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-Sep-13 17:08 UTC. Podcasts listed: 31. 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 encompass a diverse array of topics, primarily focusing on contemporary issues, intellectual discussions, and deep dives into history and science. The featured episodes include in-depth conversations with experts from various fields such as technology, politics, philosophy, history, biology, and more.
One recurring theme is the exploration of scientific and intellectual ideas, with episodes addressing complex subjects like artificial intelligence, evolutionary biology, consciousness, and the interplay of science and society. Discussions often delve into the ethical and philosophical implications of these topics, featuring esteemed academics and thought leaders who provide insights into cutting-edge research and its broader impacts.
Another significant focus is on historical and cultural analysis. Several episodes investigate historical events and figures, examining their relevance to contemporary issues. This includes discussions about the influence of the Roman Empire, the dynamics of liberalism and illiberalism, and the role of influential thinkers in shaping modern philosophies.
There is also substantial content dedicated to social and political discourse. Episodes tackle subjects such as the intricacies of political behavior, the dynamics of public debate, the impact of social media, and the challenges of modern political movements. These discussions often involve prominent commentators and aim to provide a thorough understanding of current political climates and their historical contexts.
Additionally, there are episodes that offer personal narratives and practical advice. Some explore the journeys of individuals in the business, arts, and activism sectors, providing inspiration and strategic insights for those aiming to achieve success in similar fields. Others delve into more specific interests like the philosophy behind popular culture, the mechanics of different professions, and tips for personal development and professional growth.
Overall, these podcasts deliver rich, informative content that bridges various domains of knowledge, offering listeners a broad spectrum of intellectual and cultural enrichment.
| Podcasts: |
80,000 Hours PodcastProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 252 episodes 2017 to 2024 Median: 138 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): AI safety and policy • mental health • environmental issues • technological impacts • governance • alternative proteins • history and ethics • economic models • global challenges • pandemic prevention 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-Sep-13 16:34 UTC): #201 – Ken Goldberg on why your robot butler isn’t here yet |
Intelligence SquaredProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 1213 episodes 2013 to 2024 Median: 54 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): lively debates • deep-dive discussions • personal memoirs • historical narratives • scientific insights • cultural critiques • political analysis • demographic trends • literary explorations • psychological perspectives • climate action • digital and technological impact 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-Sep-12 23:10 UTC): Black Arsenal: Club, Culture and Identity, Part Two |
Lex Fridman PodcastProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 444 episodes 2018 to 2024 Median: 143 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Science and technology • AI research • Politics and current events • History • Philosophy • Relationships and human behavior • Notable personalities and their contributions • Personal stories of success and challenges • Future predictions and implications 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-Sep-12 22:57 UTC): #443 – Gregory Aldrete: The Roman Empire – Rise and Fall of Ancient Rome |
IdeasProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 197 episodes 2023 to 2024 Median: 54 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Contemporary thought • Intellectual history • Social issues • Philosophy • Science • History • Culture • Human rights • Environmentalism • Literature • Ethics • Indigenous perspectives 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-Sep-12 12:10 UTC): Pursuing the Mysteries of Gravity with a Radical New Theory |
Lives Well LivedProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 19 episodes 2024 Median: 70 minutes Collections: Philosophy • SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Ethical living • Happiness and fulfilment • Environmentalism • Political behavior • Human psychology • Health and longevity • Animal rights • Technology and society • Philosophy • Social activism 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-Sep-12 06:44 UTC): SAM HARRIS: the illusion of consciousness and free will |
Converging DialoguesProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 368 episodes 2020 to 2024 Median: 96 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Philosophy • Psychology • Politics • Social commentary • History • Science • Economics • Cultural studies • Sociology • Evolutionary biology • Neuroscience • Justice and rights 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-Sep-12 02:52 UTC): #368 - The Rise of Illiberalism: A Dialogue with Marlene Laruelle |
Within ReasonProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 82 episodes 2019 to 2024 Median: 75 minutes Collections: Philosophy • SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Philosophy • Religion • Atheism • Political commentary • Critical interviews with scholars • Existential topics • Neuroscience and consciousness • AI risks • History and text criticism • Contemporary societal issues Description (podcaster-provided): For the curious. Latest episode (2024-Sep-09 15:51 UTC): #81 Joe Folley - 9 Questions Atheists Cannot Answer |
ParadigmProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 29 episodes 2023 to 2024 Median: 84 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Philosophy • Science • Technology • Artificial intelligence • Consciousness • Evolution • Ethics • Neuroscience • Physics • Mathematics • Economics • Biology • Quantum computing • Astronomy • Disinformation Description (podcaster-provided): Conversations with the world's deepest thinkers in philosophy, science, and technology. A global top-ranked podcast by Matt Geleta. Latest episode (2024-Sep-09 15:00 UTC): Neil Johnson: Bad Actor AI & the Online Battlefield |
The Gray Area with Sean IllingProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 673 episodes 2016 to 2024 Median: 66 minutes Collections: Philosophy • SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Philosophy-minded discussions • Culture • Politics • Technology • Identity • Mental health • Family dynamics • Historical figures • Social issues • Global affairs • Economics • Anarchism • Utopian thinking • Literature and film analysis 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-Sep-09 09:00 UTC): Why cynicism is bad for you |
Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa MariaProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 519 episodes 2014 to 2024 Median: 68 minutes Collections: SciPhi-Adjacent • Science Themes (AI-generated): Science communication • Expert interviews • New books • Psychology • History • Technology • Mathematics • Biology • Sociology • Medicine • Environment • Space • Diversity • Education • Ethics 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-Sep-09 07:00 UTC): Rogue Shark Science w/ Jasmin Graham |
Conversations With ColemanProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 181 episodes 2019 to 2024 Median: 67 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Race and identity • Politics and societal issues • Cultural critiques • Personal memoirs and experiences • Philosophical discussions • Mental health and therapy • Gender and feminism • International relations and conflicts • Technology and AI debates 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-Sep-07 12:00 UTC): Live in Melbourne w/Josh Szeps |
Know TimeProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 97 episodes 2020 to 2024 Median: 69 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Interviews with experts • Science and technology • Philosophy and metaphysics • Culture and history • Culinary arts • Theatre and acting • Sports and athletics • Music and creativity • Psychology and consciousness Description (podcaster-provided): For the ones curious about the world and everything in it, but have know time. Latest episode (2024-Sep-07 00:20 UTC): #88: Improv, Comedy & Theatre ft. Armando Diaz |
Making Sense with Sam HarrisProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 408 episodes 2013 to 2024 Median: 45 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Neuroscience • Philosophy • Politics and public debate • Current events • Meditation and mindfulness • AI and technology • Antisemitism and Zionism • Islam and religion • Social media • Psychedelics and mental health • Global conflicts 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-Sep-06 17:17 UTC): #382 — The Eye of Nature |
Good Is In The DetailsProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 151 episodes 2019 to 2024 Median: 46 minutes Collections: Philosophy • SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Philosophy • Sociology • Ethics • Psychology • Self-improvement • Culture • Media analysis • Relationships • Literature • Law • True Crime 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-Sep-05 01:25 UTC): Business Details: The Story Behind Success |
Conversations with TylerProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 231 episodes 2015 to 2024 Median: 58 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Intellectual explorations • Discussions with experts • Politics • Economics • History • Philosophy • Centuries of cultural insights • Technology • AI • Psychology • Science • Literature • Religion • Social issues 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-Sep-04 13:30 UTC): Philip Ball on the Interplay of Science, Society, and the Quest for Understanding |
Dwarkesh PodcastProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 74 episodes 2020 to 2024 Median: 91 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Deep dives into history • AI and technological progress • Economics and finance discussions • Political insights • Effective altruism and philanthropy • High-profile interviews • Moral and philosophical explorations Description (podcaster-provided): Deeply researched interviews Latest episode (2024-Aug-29 15:38 UTC): David Reich - How One Small Tribe Conquered the World 70,000 Years Ago |
New FrontierProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 56 episodes 2020 to 2024 Median: 57 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Interviews with experts • Economics • Politics • Technology • Philosophy • DefenseTech • AI • Crypto • History • Education • Society • Trade • Conservatism • Monetary Policy • Religion 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 (2024-Aug-27 16:00 UTC): Brian Streem on Building a Startup in Ukraine |
MULTIVERSESProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 34 episodes 2023 to 2024 Median: 88 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Philosophy of science • Ethics of AI • Quantum mechanics interpretations • Animal consciousness • Language and cognitive science • Genomics • Climate solutions • Mathematics and geometry • Science communication through poetry • Astrobiology and life detection 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-Aug-27 06:00 UTC): 34| Animal Minds — Kristin Andrews on why assuming consciousness would aid science |
Moral MazeProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 227 episodes 2015 to 2024 Median: 42 minutes Collections: Philosophy • SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Moral issues behind news stories • Politics • Society • Religion • Culture • Human behavior • Ethics • Social justice • Philosophy 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-Aug-15 11:33 UTC): Should Foreign Tourism Be Discouraged? |
