Talk Nerdy To Me: Podcasts the Whole Family Can Enjoy

family podcasts

Podcast popularity has really surged in the last year. With thousands of shows out there it can be intimidating getting started and finding shows that you really love. Today I’m sharing eight shows I don’t hesitate to listen to with my kids. Podcasts are the perfect medium for story-telling and digging deep into general knowledge topics.

They are a great way for kids to improve passive listening skills, too. Even after kids learn to read, their comprehension level surpasses their reading level; it is important to hear vocabulary and syntax at and above their level. Also, as your kids develop specific interests (outer space, pirates, sports), there’s a podcast out there for everyone. Did I mention they’re my favorite price? FREE!

A note about “adult” content: I’ve selected podcasts made for adults that may also be kid-friendly. A woman can only handle so much kiddie programming. You can’t keep kids sheltered forever; someday they’ll hear about the holocaust, and cancer, and marijuana. Best case scenario they hear about it when I can pause, provide age appropriate context, answer questions, have a conversation. Or, if we’re not there yet, fast forward. I’ve suggested podcasts that are generally not profane, violent or scary.

8 Great Family Friendly Podcasts:

99% Invisible

Every week Roman Mars and his team bring you the history behind everyday objects and their design; “the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about.” Revolving doors, the basketball hoop, credit cards, postage stamps, barcodes, the computer mouse, and so many more. With over two hundred episodes there’s an impressive catalog from which to pick and choose. Look it up: “Inflatable Men,” December 3, 2014.

The Mystery Show

Like the name implies, The Mystery Show features mysteries solved by host Starlee Kine. She is through, thoughtful, and so gosh darn likable (girl crush alert). How tall is Jake Gyllenhaal? What’s the story behind the scene on the “Welcome Back Kotter” lunchbox? You won’t be disappointed. I dare you not to binge listen. Kine just might make kindness and curiosity cool again. While you wait for Season two, start with: “Source Code,” June 18, 2015.

The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

This podcast will feel seriously nostalgic for those of us that grew up listening to Paul Harvey. In short, but sweet episodes Mike Rowe (of Dirty Jobs fame) shares unknown and interesting stories about history and pop culture, usually with a surprising twist at the end. Give it a chance: “Be Right Back, hon!,” March 8, 2016.

Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me

This NPR weekly current events and news show is taped in front of a live studio audience complete with quizzes, a celebrity guest and plenty of puns. It’s timely, funny, and informative. This is a must-listen.

Surprisingly Awesome

Adam Davidson and Adam McKay host this great podcast “about things that sound totally boring, but turn out to be totally awesome.” They convince each other over the course of the program and dig into hidden, overlooked awesomeness all around us. After listening to “Broccoli” (surprisingly awesome, really!), my four year old was eager to plant broccoli this Spring. Will he eat it? Time will tell, but it’s a good first step. Start here: “Free Throws,” November 5, 2015. Brief profanity with fore-warning.

family friendly podcasts
Getting ready to plant broccoli

Awesome Etiquette

Hosted by cousins Daniel Post Senning and Lizzie Post, great-great grandchildren of Emily Post, who very literally wrote the book on Etiquette, Awesome Etiquette tackles classic and contemporary questions of courtesy. Their familiar banter, straight shooting answers and thoughtful positions can make this seemingly dry topic interesting. Manners matter – in social situations, the workplace and even the internet. And, if you listen together your kids will hear someone other than mom talk about minding your p’s and q’s.

Completely (Optional) Knowledge

They say this podcast “answers questions you never knew you had.” If you live with a child that asks hundreds of questions daily, these random but engaging episodes (under ten minutes each) will get you all satisfying answers. Guests are generally academics and experts in their fields. If you’re looking to introduce a reluctant kid to podcasts, try: “What Animal Has The Stinkiest Farts?,” April 5, 2016. I won’t spoil the answer for you here. Trust me, I’m anti-bathroom humor, it’s science-y.

Stuff You Should Know

Since 2008 this podcast has been educating listeners on topics in the areas of history, pop culture, science, and more. Part of it’s appeal is that hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant aren’t experts on these topics (how could you be after 800 episodes?), but they are curious, dedicated to research and quench that curiosity. I listened to an episode about Hot Wheels that I’ve been told over-qualified me to host a four year olds Hot Wheels themed birthday party. It wasn’t all necessary info, but I did get some small talk mileage out of it and have been a devoted listener since. Before it hits theaters (starring Sandra Bullock, not kidding), listen to: “How Tupperware Works,” May 25, 2015.

I’m always looking for new podcasts. What shows would you recommend for kids and families?

Ginny Ellis
Ginny Ellis is a hometown girl who happily resides in East Wichita with her husband, two young sons, two rowdy dogs, and one spoiled tortoise. Together they enjoy taking part in all our city has to offer, especially if it involves being outdoors, supporting the arts, or is particularly delicious. She is a WAHM who serves as WMB's Events Director as well as holding volunteer positions in Junior League of Wichita, on her neighborhood elementary school's PTO Board, and for United Way of the Plains. Ginny is a podcast enthusiast, laundry folding procrastinator, and insatiable reader who loves the Shockers, theme parties, and her margaritas on the rocks.

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