Planetary Radio
The Planetary Society
Ages 11–13ConversationExplainers
Weekly space news and interviews from The Planetary Society.
Mat Kaplan (and now Sarah Al-Ahmed) host the longest-running space podcast. Weekly news, interviews with mission scientists, kid-friendly enough for tween space enthusiasts.
Why it’s in PodFocus
The Planetary Society's weekly space news + interviews.
At a glance
- Ages
- 11 to 13
- Good for
- Car, Quiet time
- About
- Science, Curiosity
- Format
- Conversation, Explainers
- Episodes
- About 37 min
- New episodes
- About once a week
- In the feed
- 1357 episodes since 2002
- Made by
- The Planetary Society
Latest episodes
The newest full episodes in the feed as of 23 October 2026.
- Meet the Winners of The Planetary Society’s 2026 STEP Grants
- Book Club Edition: Dinner With an Astronaut by Leroy Chiao
- From the Mojave to Phobos: PlanetVac rides with MMX
Questions parents ask
What age is Planetary Radio for?
PodFocus lists it for ages 11 to 13. Ranges overlap on purpose: where a child lands inside one depends more on the child than on the number.
How long are Planetary Radio episodes?
Episodes run about 37 minutes, most between 29 and 59 minutes. Long enough to cover a proper drive.
Is Planetary Radio still making new episodes?
Yes. New episodes come out about once a week; the latest was released on 21 October 2026. The feed lists 1357 episodes going back to 2002, so a child who likes it won't run out soon.
Where should we start?
Anywhere. Try a recent episode, or one about something your child already loves, and if it lands, work back through the older ones.
Can my child listen without Wi-Fi?
In PodFocus, yes. Download episodes at home and they play without a connection, including in the car through CarPlay.
How do I let my child listen to Planetary Radio and nothing else?
Add Planetary Radio in PodFocus. Your child’s library holds only the shows you add, with no recommendations and nothing that plays on into a show you haven’t chosen.
