List
The top short science podcasts
50 Science podcasts with episodes that typically run 30 minutes or less, all free to listen to and with an episode out in the last month.
- shows
- 50
- category
- Science
- rebuilt
- Daily
How this list is made
- Science shows
- Episodes typically 30 minutes or less
- An episode out in the last month
- Best placed on Apple Podcasts' charts first
The list
Best placed first
-
1. Big Ideas Lab
- Length
- 18 min
- Releases
- Every two weeks
- Episodes
- 64
- Since
- 2024
Your exploration inside Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Hear untold stories, meet boundary-pushing pioneers and get unparalleled access to…
Episodes and details for Big Ideas Lab -
2. Bite Back with Abbey Sharp
- Length
- 25 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 98
- Since
- 2024
Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian (RD), award-winning author, founder of Abbey’s Kitchen, creator of Hunger Crushing Combo™, Co-Founder of Neue Theory™, and…
Episodes and details for Bite Back with Abbey Sharp -
3. Science Friday
- Length
- 16 min
- Releases
- Daily
- Episodes
- 1,440
- Since
- 2018
Covering the outer reaches of space to the tiniest microbes in our bodies, Science Friday is the source for entertaining and educational stories about…
Episodes and details for Science Friday -
4. Short Wave
- Length
- 14 min
- Releases
- Daily
- Episodes
- 1,586
- Since
- 2019
New discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines — in just under 15 minutes. It's science for everyone, using a lot of creativity and a…
Episodes and details for Short Wave -
5. Unexplainable
- Length
- 28 min
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Episodes
- 322
- Since
- 2021
Unexplainable takes listeners right up to the edge of what we know…and then keeps on going. The Unexplainable team — Noam Hassenfeld, Julia Longoria, Byrd…
Episodes and details for Unexplainable -
6. Health Optimization Medicine Podcast
- Length
- 21 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 199
- Since
- 2023
The Health Optimization Medicine Podcast is dedicated to offering one-cent solutions to life's $64,000 questions across health optimization, decision-making…
Episodes and details for Health Optimization Medicine Podcast -
7. Making Sense with Sam Harris
- Length
- 24 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 515
- Since
- 2013
Join neuroscientist, philosopher, and five-time New York Times best-selling author Sam Harris as he explores important and controversial questions about the…
Episodes and details for Making Sense with Sam Harris -
8. Black Bird Joy: Conversations in Nature
- Length
- 23 min
- Releases
- Every two weeks
- Episodes
- 5
- Since
- 2026
Welcome to Black Bird Joy: Conversations in Nature . Hosted by Mason, a young birder, explorer, and nature enthusiast, this podcast celebrates the wonder of…
Episodes and details for Black Bird Joy: Conversations in Nature -
9. The Best of Coast to Coast AM
- Length
- 17 min
- Releases
- Daily
- Episodes
- 3,865
- Since
- 2017
The Best of Coast to Coast AM podcast, hosted by George Noory. A media phenomenon, Coast to Coast AM deals with UFOs, strange occurrences, life after death, and…
Episodes and details for The Best of Coast to Coast AM -
10. Paranormal Mysteries
- Length
- 28 min
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Episodes
- 634
- Since
- 2017
Join me on a weekly journey down the path of high strangeness, as I explore Hauntings, Supernatural Creatures, Extraterrestrials, Folklore, Missing People…
Episodes and details for Paranormal Mysteries -
11. Science Quickly
- Length
- 18 min
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Episodes
- 1,992
- Since
- 2014
Host Rachel Feltman, alongside leading science and tech journalists, dives into the rich world of scientific discovery in this bite-size science variety show.
Episodes and details for Science Quickly -
12. Natural Causes
- Length
- 30 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 14
- Since
- 2026
Natural Causes is a podcast about the politics and practicalities of going outside in a world on fire, hosted by Dr. James Stout. It approaches the outdoors…
Episodes and details for Natural Causes -
13. BirdNote Daily
- Length
- 2 min
- Releases
- Daily
- Episodes
- 1,111
- Since
- 2023
Escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in the natural world. Rich in imagery, sound, and information, BirdNote inspires you to notice the world around you.
Episodes and details for BirdNote Daily -
14. Curious Cases
- Length
- 29 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 170
- Since
- 2016
Hannah Fry and Dara Ó Briain tackle listeners' conundrums with the power of science!
Episodes and details for Curious Cases -
15. The Science of Happiness
- Length
- 11 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 358
- Since
- 2018
Learn research-tested strategies for a happier, more meaningful life, drawing on the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe. Hosted by…
Episodes and details for The Science of Happiness -
16. Emonthebrain
- Length
- 23 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 53
- Since
- 2025
Emonthebrain Podcast is where science meets spirit. Hosted by neuroscientist-turned-mindset coach Emily McDonald , each episode explores how your brain, body…
Episodes and details for Emonthebrain -
17. Universe Today Podcast
- Length
- 22 min
- Releases
- Daily
- Episodes
- 1,632
- Since
- 2014
Public feed with [Space Bites+], [Q&A+], [Interview+] and other episodes. Free for everyone.
