • Personal Development • Technology Description (podcaster-provided): Good Is In The Details is hosted by Gwendolyn Dolske, Ph.D and Rudy Salo. We believe that being curious and satisfying your curiosity is the key to happiness. Every episode is a discussion with an expert where we are learning what we didn't know we didn't know. Join us in gaining a bit of wisdom, health tips, lessons on self-improvement, and some laughter in between. Latest episode (2024-Jul-23 04:51 UTC): How to be Philosophical About Romance |
The Gray Area with Sean IllingProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 666 episodes 2016 to 2024 Median: 66 minutes Collections: Philosophy • SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Philosophy and modern issues • Politics and democracy • Technological impact • Mental health and psychology • Societal challenges • Historical analysis • Literature and arts • Science and future scenarios Description (podcaster-provided): The Gray Area with Sean Illing takes a philosophy-minded look at culture, technology, politics, and the world of ideas. Each week, we invite a guest to explore a question or topic that matters. From the the state of democracy, to the struggle with depression and anxiety, to the nature of identity in the digital age, each episode looks for nuance and honesty in the most important conversations of our time. New episodes drop every Monday. Latest episode (2024-Jul-22 09:30 UTC): Swear like a philosopher |
Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa MariaProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 513 episodes 2014 to 2024 Median: 68 minutes Collections: SciPhi-Adjacent • Science Themes (AI-generated): Science communication • Conversations with experts • New books and research • Environmental issues • Technology and robotics • Psychology and human behavior • History and social issues • Diversity and inclusion Description (podcaster-provided): Cara Santa Maria is a science communicator, television host, producer, and journalist. She is excited to present "Talk Nerdy," a place for conversations with interesting people about interesting topics. Latest episode (2024-Jul-22 07:00 UTC): You Bet Your Life w/ Paul Offit |
Converging DialoguesProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 357 episodes 2020 to 2024 Median: 96 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Diverse topics in history • Politics • Philosophy • Cultural and social issues • Science and technology advancements • Human cognition • Personal and public aspects of life Description (podcaster-provided): Converging Dialogues is a podcast that is designed to have honest and authentic conversations with a diversity of thoughts and opinions. Wide-ranging topics include philosophy, psychology, politics, and social commentary. A spirit of civility, respect, and open-mindedness is the guiding compass. Latest episode (2024-Jul-22 01:34 UTC): #357 - A History of Nomads: A Dialogue of Anthony Sattin |
Lex Fridman PodcastProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 438 episodes 2018 to 2024 Median: 144 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Science • Technology • Politics • Relationships • Philosophy • History • AI research • Space exploration • Human behavior • Music • Conflict resolutions • Free speech • Personal stories • Innovation Description (podcaster-provided): Conversations about science, technology, history, philosophy and the nature of intelligence, consciousness, love, and power. Lex is an AI researcher at MIT and beyond. Latest episode (2024-Jul-21 23:43 UTC): #437 – Jordan Jonas: Survival, Hunting, Siberia, God, and Winning Alone Season 6 |
Within ReasonProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 77 episodes 2019 to 2024 Median: 76 minutes Collections: Philosophy • SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Philosophy discussions • Religion and atheism debates • Political and social commentary • Consciousness and psychology exploration • Historical analysis • Science and ethics conversations Description (podcaster-provided): For the curious. Latest episode (2024-Jul-21 22:15 UTC): #77 Bart Ehrman - What is the Gospel of Judas? |
Know TimeProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 92 episodes 2020 to 2024 Median: 69 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): **Digest:** Broadway & theatre • philosophy & metaphysics • science & technology • psychology & emotions • cosmology & physics • education & rural development • chess & intelligence • music & performance • spirituality & yoga • history & politics Description (podcaster-provided): For the ones curious about the world and everything in it, but have know time. Latest episode (2024-Jul-20 01:53 UTC): #83: Cooking, Indian Food, Culture & History ft. Chef Vikas Khanna |
MULTIVERSESProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 33 episodes 2023 to 2024 Median: 89 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Foundational issues in science and philosophy • Quantum mechanics • AI ethics and future • Philosophy of language • Empirical aesthetics in music • Astrobiology • Play in animals • Linguistics • Climate change solutions • Genomics ethics Description (podcaster-provided): Coffee table conversations with people thinking about foundational issues. Multiverses explores the limits of knowledge and technology. Does quantum mechanics tell us that our world is one of many? Will AI make us intellectually lazy, or expand our cognitive range? Is time a thing in itself or a measure of change? Join James Robinson as he tries to find out. Latest episode (2024-Jul-19 06:30 UTC): 33| Taking Chance Seriously — Alastair Wilson on Quantum Modal Realism |
80,000 Hours PodcastProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 244 episodes 2017 to 2024 Median: 138 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): AI risks • alternative proteins • global health • mental health • environmental issues • economic impacts of AI • historical perspectives on civilization • philosophy and ethics • leadership in AI development Description (podcaster-provided): Unusually in-depth conversations about the world's most pressing problems and what you can do to solve them. Latest episode (2024-Jul-18 18:34 UTC): #193 – Sihao Huang on the risk that US–China AI competition leads to war |
The NeuromanticsProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 24 episodes 2019 to 2024 Median: 47 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Neuroscience • Literature • Psychology • Poems • Cognitive processes • Human behavior • Emotion • Memory • Brain function • Communication • Art • Language • Perception • Creativity • Cultural insights Description (podcaster-provided): Welcome to The Neuromantics – a monthly podcast for writers, psychologists, neuroscientists, poets, philosophers, comedians, musicians, and anyone interested in the exchange of ideas. The idea: a free-ranging conversation between Professor Sophie Scott (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/icn/people/sophie-scott and @sophiescott) of the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL and Will Eaves about the brain, the mind, language, gesture, and communication as a fundamental property of science, literature and the arts. The format: roughly 30 mins of chat with musical stings in the punning style of the podcast title by Michael Caines. Sophie shares a bit of research. Will brings along a poem, story, speech, or essay. There will be guests in the future. There will be events. Latest episode (2024-Jun-24 15:37 UTC): The Neuromantics – S3, Ep 4 |
