Short podcasts?
January 17, 2023 7:15 PM

I'm looking for short (about 15 minutes in length) to listen to while doing a boring timed task. Any suggestions?

I'm open to anything, but the length is the most important factor to me. My favourite podcast is still CBC's Ideas. Ideally, the podcast would be a bit educational so I can focus on it.

(If you're wondering what the task is. I'm supposed to wear a warm compress on my eyes for 15 minutes twice a day due to dry eyes. I've tried to listen to longer podcasts, but somehow I get bored and get antsy with the timing. Even if a timer is set! I think something contained to 15-ish minutes would work better for me.)
posted by VirginiaPlain to Media & Arts (13 answers total) 14 users marked this as a favorite
NPR's "Short Wave" science podcast is typically in the 12-15 minute range.
posted by egregious theorem at 7:25 PM on January 17, 2023


“Atlas Obscura” is a fun, quirky podcast that runs between 10 to 15 minutes.
posted by Roger Pittman at 7:27 PM on January 17, 2023


The memory palace tends to be around this length.
posted by kickingtheground at 7:37 PM on January 17, 2023


Podquiz is just that, a quiz. 4 rounds, 20 total questions and they are around 15 minutes each. There are 900+ episodes.
posted by mmascolino at 8:12 PM on January 17, 2023


Blinkist is an app that summarizes nonfiction books in 15 minutes. It’s paid but has a free trial. I’m really enjoying it- it’s upbeat and inspiring and 15 mins is a great length.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 8:15 PM on January 17, 2023


Check out Cool Stuff Ride Home
posted by olopua at 8:43 PM on January 17, 2023


I would recommend Philosophy Bites (interviews with philosophers about their area of expertise) or The Boring Talks (people talking about things which others find boring but which they find fascinating).

I think 1/2 the episodes are a bit longer than 15 minutes, but that still leaves dozens and dozens that should be the right length!
posted by fire, water, earth, air at 9:17 PM on January 17, 2023


Episodes are 20 minutes long, sorry if that's too long, but Sammy J's snack pack - Melbourne breakfast radio best bits.
posted by freethefeet at 9:45 PM on January 17, 2023


Some short ones from my subs that are of the educational variety :

* The Indicator from Planet Money
* The Daily (closer to 25 min on avg)
* Everything Everywhere Daily
* Atlas Obscura
* The “Short Stuff” episodes of Stuff You Should Know
* More or Less : Behind the Stats
* Curiosity Daily
* Ungeniused (5-10 min each)
posted by cgg at 10:03 PM on January 17, 2023


NPR has Up First, their daily news podcast that covers three stories a day in about 12-15 minutes, and its end of day partner Consider This, which is 12-15 minutes on one topic in the news.
posted by MadamM at 11:30 PM on January 17, 2023


A History of the World in 100 Objects, interesting, educational, and a 100 episode archive of 13-14 minute episodes.
The History of Rome might also work, its episodes are ~12-18 minutes.
posted by snusmumrik at 1:28 AM on January 18, 2023


The Retrospectors is a fun, 10-15 minute daily podcast. One of the three hosts is Olly Mann formerly of Answer Me This.
posted by PussKillian at 11:42 AM on January 18, 2023


Tiny Victories! Two ladies chat about something that has made a positive impact on them recently. It's uplifting and approachable.
posted by Night_owl at 12:26 PM on January 22, 2023


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