Top 5 perspective-shifting podcasts

Some ideas change how we see the world—and what we choose to do in it. Podcasts are a brilliant way to dive deeper into those ideas.

Whether you’re new to effective altruism or already thinking hard about how to do more good, these episodes will challenge assumptions, inspire action, and offer practical ways to make a difference. They’re perfect for listening on a commute, a walk, or whenever you’re ready to tune into some thought-provoking content.

And if we’ve missed any of your favourites, please send them through to us!

🎧 1. Lives Well Lived

Host: Peter Singer
Hosted by philosopher Peter Singer, Lives Well Lived explores how people find meaning through helping others. The tone is warm and reflective, focused less on metrics and more on values, choices, and stories that shape the way we live and give.

• Ideal audience: Listeners new to effective altruism or those interested in the moral and personal aspects of doing good.
  
• Start with:
  • Charlie Bresler – The road to effective altruism
    
  • Profit for Good – building businesses that donate 100% of their profits to charity
    
  • Sigal Samuel – Optimising morality

🔗 Listen Here​

🎧 2. 80,000 Hours Podcast

Host: Rob Wiblin
This is one of the most in-depth podcasts on how to solve the world’s most pressing problems. Rob Wiblin interviews leading thinkers on everything from global health and AI risk to climate change and ethics – often for two to four hours at a time.

• Ideal audience: Individuals familiar with effective altruism concepts seeking deeper, technical explorations; those aiming to maximise their career impact; and newcomers open to long-form content.
  
• Start with: Effective Altruism: An Introduction – This curated 10-episode series is a crash course in using evidence and reason to do good. You’ll hear from key figures like Holden Karnofsky, Toby Ord, and Will MacAskill on how to think clearly about your impact – whether you’re donating, choosing a career, or just trying to be a better global citizen.

🔗 Listen Here​

🎧 3. Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Host: Spencer Greenberg
Not strictly an effective altruism podcast, but it often overlaps. Spencer Greenberg interviews experts on how to make better decisions, avoid common reasoning traps, and approach complex moral questions with clarity.

• Ideal audience: General listeners interested in self-improvement and big ideas; seasoned EAs seeking broader rationalist perspectives.
  
• Start with:
  • Critiquing Effective Altruism (with Ajeya Cotra & Michael Nielsen)
    
  • What should the EA movement learn from the FTX scandal? (with Will MacAskill)
    
  • Estimating the long-term impact of our actions today (with Will MacAskill)
    

🔗 Listen Here

🎧 4. Hear This Idea

Hosts: Fin Moorhouse & Luca Righetti
A curious, thoughtful podcast exploring philosophy, economics, and global priorities research. The hosts interview researchers and advocates working on big-picture problems – and ask smart questions along the way.

• Ideal audience: Listeners seeking intellectual yet clear discussions; newcomers and seasoned EAs interested in novel research.
  
• Start with:
  • Luke Freeman on Giving What We Can and Community Building
    
  • Marcus Daniell on High Impact Athletes
    
  • Rory Stewart on GiveDirectly and Massively Scaling Cash Transfers
    

🔗 Listen Here​

🎧 5. GiveWell Conversations

Host: Elie Hassenfeld (CEO & Co-founder, GiveWell)
A new podcast from GiveWell that goes behind the scenes on how they respond to real-time global health challenges. If you’re curious about how funding decisions get made – and how they save lives – it’s well worth a listen.

• Ideal audience: Donors, policymakers, and global health advocates interested in GiveWell’s decision-making and grantmaking.

🔗 Listen Here​

Bonus: thought-provoking TED Talks 

💡 Peter Singer – The why and how of effective altruism

The talk that sparked a movement. A clear, compassionate case for giving based on both heart and reason.

📊 Natalie Cargill – How to solve the world’s biggest problems

Smart, practical thinking about how to pick the causes that matter most – and why neglected problems are often where you can help the most.


Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to deepen your understanding, these conversations offer a fresh perspective on how to live, give, and act with purpose.

Let us know your favourites—we’d love to feature more listener picks in the future!