20 Best Podcasts for Teens That'll Keep Them Glued to Their Headphones
These listens tackle everything from high school mental health to the world of YouTubers.
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There is something so satisfying about throwing on a great podcast, especially for teenagers. There's a show for pretty much every interest or theme, so they can find one that's perfectly dialed in to their obsession du jour. Podcasts are perfect for occupying their brains while they're doing chores around the house, exercising or even driving to work or school. It's as easy as hitting play.
But with a wealth of options can come a sense of overwhelm, and not all of them are intended for a younger audience. The best podcasts for teens are made specifically with teenage ears in mind. That means they pay special attention to breaking down big-picture concepts into smaller, more digestible chunks, or zero in on celebrities or issues that matter most to Gen Z. Our favorites below tackle everything from breakthroughs in science to what's new in YouTube culture and even mental health. Some are meant to be educational, while others carry pure entertainment value. A few of these are really meant for adults, but particularly astute or inquisitive teens will still appreciate them. And, you never know, you may get hooked on one or two of them yourself.
My Favorite Murder
Hosted by true crime fanatics Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, this podcast has plenty of girl talk, true crime retelling and even mental health advocacy, in a formula that's pretty perfect for teens who are mature enough for a little crass talk.
The Mortified Podcast
This podcast is all about those cringeworthy moments that teen life is made of, so they'll definitely relate to some of the stories shared. It might even help them feel less alone if they're frequently embarrassed (especially by their parents).
Dear Hank & John
The "Hank" and "John" in this case are, of course, brothers, authors and YouTubers Hank Green and John Green. (You may have heard about one of John's little novels, The Fault in Our Stars.) On their podcast, they answer questions like how to quit a job, how irritation works and why it's harder to wake up when it's rainy outside.
Harry Potter and the Sacred Text
Some teens might claim that Harry Potter is like a religion to them, so this podcast is like a Bible study for the books. It discusses themes like commitment, revenge and forgiveness and examines the flaws in the books and the HP community. The podcast and its community also strives to counter JK Rowling’s transphobia and create a place that's anti-racist, anti-discriminatory and safe for all vulnerable people.
Let's Be Real With Sammy Jaye
Actual Gen Zer Sammy Jaye heads up the interviews on this podcast that features celebrities, activists, actors and changemakers talking about real issues. Past guests have included Jordan Fisher, Kesha and Bachelor stars Ashley and Jared.
Part-Time Genius
For teens who love asking absurd questions, this podcast may just have the answers. Hosts Will and Mango investigate topics like weird inventions, how rats keep outsmarting humans and surprising facts about alligators.
Radiolab
Adults, teens and maybe even precocious kids can get into the explorations behind Radiolab, in which the hosts break down scientific concepts to make them broadly accessible. Recent episodes have focused on how experts arrived at six feet as the distance people need to stay apart to stop the spread of germs, and the mysteries still going on in outer space.
Science Friday
Science Friday, or "Sci Fri" to the initiated, is another podcast for science lovers: It focuses more on current events, and the scientific concepts that are in the news.
The Socially Awkward Podcast
You don't have to be socially awkward to enjoy The Socially Awkward Podcast, but the concept will probably resonate with lots of teens. The hosts, Justin and Zac Weber (aka "The Weber Boys"), aren't teens, but the stories about their lives are good for a laugh.
Song Exploder
For music fans (and possible future songwriters), this podcast asks musicians to take apart their own song and explain how it was made. It mostly focuses on indie rock acts, but guests have included everyone from FKA Twigs to K-pop Star Eric Nam to '90s radio staple Semisonic.
Stuff You Missed in History Class
History is full of weird, wonderful stories that often get glossed over in academic settings. This podcast digs into some of those incidents, like the government's weird obsession with margarine, the "flying ambulance" developed for Napoleon's army and the tale of the first woman to circumnavigate the globe—on a bike!
TED Talks Daily
Every teen has probably seen a TED Talk or two, even if it's just in class. The podcast maintains what makes them so enjoyable: they're short, easily digestible nuggets of interesting information on a wide array of topics.
Teen Girl Talk
Hosts Franklin and Susie Cota delve into books, movies and TV shows made for teens, talking about the portrayal of the teenage experience onscreen while reminiscing about their own pasts. It's a good excuse to watch some old teen movies together.
The Moth
For decades, The Moth has served as a platform for everyday people to get up onstage in front of an audience and tell true stories, with no notes. The podcast collects some of their favorite performances and makes them available for a wider audience. It's a great listen for anyone who loves storytelling.
This American Life
With fascinating, in-depth reporting on the phenomena that make up our lives, This American Life is a great family listen. A public-radio institution, it features slices of life that center around themes that unite them.
VIEWS With David Dobrik and Jason Nash
They may seem like an unlikely pair at first: David Dobrik is a 24-year-old YouTube millionaire, and Jason Nash is a 40-something single dad. But they're both vloggers, and their podcast talks about what it's like living in the public eye.
Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!
Trivia buffs will love this current-events quiz show, which features special guests like Stephen Colbert, Kumail Nanjiani and Jennifer Lee. Shout out the answers and see who in your family wins bragging rights for being the best quiz master.
Welcome to Night Vale
Another podcast that has a dedicated following of adult fans, this show is formatted like a community radio broadcast, only everything is slightly creepy. One reviewer said it best: "Listen to this great podcast! You will not be contacted by mysterious men in dark suits."
What's Good Games
This podcast is directed at — you guessed it! — gamers. Three gaming-industry vets discuss video game news, reviews and upcoming titles. It's perfect for any teen who can't tear themselves away from their system of choice.
Adult ISH
YR Media is a media company run and produced by young, mostly BIPOC creators. Adult ISH, hosted by Nygel Turner and Dominique “Dom” French, is perfect for older teens and young adults trying to figure out how to navigate their world.
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