Science and technology are both subjects with a high intimidation factor, and a reputation for being dry, obscure and best left to Ph.Ds. The average person may well feel they lack both the expertise and the attention span necessary to keep up with latest in science. Meanwhile, technology has so rapidly transformed every aspect of daily life, from dating to shopping to the job market, that it’s easy to lose track of the changes as they come, and to miss their larger implications.

But at a time when science has become politicized, the anti-vaccination movement has fueled a resurgence in diseases that once seemed close to elimination and cyberwarfare threatens both individual privacy and global democracy, being a scientifically literate citizen has never mattered more.

Here are eight podcasts about science and technology that are worth your time, whether you’re a novice or an expert.

‘Science Rules! With Bill Nye’

Bill Nye the Science Guy hardly needs an introduction — ever since the ’90s, he’s been a key figure in science education, working to make the subject accessible and even fun. Nye’s new call-in podcast continues his yearslong mission to prove that science is for everyone, and is a spiritual sequel of sorts to his recent Netflix show, “Bill Nye Saves the World.” Alongside science journalist Corey S. Powell, and a revolving door of expert guests, Nye answers listener questions on subjects which have, so far, included nuclear weapons, genetics and the nature of consciousness. Though the show is not overtly political, Nye is deeply aware of its context — per its synopsis, it aims to promote science “in a world of fake news, and real warming.”