Episodes and details for Universe Today Podcast -
18. NASA's Curious Universe
- Length
- 28 min
- Releases
- Every two weeks
- Episodes
- 110
- Since
- 2020
An official NASA podcast bringing you mind-blowing stories you won’t find anywhere else. What does it take to launch a rocket? What happens when we go looking…
Episodes and details for NASA's Curious Universe -
19. Particles of Thought
- Length
- 30 min
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Episodes
- 88
- Since
- 2025
Ready to break your brain? Particles of Thought , the hit video podcast from the producers of NOVA is back with new mind-expanding conversations with scientists…
Episodes and details for Particles of Thought -
20. The Quanta Podcast
- Length
- 28 min
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Episodes
- 375
- Since
- 2015
Exploring the distant universe, the insides of cells, the abstractions of math, the complexity of information itself, and much more, The Quanta Podcast is a…
Episodes and details for The Quanta Podcast -
21. Discovery
- Length
- 26 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 860
- Since
- 2010
Explorations in the world of science.
Episodes and details for Discovery -
22. BrainStuff
- Length
- 12 min
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Episodes
- 2,740
- Since
- 2008
Whether the topic is popcorn or particle physics, you can count on BrainStuff to explore -- and explain -- the everyday science in the world around us.
Episodes and details for BrainStuff -
23. Emergency Medicine Board Bombs
- Length
- 19 min
- Releases
- Every two weeks
- Episodes
- 297
- Since
- 2019
Emergency Medicine Board Review, simplified. EM Board Bombs is the #1 Emergency Medicine board prep podcast—fast, funny, and high-yield. We drop 10–15 minute…
Episodes and details for Emergency Medicine Board Bombs -
24. The World, the Universe and Us
- Length
- 23 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 475
- Since
- 2020
From the evolution of intelligent life, to the mysteries of consciousness; from the threat of the climate crisis to the search for dark matter, The world, the…
Episodes and details for The World, the Universe and Us -
25. Curiosity Unbounded
- Length
- 29 min
- Releases
- Monthly
- Episodes
- 19
- Since
- 2023
The Curiosity Unbounded podcast brings you behind the scenes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) through conversations between MIT President…
Episodes and details for Curiosity Unbounded -
26. CrowdScience
- Length
- 26 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 517
- Since
- 2016
We take your questions about life, Earth and the universe to researchers hunting for answers at the frontiers of knowledge.
Episodes and details for CrowdScience -
27. BBC Inside Science
- Length
- 26 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 676
- Since
- 2013
A weekly programme that illuminates the mysteries and challenges the controversies behind the science that's changing our world.
Episodes and details for BBC Inside Science -
28. SpaceTime with Stuart Gary
- Length
- 25 min
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Episodes
- 1,007
- Since
- 2020
Join host Stuart Gary for weekly explorations into Astronomy, Space, and Science News, featuring insights from 19 years on Australian Public Radio and…
Episodes and details for SpaceTime with Stuart Gary -
29. Science Weekly
- Length
- 17 min
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Episodes
- 301
- Since
- 2024
Twice a week, the Guardian brings you the latest science and environment news
Episodes and details for Science Weekly -
30. Living Planet
- Length
- 29 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 502
- Since
- 2017
Looking to reconnect with nature? Want to make better decisions for the health of the planet? Every Friday, Living Planet brings you the stories, facts and…
Episodes and details for Living Planet -
31. Frankly Speaking About Family Medicine
- Length
- 13 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 507
- Since
- 2017
A weekly Podcast series covering newsworthy topics in primary care medicine. Thoughts? Suggestions? Email us at FranklySpeaking@pri-med.com
Episodes and details for Frankly Speaking About Family Medicine -
32. Indigenous Earth Community Podcast
- Length
- 25 min
- Releases
- Monthly
- Episodes
- 59
- Since
- 2020
Journey alongside Indigenous conservation heroes from around the world, as they share ancient wisdom for our modern environmental crisis. This podcast bridges…
Episodes and details for Indigenous Earth Community Podcast -
33. Skeptoid
- Length
- 17 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 1,100
- Since
- 2006
The true science behind our most popular urban legends. Historical mysteries, paranormal claims, popular science myths, aliens and UFO reports, conspiracy…
Episodes and details for Skeptoid -
34. StarDate
- Length
- 2 min
- Releases
- Daily
- Episodes
- 26
- Since
- 2026
StarDate, the longest-running national radio science feature in the U.S., tells listeners what to look for in the night sky.
