Be sure to also check out the previous post: 8 profound podcast episodes introducing the meaning crisis, sensemaking, & Game B
It seems there’s a growing “online intellectual awakening”—curious minds and deep thinkers finding each other digitally and beginning to converse about humanity’s ultimate challenges.
Who are these people following, listening to, and watching to try to make sense of themselves and the world?
In this post, I’ve tried to include a mix of well-known and up-and-coming intellectual podcasts. For each podcast listed, I’ve also included one of the podcaster’s more popular videos as a place to start.
The Rise of Wise Podcasting — 10 Intellectual Podcasts to Think Deeply, Boost Knowledge, & Live Better
Naval Podcast with Naval Ravikant
Naval Website | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
“Naval on wealth and happiness.”
The Knowledge Project Podcast with Shane Parrish (Farnam Street)
The Knowledge Project Website | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
“The Knowledge Project Podcast helps you master the best of what other people have already figured out. In a world that tends to skim on the surface, we seek rich and nuanced conversation. Guests love our show because we don’t interrupt them or ask the same questions as other shows. Listeners love our show because they learn what works, what doesn’t, and why direct from the masters. Together let’s explore the hard-fought lessons learned, mental models, and tips and tricks that the very best in the world use to gain and edge.”
The Portal Podcast with Eric Weinstein
Eric Weinstein Website | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
“A podcast hosted by Eric Weinstein, The Portal is a journey of discovery. It is wide ranging and deep diving discussions with distinguished guests from the realms of science, culture and business. Join us as we seek portals that will carry us through the impossible- and beyond.”
DarkHorse Podcast with Bret Weinstein
Bret Weinstein Website | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
“On The DarkHorse Podcast, we will explore questions that matter, with tools that work. Many episodes will be long form discussions. Some guests will be well known, others obscure, but all of them chosen because they have demonstrated unusual insight. Other episodes of the Dark Horse Podcast will be solo-missions in which Bret dives into issues alone, using an evolutionary lens to reveal patterns in nature–including human-nature. The state and future of civilization will be recurring theme, so buckle up!”
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Podcast with Lex Fridman
Lex Fridman AI Website | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
“Conversations about the nature of intelligence, science, and technology (at MIT and beyond) from the perspective of deep learning, robotics, AI, AGI, neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, economics, physics, mathematics, and more.”
Mindscape Podcast with Sean Carroll
Sean Carroll Mindscape Website | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
“Ever wanted to know how music affects your brain, what quantum mechanics really is, or how black holes work? Do you wonder why you get emotional each time you see a certain movie, or how on earth video games are designed? Then you’ve come to the right place. Each week, Sean Carroll will host conversations with some of the most interesting thinkers in the world. From neuroscientists and engineers to authors and television producers, Sean and his guests talk about the biggest ideas in science, philosophy, culture and much more.”
Future Thinkers Podcast with Mike Gilliland and Euvie Ivanova
Future Thinkers Website | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
“Our mission is to help people wake up, evolve, and adapt to the changing world … Our work with Future Thinkers is our ongoing journey in thinking about the future of humanity, speaking with brilliant thinkers, reading hundreds of books, working as entrepreneurs, living with different cultures around the world, and practicing personal transformation for over 15 years.”
Rebel Wisdom Podcast with David Fuller and Alexander Beiner
Rebel Wisdom Website | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
“When our existing assumptions and ways of thinking break down, it’s the rebels and the renegades, those who dare to think differently, who are needed to reboot the system. In these times of change, we can no longer trust the traditional media to make sense of the world … A new counter culture is filling the void, driven by a great intellectual awakening … centred on the conviction that we are seeing a civilisational-level crisis of ideas, as the old operating system breaks down. The new is struggling to emerge – and the most transformative ideas always show up first as rebellious. Rebel Wisdom looks to move beyond ideology. We create our content with the intention of engaging with the whole person – intellect, body, and intuition – to create honest discussions.”
Modern Wisdom Podcast with Chris Williamson
“Learn to understand yourself and the world around you. New episodes every Monday & Thursday with the most interesting humans on the planet.”
The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman
The Psychology Podcast Website | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
“The Psychology Podcast with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, where we give you insights into the mind, brain, behavior and creativity. Each episode will feature a guest who will stimulate your mind, and give you a greater understanding of yourself, others, and the world we live in. Hopefully, we’ll also provide a glimpse into human possibility!”
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I highly recommend the “Making Sense” podcast by Sam Harris as well for these same goals. The clarity of thought, depth of honest conversations, and breadth of topics (and differing viewpoints on the topics) offered there are compelling. As you mention in your newsletter though – it is challenging to limit the size of a list of this nature!
Thank you for the recommendations, I’ll certainly be digging in on a few of these.
Great addition, Sean! I debated whether or not I should include Sam Harris since he’s already so well-known. After thinking about it, I may actually go back and edit the article to add him in.
Any women?
Of those mentioned above, Future Thinkers includes Euvie Ivanova. Also check out On Being with Krista Tippett, Sounds True with Tami Simon, the Interintellect with Anna Gát. Keep in mind that a male podcast host can also feature many female podcasts guests. Happy listening!