Short Wave

New discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines — all in about 10 minutes, every weekday. The fastest way to stay smart about science on a daily basis.

About Short Wave

Short Wave is NPR's daily science podcast. It’s fast, fun, and deeply informative. From the science of why avocados turn brown to the latest space missions, it provides a quick, smart update on the scientific world. It’s perfect for listeners who want to learn something new every day without a huge time commitment. What sets Short Wave apart from other science podcasts is its the fastest way to stay smart about science on a daily basis. The show is particularly valuable for busy people, lifelong learners, and anyone who loves 'fun facts' backed by real science. Short Wave is completely free to listen to on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

What Makes This Podcast Unique

The fastest way to stay smart about science on a daily basis.

Who Should Listen?

Busy people, lifelong learners, and anyone who loves 'fun facts' backed by real science.

Pricing & Plans

100% free Podcast

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Our Take: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Perfect for short commutes or quick breaks
  • Diverse topics and inclusive perspectives
  • Trustworthy NPR standards
  • Consistent daily release schedule

Cons

  • Very brief; avoids deep technical complexity
  • Daily frequency means a large back-catalog to keep up with
  • May not cover every niche subtopic in the field

Verdict

"Short Wave is one of the standout podcasts in the Science space. With daily episodes and free access, it delivers consistent value to its audience. The fastest way to stay smart about science on a daily basis. If you're looking for a reliable science podcast that goes beyond surface-level coverage, Short Wave deserves a spot in your rotation."

Frequently Asked Questions about Short Wave

What is Short Wave about?

New discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines — all in about 10 minutes, every weekday.

Who hosts Short Wave?

Short Wave is created by NPR. NPR (National Public Radio) is a world-leader in audio storytelling and informative news.

How often are new episodes of Short Wave released?

New episodes of Short Wave are released daily.

Is Short Wave free to listen to?

Yes, Short Wave is free to listen to on all major podcast platforms.

Where can I listen to Short Wave?

You can listen to Short Wave on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and directly on the show's website. Simply search for "Short Wave" in your preferred podcast app.

About the Host: NPR

N

NPR

NPR (National Public Radio) is a world-leader in audio storytelling and informative news.

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