Best Philosophy podcasts to listen in 2020

There’s a reason it was selected by Apple as one of the best podcasts of 2018 and rightly so. Each new episode is guaranteed to provide some value-addition to your life and bring you one step closer to levelling up your health, wealth, career, or even relationships game. Tune in to listen to some interesting folks like C- and D-level executives from startups and established firms, bestselling authors and life coaches, share some words of wisdom for all.

This popular philosophy podcast which has had over 30 million + downloads in the past is perfect example of how often great things come in small packages (in this case a 20-ish minute episode). These bite-sized episodes (doing utmost justice to the podcast title) are hosted by Oxford University alumni and an award winning documentary maker for BBC radio, Dr. David Edmonds along with NIgel Warburton, a freelance philosopher and writer. Each new episode interviews top philosophers on myriad topics ranging from free will, practical ethics, Buddhism to discussing the very notion of scepticism surrounding Philosophy. The only downside - long waiting period between episodes!

This yet-another-interview-format podcast (pioneered by prominent philosopher, Alan Saunders) has gained massive popularity for its top-notch content, well-credentialed guests and simple yet intriguing commentary by the host. The podcast addresses some simple everyday topics such as modern-day feminism, ethics, freedom of speech - as well as complexities found in present-day world such as voluntary euthanasia, refugee immigration and existentialism- all through the lens of philosophy. Given the the range of interest covered, from science to aesthetics, medieval philosophy to political discussions, i recommend - listen and feel you mind expand.

The podcast, a brainchild of three Philosophy grads from University of Texas, is designed for philosophers and neophytes alike. Each week a short philosophical text, written by the likes of Socrates, Epicurus and Walter Benjamin are analyzed, argued and discussed, all in an informative yet entertaining manner (often with humour). Extra points to the podcast for being elementary in nature (i.e. no need to review the discussed text in advance). Rest assured, you will be rewarded for your time listening.

Are you a manly man or a normal man (or a wo-man (pun intended))? Regardless, I would advise every man to listen to AOM. This podcast steers the conversation towards self-improvement and building character i.e. what men can do to be a better version for themselves, their community or the world around them. Even though not every episode might pique your interest, there is something for everyone- history, physical fitness, physical sciences, behavioural sciences, nutrition, etc. P.S. Even though the title may hint otherwise, the podcasts tend to be gender-neutral in their appeal and interest.

Pack your bags and let Thaddeus Russel shake you out of your comfort zone. His choice of podcast guests range from comedians, political activists to pornstars and drugdealers; basically anyone who has dared to walk off the tried and tested path (was born to stand-out) with their profession, beliefs, preferences or ideologies. Each episode guarantees you be offended, enlightened, laughing at or crying to at some point (or maybe all together, who knows), but one thing is for sure, it will make you pause and think.

This is a great podcast that lives up to its name. It dives into an encyclopaedic range of philosophical topics, elucidating each of them in a way thats accessible, concise and never boring. The format is one-on-one interviews mostly with contemporary philosophers and philosophy professors talking about their research. With the tone being slightly more technical and the episode length little longer than Philosophy Bytes, this one manages to be more in-depth and sophisticated, perfect for philosophy aficionados out there.

This is the philosophy class you wish you had in your undergrad! When listened in order, the podcasts covers philosophical ideas (from well-known to very obscure) that forged the world we live in. If you are a philosophy student, this is that one podcast, you would actually feel like donating to.

This podcast featuring a clever banter between a philosopher (Tamler Sommers) and a psychologist (David Pizzaro) is everything you could have asked for and much more. Their discussions on topics including ethics, pop culture, and cognitive science are passionate, knowledgeable and (at times, ok most times) funny. The crux of their discussions surround moral philosophy and moral psychology (with an added touch of random dirty jokes and f bombs).

Some of the best conversations happen when we're pushed outside of our comfort zones, or so the host, Jason Gots, claims. To prove that, every week some of the world’s leading thinkers and doers are surprised with questions on any and every imaginable subject. What ensues is smart, engaging and funny interviews with smart people who are compelled to ‘think on their feet’. Some renowned guests include author Salman Rushdie and physicist Stephen Hawking.