8 interesting podcasts that are perfect if you want to learn something new

03/11/2025

An Ofcom report found that just over 20% of UK adults now listen to at least one podcast a week. They can be a fantastic way to learn something new, whether you’re interested in trivia or want to delve into a specific topic. 

So, if you’re looking for a new podcast, here are eight interesting ones that might capture your attention. 

1. Ologies

Ologies with Alice Ward is a weekly science podcast that features an expert in a distinct scientific field each episode. So, there are plenty of opportunities to learn something new. Recent topics have included fireflies, sustainable ocean food, and maritime archaeology – you’re sure to find something that stands out to you.  

2. Stuff You Should Know

This podcast has been around since 2008, and there are more than 1,500 episodes. The entertaining episodes are perfect if you have eclectic interests or want to be surprised every time you put your headphones on. Just a glance at the 2025 topics highlights the variety you can enjoy, with episodes looking at popcorn, MI6, editorial cartoons, and Richard III, to name a few.

3. 99% invisible 

Roman Mars hosts this weekly podcast that takes a look at everyday objects you overlook to delve deeper into their design. Not only could you learn something new, but it might encourage you to start looking at the world closely. 

With more than 600 episodes, there’s plenty to dig into, including a look at the Arsenal football stadium design, the history of public service announcements, and the story of a house that was sold as a kit and assembled by the owners. 

4. Philosophize this!

If you haven’t studied philosophy, it can seem like a dense and complex topic, and you might not know where to start. These 20-minute episodes, put together by Stephen West, could help you see the world in a new light as you explore some of the ideas from the world’s greatest thinkers, from the wisdom of ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle to Nietzsche’s critiques of Western philosophy. 

5. Carry the Two

Carry the Two is a podcast about maths and statistics, but don’t let that put you off if you’re not a numbers person. The hosts explain how mathematical research drives the world in simple language, so you won’t need to worry about calculating difficult equations.  

Topics about how polls are conducted during elections or how science is portrayed in Hollywood could give you a new way to view maths. 

6. Womanica

Women are often missing from history lessons taught in schools, and this podcast could help you fill in some of the gaps.

There’s a new episode every day that offers a quick way to learn about incredible women you might not know but should. Each month provides a theme, such as “rebels”, “mothers”, or “maritime”, so it’s a chance to learn about broader topics as well as individuals. 

7. Grammar Girl

Grammar might not sound like the most exciting topic for a podcast, but don’t overlook this excellent chance to learn something new. Host Mignon Fogarty makes the topic engaging and interesting.

You don’t need to be a professional writer to benefit from the content. The tips could help improve your written communication, no matter your profession. The episodes are typically less than 30 minutes, and recent topics include how language evolves and how your brain processes metaphors. 

8. No Such Thing As A Fish

If you’re a fan of the TV show QI, this is the perfect podcast for you – it’s created by the show’s researchers. 

The weekly episodes began in 2014 and have been bringing listeners obscure facts ever since. Each episode, the presenters take it in turns to share their favourite fact they’ve come across this week. So, expect to hear about a variety of topics each time you tune in, from Egyptian irons to “Hammer of the Scots” Edward I.