Avoid Summer Brain Drain with These Thought-Provoking Podcasts

Stay Academically Sharp By Tuning into These Fun Podcasts Once school is out for the summer it can be all too easy to go on autopilot. Even if you’ve planned jam-packed summer break filled with internships, test preparation, or maybe working a part-time job, it is important to stay curious and keep learning – just as you would during the school year. Podcasts can be a fun option for students who are eager to explore new topics or deepen their knowledge of a specific subject through a an entertaining and engaging medium. Keep reading for a list of must-listen podcasts that will keep you learning all summer long. How I Built ThisThis NPR fan favorite is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs and any student interested in learning about the behind-the-scenes work at some of their favorite brands. Host Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the most buzzed-about businesses and sheds light on the movements they have created. The podcast spans a diverse set of industries and products. Some recent episodes feature Zappos founder Tony Heish and Stacy Madison of Stacy’s Pita Chips. Science FridayScience Friday is an absolute must for any student with an inkling of interest in the sciences. The weekly call-in talk show is hosted by award-winning science journalist Ira Flatow and features expert guests on a variety of different topics. Recent episodes include â€Å"Climate Politics, Football, and Math, Ether† with a marine biologist and climate scientist as roundtable guests and â€Å"Biodiversity Report and The Science of Parenting† which includes a Yale professor in ecology and evolutionary biology as a speaker. Are We There Yet?Another podcast with science lovers in mind, Are We There Yet? focuses on developments in human space exploration. Host Brendan Byrne, a space reporter at 90.7 WMFE in Orlando, explores the advances in human space exploration with a variety of expert guests. From conversations with engineers and scientists constructing technology for future Mars trips to talks with the leaders who aspire to take humans into deep space, Are We There Yet? explores space travel from every angle in a format that is both approachable and highly informative. GastropodIf you think talking about food can’t be educational, think again. Gastropod looks at food through the lens of science and history with co-hosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley serving as fun and informative guides. Recent episodes include â€Å"Sweet and Low (Calorie): The Story of Artificial Sweeteners," â€Å"Who Invented Mac and Cheese?† and â€Å"Watch it Wiggle: The Jell-O Story†. Grammar GirlSyntax and punctuation rules may never be the most riveting topic, but thanks to Grammar Girl, brushing up some writing FAQs can actually become pretty interesting. The podcast provides short, friendly tips to improve your writing while also weaving in fun pop culture stories and quirky ideas. The recent episode on the Spelling Bee Kids is a great example of Grammar Girl’s knack for exploring grammar rules in a way that is engaging and relevant. Coffee Break SpanishPodcasts can be a particularly effective tool when it comes to working on foreign language skills because of their conversation-like format. For students looking to brush up on their Spanish, Coffee Break Spanish is a fun way to up your language skills. As an added bonus, episodes often transport listeners to remote locales such as villages in Spain and Argentina. Whether you choose to sample an episode from a couple of different programs or become a devoted listener for one show, tuning into podcasts can be a fun way to beat summer brain drain. If you are looking for ways to get a jumpstart on your studies over the break, our team of expert tutors can help you get ahead of the game.