Podcasts for curious minds

26 Nov 2025

Podcasts have quietly become one of the most enriching ways to learn, relax and stay entertained, all without needing a screen.

For active retirees, they offer the perfect blend of storytelling, discovery and lifelong learning. Whether you’re walking the dog, gardening, travelling or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea, there’s a podcast to match your curiosity.

One of the biggest appeals of podcasts is their variety. If you’re a history lover, Stuff You Should Know is a fascinating bank of information. If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, Josh and Chuck have you covered. The Rest Is History takes a deep dive into history’s biggest moments, breaking down everything from ancient civilisations, brutal rulers, deadly battles and quirky events you’ve never heard of. Closer to home, the ABC’s Conversations remains a standout, giving everyday Australians a platform to share extraordinary stories.

For travellers, podcasts can be a window to the world. Flight of Fancy, hosted by Sydney-based travel and food writer Ben Groundwater, offers tips, destination ideas and traveller tales that will inspire your next adventure. The Big Travel Podcast dives deeper into people’s life-changing journeys across the globe, taking you on a journey of discovery with a diverse selection of characters.

Those with curious minds for science and wellbeing may enjoy Short & Curly for light-hearted ethical dilemmas, Science Vs for evidence-based myth-busting, or Health Report for breaking news in the medical world and clear explanations of topics relevant to Australians.

If you prefer something more meditative, Nothing Much Happens and Radio Headspace provide gentle reflections and calming stories to unwind before bed. And for book lovers, ABC’s The Book Show provides insights into fiction, with episodes featuring discussions with authors about their latest works, while Sentimental Garbage, hosted by Caroline O'Donoghue, discusses and celebrates ‘the culture we love that society can sometimes make us feel ashamed of’.

Getting started is simple. Podcasts are free, and most smartphones – whether Apple or Android – already have a built-in app. Just open Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or ABC Listen and search for any title. You can download episodes to listen to without using mobile data, adjust playback speed and subscribe so new episodes appear automatically.

The beauty of podcasts is that they turn ordinary moments into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. They keep your mind active, introduce you to new ideas and create a sense of companionship through engaging voices and vivid storytelling. Whether you want a laugh, a thoughtful discussion or a new perspective on the world, there’s a podcast out there just waiting to satisfy your curiosity.