85 Percent of Podcast Listeners Have Attended College: Join Their Ranks with Our Suggestions by Major

By Ian Donnelly

We all have that one podcast-pushing friend—the one who keeps bugging you to listen to their favorite podcast. They won’t shut up about how awesome the podcast format is, and how this new, modern-radio medium is totally revolutionizing the audio show for contemporary audiences. They’ve tried to sneakily play a podcast while they give you a ride somewhere, or try to slip it into a Spotify playlist when they invite you over for dinner one evening—because they know you will just love it.

How do I know about this friend of yours? Because I’m one of those podcast-pushing friends—but before you roll your eyes, hear me out. Podcasts are convenient and free, plus they make those productive (but not always pleasing) tasks like laundry, hitting the gym, and cleaning more enjoyable. Basically, they are perfect for college students who are trying to knock out all the tedious tasks on their to-do list. As long as you find a podcast that you really enjoy listening to, you’ll wind up actually looking forward to doing your chores and other menial tasks.

So, going off the hunch that you are in fact interested in what you are studying in college, uCribs has put together some spot-on podcast suggestions based on your college major—seriously, just try listening to one episode. You’ll love it!

English Majors: Nerdist Writers Panel

Do you want some inspirational reassurance that you will write more than just your resume once you graduate with an English degree? Want to get an insider’s perspective on the inner-workings of a Hollywood blockbuster writers’ room, the editing process for a debut novelist, and the professional writing field at large? Then the Nerdist Writers Panel is definitely worth a listen.

The Nerdist Writers Panel invites listeners to be a fly on the wall for an informal chat with professional writers about the process and business of writing. Covering TV, film, comic books, music, novels, and any other kind of writing under the sun, the series gets into the nitty-gritty details of what it takes to be a successful, modern writer. The show’s moderator, Ben Blacker, asks questions that produce insightful career advice and plenty of entertaining stories and anecdotes, making this podcast a smart and amusing listen.

Natural Science Majors: Radiolab

Do you love learning about the real-world implications of today’s cutting-edge science? Want to hear about the interesting ways that physics, biology, philosophy, and everyday life collide? Then Radiolab is right up your alley.

Whether your major has you studying a micro or macro perspective of the world around us, Radiolab’s one-of-a-kind program appeals to every inquisitive mind. The show tackles the most intriguing topics facing today’s culture from the most prevalent riddles to the most elusive questions— and everything in between. It’s the kind of podcast that is so absorbing that you learn something new without actually feeling like you’re learning, which is perfect for college students who already get their fair share of lectures throughout the week.

Political Science Majors: The Slate Political Gabfest

Can you debate your way out of any delicate situation? Are you a political junkie who loves the strategy, flair, and subtlety of politics? The Slate Political Gabfest has it all covered with their weekly podcast.

An irreverent, witty, and no-holds-barred discussion of the week’s political and current events, the Slate Political Gabfest picks apart politics with clear-cut analysis, thoughtful critiques, and big-picture debates. It’s the perfect listen for anyone thinking about stepping onto the political stage. Smart, funny, and entertainingly self-aware, Gabfest was voted “Favorite Political Podcast” by iTunes listeners, and Stephen Colbert praised the show as his favorite podcast. If that’s not a winning endorsement, I don’t know what is.

Economics Majors: Freakonomics Radio

Are you prone to taking a logical, analytical view of the world? Do you prefer concrete numbers and statistics over vague theories and speculation? Then Freakonomics Radio is clearly the logical choice for your next podcast binge.

Inspired by the books of the same name, Freakonomics Radio hosts Stephen Dubner and Steve Levitt aim to explore the hidden side of everything. The podcast applies economic theory to diverse subjects not usually covered by traditional economists with episodes that explore current topics in politics, social issues, and pop culture. It’s not all about the numbers, but the hosts do accept “the standard neoclassical microeconomic model of rational utility-maximization”—so if you understood that sentence at all, this show is definitely your cup of tea. If not, you definitely should give it a listen, anyway.

Medical & Life Science Majors: Hidden Brain

Are you curious about the complex web of sensations, memories, and emotions that we call consciousness? Do you often think about how thought-provoking the human brain is? Don’t worry—the Hidden Brain podcast feels the same way.

On Hidden Brain, host Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the neurological patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices, and direct our relationships. It is a fascinating show that examines innovative psychology and neurobiology research to solidify the crossroads between scientific studies and today’s modern culture and lifestyle. Hidden Brain is as enjoyable as it is engaging and will broaden your mind while you ponder its process.

Graphic, Industrial, and any and all Design Majors: 99% Invisible

Have you ever wondered about the backstory of everyday things, like whose voice you hear warning you that the New York City subway doors are closing, or the origin story of those inflatable balloon figures that are regular fixtures at used car lots? Well, you’re in luck—99% Invisible has the answers.

99% Invisible is a podcast about all the thought that goes into the everyday designs that most people take for granted. Each episode covers an unsung element of architecture and design, revealing the interesting history and incredible details of these subjects that you would never suspect otherwise. It is a weekly ode to the power of design and a must-listen for art lovers and design majors.

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