Episodes and details for StarDate -
35. NOVA Presents
- Length
- 30 min
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Episodes
- 125
- Since
- 2020
Ever wonder what's really going on in the world of science? We've got you covered. Join us for conversations with the researchers making tomorrow's…
Episodes and details for NOVA Presents -
36. Ask a Spaceman!
- Length
- 29 min
- Releases
- Every two weeks
- Episodes
- 289
- Since
- 2015
You've got questions and astrophysicist Paul M. Sutter has answers - every episode you will come closer to complete knowledge of time and space!
Episodes and details for Ask a Spaceman! -
37. The Climate Question
- Length
- 26 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 321
- Since
- 2020
Why we find it so hard to save our own planet, and how we might change that.
Episodes and details for The Climate Question -
38. Geology Bites
- Length
- 29 min
- Releases
- Monthly
- Episodes
- 129
- Since
- 2020
What moves the continents, creates mountains, swallows up the sea floor, makes volcanoes erupt, triggers earthquakes, and imprints ancient climates into the…
Episodes and details for Geology Bites -
39. Risky or Not?
- Length
- 15 min
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Episodes
- 1,000
- Since
- 2020
Risky or Not is a short podcast from Professor Ben Chapman from North Carolina State University, and Dr. Don Schaffner from Rutgers University. Dr. Don and…
Episodes and details for Risky or Not? -
40. Farm Small Farm Smart Daily
- Length
- 7 min
- Releases
- Daily
- Episodes
- 2,498
- Since
- 2013
Daily farm and garden talk. All about growing vegetables profitably and efficiently on small farms and in gardens. Each episode focuses on one specific topic…
Episodes and details for Farm Small Farm Smart Daily -
41. The Podcast by KevinMD
- Length
- 19 min
- Releases
- Daily
- Episodes
- 2,300
- Since
- 2020
Social media's leading physician voice, Kevin Pho, MD, shares the stories of the many who intersect with our health care system but are rarely heard from. 15…
Episodes and details for The Podcast by KevinMD -
42. AccuWeather Daily
- Length
- 6 min
- Releases
- Daily
- Episodes
- 2,023
- Since
- 2020
AccuWeather Daily brings you the top trending weather story of the day – every day.
Episodes and details for AccuWeather Daily -
43. How To Protect The Ocean
- Length
- 15 min
- Releases
- Daily
- Episodes
- 2,010
- Since
- 2015
Dive into the Depths: Join Andrew Lewin on 'How to Protect the Ocean' – Your Gateway to Exclusive Ocean Insights! Explore the latest, uncharted realms of…
Episodes and details for How To Protect The Ocean -
44. Creation Moments
- Length
- 2 min
- Releases
- Daily
- Episodes
- 1,989
- Since
- 2019
In the beginning... God Created. Join us as we proclaim evidence for the truth of the Bible through the wonders of God's creation! Each program features…
Episodes and details for Creation Moments -
45. Curiosity Weekly
- Length
- 27 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 1,637
- Since
- 2017
Welcome to Curiosity Weekly from Discovery, hosted by Dr. Samantha Yammine. Once a week, we’ll bring you the latest and greatest in scientific discoveries and…
Episodes and details for Curiosity Weekly -
46. Neurology® Podcast
- Length
- 21 min
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Episodes
- 1,403
- Since
- 2007
The Neurology Podcast provides practical information for neurologists and clinicians to practice the best possible medicine for patients. Examining methods…
Episodes and details for Neurology® Podcast -
47. Cool Stuff Daily
- Length
- 7 min
- Releases
- Daily
- Episodes
- 1,307
- Since
- 2020
Cool Stuff Daily covers the most interesting and coolest stories in the world of science, progress, life-hacks, memes, exciting art, and hope. This is the…
Episodes and details for Cool Stuff Daily -
48. Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls
- Length
- 21 min
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Episodes
- 1,199
- Since
- 2018
Relevant, evidence based, and practical information for medical students, residents, and practicing healthcare providers regarding all things women’s…
Episodes and details for Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls -
49. Emergency Medical Minute
- Length
- 4 min
- Releases
- Weekly
- Episodes
- 1,182
- Since
- 2016
Our near daily podcasts move quickly to reflect current events, are inspired by real patient care, and speak to the true nature of what it's like to work in the…
Episodes and details for Emergency Medical Minute -
50. Travelers In The Night
- Length
- 2 min
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Episodes
- 1,005
- Since
- 2017
A real "Science Snack" for anyone who is interested in the extraterrestrial. Dr. Al Grauer is a member of the Catalina Sky Survey which has led the world in…
Episodes and details for Travelers In The Night