With the modern age and the increasing use of a passive mode of communication more and more people are struggling to get their point of view across clearly and concisely. There is no longer the need for messages and conversations to be short and to the point. Instead, many of us choose to use long, rambling phrases in an attempt to clearly explain what we want to say.
However, this is certainly not the best method. Because if you can say something clearly in ten words why would you use twenty? But, communicating in this way is a skill. It can be learned, but it will take time and practice. This is called critical thinking. This article highlights 7 Best Critical Thinking Podcasts.
What is critical thinking?
Critical thinking is a thinking process that takes facts, situations and judgements and mediates them through your mind to provide a rational and clear conclusion. This can be applied to almost any situation, allowing you to apply the process to all aspects of your life. Your relationships, emotions and presentation skills can all be improved with critical thinking.
So, how can you learn this skill? Well, one of the best and easiest ways to pick this up is through podcasts. You can listen and learn on the go, at your own pace. You can also choose from a variety of different approaches to the topic, allowing you to find one that best suits you.
Here we will list the best critical thinking podcasts out there.
Thinking Clearly
The Thinking Clearly podcast covers a broad span of topics but focuses on the issue of false information. In a world of “fake news” how are we supposed to know what to believe and what not to believe? Well, this is where critical thinking can come into play. It helps you to understand and analyse all of the information presented to you before making a decision.
It will provide you with “self-defense” techniques to protect yourself from believing and spreading false information. This way you can keep yourself up to date with what is going on in the world without the fear that it may be a lie.
Data Skeptic
Data skeptic is a podcast that covers critical thinking from a scientific point of view. The need to think rationally and analytically in the scientific field is of the utmost importance. After all, false scientific claims and rules can bring about some very grave and serious consequences.
The podcast is very engaging with various discussions and interviews. The different approaches to critical thinking within the various spheres of the scientific field allow you to understand the importance of critical thinking. It demonstrates how it applies to everything from medicine to artificial intelligence.
Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
This podcast is given by Matt Abrahams, a strategic communication lecturer and graduate from the Stanford business school. So, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. He covers critical thinking from a business point of view, demonstrating how the skills involved in critical thinking are vital to the workplace.
He covers everything that arises in the workplace that can be aided by critical thinking such as writing emails, presenting to colleagues and even talking to the boss. By tackling critical thinking from this angle many people can reap the benefits of being able to think and analyze logically and clearly, applying the techniques to their everyday life.
Inquiring Minds
Another podcast that is great for science fans. But instead of tackling the issues and advantages of critical thinking in a purely scientific field, Inquiring Minds focuses on the point of contact between scientists and wider society. The issue of rapidly developing medical process and social media and “fake news” can be a tricky one to navigate.
Often, false information spreads like wildfire and can actually be horribly detrimental to public health, even if it started out as an obvious joke. This is where critical thinking can come into play and be a useful and powerful tool. It removes the “sheep” mentality, allowing people to think for themselves, judging the data and information that they are presented with fairly and accordingly.
Critical Thinking, Critical Issues
Led by Rupert Watson, who is the head of asset allocation at Mercer Investments, this podcast demonstrates how to use critical thinking within the world of investing. Debates between the host and guests make for an exciting listen, as various viewpoints and arguments are clearly made and discussed.
This podcast covers everything from investment opportunities to market themes and emerging ideas.
The Skeptic’s Guide
The Skeptic’s Guide is another science-based critical thinking podcast, but this time it is a little easier to understand for the everyday man as it covers bad science and conspiracies. The broad appeal of discussing conspiracies means that the podcast is wonderfully engaging and entertaining, all while teaching you how to assess the beliefs for yourself.
This can then be applied to all the other various areas of your life, as you learn to debunk and reconsider beliefs that may be unfounded and just take as a given at face value.
The Overwhelmed Brain
This podcast is a great option if you are looking to use critical thinking for a much more personal aim. The Overwhelmed Brain helps people with low self-esteem, anxiety or depression. It teaches you to take back control of your emotions by critical thinking. This allows you to assess and analyze your emotions in relation to the situation and relationships, building your confidence in the process.
Summary
Critical thinking is a fantastic tool that can be applied to all areas of life. No matter your lifestyle, interests or concerns rest assured that there is a critical thinking podcast out there for you.
Even if one of these best critical thinking podcasts does not correlate exactly to you the skill is transferrable so you can still apply the skill that you have learnt to your own life even if you are just listening about people debunking conspiracy theories!
