12 Best Podcasts That Make You Think About Life

Posted on 5/21/2023, 5:50:51 PM

Podcasts have revolutionized the way we consume information and entertainment, offering a platform for in-depth discussions, storytelling, and thought-provoking conversations. Among the vast array of podcast genres, there are those that delve into the deepest corners of the human experience, prompting introspection, challenging assumptions, and inspiring personal growth. In this article, we present a handpicked selection of the 12 best podcasts that make you think about life. These shows cover a range of topics, from philosophy and psychology to personal narratives and societal issues, providing listeners with an opportunity to engage with profound ideas and expand their understanding of the world.

1. The Partially Examined Life

The Partially Examined Life is a podcast about philosophy. Each episode, the hosts discuss a different philosophical topic, such as the nature of reality, the meaning of life, or the ethics of artificial intelligence. The hosts are all philosophers, but they do a great job of making the material accessible to non-philosophers. If you're interested in learning more about philosophy, this is a great podcast to start with.

2. Invisibilia

Invisibilia is a podcast about the invisible forces that shape our lives. Each episode, the hosts explore a different concept, such as the power of suggestion, the nature of empathy, or the science of belief. Invisibilia is a fascinating and thought-provoking podcast that will make you see the world in a new way.

3. Radiolab

Radiolab is a science and culture podcast that explores the big questions about life, the universe, and everything. Each episode is a journey of discovery, as the hosts explore topics such as the origins of consciousness, the nature of time, or the power of music. Radiolab is a fun and informative podcast that will make you think about the world in a new way.

4. 99% Invisible

99% Invisible is a podcast about the unnoticed design that shapes our world. Each episode, the host, Roman Mars, explores a different design element, such as the history of the traffic light, the design of the shopping cart, or the evolution of the QWERTY keyboard. 99% Invisible is a fascinating and thought-provoking podcast that will make you appreciate the design of the world around you.

5. The TED Radio Hour

The TED Radio Hour is a podcast that brings you the best talks from the TED Conference. Each episode features a selection of talks on a different theme, such as creativity, innovation, or the future of work. The TED Radio Hour is a great way to learn about new ideas and perspectives.

6. Freakonomics Radio

Freakonomics Radio is a podcast that explores the hidden side of everything. Each episode, the hosts, Steven Dubner and Stephen J. Dubner, take a deep dive into a different topic, such as the economics of sumo wrestling, the science of cheating, or the hidden costs of free. Freakonomics Radio is a fun and informative podcast that will make you think about the world in a new way.

7. Reply All

Reply All is a podcast about the internet. Each episode, the hosts, PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman, explore a different internet phenomenon, such as the rise of the GIF, the dark web, or the culture of Reddit. Reply All is a fascinating and thought-provoking podcast that will make you think about the internet in a new way.

8. Mystery Show

Mystery Show is a podcast about unsolved mysteries. Each episode, the host, Starlee Kine, investigates a different mystery, such as the case of the missing dog, the identity of the Cereal Killer, or the true story of the Dionne quintuplets. Mystery Show is a fun and informative podcast that will make you think about the world in a new way.

9. This American Life

This American Life is a radio show and podcast that tells stories from all over the country. Each episode is a collection of different stories, all of which are told in a compelling and engaging way. This American Life is a great way to learn about the people and places of America.

10. Serial

Serial is a podcast about a murder. Each season, the host, Sarah Koenig, investigates a different crime, such as the case of Adnan Syed, who was convicted of murder in 1999. Serial is a fascinating and thought-provoking podcast that will make you think about the criminal justice system in a new way.

11. The Moth

The Moth is a podcast about true stories. Each episode features a different person telling a true story from their life. The Moth is a powerful and moving podcast that will make you think about the human experience.

12. The Daily

The Daily is a podcast from The New York Times that tells you the most important news of the day in just 20 minutes. The Daily is a great way to stay informed about the news without having to spend hours reading articles or watching TV.

These are just a few of the many great podcasts that will make you think about life. If you're looking for a podcast to help you learn more about the world, expand your mind, or just have a good time, these are some great options to check out.