Searching for your next exciting UX research podcasts? You’ve come to the right place.
We’ve curated a list of top UX research podcasts that explore subjects ranging from career options to design ethics and research processes. They offer valuable insights, motivation, and many practical lessons for those interested in UX research.
Here are top 9 of the best UX research podcasts:
1. Awkward Silences
Hosted by Erin May and JH Forster of User Interviews, Awkward Silences is a cornerstone in the UX research community. The tagline, “We interview people who interview people,” perfectly encapsulates the show’s essence. Listeners can anticipate insightful discussions with exceptional guests exploring every facet of user research.
Try this episode:
A fruitful discussion with Amy Chess (then at Amazon) focused on the most critical research questions. She shared criteria for a “good” question, the connection of questions to insights and impact, and ways to improve question-creation ability.
Recommend reading:
Listen to it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
2. UX Research Geeks
Tina Ličková, Senior UX Researcher, hosts a gem from UXtweak. She interviews various researchers, designers, and founders on topics ranging from AI in healthcare to market research basics. She offers relevant and diverse perspectives.
Try this episode:
Gloria, Head of UX Research for Brands and Consumers, discussed the role of UX research and strategies for assessing impact, aligning with business objectives, and addressing challenges.
Listen to it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or Youtube.
3. The Yzzi Research Podcast
Hosted by Imani Nichols, a UX Research Consultant, Yzzi Research offers practical insights for those eager to begin or advance their UX research career. Imani’s extensive industry background adds richness and a personal touch to every episode.
Try this episode:
Marcos Moldes, a Qualitative UX Researcher at Pinterest, discusses research panels and its challenges.
Recommend reading:
Listen to it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
4. Anthro to UX
Anthro to UX might cater to a niche crowd, but it clicks once you dive in. The podcast features interviews with experts who started in anthropology and later found their way into UX. This aligns perfectly, both disciplines focus on comprehending people and their behaviours. We appreciate it when UX research podcasts explore connections like these, and the blend of design and anthropology makes Anthro to UX a captivating and refreshing experience.
Try this episode:
Kathi Kitner, Lead UX Researcher at Google, traces her path from cultural anthropology to studying tech’s role in socioeconomic behaviors.
Listen to it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
5. UX Research Rundown
Launched in 2022, this podcast strongly emphasised collaboration and team dynamics in UX, particularly within SaaS companies. Although it has been on pause since 2023, you can still find that the archives remain full of value.
Try this episode:
Bretton Fosbrook is the Principal Product Researcher at LaunchDarkly and a Learners’ Research Week speaker. He shared why researchers must advocate for the impact of their work, especially in the unpredictable world of early-stage startups.
Listen to it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
6. The Optimal Path
Brought to you by Maze, The Optimal Path is dedicated to enhancing product development and UX research, all aimed at crafting fantastic user experiences. The guests, including those from Spotify and Patreon, share invaluable insights that enrich our discussions.
Try this episode:
Melanie Buset, a Senior UX Researcher at Spotify, explores the ethical aspects of UX research, emphasising data privacy, inclusive design, and the importance of prioritising users’ wellbeing during the research and design phases.
Recommend reading:
Listen to it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
7. The User Research Strategist: UXR | Impact | Career
Hosted by Nikki Anderson. UX researchers offer strategies to build influence, maximise research ROI, and advance careers. Guests share real-world tips on agency vs. in-house work, transitioning to strategic roles, adapting in low‑UX‑maturity environments, and integrating AI into research. Ideal for those who want to enhance the effectiveness and impact of their research.
Try this episode:
Steve Jenks, a UX researcher at MeasuringU, shares his path from education policy to UX and offers insights on agency research, such as working on products without direct influence. He also gives practical tips on client management, method selection, and adapting outside product teams. This is a must-listen for those exploring in-house vs. agency UX.
Listen to it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or Youtube.
8. User Defenders
Hosted by Jason Ogle, blends energy, humor, and heart in conversations with designers and researchers. Though the show is on pause, its archive of 80+ episodes remains a rich source of insight and inspiration.
Try this episode:
Host Jason Ogle talks with former listeners Jordan Burke and Joel Ryerson, who recently landed their first UX roles. They share inspiring journeys from non-UX backgrounds, highlighting the ups and downs of learning, persistence, and community support. Their discussion covers key lessons on networking, skill-building, and staying true to goals, providing practical tips for those pursuing their first UX job.
Listen to it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
9. Scaling Research
A 12-episode podcast where each episode is a gem. Roy Opata Olende, a Head of UX Research at Zapier, explores research ops, their importance, and how they aid team growth in research efforts.
Try this episode:
Annie York discusses her path from theatre central to research operations at Figma. This is an excellent introduction to research operations if you’re unfamiliar with the space.
Listen to it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Happy listening!
Whether you’re commuting, walking the dog, or enjoying a coffee break, these shows are ideal for keeping you inspired and enhancing your skills.
Got something to share or a podcast you love? We’d enjoy hearing from you! Join us on Discord and be part of the chat.
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Frequently asked questions
Which podcasts about UX research are best for beginners?
New UX researchers often seek entry-level resources to address questions like “How do you write research questions and choose methods?”. You can start with “Awkward Silences” and “The Yzzi Research Podcast”, which offer practical insights for beginners in UX research.
Which podcasts concentrate on practical methods and strategies for UX research?
You can begin with:
Nikki Anderson’s The User Research Strategist highlights building influence and maximizing research ROI to advance careers.
UX Research Geeks covers topics from AI in healthcare to market research basics, while The Optimal Path by Maze aims to enhance product development and research processes.
Are there any podcasts that discuss research operations and the process of scaling research teams?
Scaling Research by Roy Opata Olende delves into the significance of research operations and their role in team growth. This 12-episode series discusses transitioning from other fields to research operations, featuring insights from companies like Figma.
Are there any podcasts that are currently active or paused that I should be aware of?
There are several quality podcasts that are on pause, but have valuable archives, including UX Research Rundown (paused since 2023), User Defenders (over 80 episodes), and What is Wrong with UX (not currently producing).
Active podcasts like Awkward Silences, UX Research Geeks, and The User Research Strategist continue to release new episodes regularly.
Are there podcasts dedicated to career transitions into UX research?
Anthro to UX focuses on helping professionals transition from anthropology to UX, while User Defenders shares inspiring stories of those who landed UX roles from non-UX backgrounds. The Anthro to UX podcast offers insights into the transition process, lessons learned, and advice for future changes.
What are the best UX research podcasts for professionals in 2025?
For UX professionals seeking current and comprehensive content, consider these top podcasts:
1. Awkward Silences – Features expert interviews and research fundamentals.
2. UX Research Geeks – Offers diverse global perspectives.
3. The User Research Strategist – Focuses on career advancement strategies.
Additionally, The Optimal Path by Maze provides insights into product development, while Anthro to UX presents unique interdisciplinary viewpoints. These podcasts deliver high-quality content, keeping professionals updated on industry trends and best practices through 2025.
