We’ve mentioned that we LOVE to learn new things and to listen to shows that challenge our thinking and provide intelligent discussion. And you guys loved Big Picture Science. We’ve found another podcast that does exactly that.

Overheard at National Geographic

This podcast just might make you the most interesting guest at dinner. It’s a weekly podcast in its second season. Exploring the ancient Maya Cave of the Jaguar God. The graffiti of Pompeii. Searching for alien life underground. Each week we’ll dive into one of the curiously delightful conversations we’ve overheard around National Geographic’s headquarters. You’ll be introduced to the explorers, photographers and scientists at the edges of our big, bizarre, and beautiful world.

Some of the recent topics in Season 2 of Overheard at National Geographic:

The Alien Underground

Half a mile below the surface of the earth, in a cave too hot to explore without an ice-packed suit, NASA scientist and Nat Geo explorer Penny Boston clambers around glassy crystals that are taller than telephone poles and wider than dinner tables. But it’s not The Crystal Cave’s grandeur she’s interested in—it’s what may be hibernating inside the crystals. Astrobiologists like Penny Boston scour the Earth’s most hostile environments for microorganisms, to see if they hold clues to what life might look like on other planets—maybe even planets in our solar system.

 Humpback Whale Song of the Summer

There’s a Humpback whale song sensation that’s sweeping the South Pacific. We’ll learn about the burgeoning study of “whale culture”—and why these super smart cetaceans may have a lot more in common with us than we’d ever imagined. 

 Evolution of a Little Liar

Most parents see lying as a cause for worry or reprimand. But some suggest that at young ages it could be a welcome sign of childhood development. We ask writer Yudhijit Bhattacharrjee and researcher Dr. Kang Lee: what does lying tell us about human cognition?

 This is only available on podcasts – you can listen online or subscribe through Spotify or Apple Podcasts (or of course one of our favorites ListenNotes).

We also love that they have transcriptions on their website because sometimes you want to share an interesting fact in an email or text.

We’d really love to hear what you think about this podcast! Let us know what you think and receive a free 1 year subscription to National Geographic magazine (or the digital version – your choice)! Drawing will be held November 22nd. Please only one entry per person.