Point of InquiryProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 650 episodes 2005 to 2024 Median: 36 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Science • Religion • Politics • Secularism • Critical thinking • Social justice • Atheism • Skepticism • Misinformation • Humanism • Paranormal investigations • History • Philosophy Description (podcaster-provided): Point of Inquiry is the Center for Inquiry's flagship podcast, where the brightest minds of our time sound off on all the things you're not supposed to talk about at the dinner table: science, religion, and politics. Latest episode (2024-Jul-19 16:03 UTC): Steve Hill on Point of Inquiry |
Arts & IdeasProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 2000 episodes 2012 to 2024 Median: 44 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Intellectual discussions • cultural history • philosophy • politics • literature • academic research • societal issues • historical analysis • art and media studies • diverse expert guests Description (podcaster-provided): Leading thinkers discuss the ideas shaping our lives – looking back at the news and making links between past and present. Broadcast as Free Thinking, Fridays at 9pm on BBC Radio 4. Presented by Matthew Sweet, Shahidha Bari and Anne McElvoy. Latest episode (2024-Jun-28 21:27 UTC): Escapism |
The NeuromanticsProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 24 episodes 2019 to 2024 Median: 47 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Neuroscience • Literature • Psychology • Poetry • Cognitive processes • Memory • Language • Music • Emotion • Philosophy • Art • Human behavior • Nature • Identity 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): In-depth conversations with researchers, explorers, and thought leaders • Cutting-edge research and original ideas • Ethical and philosophical discussions • AI and technology advancements • Space exploration • Neuroscience • Human behavior and intelligence • Science communication • Environmental sustainability 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 |
FuturemakersProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 50 episodes 2018 to 2023 Median: 49 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Debates on society's future • Brain and mental health • Suicide prevention • Mental health advocacy • Pandemic history • Climate change • AI's impact • Quantum computing • Healthcare advancements 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): Historical analysis • Influential books • Interviews with historians and authors • Examination of social, political, and scientific ideas • Discussion on progress and its consequences • Reflection on historical patterns 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 |
Four ThoughtProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 380 episodes 2011 to 2023 Median: 19 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Personal experiences of grief and loss • Mental health and self-care • Social issues and caregiving • Cultural reflections and advocacy • Philosophy and morality • Creativity and artistic expression Description (podcaster-provided): Series of thought-provoking talks in which the speakers air their thinking on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect culture and society Latest episode (2023-Feb-22 20:45 UTC): What I've Learned from Four Thought |
Rationally Speaking PodcastProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 263 episodes 2010 to 2021 Median: 51 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): AI and technology • Social issues • Economics • Philosophy • Ethics • Psychology • Public policy • Future predictions • Evolutionary psychology • Existential risk 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 discussions • Science exploration • Quantum mechanics • Cognitive biases • Meditation and mindfulness • Evolutionary psychology • Ideas on free will • Tribalism and societal issues • Effective altruism • Academic and cultural debates 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): Political philosophy • Key thinkers • Historical crises • Democracy • Justice • Feminism • Colonialism • Utilitarianism • Revolution • Utopian visions • State sovereignty • Leadership ethics 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): Big ideas shaping society • Science and psychology • Economics and governance • Social issues and discrimination • Technology and AI • Environmental and health topics • Philosophy and ethics Description (podcaster-provided): What are the big ideas shaping our world now? Latest episode (2020-Dec-19 08:50 UTC): Fighting pandemics |
Think Again - a Big Think PodcastProfile • Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts 237 episodes 2015 to 2020 Median: 50 minutes Collection: SciPhi-Adjacent Themes (AI-generated): Unexpected conversations • Thought-provoking ideas • Diverse guests (authors, filmmakers, scientists) • Creativity and innovation • Personal stories • Deep explorations of themes • Social issues • Philosophical insights Description (podcaster-provided): We surprise some of the world's brightest minds with ideas they're not at all prepared to discuss. With host Jason Gots and special guests Neil Gaiman, Alan Alda, Salman Rushdie, Mary-Louise Parker, Richard Dawkins, Margaret Atwood, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, Saul Williams, Henry Rollins, Bill Nye, George Takei, Maria Popova, and many more . . . You've got 10 minutes with Einstein. What do you talk about? Black holes? Time travel? Why not gambling? The Art of War? Contemporary parenting? Some of the best conversations happen when we're pushed outside of our comfort zones. So each week on Think Again, we surprise smart people you've probably heard of with hand-picked gems from Big Think's interview archives on every imaginable subject. The conversation could go anywhere. SINCE 2008, BIG THINK has captured on video the best ideas of the world’s leading thinkers and doers in every field, renowned experts including neurologist Oliver Sacks, physicist Stephen Hawking, behavioral psychologist Daniel Kahneman, authors Margaret Atwood and Marylinne Robinson, entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, painter Chuck Close, and philosopher Daniel Dennett. Latest episode (2020-May-13 09:00 UTC): [SPECIAL] Clever Creature with Jason Gots - Episode 1: DESERT |