3 Podcasts to Learn Something New and Laugh While Doing It

Laughing and learning go hand in hand. The lessons people remember best are often the most enjoyable ones, and listening to a podcast personality lend their sense of humor to an interesting subject makes it all the more compelling. There’s even scientific evidence to support the link between relaxation and retention.

Reduced anxiety allows for clarity, enhancing a listener’s recall. Without the mental blocks of expectation and apprehension, they can learn something new and successfully retain the information.

That’s why entertainment and education are an effective combination. If you’re looking for both, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll detail three amusing podcasts to sample, fun productions from talented individuals who can make even the most tedious topic fascinating. Whether you’re loading up your phone for a cross-country road trip or need a diversion on your daily commute, you’ll find these podcasts appealing.

1. The Infinite Monkey Cage

Amateur scientists and those with an interest in the workings of the world will appreciate this podcast. Physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince discuss everything from the behavior of animals to the complexities of the immune system, with a fresh dynamic that makes their conversations rich and engaging.

If you’re curious about the admittedly unusual title, “The Infinite Monkey Cage” is in reference to the “infinite monkey” hypothesis, a popular scientific speculation. As the theorem states, a monkey with access to a typewriter will eventually reproduce the works of Shakespeare if given an infinite amount of time.

These ideas and others like them are common fodder for Cox and Ince, and if you enjoy exploring far-out concepts, The Infinite Monkey Cage will provide endless hours of entertainment. It doesn’t take much to become a little smarter every day, and a subscription to this show is a great place to start.

2. The Joe Rogan Experience

Hosting such high-profile guests as Russell Brand, Jamie Foxx and Judd Apatow, Joe Rogan never has a shortage of interesting people on his popular show. With the diversity of personalities and content, there’s something new to learn in every interview. Search his backlog long enough, and you’ll sate any curiosity.

Have you ever wanted to listen to a member of the National Rifle Association speak about activism? Or listen to a political commentator’s views on the country’s state of affairs? Maybe you’d prefer to hear about the details of working in marine entertainment from a professionally certified marine mammal trainer.

There’s no area too esoteric, and you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. With over a thousand episodes — many surpassing three hours in length — this podcast is the premier choice for those with a trip ahead of them. If you’re returning from college and want to continue your education, check out Rogan’s work.

3. StarTalk Radio

The successor to Carl Sagan, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has taken on an important responsibility — bringing scientific discourse to a mainstream audience. In his podcast StarTalk Radio, he interviews celebrities and scientists alike on a variety of fascinating subjects like space and pop culture.

Tyson’s pleasant demeanor and impressive expertise make him an excellent host and teacher, guiding you toward a better understanding of the universe. With his many publications and earlier work as director of the Hayden Planetarium, you know he’s a credible authority with a passion in his field.

In conversations with other icons in the scientific community, Tyson talks about our planet and those beyond. Though these discussions are often lighthearted, they still have enormous gravity — and if you appreciate that pun, you’ll likely appreciate the show. Consider adding an episode to your daily routine.

Sample One of the Podcasts Above

It shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. Choose an episode from any of the three podcasts listed above and see if it makes you laugh.

Education doesn’t have to feel like a chore, and with personalities like Cox, Ince, Rogan or Tyson leading you, you’ll find capable teachers ready to inform you on any one of a hundred different topics.

To learn something new, put in your headphones and press play.