As educators, finding the time for traditional professional development can feel nearly impossible between lesson planning, coaching, and grading. That is where podcasts shine. I’m thankful for my SEVENTY minute commute to school (NINETY on the journey home), because it’s ‘me’ time. This time in my car, away from the demands of my family, is where I do my best thinking, my best lesson planning and get some of my best free professional development through podcast listening. I’m always on the look out for new episodes to listen to, and have even used podcasts in the classroom, or with students on a walk & talk listen.
Podcasts allow you to step outside your own school district and listen in on real, unscripted conversations with veteran educators, national award winners, and researchers. If you are looking to revitalize your curriculum, discover new class management strategies, or stay connected to the broader health and physical education community, here are SEVENTEEN podcasts specifically for us!
Physical Education & Adapted PE Podcasts
PE Insights with Nathan Walker
Hosted by educator Nathan Walker, this podcast features insightful conversations with Physical Education professionals from around the globe. Each episode dives into practical teaching strategies, innovative curriculum ideas, and real-world advice to help PE teachers elevate their practice, engage students, and stay inspired in their profession. This podcast is now in it’s third year and continues to go from strength to strength. The associated Instagram account is definitely worth a follow too! I’ve been following this podcast since day 1, and it’s episode 1, on Meaningful PE that I recommend you start with.
Playing With Research in Health & Physical Education
Hosted by Risto Marttinen and a team of health and PE scholars, this podcast bridges the gap between academic research and daily teaching practice. Through engaging interviews with researchers and educators, the show translates complex physical education research, pedagogical models, and health concepts into practical, actionable takeaways for the classroom and gym. Prof. Ash Casey (who has appeared on many of these podcasts) is a great advocate for best practice in PE, and I recommend starting with his episode on models based practice.
The PE Umbrella
Hosted by Ryan Ellis, this popular podcast is dedicated primarily to primary and elementary physical education. Each episode brings together educators, researchers, and practitioners to discuss practical lesson ideas, reflective teaching practices, and creative activities. With a core focus on developing the whole child—physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally—the show gives teachers quick, actionable tips they can implement in their classes right away. Ryan has been hosting this podcast since 2015 – the same year that slowchathealth started too! I appreciate any time I spend with Aaron Beighle, the guest on my recommended episode, and I think you’ll enjoy this one.
The Supersized PhysEd Podcast
Another podcast for those teaching younger students. Hosted by elementary physical educator Dave Carney, this fast-paced, high-energy podcast provides practical ideas, activities, and inspiration specifically tailored for physical education teachers. Dave dives into creative game concepts, classroom management strategies, student-designed games, and actionable tips for managing all class sizes – with a special emphasis on running fun, engaging, and structured activities for large-group PE classes. This recommended episode talks about all things old-school PhysEd, including naked swimming!
The Meaningful PE Podcast
This is the podcast that inspired my 27 hour Meaningful PE podcast playlist. Hosted by Doug Gleddie and Ty Riddick, this podcast explores how teachers can prioritize meaningful experiences for students in physical education. Through discussions with outstanding practitioners, including the people behind THE Meaningful PE book, on student voice, choice, challenge, fun, and motor competence, the show provides educators with reflective practices and practical frameworks to foster a lifelong love of movement in every learner. I’ve recommended the Dr. Kristi Mally episode because she is one of the most empathetic, and genuinely wonderful educators I have ever had the good fortune to meet.
Pizza and PE Podcast
This one is a fun one! Hosted by Kim Morton, Keith Kramer and their physical education teachers friends who love a good slice as much as a great lesson plan, this podcast brings a relaxed, informal vibe to professional development. The hosts and their guests chat candidly about everything from daily gym management and innovative games to broader educational trends, offering relatable stories, practical classroom ideas, and plenty of laughs for health and PE educators. I could have recommended the Dale Sidebottom episode, but I think you’ll really like this chat with Ben Landers…and then you will want to dive into their extensive list of guest educators!
Move More, Learn More Podcast
Hosted by Mike Kuczala and Lynne Kenney, this podcast focuses on the powerful connection between physical activity, brain function, and academic achievement. Through practical advice, expert interviews, and classroom-tested strategies, the show helps educators integrate movement throughout the school day—empowering health and PE teachers to advocate for active learning environments that boost both physical wellness and cognitive growth. I’ve featured on nine of the podcasts in this post, but this is the only episode featuring myself that I’m recommending for you. I enjoyed contributing a chapter for Lynne and Mike’s Move More, Learn More book.
The PE Huddle
Hosted in partnership with Gopher Sport and featuring leading physical education experts like Dr. Robert Pangrazi and Dr. Aaron Beighle, this podcast focuses on standards-based instruction, physical literacy, and evidence-based teaching strategies. Episodes dive into actionable advice for creating inclusive, high-energy gym environments, addressing everything from assessment to class management across all grade levels. I’m recommending this episode featuring two of my favorite teacher-friends – Lisa Smith and Sarah Gietschier-Hartman.
Heartbeats of Adapted PE Podcast
Hosted by SHAPE America National Adapted PE Teacher of the Year Jen Heebink, this podcast centers on connecting, inspiring, and amplifying the voices within the Adapted PE community. Through heart-led conversations and storytelling with educators, paraprofessionals, and allies, the show celebrates the resilience of APE teachers while sharing invaluable strategies for fostering total inclusion and meaningful advocacy in physical education. Jen wrote about the inception of this podcast for slowchathealth. I’m recommending Jen’s conversation with Brad Hunter – two Adapted PE rockstars who will inspire you.
