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20 Absolutely Essential Podcasts For A Road Trip (The Master List)

Post Summary: Best Podcasts For A Road Trip For Long Car Drives

Alright, we’ve heard you loud and clear! One of our  most frequently asked questions (besides what camera gear we use !) is what podcasts we listen to on road trips!

Being travel photographers, Berty and I are in the car all. the. freaking. time. This means we’ve clocked plenty of podcast hours learning new things about running our business, gasping at terrible true crime stories, and binge-listening to commentary on the latest Bachelor episodes.

We know there are THOUSANDS of amazing podcasts out there, but we’re here to share our personal favorites with you. We’ll continue to add to this list as we discover new ones, too!

Let’s get listening!

Psst…. To make it a little bit easier to navigate this blog post, we’re breaking down our favorite road trip podcasts into different categories. This way you can use the table of contents to jump to your favorite genre , and get downloading your favorites ASAP!

Additionally, we are always looking for new shows and recommendations. If you think you’ve found the perfect podcast for a road trip and you want to share it, tell us all about it in the comments below!  If we love it, we’ll add it to our list and credit you for recommending it to us!

Our Absolute Favorite Podcasts For A Road Trip (The Master List)

Easy listening podcasts.

Just want to be entertained? Some of our favorite road trip podcasts to listen to include TV recap shows , commentary from internet celebrities, and fun stories about things that went on in history! Here’s our current list of podcast favorites:

Love To See It

If you’re a lover of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, or really any of their many spinoff shows, this is definitely the podcast for you!

Emma Gray and Claire Fallon share snarky and playful commentary and recaps of the latest Bachelor Nation episodes, with comments on its ridiculousness while also loving every second of it.

It feels like the juiciest gossip with your closest girlfriends making for very easy listening on long road trips!

Download Here to Make Friends on iTunes.

The Dirtbag Diaries

Love a good adventure story? Engage in exciting outdoor tales from the rugged cliffs of Denali to the local high school shop class. Hosted by the outdoor brand, Patagonia, The Dirtbag Diaries is filled with inspiring stories that immerse your imagination.

Go To The DD Website

Office Ladies

Calling all fans of The Office! This is literally the podcast we’ve all been waiting for, an episode by episode recap /behind-the-scenes look at each episode hosted by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey (Pam and Angela).

They share fun facts about the episode, behind-the-scenes info about the filming on the show, and fond memories of characters and actors alike as they recap episodes with guest speakers and more.

This is one of the best podcasts for a road trip if you love the show!

Download Office Ladies on iTunes.

What We Said Podcast

What We Said Podcast is hosted by Jaci Marie Smith and Chelsey Jade Curtis in a fun, banter-style podcast about life as young creatives . It’s one of the best podcasts for a road trip if you want an easy listening episode.

Best friends in real life, these two talk about everything from funny high school memories , their journeys into entrepreneurship, healthy lifestyles, and more!

We especially love their episodes when they ask the audience to submit a story and they share them in one single episode. It’s fun to hear about bad dates, scary stories, and lots of other random things for a fun podcast for road trips.

Download What We Said Podcast on iTunes.

Young House Love Has A Podcast

This one is actually more of a DIY home podcast than easy listening, but we can’t help but put it in this category for John and Sherry’s fun banter and lighthearted stories about their life at home !

From a very real obsession with LED lights to fun ways to tackle home projects , these two give really practical advice on how to upgrade your home and fit your specific needs.

Download Young House Love Has A Podcast on iTunes.

TRUE CRIME PODCASTS

Sometimes the shock of a truly horrendous murder can keep you alert on the road. (Does that make us bad people by saying that?) Here are some of our favorite true crime podcasts for a road trip that will keep you alert!

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie is a true-crime podcast hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat that gets straight to the facts and tells us all the nitty-gritty details about the strangest, most shocking, and legendary crimes of our past.

Not only do they cover high-profile crimes , but they also share stories about missing persons, conspiracies, and real-time cases for an exciting way to learn about today’s stories.

We love this podcast because of its compelling storytelling , but also its consistent call to action for support on topics that matter most to you. We appreciate that they give shoutouts to local groups that are doing some heavy lifting on some of these cases and that they share ways you can support crime-fighting organizations and make a difference, too!

Download Crime Junkie on iTunes.

