Big fan of podcasts? You’re not alone. In 2023, 42% of Americans listened to at least one podcast per month, and 31% listened to at least one per week.
Podcasts can provide access to on-the-go environmental education. But with millions of episodes available to download, it can be challenging to know where to start if you are new to the platform.
Below, we’ve curated a list of thought-provoking, informative, and entertaining environmental podcasts, just in time for Earth Day. These podcasts will transport you to the outdoors and introduce you to fascinating stories from the world of conservation.
Radiolab for Kids
Radiolab is one of the most popular podcasts out there—but did you know they curate some of their favorite episodes into family-friendly content, many with a science focus?
Start here: Dive into the fuzzy, colorful world of lichen with artist Ash Eliza, who found refuge in the forests’ rainbow of algal-fungal life.
Made for You and Me: America's National Parks
This podcast, hosted by Nick and Kat, takes you into the parks and discuss what is referred to as “America’s best idea”. We’ll talk history, hikes, wildlife, tell you stories, and explain crazy facts about these extraordinary lands that were made for you and me.
Start here: Dive into the history, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes that make Shenandoah one of the East Coast's most beloved national parks.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Podcast
Take a journey through the fascinating history and dynamic environment of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, one of the most unique biological landscapes in the world.
Start here: This February 2021 episode honors the Buffalo Soldiers. They constructed the precursor to today’s Mauna Loa Trail, which travels to the summit of a 13,000-foot peak.
iQ: smart parent
WQED-TV hosts this television series and social network to empower parents with new knowledge and tools to successfully guide their children’s use of digital media and technology.
Start here: On Episode 702, NEEF president and CEO Sara Espinoza explores opportunities for young people to use their STEM skills and curiosity as a citizen scientist.
Forestcast
This podcast, originally produced by the Northern Research Station of the USDA Forest Service, has now expanded to cover topics nationwide. Episodes go into depth about some of the research and problem solving done to improve and conserve our forests.
Start here: Season 4, “Afire,” tells everything there is to know about forest fires, starting with an overview in episode 1, “Understanding Fire.”
NASA's Curious Universe
Anything you’ve ever wanted to know about space, told by astronauts, rocket scientists, and other STEM professionals at NASA.
Start here: Going up up and away for earth day! Learn what a day in outer space is like from three astronauts in the International Space Station.
She Explores
Since 2016, host Gale Straub has collected the stories of women who are inspired by time spent outside. With episodes touching on themes such as entrepreneurship, aging, diversity, and conservation, some of these far-reaching interviews would probably receive a “PG” rating.
Start here: In Episode 197, Wildlife Ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant talks about what wildlife experiences brought her to the field of ecology and conservation science. She also runs a PBS podcast highlighting the historical and ancestral stories behind conservation practices of today.
Take Me Outside
Take Me Outside is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping educators promote environmental awareness. Their podcast features interviews with environmental educators from around the globe.
Start here: This episode from last year on land-based learning brings in indigenous educators to talk through what we should learn from the land, and how.
The Sustainability Agenda
A weekly podcast exploring today’s biggest sustainability topics, from climate change to corporate sustainability and environmental justice.
Start here: Episode 163: Zen teacher and author David Loy explores EcoDharma, weaving together Buddhist teachings and ecology to help us process climate emotions and find empowerment through the Ecosattva Path.
Threshold
This “story-first” podcast celebrates nuance. It takes a deep dive into one environmental issue each season, examining different, and at times opposing, perspectives.
Start here: The first season digs into our complicated history with bison, America’s national mammal, and asks a question: could we ever live with wild, free-roaming bison again?
Season 5 tunes us into the noise of the ‘wondrous planetary chaos’ that exists beyond human voices. Episode 5 details how new technology, such as AI, can help launch a new era of communication with the non-human world, enhancing bioacoustics.
Climate Rising
Hosted by the Harvard Business School, this podcast brings professionals in climate and business together to discuss what strategies we can change to adapt to a changing world.
Start here: A recent episode dives into using regenerative agriculture as a means of climate resilience and farm-food economics.
The Wild with Chris Morgan
This immersive podcast explores the complex ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Host Chris Morgan shares the stories of people who are working to help the wild places around us thrive.
Start here: Learn about the Buffalo Boys, a group of youth conservationists from the Kalispel Tribe. This group is leading life with purpose by doing what they can to ensure the magnificent buffalo of Washington state are here to stay.
Originally published: March 2021 • Updated
