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. 1. Big Ideas Lab

    #6 in Science History, Science

    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. 2. Bite Back with Abbey Sharp

    #7 in Science Health & Fitness, Science

    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. 3. Science Friday

    #9 in Science From WNYC Science

    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. 4. Short Wave

    #8 in Science From NPR Science

    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. 5. Unexplainable

    #16 in Science From Vox Science

    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. 6. Health Optimization Medicine Podcast

    #12 in Science Health & Fitness, Science

    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. 7. Making Sense with Sam Harris

    #21 in Science From Sam Harris Science, Society & Culture

    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. 8. Black Bird Joy: Conversations in Nature

    #26 in Science Kids & Family, Science

    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. 9. The Best of Coast to Coast AM

    #28 in Science Science, Society & Culture

    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. 10. Paranormal Mysteries

    #49 in Science Science, Society & Culture

    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. 11. Science Quickly

    #53 in Science From Scientific American Science

    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. 12. Natural Causes

    #54 in Science News, Science

    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. 13. BirdNote Daily

    #62 in Science Science

    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. 14. Curious Cases

    #60 in Science From BBC Science

    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. 15. The Science of Happiness

    #55 in Science From PRX Science

    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. 16. Emonthebrain

    #58 in Science Science

    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. 17. Universe Today Podcast

    #96 in Science From Universe Today Science

    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. 18. NASA's Curious Universe

    #84 in Science From NASA Kids & Family, Science

    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. 19. Particles of Thought

    #75 in Science Science

    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. 20. The Quanta Podcast

    #59 in Science Science

    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. 21. Discovery

    #73 in Science From BBC Science

    Length
    26 min
    Releases
    Weekly
    Episodes
    860
    Since
    2010

    Explorations in the world of science.

    Episodes and details for Discovery
  22. 22. BrainStuff

    #126 in Science From iHeartRadio Science, Technology

    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. 23. Emergency Medicine Board Bombs

    #116 in Science Science

    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. 24. The World, the Universe and Us

    #103 in Science From New Scientist News, Science

    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. 25. Curiosity Unbounded

    #124 in Science Science

    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. 26. CrowdScience

    #142 in Science From BBC Science

    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. 27. BBC Inside Science

    #160 in Science From BBC 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. 28. SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

    #136 in Science From bitesz.com Science

    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. 29. Science Weekly

    #99 in Science From The Guardian Science

    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. 30. Living Planet

    #158 in Science From Deutsche Welle Science

    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. 31. Frankly Speaking About Family Medicine

    #120 in Science Science

    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. 32. Indigenous Earth Community Podcast

    #117 in Science Education, Science

    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. 33. Skeptoid

    #97 in Science Science

    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. 34. StarDate

    #196 in Science Education, Science

    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. 35. NOVA Presents

    #145 in Science From GBH Science

    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. 36. Ask a Spaceman!

    #141 in Science Science

    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. 37. The Climate Question

    From BBC Science, Technology

    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. 38. Geology Bites

    #181 in Science Science

    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. 39. Risky or Not?

    Health & Fitness, Science

    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. 40. Farm Small Farm Smart Daily

    Education, Science

    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. 41. The Podcast by KevinMD

    Health & Fitness, Science

    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. 42. AccuWeather Daily

    From AccuWeather News, Science

    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. 43. How To Protect The Ocean

    Science

    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. 44. Creation Moments

    Religion & Spirituality, Science

    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. 45. Curiosity Weekly

    #195 in Science Science

    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. 46. Neurology® Podcast

    Health & Fitness, Science

    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. 47. Cool Stuff Daily

    News, Science

    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. 48. Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls

    Science

    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. 49. Emergency Medical Minute

    Health & Fitness, Science

    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. 50. Travelers In The Night

    Science

    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