Podcasts for the Family
Parents… We’ve survived three months of homeschooling under lockdown. As hard as this was for a variety of reasons, during those months we did have some sort of a structure to our life, didn’t we? School work and zoom calls were a lot to handle. But when going out was not an option, they did help to break up those long days at home and fill the time with activities. We tried to finish our work quickly so we could play outside. In Mississippi, the weather has been perfect during the quarantine. Children took advantage of the beautiful, cool, sunny days to ride their bikes, have picnics, create chalk art, and master their tricks on the trampoline.
Now we have a long summer ahead, and though we are allowed to visit some of the parks and get together with friends, many will choose to stay in the safety of their home. The days are getting longer and hotter. Unless you have a vacation home on the beach, you’re probably thinking of ways to fill your days with fun activities this summer. Movies, family game nights, sprinkler fun, roasting s’mores and camping out in your backyard are all good ideas.
But there’s one more thing your kids can do, and for some reason this parenting resource is not as common. Audiobooks and podcasts! They are free, they are available to download wherever you are, they are constantly updated with fresh current content. But the best part about audio resources is that your kids are getting the benefits of digital technology SCREEN FREE! That means, healthier eyes, and that means continuous learning and using imagination while having fun. Podcasts are also great for little ones who haven’t learned to read yet. I’ve listened to quite a few podcasts while doing my research and I’m here to declare: most kids’ podcasts are tons of fun for grownups, too. They are great for a rainy day or a hot one. They are great for quiet time at home or for a long drive in the car. For adults, podcasts can become a good motivation to go for a walk or a run.
So make your pick from the list below. We hope you can find a new favorite, and it will help fill your days with fun educational content for the whole family.
For Kids That Like Fun
Audible offers thousands of books you can listen for free! You don’t need an account, and you don’t need a special app. Just go to https://stories.audible.com/discovery and browse through a section of your interest, such as Elementary, Teen, Folk & Fairy Tales, or Literary Classics. You’ll find something for everyone. Some of our favorites on Audible are the Harry Potter series, Winnie the Pooh, The Terrible Two and Kid Normal.
Circle Round
Circle Round adapts carefully selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 4 to 10. Circle Round also comes with coloring pages (downloads available online).
Story Pirates
Each week, the crew aboard the Story Pirates’ ship, including world-class actors, comedians, improvisers and musicians, takes original stories from real kids around the world, and turns them into a wildly funny sketch comedy and songs. This one is loads of fun for all ages. Plus, your child can submit his or her own story!
Pants on Fire on The Big Fib
In the era of fake news, kids need to learn to be able to tell what’s true from what’s false. And what better way to do that than a game show that puts kids in the driver’s seat, adults on the hot seat, and a sound-effects robot strapped to the roof?
Tumble
Tumble is a science podcast for kids and grownups. The podcast shares stories about science discoveries, with the help of scientists!
Young Ben Franklin
Before he was Benjamin Franklin, inventor and statesman, he was just Ben, a boy in Colonial Boston with an adventurous spirit, a curious mind…and a penchant for getting into trouble. When Ben and his friends stumble upon a mysterious letter leading to a legendary treasure, he’ll have to use his wits and bravery to outsmart the cruel British governor of Massachusetts.
Rebel Girls
A fairy tale podcast about the extraordinary women who inspire us. This show is based on Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, the book series written by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo, inspiring millions of girls and women around the world to dream bigger, aim higher and fight harder.
Homeschool History
Fun history lessons for all the family, presented by Horrible Histrories’ Greg Jenner. Full of facts and jokes, the series brings to life a broad range of historical topics. It is good for ages 7 and up.
For Inquisitive Teens
Part-Time Genius
Will and Mango have lots of questions. Will we ever live without sleep? How do rats keep outsmarting humans? Where are the sunniest tax havens to hide your money? Join these Part-Time Geniuses as they dive into ridiculous topics… and discover some pretty smart stuff along the way.
BrainStuff
Whether the topic is popcorn or particle physics, you can count on BrainStuff to explore – and explain – the everyday science in the world around us.
For When the Kids are in Bed
Invisibilia
Invisible forces control human behavior and shape our ideas, beliefs, and assumptions. Invisibilia uses narrative storytelling with science that will make you see your own life differently.
Ear Biscuits
It’s a podcast but you can also watch the series on youtube. Ear Biscuits with Rhett and Link as butter your brain with pop-culture commentary, personal stories, and offbeat anecdotes. It is made by the same guys that make a few other things, like Good Mythical Morning.
Unlocking Us with Brene Brown
Brene Brown is amazing. Her work on shame and her insights on grief are very helpful.
Sawbones
This podcast shares the history of misguided medicine. It focuses on a certain disease and goes through the history of how the humanity has tried to cure it. It’s hosted by a doctor and her husband. It’s informative, but also very funny.
You’re Dead to Me
This podcast is by the same guy who does Homeschool History. Every episode is done in form of a discussion with a historian and a comedian about the history of a person or a culture.
In the Dark: Coronavirus in the Delta
This series follows the ways people in the Delta are coping with Covid-19.
Good Enough Living (by Dr. John Cox)
Good Enough Living podcast is about marriage, kids and growth – for normal people. You know, those of us who try real hard, but still screw it up. Tune in for how to make sense of your romantic relationship, your kids, and even issues like depression and dealing with jerky people. It’s a good podcast…well, it’s Good Enough.
Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast
The Focus on Parenting Podcast provides moms and dads with helpful tips on how to be a better parent each day to help raise kids and keep them on the right path.
Listen Mama
Listen Mama podcast is co-hosted by Christy Campbell and Jess Durando. They share candid discussions of real issues relating to mom life, nutrition, fitness and mental health.
