Podcasts: Your Best Everyday Learning Tool. 23 Best Podcasts of 2021

So, you’re wondering how to learn something new every day? For free?

Podcasts are the answer!

Podcasts are the best way to learn something new every day at no cost.

*As an Amazon Associate, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Why should you listen to podcasts?

Podcasts are possibly the best way to learn anything if you’re an avid multi-tasker like me. They’re better than reading because you are free to do whatever you need with your hands. They’re also more portable (and use less data!) than video. Video’s also not the best if you’re secondary task is something you need your eyes for…since it’s an audio AND visual medium, sometimes it doesn’t work to ignore one or the other. It’s also similar to radio, but you’re able to pick and choose what to listen to, at whatever time you want….PLUS you have the ability to pause something and come back to it later. Podcasts are the most convenient, portable learning option in so many ways.


My favourite combo is a walk while listening to podcasts; you get fresh air, exercise and education. I also used to clean houses, and podcasts were the absolute best way to keep my mind occupied. I’m a kinetic learner, so an added physical task helps me absorb what I’m listening to. I don’t think I would have the same attachment to them if I was just sitting on the couch and listening.

Podcasts are also great in that they’re really easy to skip to the next one if whatever you’re listing to isn’t gelling with you in the moment. You can skip forward and come back to it later, or you can delete it and wait for the next new thing. If you subscribe to an array of them, you’ll never get bored, and you won’t feel upset if one or two episodes of your favourite show don’t seem to resonate with you.


I find I usually have a few extras in my feed that I rarely get a chance to listen to…which covers me in the off chance I don’t like ANY of my regular shows that day. I always have a mixture of random learning things and “useful” learning things…that way I can listen to whatever I’m in the mood for, and I’m rarely stuck listening to too much of the same thing.


I think my favourite thing about this medium is that it gives your nerdy brain a chance to learn something new without any sort of concept of school behind it. You’re learning simply for the sake of learning…and not to pass a test. This is the true root of what education should be about!

And now I’ll stop rambling, because I’m sure you’re REALLY here because you want to find some new, awesome podcasts! Here are:

The Best Podcasts to Listen to in 2021

*All of the following podcasts are available on Apple Music and other platforms

1 - No Such Thing as a Fish

Comedy and learning - what more could you ask for? Some of the writers behind QI share their favourite facts they discovered this week.

QI is a BBC quiz show that boasts impossible questions…and getting the answers correct isn’t necessarily the end goal.

No Such Thing as a Fish have also started releasing yearly books with the random facts they uncover. Check out:

2 - Voicing the Circle

Hosted by an Indigenous Canadian musical theatre performer, episodes are all about life as an actor in a traditionally not-very-progressive industry. He interviews other performers who also share their honest perspectives.

Conversations often revolve around racial inequality and other degrees of “otherness” that are often not as readily accepted on stage and in front of the camera.

3 - You’re Dead to Me

Want another serving of history and comedy? This BBC podcast matches a PhD historian with a comedian who knows very little about the subject…and together, they successfully make history entertaining. It’s billed as “a history podcast for people who don’t like history”.

4 - 99% Invisible

Explores the history and development of many different topics that you’re unlikely to notice in your day-to-day life. Design is their operative word of choice, but the topics cover many things besides architecture and clothing. Things like social issues, fads, and eclectic moments in history are also popular choices.

The creators have also recently released a book The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design

5 - Girlboss Radio

Inspiring interviews with successful, powerful women. There are honest tales of mistakes, challenges and triumphs in business and in personal lives.

Sophia Amoruso, the host, has also written a book #Girlboss

6 - RadioLab

Long-form journalism and storytelling at its best! There’s a broad range of topics, but you always know you’re going to learn something, and it’s going to be interesting.

7 - You Are Not So Smart

This podcast dives into why you think you know what you know. It covers topics such as the development of bias and over-confidence.

The host has also written the following books (the titles will give you a hint about his sense of humour)

8 - Stuff You Missed in History Class

Deep dives into interesting historical topics. Usually offbeat enough that you don’t already know everything, but accessible enough that there’s usually something to associate it with. Think of them as an interesting, informative stories that you don’t have to memorize for a test.

Surprisingly enough, this podcast ALSO, has a book:

9 - TED Talks Daily

As you can probably guess, this podcast covers a very broad range of topics. The great thing is that it’s a daily podcast, so there will be another one tomorrow if today’s doesn’t interest you.

10 - The Michelle Obama Podcast

It’s NO surprised that Michelle Obama has started a podcast, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Listen in for chats about life, race, relationships and more.

The Obamas have penned many books, including

11 - The Diversity Gap

Practical conversations about diversity and how to convert good intentions into a positive impact. It’s easy to know that you WANT to create a more inclusive society, it’s sometimes harder to figure out the concrete steps needed to implement that.

12 - 1619

An informative look at the history of racism in the US. Hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones of the New York Times.

13 - Homo Sapiens

Intelligent and fun conversations about topics of interest for the LGBTQ+ community.

14 - Because News

A comedic Canadian news quiz. A comedian quizzes other comedians and celebrities about current events. Getting the answers correct isn’t necessarily the goal :-)

15 - Reinvention

Inspiring tales from Arlene Dickinson (yes, the lady on Dragons Den) and her guests about the challenges that lead them to needing to reinvent the wheel. Inspiring and informative advice for dealing with whatever life throws at you.

To read some of Arlene’s wisdom, check out:

16 - Something Rhymes with Purple

Who knew a podcast could improve your vocabulary? Dive into some new words and their origins…and maybe a bit of their excitement will rub off on you, too!

17 - Decoder Ring

A fascinating look into random topics. In each episode, the host dives into the history of an object, question, or habit, and tries to decode what makes it so important.

18 - Everything is Alive

Ok - you probably won’t REALLY learn something useful, but these little episodes ARE fascinating to listen to. Each episode is an interview with an inanimate object. Learn about their deepest thoughts, feelings and concerns….and somehow, it’s compelling!

19 - Freakonomics Radio

Welcome to the podcast that will teach you things you thought you knew, and open your mind to a different way of understanding of the ways of the world. Basically, interviews with really smart people.

Also, check out some of the books in the Freakonomics umbrella:

20 - Embedded

Deep, investigative journalism at its finest.

21 - Every Little Thing

The podcast that examines small, specific questions that often have big answers. They even have a helpline where you can ask questions.

22 - How to Save a Planet

Answers questions big and small regarding climate change…and discusses possible hope for solutions. They will help inspire you to do better at doing your part to help save the planet.

23 - Science Vs.

A show that investigates scientific thoughts and aims to separate facts from fiction. Discusses a broad range of topics from weight loss to coronavirus.

If you find another awesomely interesting podcast on your journey, don’t hesitate to share it with @aplusacademicsathome on Instagram!

I hope you enjoy these podcasts as much as I do. Whether you’re into science, english, history or just simply interesting banter about the world around you, you’re sure to find something on this list. Even something as simple as a talk show can teach you something about life you may have never come across before. These shows cover a broad range of interests, so dig in, and enjoy!

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Who is Nadya Corscadden?

Nadya holds an MA in Musical Theatre and is no stranger to the home learning scene. Having spent a good chunk of her younger years in distance education (and opting for some correspondence electives at university), she has accumulated many tricks to help maintain focus and inspiration. She has a passion for independent learning and wants to help anyone and everyone find their stride in this atmosphere whether it’s homeschooling or simply studying for that next big test!

She is also a triple threat singer, dancer and actress….and can’t wait until stages are alive again!

Other Fun Stuff!Nadya Corscadden