Distinguished Physical Education Podcast
There is so much more to the Distinguished PE initiative, but this podcast is a great place to start! Hosted by Gary Zaharatos, this podcast acts as an extension of his work on building rigorous, standards-based, and welcoming PE programs. The show breaks down key elements of effective teaching—such as establishing content and language objectives, maintaining high behavioral expectations, promoting equity, and utilizing efficient assessment techniques—giving teachers clear blueprints to refine their daily instructional practice. Again the list of great educators showcased on this podcast is extensive, but Dr. Vicky Randall, a regular podcast guest, is always worth listening to. You’ll want to take notes from this episode!
Talking Adapted PE Podcast
The only podcast in this list hosted by a Paralympian(!) Chris Ahrens is another SHAPE America National Teacher of the Year. His show (not available on Spotify) features in-depth discussions with Adapted PE teachers, district leaders, and researchers from across the nation. The podcast provides a dedicated space to explore practical modifications, individual education plan (IEP) goal development, equipment adaptations, and collaborative strategies that ensure every student, regardless of ability, has access to quality physical activity. I’m recommending this episode featuring Alex Bocian, who I had a chance to hang out with at the National Convention in Tampa many years ago. I appreciate Alex’s views on education.
Health Education Podcasts
School Health Educators Podcast
Hosted by Dr. Lori Reichel (one of the first conference presenters that blew me away with her creativity!), this podcast is tailored specifically for health educators looking to enhance their instruction, curriculum, and impact. Each episode offers practical teaching tips, skills-based health education strategies, resource recommendations, and interviews with leading health professionals—helping educators deliver engaging, relevant, and comprehensive health lessons to their students. Enjoy this episode with another of my favorite health teachers – Michelle Rawcliffe.
HPE Hangout
A new kid on the block, the HPE Hangout is hosted by educators Matt Hagedorn, Ian Lacasse, and Steve Chapin This podcast fills a much needed gap in the health space, and feels like the unscripted, insightful conversation health teachers wish they had in the hallway after a conference. Focusing heavily on practical health skills, standards, real-world lesson delivery, and everyday classroom/gym management, the hosts discuss everything from unit ideas to broader educational trends with authenticity, humor, and actionable takeaways for HPE professionals. Will Westphal (ex-DJ, skipping advocate and MPE statistician) joins the gang in this informal chat. I’ve hung out with these guys in real life, and they are the definition of ‘good people’.
Life Is The Future Podcast
Hosted by award-winning health educator Scott Todnem alongside his middle school students, this unique podcast brings real student voices directly into conversations around adolescent health and wellness. Focusing on topics like mental health, stress management, relationships, digital citizenship, and social-emotional growth, the show offers health educators invaluable insights into what teens are actually experiencing. It serves as both a practical model for student-centered learning and an inspiring resource for creating engaging, compassionate health classrooms. The content is all the more powerful coming from student voices. Enjoy this recommended episode.
Holistic & Character Development
Good Athlete Podcast
Hosted by my co-worker, and member of my Brains Trust, Jim Davis and the team at The Good Athlete Project, this podcast explores the powerful intersection of athletics, education, and character development. Going beyond basic sports skills and drills, the show features deep conversations with coaches, educators, and leaders on human potential, emotional intelligence, mental health, and building positive athletic cultures that serve students far beyond the field or gym. If you loved Jim’s book, you’ll also love this podcast. I’ve chosen his conversation with author of Move!, Caroline Williams as my recommended episode.
Energetic Radio
Hosted by playful learning advocates Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell, this podcast brings high energy, games, and gamification strategies to educators and movement leaders. The show focuses on inject fun, movement, positivity, and playful engagement into physical education lessons and everyday teaching routines to keep both teachers and students inspired. You’ve seen Dale’s TEDx Talk, you’ve read Dale and Paul’s books, now enjoy their podcast.
Run Your Life Show (with Andy Vasily)
Hosted by international educator and author Andy Vasily, this podcast explores what it means to pursue excellence and live with purpose across education, sport, and wellness. Featuring deep, reflective conversations with world-class educators, coaches, researchers, and thought leaders, the show unpacks key principles around mental health, mindfulness, leadership, and personal growth – offering health and physical educators a inspiring masterclass in holistic well-being and purpose-driven practice. While waiting for Andy’s book to be published, you can check out this recommended episode featuring Ted Temertzoglou.
What’s in Your Earbuds?
Whether, like me, you listen during your morning drive, while prepping equipment in the equipment room, or on a weekend walk, these podcasts offer an easy way to stay inspired and connected to the wider health and PE community.
I’d like to acknowledge some of the original HPE podcast hosts who paved the way for this list. They include Jarrod Robinson, Joey Feith, the Physedagogy crew, Jorge Rodriguez, Justin Schleider, Adam Llevo and Nathan Horne.
Which of these podcasts are already in your rotation, or which one do you plan to check out first? Share your favorite episodes and go-to educational podcasts in the comments below! Additionally, let me know if I need to add a podcast to this post. Happy listening!
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