When Artemis II blasted off this April on the first moon mission since Apollo 17 in 1972, we remembered exactly why space travel is one of the most exciting things in our universe. While on the flight, mission pilot Victor Glover delivered a moving speech to all those watching on Earth.
"You guys are talking to us because we're in a spaceship really far from Earth, but you're on a spaceship called Earth that was created to give us a place to live in the universe. Maybe the distance we are from you makes you think what we're doing is special, but we're the same distance from you. And I'm trying to tell you — just trust me — you are special."
Despite being a serious scientific undertaking, I believe that similar inspiring feats of human strength are what makes space travel so captivating for millions around the world. The podcasts on this list of best space podcasts exemplify that feeling, too. Through great storytelling and a deep understanding of the science, they bring the stars a little closer to Earth.
Startalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson
When I first started dating my ex-boyfriend, there was one method of affection that emerged early in our relationship: he frequently sent me clips of Neil deGrasse Tyson describing the building blocks of the universe in eloquent yet accessible vignettes. It was as if my beau was saying, "The beauty of the solar system is second only to you." Or at least, that's how I interpreted it.
After several clips, I became enamoured by deGrasse Tyson's ability to translate abstract mathematical or astrological ideas into explainers that most inquisitive minds can understand. On his podcast Startalk, the wonders of the universe are second only to the host's immense likability. Unafraid to wade into the political (there's a joke about "boldly going" that I'm too proud to make here), Startalk will often refute anti-scientific discourse. For those who feel space travel is a distraction from current affairs, this science podcast leaves one foot grounded in reality.
Dark matter. Black holes. Even the end of the universe. Scary right? Not so. The infinite feels a little closer under deGrasse Tyson's guidance.
For fans of: Feeling awed by our own insignificance.
The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe
Scientists are generally skeptical individuals, but some exhibit this trait more zealously than others. Take the hosts of The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe, a show that has amassed nearly a thousand episodes dedicated to scrutinizing pseudoscience and conspiracy theories, as well as the latest scientific breakthroughs and tech news. They approach everything from herbal medicine to fake scientific studies with a fiercely critical eye and an unwavering commitment to evidence-based reasoning.
But wait, is it funny? Absolutely. If most scientists are skeptical, it’s just as true that most science podcasts strive to be amusing. Thankfully, this roundtable podcast ranks among the most entertaining, thanks to the hosts’ collective dedication to questioning anything they deem subpar to their stringent scientific standards. This show has garnered an impressive following, and it’s easy to hear why. For diehard science buffs, this is the pick for you.
For fans of: Feeling superior to those left behind on (flat) earth.
Let's return to space travel, this time with one of my favorite podcasters, Kevin Fong. 16 Sunsets is the sequel to his hit British podcast 13 Minutes to the Moon, and includes the same sparkling sound design. Building on his previous coverage of the Apollo 11 and 13 missions, Fong focuses this ten-part series on NASA's ambitious Space Shuttle program.
Despite only launching at the end of 2024, 16 Sunsets quickly became one of my favorite shows of the year, not least because it blends history with science and includes a soundtrack by Christian Lundberg from Hans Zimmer's Bleeding Fingers Composers' Collective. Despite being narratively driven,16 Sunsets still includes robust scientific information, as well as testimony from forty interviews with NASA veterans. This space story is a great podcasts for kids, even if that kid is now thirty years old. Don't worry, we're still dreaming of space, too.
For fans of: Taking a journey back in time and into space.
