Last Updated on May 27, 2025
As the school year winds down, we’re excited to share our top podcasts for students from 2024–25. With new content released regularly, it’s easy to miss a few gems—this list is here to help you catch up on standout lessons you might have overlooked.
Whether you’re preparing for the year ahead or looking for new ideas during summer professional development, we hope these podcast and video lessons spark inspiration for both you and your students.
Teen Skateboarder Makes History – includes quiz
Skateboarding is a sport traditionally dominated by men, but a young woman’s recent feat shows that women have an important place in the sport, too. Thirteen-year-old Arisa Trew became the first female to successfully execute a 720 – two full rotations in mid-air. Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk was in attendance to watch Trew make history. Listen to hear more about this young skateboarder’s momentous achievement and how it represents the progress women have made in the world of skateboarding.
If you liked this… here are more stories about female athletes:
Megan Rapinoe Reflects on Her Life
The Case for Gymnast Simone Biles as the Greatest Athlete of All Time
College Athlete Makes History for Women – includes quiz
Debate: Should Cellphones Be Banned in School?
Banning cellphones in school is one of the many ways adults are trying to protect young people from the harmful effects of digital technologies. However, not all parents or school district officials agree that sweeping bans are wise. Supporters of efforts to ban cellphones in schools believe removing these distractions promotes face-to-face socialization and a focus on academics. But critics claim the bans can be too restrictive and say they are often enforced inequitably. Listen to hear opinions on the issue and then debate: Should cellphones be banned in schools?
If you liked this… here are more stories about technology in school:
Debate: Should Teachers Use AI for Grading?
Why Hammerhead Sharks Hold Their Breath – includes quiz
Scalloped hammerhead sharks are unusual because they are able to dive to depths of up to 2500 feet without endangering their lives. This has baffled researchers who note that the cold-blooded creatures cannot maintain their body temperature, so sharks typically cannot survive at those icy-cold depths. So how do hammerhead sharks do it? Listen to hear about a study of hammerhead behavior, and learn how the surprising findings challenged previously held beliefs about shark physiology.
If you liked this… here are more stories about sea animals:
Glow-in-the-Dark Sharks – includes quiz
Saving Endangered Sea Stars – includes quiz
Sea Turtle Rescue in Texas – includes quiz
Taco Madness – includes quiz
Food competitions can be exciting, especially when they involve something as popular as tacos. In Los Angeles, the annual Taco Madness contest brings together 36 taquerias, competing to be named the best by readers of L.A. Taco. Each restaurant has its own unique approach, from gourmet ingredients to traditional recipes, making it difficult to choose a winner. The contest highlights the diversity of taco styles and the passion behind each creation. Listen to hear how the competition unfolds, what makes a great taco, and tips for finding the best tacos in any city.
If you liked this… here are more food stories:
The Art of the Perfect Sandwich
History of Hamburgers – includes quiz
Cassava Bread Named Cultural Treasure – includes quiz
Debate: Should Kids Be Allowed to Use TikTok?
Several states have filed lawsuits against TikTok, alleging that the popular social media platform harms young people’s mental and physical well-being. Advocates for allowing kids to use TikTok argue that it can foster creativity and social connection. Critics, however, raise alarms about the platform’s addictive nature and the challenges it creates for parental oversight. Listen to hear the attorney general of Washington D.C., and a father of three, discuss his concerns about TikTok, and then debate: Should kids be allowed to use TikTok?
If you liked this… here are more debates about social media:
Debate: Should TikTok Be Banned in the U.S.?
Debate: Should Media Literacy Be Required in All Schools?
Debate: Is Social Media a Reliable Source of News?
How Headphone Habits Affect Hearing
Headphones are a simple solution for enjoying media in a noisy environment or without disrupting others. However, according to the World Health Organization, headphones and earbuds can contribute to the problem of hearing loss in younger people. The ways people use headphones have evolved and increased over time, and researchers are looking at consumer and scientific data to understand how changing habits are impacting people’s hearing. Listen to hear young people discuss how they use headphones, and learn some helpful tips for safer listening practices.
If you liked this… here are more stories about technology and sound:
Experiencing a Solar Eclipse Through Sound
Talkative Turtles – includes quiz
Turtles have long been considered mute, unlike other species of animals that communicate through sound. Recently, though, research has revealed that turtles do, in fact, make sounds, although scientists do not yet know whether those sounds have intention behind them. Listen to hear what researchers studying turtle sounds have learned and still hope to learn about how these reptiles communicate.
If you liked this… here are more stories about animal communication:
Bat Baby Talk – includes quiz
Mindfulness Helps Students Succeed – includes quiz
School leaders in Florida are integrating mindfulness practices into an elementary school’s daily routine. The school partners with a nonprofit to support students from difficult backgrounds, and a daily mindfulness program encourages children to take a few moments each day to calm their minds and center themselves. Teachers and students report positive changes in behavior and classroom interactions as a result. Listen to hear how simple breathing exercises are transforming a school community.
If you liked this… here are more stories related to SEL:
Perfectionism Can Hold Us Back
Emotions Change Like the Weather – includes quiz
Weird News: The Van Gogh Dog
Listen to hear how a shelter dog used his painting skills to get adopted.
If you liked this… here are more weird news stories about dogs:
Weird News: Dog Receives Honorary Degree
Weird News: Dog Runs for Governor
Appreciating Differences in “A Place at the Table” (ELD)
Each culture has its own unique food, and people often feel emotionally connected to the dishes they grew up with. Food can be especially important to immigrants. It can remind them of home, bring back memories, and evoke emotions. This audio story focuses on the book A Place at the Table, which takes an honest look at racism, the cultural importance of food, and the power food has to bring people together. Listen to hear a middle school book club discuss the novel, and hear the authors explain how and why they wrote it.
If you liked this… here are more stories of kids discussing novels:
Teachers Making a Difference – includes quiz
Dark Humor in “James and the Giant Peach” (ELD) – includes quiz
Finding Purpose in “The Wild Robot” – includes quiz