My Favorite Murder

My Favorite Murder is hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark and is a true-crime COMEDY podcast. These two genres may not seem like they would go well together, but Georgia’s sarcastic comments and Karen’s witty banter make for easier listening on some of the world’s most unnerving topics.

Come for the murder, but stay for their pre-show back and forth banter as you get to know Karen and Georgia, their personal lives, funny moments from their tours, and more!

Download My Favorite Murder on iTunes.

The Dropout

While this may not be the murderous true-crime podcast you’d expect, The Dropout is still the story of a crime…and it’s true!

Set in the late 2000s/early 2010s, The Dropout tells the story of the Silicon Valley superstar Elizabeth Holmes who became a billionaire with her genius idea of a blood test as small as a finger prick that can detect hundreds of diseases.

From interviews with people closest to her, you soon discover that this isn’t quite the case…and the story is still going on today!

Download The Dropout on iTunes.

POP CULTURE PODCASTS

Who doesn’t love a good internet story ? From viral memes to online sensations, we listen to these pop culture podcasts on road trips to keep us up to date on the latest trends!

The Last Podcast On The Left

The Last Podcast On The Left is hosted by three long-time friends Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and Henry Zebrowski, and they share weird, terrible, strange, and outrageous horror stories . They lean into the dark side of history and culture, covering everything from cults to zombies, haunted towns to serial killers, and so much more!

If you don’t mind lots of crass words , dirty jokes , and people raising their voices and talking over one another, you’ll get a kick out of Henry, Marcus, and Ben.

Download The Last Podcast On The Left on iTunes.

Motherhacker

Motherhacker is an extremely binge-worthy story broken up into short 9 15-minute episodes . Only one season (so far), it follows the story of a mother who keeps getting spammy calls to her cellphone in the middle of her hectic and stressful life.

After being scammed, she’s determined to get her money back and enters a deep dark world of online thieves that she can’t escape…

Download Motherhacker on iTunes.

The Facebook Files

The Wall Street Journal and Gimlet present the Facebook Files, an investigative series diving into internal Facebook documents, revealing how the social media mogul works from the inside. From whitelisting celebrity posts to not protecting their users, this is a unique perspective on how the social media giant works. This is an ongoing series!

Read more about The Facebook Files Here.

Reply All is simply a podcast about the internet and life online. From viral sensations, extraordinary memes, and black-market social media username thieves, Reply All breaks down the mystery of it all and reveals the unique and strange humans behind it all.

One of our favorite parts of their show is when their boss comes to the hosts, PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman, to break down tweets on Twitter that he doesn’t understand. It’s an incredible program breaking down the nuances of popular culture and understanding how they are interpreted in everyday life. This road trip podcast is a must-listen for any good adventure!

Some of our favorite Reply All Episodes:

• #102, #103 Long Distance Call (Part 1 and 2)
• #130 The Snapchat Thief
• #56 Zardulu
• #76 Lost In A Cab
• #83 Voyage Into Pizzagate
• #29 The Takeover

Download Reply All on iTunes.

PODCASTS FOR LEARNING NEW THINGS

Sometimes the best podcasts for a road trip include learning something new! These contemplative and informative podcasts for road trips will make you smarter, wiser, and ready to learn about a new perspective or idea.

Stuff You Should Know

Satisfy your curiosity with this podcast that takes a deep dive into different topics. Stuff You Should Know is a program by iHeartRadio, and you can download episodes based on your own personal curiosities. No need to commit to a season-long story, pick a random topic that sparks your interest!

Listen To Stuff You Should Know here .

No Small Thing

No Small Thing is a podcast dedicated to living a curious life , and treating every topic with the attention and appreciation it deserves! Scott and Macie are the hosts of NST, and their perfect blend of varying perspectives, generations, and unique guests brings many perspectives to the table when discussing things.

Some of their most popular content is around the Enneagram and defense mechanisms , and they have a huge list of recommended episodes to encourage self-reflection and discovering new things about yourself.

It’s one of the best podcasts for a road trip if you want to self-reflect!

Download No Small Thing on iTunes.

Armchair Expert

Dax Shepard is the host of Armchair Expert and every episode celebrates the disorganized, chaotic journey that is humankind . In each episode, Dax dives in deep with incredible guests that have interesting life stories to share, and we as the listeners get to hear from people from all walks of life.

From actresses to bounty hunters, TV show hosts to psychologists, Dax isn’t afraid to ask hard questions and dive into what makes us unique. As a recovering drug addict himself, he’s not afraid to go deep, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most honest and engaging dialogues on the internet today!

