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Today, we have curated nine exceptional English podcasts tailored specifically for high school students. These podcasts span four major categories: academic growth, news insights, college applications, and high school life. From various angles, these programs will open a door to new horizons and help students embark on a journey of self-improvement and personal growth.
- Academic Growth
- News and Current Events
- College Applications
- High School Life
From various perspectives, these podcasts will take you on a journey of broadening horizons and self-improvement. Let’s check out the podcasts worth listening to!
1. Academic Growth Podcasts
History and Sociology
Podcast: Stuff You Missed in History Class
“Stuff You Missed in History Class” is a standout in the history niche, bringing history to life with captivating storytelling. This podcast bridges the gap between the past and present, showcasing lesser-known figures and events in history. For students, it’s an ideal resource to supplement school lessons, prepare for essays, or gain inspiration for creative projects.
Why it’s great for high school students:
- Engaging narratives bring history to life.
- Covers a wide range of topics, from ancient civilizations to modern events.
- Serves as a valuable supplement to classroom learning, helping you excel in pop quizzes.
This podcast updates bi-weekly, with episodes ranging from 15 to 50 minutes, delivering digestible yet profound insights. For students, it’s an ideal resource to supplement school lessons, prepare for essays, or gain inspiration for creative projects.
English Learning and Writing
Podcast: Grammar Girl
Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing Podcast, created by Mignon Fogarty – a New York Times bestselling author, provides short tips to improve English, grammar and writing.
Why it’s great for high school students:
- Short and concise episodes, ideal for quick learning.
- Addresses common grammar mistakes with practical solutions.
- Enhances writing skills, laying a foundation for essays, college applications, and beyond.
This award-winning podcast updates weekly, with episodes lasting between 15-50 minutes. Each episode offers grammar, punctuation, and style tips that will significantly boost your writing ability, whether English is your first or second language.
Science and Technology
Podcast: The Naked Scientist
The Naked Scientist was created by a team of scientists, doctors, and communicators with the passion to connect the general public to the world of science, technology, and medicine. Over the last 10 years, the team has won 9 national and international awards for science communications.
Why it’s great for high school students:
- Covers a broad range of topics, from biology to physics.
- Answers listener questions about the world around them.
- Features interviews with scientists exploring cutting-edge research.
This podcast updates bi-weekly, with episodes lasting about 30 minutes.
It’s an excellent starting point for high school students and offers advanced “sister series” like Naked Genetics (Genetics), Naked Neuroscience (Neuroscience), Naked Oceans (Oceanography), and Naked Astronomy (Astronomy).
2. News and Current Events Podcasts
Unique Perspectives on Current News
Podcast: Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!
Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! Is a weekly news quiz hosted by Peter Sagal and is distributed by NPR.
Why it’s great for high school students:
- Makes current events enjoyable.
- Uses humor to help you remember significant happenings.
- Boosts your general knowledge.
This weekly news quiz show is updated bi-weekly, with episodes ranging from 10 to 50 minutes.
Learn about current events in a fun and engaging atmosphere through this podcast.
Fun Facts and Daily Knowledge
Podcast: Stuff You Should Know
Stuff You Should Know podcast, published by iHeartRadio, covers a wide range of topics, including true crime,
Why it’s great for high school students:
- Covers diverse topics, from science to pop culture.
- Explains complex concepts in simple terms.
- Offers an endless supply of fun knowledge.
This podcast updates bi-weekly, with episodes lasting between 15-50 minutes.
If you want to broaden your horizons and absorb fun everyday knowledge, this podcast will be highly rewarding.
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3. College Application Podcasts
Podcast: How to College: First Gen
How to College: First Gen is a podcast created by first-generation college graduates to share insights, lessons, and actionable advice for navigating the college journey. Through conversations with students, graduates, and parents, the hosts provide valuable guidance to help first-gen students overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Why it’s great for high school students:
- Provides practical advice on the college application process.
- Shares real stories from college students.
- Offers tips on adjusting to college life.
Although it stopped updating in 2023, the experiences shared remain valuable and relevant.
The title refers to “first-generation college students.” However, even if you’re not a first-gen student, the podcast still offers plenty of valuable insights to help you prepare for the next stage.
4. High School Life Podcasts
Common High School Issues
Podcast: High School is Hard
High School is Hard is a podcast where three teens share their experiences navigating high school.
Why it’s great for high school students:
- Addresses common challenges in high school life.
- Provides advice from students with similar experiences.
- Helps reduce feelings of isolation and makes your high school journey less lonely.
Though it hasn’t updated since 2021, the issues discussed remain highly relevant to today’s high school experience.
This podcast openly discusses topics like academic pressure and social conflicts, making it relatable for students navigating high school life.
High School Guide
Podcast: School Playbook
School Playbook is a group of high school seniors discussing the ups and downs of school, careers, college, social life, and navigating it all in the midst of a chaotic pandemic world.
Why it’s great for high school students:
- Offers advice from students who’ve experienced American high school life.
- Teaches how to balance academics, extracurriculars, and social life.
- Provides diverse perspectives on common high school experiences.
Though it hasn’t updated since 2021, it remains one of the best podcasts for high school students.
Think of it as a “guidebook” to high school, offering advice on everything from course selection to social dynamics.
Personal Growth and Development
Podcast: Tiny Leaps, Big Changes
Tiny Leaps, Big Changes is a personal growth podcast that delves into the everyday actions that shape the outcomes we achieve in life. Hosted by Gregg Clunis, the show offers straightforward strategies you can incorporate into your routine to make meaningful progress toward your biggest goals.
Why it’s great for high school students:
- Helps students develop better study habits.
- Provides guidance on managing stress and anxiety.
- Encourages students to set and achieve personal goals.
Though it has not released new episodes in 2024, its archives are rich with guidance on making small changes that lead to significant improvements. This podcast reminds students that even minor adjustments can yield substantial results.
The above nine podcasts are thoughtfully selected to cater to the diverse needs of high school students. By utilizing fragmented time effectively, these programs can become indispensable companions in learning and personal growth. Whether you want to excel academically, stay informed, prepare for college, or navigate the complexities of high school life, there is a podcast for you. Take this opportunity to make these podcasts your trusted partners on your journey to success and self-discovery.
