9 podcasts to make you feel smarter

These days, finding a high-quality podcast can feel like panning for gold. You have to sift through dozens of duds before finding a show worth downloading. As of August 2020, there were over 800,000 active podcasts churning conversations, stories, jokes, and commentary out to listeners across the globe. So how do you discover podcasts that will make you think harder and feel smarter? We’ve made it easy. Check out these nine podcasts that are guaranteed to give your brain a good workout.

Sit Down with the Supreme Court

‘Amicus’ is a legal podcast, but it isn’t your run-of-the-mill legal banter. In each new episode, Slate’s Dahlia Lithwick dissects some of the biggest court cases in Supreme Court history. Most recently, Lithwick interviewed Ruth Bader Ginsburg, explored decisions made by Chief Justice John Roberts, and explored the future of elections with election lawyer Marc Elias. For an in-depth look at the American judicial system and a well-rounded understanding of SCOTUS, you’ll want to listen to ‘Amicus.’

The Economy, Explained

Be honest: Do you remember every little detail from that economics class you took in college? Probably not. Luckily, ‘Planet Money’ is here to explain the economy in clear-cut terms. This NPR podcast explains economic principles and the current state of the U.S. economy in short, entertaining, and informative episodes. The playful storytelling and casual, conversational style will draw you in, but you will leave each episode with the ability to discuss a variety of economic concepts with confidence.

Demystifying Design and Architecture

With hundreds of episodes in its library, ‘99% Invisible’ is an independently produced podcast that will keep your ears busy and your brain buzzing. The show, created and hosted by Roman Mars, focuses on architecture and design. Where does “invisible” come in? ‘99% Invisible’ zeroes in on the power of unnoticed design. From the Las Vegas Strip to Anguilla’s flag, you’ll learn how design plays a role in almost everything. It will change how you think about the world — in a good way.

Psychology and Human Behavior

What controls human behavior? According to NPR’s ‘Invisibilia’ podcast, there are plenty of unseeable forces that shape our beliefs, ideas, feelings, thoughts, assumptions, and actions. With a mix of scientific evidence and narrative storytelling, ‘Invisibilia’ will challenge your assumptions about life and the “why” behind human behavior. If you loved psychology class in high school, you will fall head over heels for ‘Invisibilia.’ Hosts Alix Spiegel and Hanna Rosen are podcast veterans who will bring you along for an easy-listening, yet deep-thinking ride in every single episode.

Get Caught Up on the Constitution

When it comes to law and life, there’s nothing more central — or more controversial, at times — than the U.S. Constitution. Few people can say they’ve read the Constitution in full, but the hosts of ‘Your Weekly Constitutional’ have, and they are ready to fill your brain with knowledge about constitutional law. This public radio show, produced in partnership with James Madison’s Montpelier, focuses on some of the most talked-about constitutional issues of our time, from gun rights to gay rights. If you ever wanted to speak competently and confidently about the U.S. Constitution, this podcast will give you a head start.

A Deep Dive into Art History

Everyone wants to know about art history — but the subject itself can be incredibly boring. That’s why ‘ArtHoles’ is here! This podcast, hosted by someone with no background in the subject, brings the fun and facts to discussions of art and art history. Each episode is a deep dive into the life of one artist. You’ll get the 411 on artists like Jackson Pollock, Frida Kahlo, and Caravaggio. Far from a snooze-fest, ‘ArtHoles’ illuminates the most dramatic, salacious, and fascinating aspects of each artist’s life. You won’t want to miss a single episode.

Contemporary News with a Legal Twist

Itching to learn more about law, but not sure where to start? ‘Bloomberg Law’ is your go-to. In this popular podcast, host June Grasso interviews legal scholars and attorneys about election law, the Second Amendment, the Supreme Court, and other topics as they apply to current events. Listen in, and you’ll get an in-depth analysis of the legal issues and cases that are making headlines. Expect discussions of intellectual property, criminal law, wrongful death, bankruptcy, and so much more. Once you start listening, this podcast is sure to become part of your weekly routine.

An MBA for Your Ears

Another gem from the Bloomberg podcast library is ‘Masters in Business.’ In this podcast, writer Barry Ritholtz examines ideas related to markets, investing, and business. Recent episodes include discussions of investing in sports, the design business, building new businesses, hedge funds, foundations, and real estate investments. Hear from leading CEOs, professors, economists, founders, and other experts as they break down the ins and outs of business. If you’ve always wanted an MBA but aren’t interested in going back to school, ‘Masters in Business’ will put your mind to work.

Life’s Big Questions

Intelligence isn’t all about money and law. In fact, some of life’s most important questions are those related to emotions, relationships, and other big ideas. On the weekly ‘TED Radio Hour,’ you’ll hear three or four TED Talks, all of which share one central theme. Original reporting and follow-up interviews supplement the talks and give you a well-rounded understanding of the topic at hand. Past subjects include making amends, the power of spaces, and the human relationship with water. With innovative speakers, new ideas, and creative storytelling, the ‘TED Radio Hour’ will help you answer some of life’s biggest questions.

Ready to dive in? At Lem Garcia Law, we know the value of learning the facts for yourself and feeling confident as you move through life. Hopefully, some of these podcasts will give you the tools and information you need to feel like your smartest self. Are there any we missed? Drop us a line and let us know! We are always searching for opportunities to listen, learn, and grow.