Whether or not you believe in the concept of New Year’s Resolutions, you may be in the market for a fresh new line-up of podcasts that will make you smarter in 2024.
Maybe you’re looking for new news podcasts; maybe your true crime podcast obsession has driven you to the point of needing to know more about the stories behind the crimes. Or maybe you’re finally in the market to learn a little bit more about things like interest rates and stocks – although we maintain that’s definitely something we should have studied in school.
No matter! We have all of those topics and more in our list of podcasts that will make you smarter here on LiSTNR.
The Briefing
First cab off the rank on our list of podcasts that will make you smarter is The Briefing, a daily news podcast that brings you the latest headlines, discussion and explainer interviews in under 20 minutes.
And we mean daily. Monday to Friday give you double the updates, with news landing in your feeds at 6pm and 3pm. Then, on the weekends, The Briefing team bring you profiles with some of the most intelligent, accomplished and storied guests in Australia and beyond.
Listen below, or on the LiSTNR app.
CommSec Market Update
Another two-a-day special, this time from our friends at CommBank. The CommSec Market Update is the podcast that will help you stay ahead of the trends with daily expert commentary as the market opens and closes.
Whether you’re invested in the stock market, or just looking to get started, this is your must-listen. Plus, episodes are less than 10 minutes each; you can catch-up in the time it takes to wait for your coffee order.
Listen below, or on the LiSTNR app.
David Attenborough’s Life Stories
Yes, we have the dulcet tones of Earth’s Greatest Treasure, Sir David Attenborough, available to listen to on the LiSTNR app.
The 20-part series brings together a series of talks by the broadcaster and biologist, recounting the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.
In one episode, Sir David ponders the decline in collecting by children today and with it the development of an early fascination with the natural world around them. In another, the naturalist remembers the battle he had filming the birds of Borneo, whose nests made of saliva are prized by Chinese chefs. As far as podcasts that will make you smarter go, this is an easy one to add to the list.
Listen below, or on the LiSTNR app.
Future Women Leadership Series
Now in its fifth year, the Future Women organisation runs a series of programs designed to champion gender equity in Australian workplaces. The podcast, hosted by Future Women founder Helen McCabe, is an extension of the organisations ethos and brings together an impressive line-up of leadership thought-leaders to share insights on the sometimes complex challenges faced by women on the path to senior leadership.
It won’t just make you smarter; it’ll inspire you, too.
Listen below, or on the LiSTNR app.
Chat 10 Looks 3
No-one said a podcast that makes you smarter has to be boring! Chat 10 Looks 3 is the “peripatetic” podcast – see, you’re already learning some new vocab – in which Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb chat all things books, TV shows, movies, recipes, podcasts… you name it, they’ll talk about it.
Listen here.
Crime Insiders: Forensics
A breakthrough crime series launched earlier this year, Crime Insiders: Forensics unpacks the work of Australia’s most decorated forensic experts and details the methods and science to help solve complex, high-profile crimes.
Hosted by crime author, former medical practitioner and screenwriter Kathryn Fox, the series covers everything from forensically analysing the letters of the Unabomber, how the police can use your DNA and the power of a single fingerprint.
Listen below or on the LiSTNR app.
TED Radio Hour
If you love watching TED Talks, you’re going to love TED Radio Hour. Host Manoush Zomorodi, with the help of the world’s greatest thinkers, explores the biggest questions of our time.
This is a no-brainer when it comes to podcasts that make you smarter. You’ll be inspired to learn more about the world, your communities and, most importantly, yourself.
Listen here.
Business Wars
You may be familiar with Business Wars already but if you’ve ever toyed with the idea of starting your own business – or you’re just plain ol’ nosy like us and like to look inside other people’s businesses – this will fast become your new favourite podcast. The Wondery series gives listeners the unauthorised, real story of what drives companies and their leaders, inventors and investors to new heights – or to ruin. Think Walmart going head-to-head with Amazon, Uber to Lyft, Nike to Adidas; whatever the battle, these companies have shaped how we live, and what we buy.