The Podbrain Guide

The best
philosophy podcasts,
read.

The 8 philosophy podcasts we'd actually recommend — with key takeaways from every episode already pulled out. 198 episodes distilled.

8
podcasts
198+
episodes with notes
5 min
avg read time
2026
updated weekly
Ranked by depth of coverage
01
RANK
The Daily Stoic

The Daily Stoic

124 episodes with notes

<p>For centuries, all sorts of people—generals and politicians, athletes and coaches, writers and leaders—have looked to the teachings of Stoicism to help guide their lives. Each day, author and speaker Ryan Holiday brings you a new lesson about life, inspired by the thoughts and writings of great Stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca the Younger. Daily Stoic Podcast also features Q+As with listeners and interviews with notable figures from sports, academia, politics, and more. Learn more at DailyStoic.com.</p><p><br></p><p>Support the podcast and go deeper with Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content (coming soon): <a href="http://dailystoic.com/premium" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dailystoic.com/premium</a></p>

""True leaders create other leaders. Great people bring out greatness in others," which Antoninus Pius demonstrated by selflessly mentoring Marcus Aurelius. - Ry"

— from Which Of These Are You? | What's In Your Way Is The Way
02
RANK
Jesse Michels

Jesse Michels

28 episodes with notes

Welcome to American Alchemy. Please tune in for new videos WEEKLY, highlighting our time's most heretical thinkers/ideas 🛸 Sponsor Inquiries ➤ [email protected] Join our NEW Substack for in-depth articles! https://americanalchemymagazine.substack.com/

"In I Know What I Saw, Steven Spielberg's deep fascination with UFOs is documented, showing his lifelong interest in extraterrestrial phenomena."

— from Spielberg Just Revealed The Truth About Aliens (He Knows!)
03
RANK
Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin

Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin

28 episodes with notes

In-depth interviews that may blow your mind. With Rick Rubin

""My approach is born out of maybe ignorance or simplicity, but it's what I've always done." - Peter on minimal miking."

— from Peter McGrath
04
RANK
Conversations with Tyler

Conversations with Tyler

18 episodes with notes

Economist and polymath Tyler Cowen engages today’s deepest thinkers in wide-ranging explorations of their work, the world, and everything in between. Produced by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. This dedicated channel was launched in June 2025--older episodes can be found on the Mercatus Center channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS8aEHTqDvpInY9kslUOOK8Qj_-B91o_W

"The Rolling Stones served a six-month apprenticeship at the Crawdaddy Club, playing to just six people initially before building to hundreds"

— from Bob Spitz on the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and the Art of Biography
06
RANK

Join Robert Edward Grant & Exclusive Guests as they explore time-worthy topics, from Current Issues, Science, Philosophy, and more, from a unique polymathic perspective. Robert continues to connect with incredible individuals throughout his successful career, relentless personal ambition, and passion for learning, helping shape who he is today. He believes that when we approach life's most challenging questions, we can find the answers but must expand our perspectives, but to do so, we need to develop our perspectives. In continuing his journey of discovery, Robert is inviting thought leaders and experts from around the world to engage in fascinating conversations and wants to share this personal journey with you. Please tune in, become part of the community, and help us all develop new ways of thinking about the world, ourselves, and each other.

What they read

Books these shows recommend.