The best podcasts for DOs and osteopathic medical students to explore in 2025

Podcasts are a dynamic way to explore topics and concepts while performing daily life activities. Sometimes, inspiration comes from hearing others speak. Other times, we learn new things about ourselves through immersive podcast experiences. Imagine a 20-minute drive with every twist and turn paired with thought-provoking stories, or, while you’re cleaning the crevices of your kitchen, John Mulaney shares a hilarious joke. We venture into wide and diverse mental spaces through listening to stories or conversations via podcasts.

People may choose podcasts over the news station or other media outlets for various reasons. Podcast hosts and guests can speak on a variety of topics and go into greater depth than other news channels. Listening can be an effective way of obtaining information when one has limited spare time. Many podcasts blend information with entertainment, ranging from humor to narrative styles, to create a story for the listener. Podcasts can be conveniently listened to anytime and anywhere.

Below is a curated list of recommended podcasts I found through my own research as well as my experience listening to podcasts. It is organized by genre and includes several that pertain to practicing and studying medicine. Many of these podcasts are also filmed and available to watch on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify, for those who might prefer that option.

Health & wellness

• The School of Greatness: This podcast by Lewis Howes focuses on self-improvement and personal development. He features topics pertaining to health, lifestyle, business, mindset/motivation and relationships. I enjoy his podcast as it offers me thoughts to ponder on my drive and inspires me to strategize my goals for the months ahead.
• The Mindful Kind: Hosted by Rachael Kable, this podcast focuses on mindfulness and personal growth. It offers insights on how to cultivate mindfulness in our daily lives, reduce stress and improve our mental and emotional well-being. An area of focus is on how being more mindful can enhance communication and connection with others.
• Feel Better, Live More: In this podcast, Rangan Chatterjee, MD, emphasizes the topics of mental well-being, building resilience and managing stress, nutrition, holistic approaches to a healthier lifestyle, fitness, sleep and other habits to optimize our lives. He also offers shorter five-minute episodes to help us digest information in smaller chunks. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the questions he poses to guests on his podcasts, as it challenges them to think beyond the science and consider how certain habits are applicable to our daily lives.

Comedy

• Comedy Bang Bang: A podcast hosted by Scott Aukerman, Comedy Bang Bang features improvisational comedy, celebrity interviews and sketch performances. Each episode provides spontaneous and amusing conversation. For those who enjoy quirky quests, improv games and unpredictable comedy, you’re in for a treat.
• Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend: Our late-night host, Conan O’Brien, connects with celebrities, comedians and other guests in a casual, witty setting. His podcast is full of stories, jokes and personal insights, and his genuine curiosity makes you feel like you’re overhearing an unscripted conversation between friends.
• How Did This Get Made?: Hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas review bizarre, low-rated movies. Their analysis typically includes humor, disbelief and critique. The trio explores how these movies were made, what went wrong or right and why they are memorable or infamous.

Continuing education

For a more comprehensive list of medical podcasts, check out the Medmastery list featuring 16 of the best medical podcasts.

• The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast: This podcast is aimed at health care professionals, particularly those in internal medicine. It is hosted by doctors offering advice, clinical insights and evidence-based discussions on topics relevant to the practice of internal medicine. Also available on Apple Podcasts.
• AFP: The American Family Physician Podcast: The American Family Physician Podcast provides clinicians with evidence-based information on topics in family medicine. The podcast is designed to be quick and accessible by offering concise discussions on common medical conditions, diagnostic strategies, treatment options and preventive care.

Mystery

• Casefile: Hosted by an anonymous narrator (already mysterious, isn’t it?), Casefile delves into unsolved and lesser-known criminal cases around the world. The podcast shares thorough research and impartial storytelling as it uncovers criminal cases for the curious ear.
• Lore: Host Aaron Mahnke explores mysterious and eerie stories from history, folklore and legend. Each episode delves into supernatural events, strange happenings and human fascination in the unknown. For those who believe only in what is seen … think again.
• Sword and Scale: Mike Boudet explores disturbing and extreme cases that include murder, psychological disorders and criminal investigations with an emphasis on the human psyche behind these acts. If you wish you majored in psychology and/or you have an interest in things unseen, light some candles and enjoy the ride.

Humanity in health care

• DO or Do Not: Host Ian Storch, DO, works with osteopathic medical students to explore the journeys and experiences of extraordinary osteopathic physicians in practice. Dr. Storch speaks with DOs in different specialties and at different stages of their career. Read more about Dr. Storch and the podcast in The DO’s 2024 profile of him.
• The Nocturnists: Through storytelling, Emily Silverman, MD, shares the stories of the emotional and human side of medicine from the perspectives of doctors, nurses and other medical practitioners. The experiences told by others show us the intricacies and beauty of our emotional landscape that is not only seen in medicine, but also blends into other aspects of life.
• Life As a Patient-Doctor: Stephanie Moss, MD, features medical experts who have also been patients at some point in their lives. These stories show us how they navigated the complex health care system and how their experience shaped the way they practice medicine.
• Life Beyond Clinical Practice: Hosted by Diane van Staden, PhD, Life Beyond Clinical Practice explores the lives of doctors, nurses and other health care workers who have transitioned out of traditional clinical practice. The podcast highlights the challenges and rewards of leaving behind direct patient care. This can be a source of inspiration and practical advice for those considering career changes or other modalities of creating meaning and purpose in their lives.

Food for thought

• Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday: Oprah Winfrey engages in insightful, deep conversations with thought leaders, authors, spiritual teachers and other influential figures. The podcast focuses on the topics of death, growth, spirituality, mindfulness, wellness and life’s greater purpose. Through this podcast, I’ve felt invited to delve deeper into these topics in my own space, and I’ve gotten to know myself on a deeper level.
• Philosophize This!: Host Stephen West breaks down complex philosophical ideas, thinkers and movements for listeners with no prior background in philosophy. Each episode covers a different philosopher, concept or school of thought with a focus on how these ideas shape the foundation for how we think today.
• On Being: Host Krista Tippett shares deep, thought-provoking conversations about the human experience. She interviews guests, including scientists, theologians, artists, activists and philosophers who discuss spirituality, meaning, ethics, creativity and the challenges of living in today’s world. This podcast seeks to explore purpose, belonging and the nature of existence.

Learning a foreign language

• Coffee Break Languages: Find quick ways to practice and learn Chinese, German, French, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish.
• Pimsleur Language Programs: This audio-based language learning method helps individuals study languages through listening and speaking. This program focuses on building conversational skills by emphasizing vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar. Pimsleur encourages learners to actively recall and practice the language, reinforcing retention through spaced repetition.
• Slow Chinese: This podcast is designed to help listeners learn Mandarin Chinese by listening to spoken words at a slower pace. Because Chinese words are one syllable, phrases can be combined, sounding different to the untrained ear. Each episode includes a brief explanation of the vocabulary and phrases.
• SpanishPod101: Native Spanish speakers lead lessons providing authentic pronunciation and cultural context to the vast language.
• FrenchPod101: This podcast is for all learning levels looking to improve their French skills. There is a wide range of lessons featuring native French speakers, who provide learners with the correct pronunciation and context for different words and phrases.

Happy listening

Podcasts offer a gateway to knowledge, entertainment and connection, making them a perfect companion for busy DOs and osteopathic medical students. Whether you’re seeking laughter, inspiration, professional insights or simply a moment to unwind, there’s a podcast for every interest and mood. Enjoy!

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