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Discover the Best Psychology Podcasts of 2026
Last updated: March 2026
Dive deep into the human mind with our curated selection of the best psychology podcasts 2026 has to offer. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply curious about what makes people tick, The Podcast App is your gateway to fascinating insights and compelling stories from the world of psychology.
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The Best Psychology Podcasts in 2026
Understand the mind — behavior, relationships, and the science of why we do what we do. Listen free in The Podcast App.
Listen to all 12 of these free in The Podcast App — with limited offline listening, no app-inserted ads, and optional AI summaries.
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#1Hidden Brain
Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
Shankar Vedantam explores the unseen patterns that drive human behavior, with warmth and rigor.
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#2The Psychology Podcast
iHeartPodcasts
Scott Barry Kaufman interviews leading thinkers on the science of self-actualization and the mind.
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#3Speaking of Psychology
American Psychological Association
The American Psychological Association on what research reveals about everyday life.
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#4Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel
Esther Perel Global Media
Esther Perel turns real, anonymous couples-therapy sessions into riveting insight on relationships.
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#5The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Pushkin Industries
Yale's Dr. Laurie Santos shares the surprising science of what actually makes us happier.
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#6Very Bad Wizards
Tamler Sommers & David Pizarro
A philosopher and a psychologist riff on morality, the mind, and human nature.
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#7All in the Mind
ABC Australia
ABC's long-running show on the brain, behavior, and mental health research.
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#8Two Psychologists Four Beers
Yoel Inbar, Michael Inzlicht, and Alexa Tullett
Two working psychologists candidly discuss their field, its science, and its controversies.
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#9Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson
Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson
Clinical psychologist Dr. Rick Hanson and his son Forrest turn research on anxiety, avoidance, habits, and relationships into practical weekly episodes — applied psychology you can use, rather than theory for its own sake. Start with "From Insight to Action: How to Face the Fear You Keep Avoiding" (July 6, 2026), verified via Apple (id1120885936).
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#10You Are Not So Smart
You Are Not So Smart
David McRaney's long-running show is a guided tour of cognitive biases, self-delusion, and how people actually change their minds, with each episode built on an interview with a working researcher — a direct answer to 'why we do what we do.'. Start with "343 - Misguided - Matthew Facciani" (July 6, 2026), verified in the Apple feed (id521594713).
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#11A Slight Change of Plans
Pushkin Industries
Behavioral scientist Maya Shankar interviews people who navigated major change and pairs their stories with the science of how minds adapt; the show was named Apple Podcasts' Show of the Year in 2021 and still publishes new episodes in 2026. Start with "A Realist's Guide to Optimism" (July 2026), verified on the show's Apple page (id1561860622).
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#12Therapy for Black Girls
iHeartPodcasts and Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D.
Psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford makes mental health approachable for Black women, covering therapy, relationships, and identity in weekly sessions; it is one of the most popular mental-health shows in the US. Start with "Session 470: Parasocial Relationships" (July 1, 2026), verified via Apple (id1223803641).
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Listen to all 12 in one place
Free core listening with no app-inserted ads, limited offline listening, and optional AI summaries from Podcast Brain — all in The Podcast App.
Sources and further reading
- Hidden BrainOfficial site of Shankar Vedantam's Hidden Brain, the show ranked #1 on this page.
- The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry KaufmanOfficial podcast page on host Scott Barry Kaufman's own site.
- Speaking of Psychology (APA)Official American Psychological Association page for its Speaking of Psychology podcast.
- Where Should We Begin? with Esther PerelOfficial podcast page on psychotherapist Esther Perel's site.
- The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie SantosOfficial Pushkin Industries show page for Yale professor Laurie Santos's podcast.
- Very Bad WizardsOfficial site of the philosopher-and-psychologist show hosted by Tamler Sommers and David Pizarro.
- All in the Mind (ABC RN)Official ABC Radio National program page for the long-running mind and behaviour show.
- Two Psychologists Four BeersOfficial site of the show by psychologists Yoel Inbar, Michael Inzlicht, and Alexa Tullett.
- Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick HansonOfficial Being Well podcast page on co-host Forrest Hanson's site.
- Rick Hanson — Being Well PodcastBeing Well page on clinical psychologist Dr. Rick Hanson's official site.
- You Are Not So SmartOfficial podcast page of David McRaney's show on cognitive bias and self-delusion.
- A Slight Change of PlansOfficial Pushkin page for Maya Shankar's award-winning show on how minds adapt to change.
- Therapy for Black GirlsOfficial podcast page of Dr. Joy Harden Bradford's mental-health show.
- Psychology (Wikipedia)Encyclopedic overview of the discipline these podcasts cover.
- Cognitive bias (Wikipedia)Reference on the biases and reasoning errors central to shows like You Are Not So Smart and Hidden Brain.
- Behavioral economics (Wikipedia)Overview of the behavioral-science field behind several shows on this list.
- American Psychological AssociationLeading professional psychology body and authoritative reference for the genre.
- Association for Psychological ScienceMajor scientific society advancing psychological research relevant to these shows.
- Psychology TodayWidely read reference publication on psychology topics and mental health.
- The Podcast Academy (Ambies Awards)Industry body behind the Ambies, podcasting's leading awards, for genre authority.