Download Armchair Expert on iTunes.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in a US correctional facility , East Hustle is giving you the inside scoop! Hosted out of San Quentin State Prison just north of San Francisco, Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor, along with Antwan Williams, bring light to life in prison .

From what they eat on a daily basis to roommate drama to conjugal visits, Ear Hustle brings honest stories about life behind bars to the curious listener. You get to hear life stories of people in prison and the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and all the while growing in a deeper understanding and compassion for the people around you.

Download Ear Hustle on iTunes.

Sleeping At Last Podcast

The Sleeping at Last Podcast is hosted by Ryan O’Neal and his ethereal music is the star of the show.

In each episode, he breaks down one of his songs and everything that went into making it. From specific tempos to chosen instruments, thoughtful lyrics to hidden messages, he shares it all!

One of his most popular sets of episodes is his Enneagram series. Ryan O’Neal crafted a song for each of the 9 Enneagram types and beautifully reflects each type and their unique traits. Just like his other song episodes, he breaks down the thoughts behind the music , with special guest Chris Heuertz giving Enneagram commentary throughout.

Download Sleeping At Last on iTunes.

Invisibilia

Invisibilia is a podcast from NPR (National Public Radio) discussing the hidden forces that drive social behavior . Some of these episodes have been incredibly thought-provoking for Berty and I, sparking interesting conversations on our long road trips.

Invisibilia brings on guests to chat about empathy, vulnerability, fear, and more for a really raw look into the social behaviors of today’s humans.

Download Invisibilia on NPR.

How Do You Deal With…

How Do You Deal With is a podcast by Joelle Riding where she dives deep into questions that many people are too afraid to ask ! From failure to van life to long-distance relationships, Joelle brings on guests that aren’t afraid to tackle these tough topics.

Her welcoming spirit and genuine curiosity to know the heart of her guests really shine through her episodes!

Download HDYDW on Spotify.

PODCASTS ABOUT BLOGGING, SOCIAL MEDIA, + BUSINESS

Are you searching for podcasts for a road trip about bettering your business, blog, or social media strategy? Here are some of our favorite small business podcasts. We learn so much from these people and we hope you can give them a listen!

The Blogging Millionaire

Looking for easy ways to implement new strategies when blogging and writing articles online?

Brandon Gaille shares bite-sized tips on blogging , productivity, and the latest strategies for growing your web platform. His short, 10-ish-minute episodes are packed with information to help you grow your audience step by step in a meaningful and thoughtful way.

Download The Blogging Millionaire on iTunes.

The Influencer Podcast

The Influencer Podcast was one of the first entrepreneurship podcasts we listened to! Julie Solomon is an online course creator, social media marketing expert, and all-around cheerleader for women in the content creation industry .

She brings on inspiring guest speakers , dives deep into topics like growing email lists, connecting with brands, and so much more for authentic influencer goodness!

Download The Influencer Podcast on iTunes.

How I Built This

How I Built This is a podcast by Guy Raz that sits down with the  people who have built incredible companies that shape our lives today.

From the people who created Lyft, Zapps, Lululemon, Away bags, and more, you get to hear from the founders themselves on the humble beginnings of their businesses! We like to listen to these podcasts for a road trip because it inspires us to better our own business.

It’s one of the most inspiring podcasts for a road trip if you are an aspiring entrepreneur!

Download How I Built This on iTunes.

So…what are some of your favorite podcasts for a road trip? Do you like to listen to music, books, podcasts, or a mix of all three? Let us know in the comments below!

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This is a great list! I thought I was a podcast fanatic, but I haven’t heard of a bunch you mentioned here. I definitely want to try out How Do you Deal With…, Reply All, What We Said, and The Blogging Millionaire. I love Dax, Invisibilia, and How I Built This — they are soo good.

The ones that I would recommend are: True Crime: 1) Casefile – hosted by an Australian guy who has an awesome accent. The podcast itself goes into gory details of some of the most horrific murders all over the world 2) Criminal – hosted by Phoebe Judge. This was actually the first podcast I’ve ever heard and I have been loyal since then. She talks about stories of crimes that have happened and interviews the criminal. Not all are quality, but the ones that are make up for it! The ones I would recommend are episode #1 “Animal Instincts”, #51 “The Money Tree”, I’ll actually give you this link since I can’t remember them all haha! https://www.ranker.com/list/best-criminal-podcast-episodes/ranker-podcast . 3) Serial – if you haven’t listened to season 1 of Serial then drop everything and do it now! But I a m assuming you did since this was more popular than Regina George when it came out.

