Short Wave

Short Wave is NPR's daily science podcast that delivers the latest discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines in episodes typically running 15-20 minutes. Hosted by Emily Kwong and Aaron Scott, the show covers an extraordinarily diverse range of scientific topics — from astrophysics and climate science to psychology and biology — with infectious enthusiasm, clarity, and a sense of wonder that makes complex research accessible to everyone. Each episode is tightly produced and carefully crafted to pack maximum insight into a compact format, making it ideal for walks, commutes, or brief breaks when you want to learn something fascinating about the world. The hosts bring genuine passion and curiosity to every topic, and their ability to interview scientists and researchers in ways that reveal both the findings and the human stories behind the research makes the show consistently engaging. Short Wave has earned praise for its commitment to diversity in the stories it tells and the scientists it features, ensuring that listeners encounter perspectives from across the full spectrum of scientific inquiry.