- Peabody AwardsPrestigious media award body that recognizes standout audio and podcast storytelling.
- Hidden Brain (Wikipedia)Encyclopedic entry on the flagship psychology podcast featured on this page.
- National Institute of Mental HealthUS mental-health research authority
- NAMINational Alliance on Mental Illness advocacy/support
- 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineUS mental-health crisis line
- Greater Good Science CenterUC Berkeley science of well-being center
Your Questions, Answered
Yes! The Podcast App allows you to Download eligible episodes within free limits for offline listening. This is perfect for commutes, travel, or any time you're without an internet connection. Build your library and listen anywhere, anytime.
The core podcast player is free core listening with no app-inserted ads, forever. This includes features like offline downloads, variable speed playback, and cross-device syncing. Optional AI features are available through a subscription, but the core experience is free.
The most-recommended pillars are Hidden Brain, The Psychology Podcast, and the American Psychological Association's Speaking of Psychology. For 2026, add practitioner and science shows: Being Well with Rick and Forrest Hanson, David McRaney's You Are Not So Smart, Maya Shankar's A Slight Change of Plans, and Dr. Joy Harden Bradford's Therapy for Black Girls. Every show here offers free core listening with no app-inserted ads in The Podcast App.
Hidden Brain is the friendliest entry point — Shankar Vedantam turns behavioral research into narrative stories. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos applies the science of wellbeing to everyday life, and You Are Not So Smart makes cognitive biases genuinely fun. All three assume no background in psychology, so they are ideal if you are just getting into the field or exploring it out of curiosity.
For relationships, Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel turns real, anonymous couples-therapy sessions into insight you can apply. Being Well digs into anxiety, avoidance, and how to repair relationships week to week, and Therapy for Black Girls covers therapy, identity, and mental health with a practicing psychologist. Together they span couples work, clinical practice, and everyday emotional wellbeing.
Yes. Every psychology show on this page is free to follow, with free core listening and no app-inserted ads inside The Podcast App. You can download episodes for offline listening and follow the shows you like to get new-episode notifications the moment a fresh session or interview drops, plus recommendations that surface new psychology podcasts as they launch.
Unlocking the Mind: Your Comprehensive Guide to Psychology Podcasts in 2026
Psychology podcasts offer a fascinating gateway into the complexities of the human mind, providing insights into behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. In 2026, the landscape of these audio resources is richer than ever, with experts and enthusiasts alike sharing groundbreaking research, practical advice, and engaging discussions. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply curious about why we think and act the way we do, these podcasts serve as an invaluable tool for continuous learning and personal growth. They transform complex psychological theories into accessible, digestible content, making it easier to understand ourselves and the world around us. Choosing the right podcast can significantly enhance your understanding and provide a fresh perspective on everyday challenges.
When selecting a psychology podcast, consider the host's expertise, the depth of topics covered, and the production quality. Look for shows that balance academic rigor with engaging storytelling, ensuring both educational value and listenability. The Podcast App elevates this experience by offering a seamless listening experience with no app-inserted ads, allowing you to focus entirely on the content. With features like variable speed playback, you can absorb information at your own pace, whether you are reviewing complex theories or enjoying a casual discussion. The app is available at no cost for both iOS and Android, ensuring everyone has access to these enriching resources without subscription barriers.
One of the most innovative features of The Podcast App is Brain AI, which revolutionizes how you interact with your podcast library. Imagine being able to ask specific questions about a psychological concept discussed in an episode, and Brain AI instantly provides answers drawn directly from your saved podcasts. This powerful tool enhances retention and deepens your understanding, turning passive listening into an active learning experience. Furthermore, the ability to download episodes for offline listening means your psychological insights are always available, whether you are commuting, traveling, or simply in an area without internet access. CarPlay support also ensure safe and convenient listening on the go.
Engaging with psychology podcasts through The Podcast App means more than just listening; it means truly understanding and integrating new knowledge. The combination of expert-led content and advanced app features creates an unparalleled learning journey. From exploring cognitive biases to understanding emotional intelligence, these podcasts, powered by The Podcast App, empower you to delve deeper into the science of the mind. Embrace this opportunity to expand your knowledge, challenge your perspectives, and gain a richer appreciation for the intricate workings of human psychology, all within a user-friendly and feature-rich platform designed for optimal learning.
New in 2026
Psychology podcasting went fully mainstream in 2026: Mel Robbins' research-backed show sits near the top of the global charts and keeps pulling new listeners toward the genre. Underneath the crossover hits, the depth is in practitioner and science shows. Being Well, from clinical psychologist Rick Hanson and Forrest Hanson, publishes weekly on anxiety, avoidance, and relationships; David McRaney's You Are Not So Smart keeps unpacking cognitive biases; and Maya Shankar's A Slight Change of Plans applies behavioral science to how people navigate change. Therapy-focused shows also grew, led by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford's Therapy for Black Girls. 2026 roundups from Feedspot, Make Headway, and Psychology.org keep Hidden Brain and The Happiness Lab as the genre's most-recommended entry points.
Ready to Dive Deeper into the Human Mind?
Download The Podcast App today to explore the best psychology podcasts of 2026. It's free core listening with no app-inserted ads, and available on both iOS and Android.