Pop Culture: 1) Binge Mode – if you are a Harry Potter, GOT, or Star Wars fan, this is really great for you! The hosts go into detail of all the episodes and book chapters in a fun and enticing way! This is great listening for longer travel!

Science: 1) Hidden Brain – goes into the science behind why we think and behave the way we do 2) Freakonomics 3) Revisionist History – don’t know if you’ve heard of Malcolm Gladwell, but you need to listen to this regardless! Season 1 is GREAT (but it kind of goes downhill from there). The podcast “explores events in the past that have been overlooked or misunderstood”.

Hi! and WOW! What great recommendations! Thank you for taking the time to make such a detailed list!

Leaving tomorrow for a long trip so thank you! If you don’t know it, download Twain’s Feast by Nick Offerman on Audible. If you love his weird brain and mark Twain, you’ll be smiling and fascinated for about 187 miles

Hi Patricia! I’m so glad you liked our list! Thanks so much for the audiobook recommendation too, we’ll have to check it out!

The 46 Best Podcasts for Your Next Road Trip or Long Flight

The podcasts to listen to on your next long drive or plane ride, whether you’re a history nerd, traveling with kids, or just in need of a true-crime fix..

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What takes a road trip from good to great? Hours and hours of top-notch podcasts.

Design by Elizabeth See

Summer is made for long leisurely travels: road trips, week-long beach sojourns, multi-country hops. It’s also made for binge-listening some of the most creative, funniest, and thought-provoking podcasts being produced right now.

But there are a lot of podcasts out there. And the big podcast players only surface a handful, based on algorithms and newsworthiness, not necessarily what best suits you, your friends, or your family.

So we’ve done the work for you. Now that you’ve planned your adventure (or maybe not!), here are some of the best podcasts out there, all perfect for your next extended road trip or plane ride, whether you love a good murder mystery, need a family-friendly listen, or want to laugh for miles.

If you like going to unexpected places

Explore curiosities of the world, download the AFAR podcast, and more.

Images courtesy National Park After Dark and AFAR

1. The Atlas Obscura Podcast

• Listen Now : Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Did you know you can visit Hitler’s toilet in a New Jersey car repair shop? Or that there’s a 7-Eleven convenience store in Baltimore, Maryland, marking where the Ouija board was invented? These are the strange facts you’ll glean from the 15-minute-or-less episodes of the daily Atlas Obscura podcast, which also ties classic episodes to current events and does the occasional deep dive into travel’s obscurities.

2. Travel Tales by AFAR

• Listen Now : Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In season five of Travel Tales by AFAR , we hit the road again. Travel to northern Canada with a polar bear expert, learn what it was like to cycle across the United States with no money or food, and explore the world of rewilding in Argentina. Our podcast is your ticket to the world—no passport required.

3. Unpacked

In Unpacked by AFAR —our second podcast —we explore life’s big questions. In season three, we unpack eclipse travel, budgeting, building confidence around foreign languages, and much more. Watch for our new series, “Unpacking,” where we dive into cities around the world, including Toronto, Albuquerque, and Madison, Wisconsin. Through a mix of interviews and personal stories, we delve into your deepest travel dilemmas. Because the world is complicated. We’re here to help you unpack it .

4. Outside Podcast

• Listen Now : Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Adventurers yearning to learn about epic rescues, endurance athletes, and what it’s really like to be on Naked and Afraid should tune into this weekly podcast from the team at Outside magazine. In the most recent season, the podcast asks if whales are really gentle giants, why cats are taking over New York City, and if golf can be an endurance sport, among many other fascinating topics.

5. Jump With Traveling Jackie

Jackie is the vivacious host of this long-running podcast, on which she discusses her own travel and brings in guests for tips and conversation. Some of Jackie’s most powerful episodes feature unpolished narration from outside the studio in which she explores her own feelings and experiences on the road, whether walking through Jordan or exploring the truck camper life. Dedicating an hour to each topic allows for a deep and expansive dive.

