Downloadable radio programmes, called podcasts, have been around since the first bricklike iPods in the early 2000s. Thanks to global sensations like ‘Serial’, podcasts are more popular than ever. But they can provide more than the next true crime fix, podcasts are also a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in science and learn about new topics, while blocking out noisy commuters, going for a run in the park, or doing the dishes. Here is a selection of some fantastic science podcasts alongside a few episodes relevant to developmental cognitive neuroscience. Happy listening!
ABC All in the Mind
Excellent show about brain science and psychology. Each episode is centred around a particular topic and includes interviews with researchers as well as affected people.
Interesting episodes: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/allinthemind/the-neuroscience-of-learning/7781442 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/allinthemind/apps-for-autism/7701834 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/allinthemind/eating-disorders-families-and-technology/7438440
BBC All in the Mind
This podcast presents various current items from psychology and neuroscience. There is also a focus on mental health with the All in the Mind Awards.
Interesting episodes:
Brain Matters
Interviews with speakers mostly covering molecular and systems neuroscience
Interesting episodes: Enhancing cognition with video games: https://tmblr.co/Zxdhyr28KX4Jh
Invisibilia
A spin-off from the makers of Radiolab. This show focuses on ‘the invisible forces that shape our lives’ with stories around sociology, anthropology, psychology, and neuroscience.
Nature Podcast
The Nature podcast provides a great overview of the latest developments in science. In addition to brief summaries of the main articles in the current issue of Nature, the podcast contains interviews and comments from the main authors of these studies. The News & Views segment presents quick summaries of what’s happening all across science.
Radiolab
This podcast features a variety of stories that cater to various interests – think of long-form articles in the New Yorker, but for listening. Radiolab often features episodes on science around current and special interest topics.
Interesting episode: http://www.radiolab.org/story/235337-how-grow-your-brain/
The Brain Science Podcast
This podcast contains interviews with eminent researchers in neuroscience and neurology.
Interesting episodes: http://brainsciencepodcast.com/bsp/review-of-the-great-brain-debate-bsp-4.html http://brainsciencepodcast.com/bsp/brain-science-podcasts-first-six-months-bsp-14.html http://brainsciencepodcast.com/bsp/review-proust-and-the-squid-the-story-and-science-of-the-rea.html
Picture credits: Podcast pictures were taken from the websites of each podcast as referenced. The feature image was taken from https://www.scienceworld.ca/sites/default/files/styles/featured/public/images/brain_headphones_image.jpg?itok=g-1kCvgV