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What is it?

A podcast that looks to the natural world to answer some of life's big questions, presented by Becky Ripley and Emily Knight.

Why should I listen to it?

This podcast will change the way you think about being human. What can we learn about the relationship between mind and body from an octopus? Is it possible to freeze ourselves and wake up in a future world, like a frozen frog over winter? And could parasites be controlling our actions?

From bull elephants and the importance of dads, to the blood-curdling screams of marmots and the sound of fear, Naturebang shows how much we can learn about ourselves from the natural world.

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What is it?

Psychologist Kimberley Wilson and Dr Xand van Tulleken take us through the human anatomy, one body part at a time, combining biology and human stories.

Why should I listen to it?

Did you know that the appendix might not be so useless after all? You can learn more and hear a young Mormon missionary describe waking up in the middle of an emergency operation to remove his. Or perhaps you’d like to know why nipples are both milk dispensers and erogenous zones? Plus, a nipple tattooist explains how she creates realistic nipple tattoos for breast cancer survivors.

Made of Stronger Stuff is a winning combination of scientific insight into parts of the body you may not have given much thought, and extraordinary stories from people such as the world’s first recipient of a neural enabled prosthetic hand, or a man who’s regaining his sight using a brain implant.

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What is it?

It’s an anthropologist's guide to the modern world, presented by that rare combination of explorer, paleoanthropologist and stand-up comedian, Ella Al-Shamahi.

Why should I listen to it?

There are lots of everyday things which, when you think about them, are pretty weird. Like shaking hands, doomscrolling and sitting down to go to the loo. But why do we do them?

Experts and special guests join Ella to enlighten us. Did you know that kissing changes the microorganisms in your body? Or that procrastinating is a way of managing our emotions? Why Do We Do That? pairs science with history to answer questions about our behaviour you never knew you had.

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What is it?

It's the podcast that explains how the economy actually works, presented by financial journalist Tim Harford.

Why should I listen to it?

The economy has dominated the headlines in recent months. From inflation to GDP, from interest rates to bonds, many of us have no idea what these terms actually mean. With the help of expert guests, Tim Harford goes back to basics and answers questions such as: What is economic growth? Why does inflation matter? Who lends the government money and why? You’ll be debating about currency markets and pensions in no time.

Listen to Understand: The Economy

What is it?

Journalist Helen Lewis is on a mission to understand the internet gurus and influencers who promise to improve every aspect of our lives.

Why should I listen to it?

We’re all looking for some self-improvement in the new year, and we’re spoilt for choice. Everywhere you look on the internet, people are giving – and receiving – advice. From productivity hackers to dating coaches, from crypto bros to wellness influencers, where did these charismatic individuals come from and how much power do they wield?
Episode topics include the son of a doctor who rejected modern medicine, the women pursuing an anti-racist education programme for the dinner table, the nerdy student who reinvented himself as a seduction guru and a man who bought his local football team using Bitcoin. This podcast is a gripping deep-dive into a culture that’s here to stay.

Listen to The New Gurus

What is it?

Author and journalist Matthew Syed tells a variety of diverse stories, examining the ideas which shape our lives.

Why should I listen to it?

Each episode tackles a completely different topic and delves into real world examples. What can we learn about probability from the tragic story of a woman wrongly convicted of murdering her infant children? How has a unique style of collaboration contributed to the unbelievable success of producer and songwriter Max Martin? How did one act of generosity by a homeless man lead to his marriage?

Sideways is a fascinating journey through a variety of subjects, combining social science with heartfelt stories and beautiful sound design.

Listen to Sideways