6. National Park After Dark

If Lore was only about stories that had taken place in U.S. national parks , it would sound like this. Hosts Danielle and Cassie are friends who tell each other true tales set in the parks, such as the horrific medical care given at the Battle of Gettysburg, a runner who mysteriously disappeared in Shoshone National Forest, and Diana of the Dunes, a woman who left society to live off the land in what is now Indiana Dunes National Park.

7. Wander Your Way

A classic weekly podcast with a host (Lynne Nieman) who seems to have been everywhere across the pond. She shares excellent travel tips, but her specialty is pointing listeners to the off-the-beaten-path destinations. With Lynn, you’ll visit the Scottish stone circle site Killmartin Glen instead of Stonehenge, and Umbria instead of Tuscany in Italy. A particularly great listen for those who’ve already been to the tourist traps.

If you like fiction

Dive into fictional worlds, from a world where sleep kills to a desert town where every conspiracy theory is true.

Images courtesy Welcome to Night Vale and the Edge of Sleep

8. Welcome to Night Vale

One of the best-known fiction podcasts, about a desert town where every conspiracy theory is true , Welcome to Night Vale has been described as “Lake Woebegone as told by Stephen King.” Twelve years in, the series—which has spawned several books and a fervent fan base—is still going strong at almost 250 episodes! Two drop each month.

9. Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books

Zibby Owens is a publishing powerhouse who posts author interviews five times a week. She focuses on books that will appeal to the mom demographic but she casts a wide net, showcasing historical fiction, general interest nonfiction, and self-help as well as the big events in publishing. Each episode introduces listeners to an author and their process, sparking interest in books widely available, making that next to trip to the library or bookstore even more fun.

10. LeVar Burton Reads

• Listen Now : Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Lovers of short fiction should check out LeVar Burton Reads. Yes, THE LeVar Burton, of Reading Rainbow, Roots, Jeopardy! , and Star Trek fame, whose velvety warm voice encouraged youngster millennials and Gen Z-ers to embrace their love of reading. For each of his 150-plus episodes, he selects a short story he loves and reads it, in episodes that last up to an hour, with immersive audio effects: the snaps of twigs in the woods, the snarl of traffic on a New York City street.

11. Birds of Empire

From Qcode Media comes a fictional podcast set in New Dakota in 15,000 C.E., thousands of years after the fall of human civilization. Four heroes arise, from the tribes of what was once South Dakota, one each from the Wolves, the Bears, the Rams, and the Birds, powered by the myths of the world as it was, seeking what it could come to be. As that description implies, this podcast, now entering its second season, is perfect for fantasy lovers.

If it’s all about the comedy (and culture)

12. don’t ask tig.

Beloved comedian Tig Notaro offers a kind of anti-advice show: She constantly reminds listeners not to ask her for advice and yet they continue to do so, asking questions that range from the silly (Help! I don’t like tea—how do I turn it down?) to the more profound (Help! My mother wants to move in with us. What do I do?). Then she and her celebrity guests give answering them their best shot, anyway.

13. Las Culturistas

Powered by a recent viral Tina Fey appearance, Las Culturistas is hipper than ever. Since 2016, comedians Matt Rogers and SNL ’s Bowen Yang have hosted hundreds of episodes, mixing deep dives into pop culture, fun bickering, celebrity guests, and plenty of criticism (such as the recurring minute-long game “I Don’t Think So, Honey!” about frustrating social and cultural phenomena).

14. Pop Culture Happy Hour

When you need a quick hit of cultural insight, whether it’s an overview of a new movie or TV show, or a read on the newest Taylor Swift re-recording, NPR’s weekday review show will help. A rotating array of hosts with unexpected opinions keeps it fresh, and they shake up the round-table format often enough to keep it an engaging daily listen. Episodes never top 30 minutes.

15. You Are Good

Hosts Sarah Marshall (of You’re Wrong About fame) and Alex Steed discuss popular movies of the last 50 years from a fan’s perspective, leading to thoughtful (and funny) discussions of topics that are cultural, personal, and metaphysical. Marshall and Steed are joined by a writer or fellow podcaster who chooses a favorite film to discuss—topics have included Everything Everywhere All at Once , Newsies , and Jesus Christ Superstar.

16. How Did This Get Made?

In this Earwolf podcast, three popular comedians (Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas) ask the titular question about recent films. Their famous, funny friends, like Nicole Byer, Cameron Esposito, and Joel Kim Booster, stop by to help analyze “classics” like Road House and Fifty Shades of Grey. Let’s just say that these folks don’t talk like they want to keep working in Hollywood.

