Best Psychology Podcasts (2026) - 17 Hand-Picked Shows

Scott Barry Kaufman hosts wide-ranging conversations with leading psychologists, scientists, and thinkers about the mind and human potential. Each episode digs into topics like creativity, intelligence, well-being, and personality with genuine curiosity and academic rigor. Kaufman's background as a cognitive scientist means questions go deeper than the usual interview podcast. Guests include big names you'll recognize and researchers doing groundbreaking work you probably haven't heard about yet. It's the kind of show that makes your commute feel productive.

The American Psychological Association's official podcast features interviews with psychologists doing some of the most relevant research happening today. Episodes cover everything from social media's effect on teens to the psychology of conspiracy beliefs and racial bias. The production quality is polished without feeling corporate, and hosts do a solid job translating dense academic findings into something genuinely useful. If you want psychology straight from the source rather than filtered through pop science, this is your show.

Jemma Sbeg created this show for anyone navigating the messy, confusing decade of their twenties and it absolutely blew up. Episodes tackle quarter-life crises, attachment styles, people-pleasing, and the general chaos of becoming an adult with actual research backing up the advice. Jemma's delivery feels like talking to your smartest friend over coffee. She doesn't pretend to have all the answers, but she'll point you toward the science that might. Wildly relatable if you've ever spiraled about your life choices at 2am.

Shankar Vedantam might be the best science communicator working in podcasting today. Each episode explores why people behave the way they do - the unconscious biases, social pressures, cognitive shortcuts, and emotional wiring that drive decisions we think are rational. You'll recognize patterns in yourself that you never noticed before, which is either enlightening or mildly terrifying. The research is always solid, the stories are always human, and the insights are always applicable to your actual life. One of those rare podcasts that genuinely changes how you see the world.

Stanford's psychology department puts out conversations with faculty and visiting scholars that feel surprisingly accessible for an academic podcast. Topics range from decision-making and moral psychology to child development and the neuroscience of emotion. The academic credibility is obvious but never stuffy. You're essentially sitting in on conversations between brilliant researchers who happen to be good at explaining things. Free education from one of the world's top psychology programs.

Zachary Elwood focuses on behavior, body language, and the subtle cues that reveal what people are really thinking. Episodes explore poker tells, deception detection, political polarization, and the psychology behind why we misread each other constantly. It occupies a unique niche between pop psychology and serious behavioral science. If you've ever wanted to understand why someone's words don't match their actions, Elwood's deep dives will give you frameworks that actually work.

Dr. Corey Nigro breaks down psychological concepts and research findings in a conversational, no-jargon style that makes complex topics feel approachable. Episodes cover therapy techniques, mental health myths, relationship dynamics, and the science behind everyday behaviors. It's particularly good for people curious about psychology who don't have a clinical background. The episodes are digestible enough for casual listening but substantive enough that you'll actually learn something new each time.

This forensic psychology podcast dives into criminal cases through the lens of psychological analysis and behavioral profiling. The hosts bring professional expertise to true crime stories without sensationalizing the violence. What sets it apart from standard true crime shows is the genuine psychological depth. You'll come away understanding not just what happened but why, from a clinical perspective. It scratches the true crime itch while actually teaching you something about the human mind.

Dr. Justin Lehmiller covers the science of sex, love, and relationships with a refreshingly straightforward approach. Episodes discuss research on desire, attraction, fantasies, and relationship satisfaction without being either clinical or sensationalized. It's the rare show that treats sexuality as a legitimate area of scientific inquiry (because it is). Lehmiller's ability to discuss sensitive topics with both scientific rigor and genuine warmth makes this one of the best in its niche.

Kristen Truempy brings the science of happiness and flourishing to each episode with a blend of research and practical application. Topics include gratitude, resilience, flow states, character strengths, and what actually works when it comes to building a good life. It avoids the toxic positivity trap by staying grounded in real evidence. If you're interested in what psychology says about thriving (not just surviving), this show delivers without the self-help fluff.

This show explores the intersection of intuition, emotional intelligence, and psychological science. Episodes dig into how our unconscious minds process information, why gut feelings sometimes know more than our rational brains, and how to develop better self-awareness. It's a thoughtful addition to the psychology podcast space that doesn't shy away from topics mainstream psychology sometimes ignores. The hosts bring genuine curiosity to every conversation.

New Harbinger Publications produces this podcast featuring conversations with researchers and clinicians about evidence-based psychological treatments and findings. Episodes cover anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and behavioral change with a clear emphasis on what the data actually shows. It's particularly valuable for anyone interested in therapy approaches that have been rigorously tested. No wellness woo here, just solid science explained clearly.

Produced by the Prison Radio Association, this podcast offers fascinating insights into the psychological dimensions of criminal justice. Episodes feature forensic psychologists, criminologists, and practitioners discussing everything from risk assessment to rehabilitation. The UK perspective adds a refreshing angle for listeners used to American-centric crime content. It's thoughtful, measured, and genuinely educational about a field most people only see through TV drama stereotypes.

Dr. Laurie Santos taught Yale's most popular class ever - on happiness - and this podcast brings that research to everyone. Why money doesn't make you happy after a certain point, why your instincts about joy are wrong, what interventions actually work based on real studies. The science of wellbeing made practical and accessible. If you want to be happier and prefer evidence to inspirational quotes, Santos provides actual strategies backed by actual research.

Dan Harris had a panic attack on live national television and went looking for solutions that actually worked. His podcast brings the same skeptical, journalistic approach to meditation and mindfulness - pushing back on mystical claims, demanding evidence, and keeping things grounded in practical reality. He's become the gateway drug for people who think meditation is too woo-woo to take seriously. It's not. But having a former ABC News anchor validate your skepticism while explaining why the science is real helps enormously.

Kira Sabin focuses on positive psychology principles applied to everyday life and personal growth. Episodes are practical and action-oriented, covering topics like building confidence, overcoming fear, and creating meaningful habits. The show has a warm, encouraging tone without veering into motivational speaker territory. It's particularly good for listeners who want psychology they can actually use, not just think about. Short episodes make it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

Jennifer Clinehens examines how psychological principles drive consumer behavior and marketing decisions. Episodes break down cognitive biases, behavioral economics, and the science of persuasion with real-world brand examples. It's fascinating whether you work in marketing or just want to understand why you keep buying things you don't need. The intersection of psychology and business makes this a uniquely practical show that exposes the invisible forces shaping your choices every day.