Bridging the Gaps: A Portal for Curious MindsProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 76 episodes 2014 to 2024 Median: 56 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Interdisciplinary research and discussions • Ethical dilemmas in science and technology • AI and machine learning insights • Space exploration challenges • Historical perspectives on science • Neuroscience advancements and implications • Philosophy of technology and information Description (podcaster-provided): In-depth conversations with researchers, explorers and thought leaders from around the world, on cutting edge research and original ideas. Latest episode (2024-May-20 00:11 UTC): “The Secret Life of Data: Navigating Hype and Uncertainty” with Aram Sinnreich and Jesse Gilbert |
ParadigmProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 22 episodes 2023 Median: 84 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Philosophy of mind and consciousness • Artificial intelligence and technology • Ethics and human knowledge • Energy and sustainability • Disinformation and media influence • Cosmology and theoretical physics Description (podcaster-provided): Conversations with the world's deepest thinkers in philosophy, science, and technology. A global top 10% podcast by Matt Geleta. Latest episode (2023-Dec-14 19:52 UTC): Michael Muthukrishna: Energy crisis and the role of nuclear |
New FrontierProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 55 episodes 2020 to 2023 Median: 57 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Economics • Technology • Society • Policy • Innovation • Culture • History • Philosophy • AI • Energy • Crypto • Trade • Monetary Policy • Education • Migration Description (podcaster-provided): Patrick Blumenthal (@PatrickJBlum) interviews some of the world's leading economists, political scientists, and philosophers to discuss their ideas and what they mean for society, technology, and the economy. Latest episode (2023-Nov-27 14:00 UTC): Marian Tupy on Superabundance, Innovation, and Doomerism |
FuturemakersProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 50 episodes 2018 to 2023 Median: 49 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Societal challenges • Mental health and psychiatry • Pandemics and historical plagues • Climate change and environmental impact • Technology and artificial intelligence • Quantum computing • Workplace wellbeing Description (podcaster-provided): Welcome to Futuremakers, from the University of Oxford, where our academics debate key issues for the future of society. Latest episode (2023-Sep-21 13:30 UTC): S4 Ep9: Evidence-based strategies for suicide and self-harm prevention with Professor Seena Fazel |
Context with Brad HarrisProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 31 episodes 2018 to 2023 Median: 35 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): History • Philosophy • Science • Evolution • Societal Change • Enlightenment • Education • Culture • Inequality • Disease • Historical Figures • Books • Civilization Collapse • Ideological Debates • Globalization Description (podcaster-provided): What led to the rise of the modern world? How have we made so much progress, and what are its consequences? What are humanity's best ideas? Join award-winning historian Brad Harris as he engages these fundamental questions and interprets the biggest historical forces that shape their answers, from the rise of civilization and the development of modern science to the spread of disease and the growth of globalization. Latest episode (2023-May-17 15:24 UTC): Into the Trenches Once More |
Rationally Speaking PodcastProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 263 episodes 2010 to 2021 Median: 51 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Science vs. pseudoscience • Economics and poverty • AI and technology • Politics and democracy • Human behavior and psychology • Ethics and morality • Education and social issues • Future of humanity Description (podcaster-provided): Rationally Speaking is the bi-weekly podcast of New York City Skeptics. Join host Julia Galef and guests as they explore the borderlands between reason and nonsense, likely from unlikely, and science from pseudoscience. Any topic is fair game as long as we can bring reason to bear upon it, with both a skeptical eye and a good dose of humor! Latest episode (2021-Dec-23 16:02 UTC): Is cash the best way to help the poor? (Michael Faye) |
MeaningofLife.tvProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 31 episodes 2021 Median: 60 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Philosophy • Science • Religion • Spirituality • Cognitive biases • Quantum mechanics • Evolution • Free will • Meditation • Enlightenment • Tribalism • Time management • Effective altruism • Education • Grading in schools Description (podcaster-provided): Conversations about philosophy, science, religion and spirituality Latest episode (2021-Nov-29 18:35 UTC): Kant Stop Critiquin' (Aryeh Cohen-Wade & David Ottlinger) |
Talking Politics: HISTORY OF IDEASProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 27 episodes 2020 to 2021 Median: 46 minutes Collections: Philosophy • SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Modern political ideas • Historical political figures • Philosophical analyses • Crises impacting political thought • Influence on contemporary politics • Key political texts • Political ideologies and movements Description (podcaster-provided): A new series of talks by David Runciman, in which he explores some of the most important thinkers and prominent ideas lying behind modern politics – from Hobbes to Gandhi, from democracy to patriarchy, from revolution to lock down. Plus, he talks about the crises – revolutions, wars, depressions, pandemics – that generated these new ways of political thinking. From the team that brought you Talking Politics: a history of ideas to help make sense of what’s happening today. Latest episode (2021-May-08 23:00 UTC): History of Ideas Q and A |
The Big IdeaProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 42 episodes 2018 to 2020 Median: 10 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Philosophy • Neuroscience • Economics • Psychology • Society • Ethics • Technology • Environment • Politics • Health Description (podcaster-provided): What are the big ideas shaping our world now? Latest episode (2020-Dec-19 08:50 UTC): Fighting pandemics |