Finding the best podcasts for 12-year-olds that are both fun and educational can feel like a quest. You want something that grabs their attention, sparks their curiosity, and maybe even teaches them a thing or two without them realizing it. Luckily, there’s a whole world of audio waiting for you and your young listener. We’ve put together a list of some of the best podcasts for 12-year-olds to help you find that perfect listen.
Alright, buckle up, because Story Pirates is where kid-written stories go from “scribble on a napkin” to “full-blown, hilarious audio adventure.” Imagine a bunch of super-talented improv actors, dressed as pirates (because, why not?), taking a story you or your friends wrote and bringing it to life. We’re talking about tales that could involve anything from a disco-dancing bear to a mythical hotdog – seriously, the wilder, the better.
These aren’t just stories; they’re masterpieces born from the brilliant, unfiltered imaginations of kids. The Story Pirates crew doesn’t just read the stories; they act them out, add music, and sometimes even rope in famous guest stars to lend their voices. It’s a fantastic way to see how creative you and your pals can be, and it’s a great reminder that your ideas are totally worth sharing. Plus, you can even submit your own stories to them, which is pretty cool if you ask me. It’s a fun way to explore the magic of storytelling and see your own words come alive. If you’re looking for a podcast that celebrates pure, unadulterated kid creativity, this is it. You can find a whole collection of these amazing audio adventures to get you started on this list of podcasts for kids.
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Ever wonder why Jupiter is basically Earth’s bodyguard, or how coral reefs chat with each other? Well, you’re in luck! The ‘Brains On!’ podcast is here to tackle those wild science questions that pop into your head. Each episode, a different kid co-host teams up with host Molly Bloom to explore all sorts of scientific mysteries. It’s like having a super-smart friend who can explain anything. They take questions submitted by kids, just like you, and then dig into the answers with the help of actual experts. You might even find yourself learning about why we get crushes or how our brains work when we’re trying to remember something. It’s a fun way to get your science fix without feeling like you’re back in class. Plus, they have a Spanish version if that’s more your jam. You can find out more about their awesome episodes on the American Public Media website.
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Get ready to have your mind blown with Wow In The World! This podcast, hosted by the super enthusiastic Mindy Thomas and the ever-curious Guy Raz, is like a weekly science adventure for your brain. They tackle all sorts of wild questions that kids (and probably you too!) have been wondering about. Ever thought about why dogs have such amazing noses, or what’s up with wombat poop? Yep, they go there.
It’s the perfect blend of silly and smart, making science feel less like a classroom subject and more like a thrilling exploration. They break down complex ideas into bite-sized pieces that are easy to digest, and honestly, you might learn a thing or two yourself. Plus, they often have extra goodies like discussion questions and articles that can turn a fun listen into a full-blown learning experience. It’s a fantastic way to spark your natural curiosity and discover the amazing world around you, one episode at a time.
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Ever wished you could just poof yourself into a classic fairy tale? Well, Circle Round might be the next best thing! This podcast takes folktales from all over the globe and turns them into super engaging audio dramas. Think of it as a cozy storytime, but with a whole cast of actors and cool sound effects that really bring the tales to life. You’ll hear stories that have been passed down for generations, often with a little lesson tucked inside.
Each episode is usually between 10 to 20 minutes long, which is perfect for a quick listen during a car ride or before bed. They’ve got stories from everywhere, so you might discover a tale you’ve never heard before. Plus, they often have free coloring pages related to the story on their website, which is a fun bonus if you want to get a little crafty after listening. It’s a great way to explore different cultures and see how similar themes pop up in stories from all around the world. You can find Circle Round wherever you usually get your podcasts.
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Do your kids love to get lost in a good book? Then they’ll probably dig Book Club For Kids. This podcast is basically a bunch of middle schoolers gabbing about books they’ve read. It’s hosted by Kitty Felde, who’s a public radio pro, and she guides the discussion. Each episode even features a celebrity reading a snippet from the book they’re talking about. It’s a fantastic way to discover new reads or get excited about a book you’re about to tackle.
It’s pretty cool because you get to hear what actual kids think about popular middle-grade and young adult novels. They also share their own book recommendations, so your young reader will never run out of things to add to their to-be-read pile. It’s like having a virtual book club right in your ears!
This podcast is a great way to introduce your kids to new stories and authors, and it might even spark some lively discussions about what they’re reading. Plus, who doesn’t love hearing a celebrity read a story?
Here’s what you can expect:
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Ever wonder why some things feel right and others just… don’t? That’s where Short & Curly comes in. This podcast is like a fun debate club for your brain, tackling all those tricky ethical questions that pop up. Think of it as a playground for your thoughts, where you get to explore different sides of an issue without anyone getting sent to detention.
Hosted by Carl Smith and Molly Daniels, they take on everything from whether it’s okay to fib to your friends to bigger ideas about fairness and what it means to be a good person. They make thinking about tough stuff feel less like homework and more like an adventure. It’s a fantastic way to get you thinking critically about the world and your place in it. Plus, it’s a great way to spark conversations with your family about morals and what you believe in. You might even find yourself coming up with your own arguments for why you think something is right or wrong, which is a pretty cool skill to have. If you’re curious about how to be a better human, this is a great place to start exploring. You can find episodes that discuss everything from honesty to kindness, helping you understand these concepts better. It’s a great way to explore different perspectives and learn how to articulate your own thoughts. You can check out their episodes on ethical dilemmas and see what you think.
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Ever wonder about the amazing women who’ve shaped history, especially down under? Fierce Girls is your ticket to hearing their incredible true stories. This Australian podcast is all about celebrating girls and women who’ve shown serious guts and spirit, tackling everything from sports to espionage.
Each episode is like a mini-biography, but way more exciting than a textbook. You’ll hear about adventurers, innovators, and everyday heroes who did extraordinary things. It’s a great way to discover that you don’t have to be a superhero to make a big impact.
The podcast doesn’t shy away from the real stuff, telling the stories as they happened, which makes them even more inspiring. It’s a reminder that even when things are tough, you can still be brave and make a difference.
It’s a fantastic listen if you’re looking for some inspiration and want to hear about real people doing cool things. Plus, it’s a great way to learn a bit about Australia too!
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Get ready for some old-timey radio fun with Eleanor Amplified! This podcast is like a modern-day Nancy Drew, but with more dramatic sound effects and a whole lot of adventure. Eleanor is a super-smart reporter who’s always on the case, unraveling mysteries and outsmarting villains. It’s the kind of show that makes you feel like you’re right there with her, trying to figure out the big story.
Each episode is a self-contained adventure, perfect for winding down after a busy week or just for a good laugh. You’ll love following Eleanor as she uses her wits to solve problems and expose the truth. It’s a fantastic way to get a dose of excitement and maybe even pick up a few detective skills along the way. If you’re looking for a podcast that’s both entertaining and inspiring, you’ve found it. You can catch all of Eleanor’s thrilling escapades on The Radio Adventures of Eleanor Amplified.
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Feeling a bit frazzled? Need a moment to just… breathe? Enter the Peace Out Podcast. This gem is all about helping you find your chill through guided relaxation and some seriously cool nature facts. Think of it as a mini-vacation for your brain, packed into bite-sized episodes.
It’s like a cozy blanket for your mind, wrapped in fascinating tidbits about the natural world. You might learn how a spider spins its web or why a certain bird sings its song, all while you’re gently guided to a state of calm. It’s a fantastic way to wind down after a busy day or to start your morning feeling centered.
This podcast is independently produced, which means it’s made with a lot of heart. You can find it on various platforms, making it super accessible for your daily dose of zen. If you’re looking for a way to introduce mindfulness without it feeling like a chore, this is your go-to. It’s a simple yet effective tool for managing those big feelings and just enjoying a moment of quiet. Check out the Peace Out Podcast for a little bit of calm in your day.
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Get ready for some epic showdowns with Smash Boom Best! This podcast is basically a kid-friendly debate club where two contestants go head-to-head, arguing which of two wild ideas reigns supreme. Think “Piranhas vs. Venus Flytraps” or “Pizza vs. Tacos.” It’s a hilarious way to learn how to build a solid argument, and you might even pick up some persuasive skills along the way. A kid judge listens to all the facts and picks a winner, so you can play along at home and see if you agree. It’s a spin-off from the super-smart folks at Brains On!, so you know it’s going to be good. You’ll be debating everything from superheroes to silly snacks in no time!
In “10. Smash Boom Best,” we dive into fun debates. What’s the best? What’s the worst? We break it all down with laughs and smart takes. Want to hear more hilarious discussions? Check out our website for all the episodes!
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Alright, you’ve scrolled through a bunch of awesome podcasts, and hopefully, you’re feeling inspired to hit play. Think of these shows as your secret weapon for turning car rides, chores, or just chilling out into mini-learning adventures. You might even discover a new favorite topic or a story that sticks with you. So go ahead, pick one, put on your headphones, and get ready to have your mind blown (in a good way, of course). Happy listening!
Podcasts are a super fun way to learn new things without staring at a screen! They can make boring subjects exciting, help you understand stories better, and even teach you new words. Plus, they’re great for your imagination and can make learning feel like an adventure.
Many of these podcasts are perfect for school projects or just to learn more about what you’re studying. They can help you with writing, science, history, and even thinking about big ideas. Teachers often use them to make lessons more interesting.
Some podcasts, like ‘Short & Curly,’ ask tricky questions about what’s right and wrong. Listening to different opinions and stories can help you figure out your own thoughts and learn how to explain them, which is great for debating and understanding the world.
Absolutely! While this list has a variety, there are podcasts about almost anything you can imagine. Whether you love science, stories, music, or history, you can find shows that dive deep into your interests and help you learn even more.
It really depends on the podcast and what you’re interested in! Some podcasts designed for slightly older kids might cover topics you’re ready for. It’s always a good idea to check with a parent or teacher if you’re not sure about the content.
You can find most of these podcasts on popular podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or through their own websites. Just search for the podcast title, and you should be able to start listening right away!