17. Talk Art

British actor Russell Tovey and gallerist Robert Diament talk to artists, art fans, and other folks connected to visual art, including big names like Ryan Murphy and Judy Chicago, in hour-long episodes. The unique combination of Tovey’s appreciation for artists of another genre and Diament’s art world experience makes for a winning and educational show.

18. Go Fact Yourself

This hilarious podcast is also a game show that’s recorded live twice a month. Hosts J. Keith Van Strataan and Helen Hong quiz a visiting celebrity (such as Drew Carey) on their self-proclaimed area of expertise (in Carey’s case, the conversation drills down on game shows). In about an hour, you’ll be charmed by the quick wit and erudition. There are some 150 episodes to keep you entertained.

19. If Books Could Kill

Ever wonder if those airport pop-psychology bestsellers are worth your time? Hosts Michael Hobbes ( Maintenance Phase) and Peter Shamshiri ( 5-4 Podcast) are here to tell you that those books are most definitely not. Each episode is a witheringly smart and funny read of such tomes as Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers and Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In. While their obvious hatred for these books drives the show, Hobbes and Shamshiri’s hilarious, discursive, and digressive banter is what makes the trip fun.

If you like interviews

Listen to conversations about earworms from the 1990s and navigating the world as women of color.

Images courtesy Latina to Latina and 60 Songs That Explain the ’90s

20. Ologies

Tune in to science journalist Alie Ward’s fascinating conversations with various researchers who specialize in the “-ology” of each episode. Lately, they’ve delved into ancient Rome, black holes, and capybaras! She also includes “Smologies” in the feed, which are 15 to 30–minute bite-size shows (compared to the hour-plus full episodes) and a good way for new listeners to dig in.

21. Latina to Latina

Journalist and host Alicia Menendez welcomes Latinas like activist Paula Ávila-Guillén, actor Gina Rodriguez, and former U.N. General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces to talk about life, challenges, and successes while navigating the world as women of color. Latina to Latina ’ s weekly half-hour episodes have been running since April 2018 so there are plenty to choose from.

22. WTF with Marc Maron

Launched all the way back in 2009, this OG podcast remains vital. Comedian Maron’s in-depth interviews with famous guests are funny, compelling, and revealing. The guest list is more diverse these days: Hong Chau, Michelle Yeoh, Lily Gladstone, and Radhika Jones have appeared on the show in recent seasons.

23. 60 Songs That Explain the ’90s

The Ringer staff writer Rob Harvilla wrapped up his exploration into the music that made the 1990s earlier this year. Each episode focused on a classic, like “Whoop! There It Is!” or “Semi-Charmed Life.” (Sorry for the earworms!) Harvilla always included an interview with someone connected to the song, from super-fans who love the artist to music producers who explained why a song is particularly compelling. But the real appeal remains Harvilla’s own heartfelt memories of how these songs shaped him.

Host Cameron Esposito is a comedian and queer activist. In each episode of this now-concluded podcast, they sit down with a fascinating guest to discuss LGBTQ+ issues. From figure skater Adam Rippon to actor/comedian Mae Martin, the guest list is wide-ranging and touches on most aspects of queer identity. Stand-out episodes include a visit from astrologer Chani Nicholas (who discusses Esposito’s birth chart) and drag queen Trixie Mattel (who talks about Provincetown and peeing while dressed in drag). Because the show has finished its run, it feels like a completed body of work.

25. Normal Gossip

Host Kelsey McKinney welcomes a guest to share, discuss, debate, and laugh at a story of utterly banal (and yet somehow deeply juicy) reader-submitted gossip, such as a years-long family contretemps over . . . what to call Grandma? Each episode is equal parts hilarious and confounding and truly leaves no aspect of the gossip undiscussed.

If You’re Traveling With Kids

Among the top podcast for kids are two that place girls firmly at the center, including Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and the Story Seeds Podcast .

Images courtesy Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and Story Seeds

26. WOW in the World

From Tinkercast, and supported by NPR, WOW in the World is an educational kids show cohosted by Guy Raz and author Mindy Thomas. Learn about black holes, supergerms, AI, and more in every episode, which hits the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of the day’s theme in a tone best suited for elementary grades.

27. The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd

This very long-running series—it launched in 2004 and now has 800 episodes—is like an old-timey radio program crossed with Mystery Science Theater 3000 , then given an educational spin. In every episode, Dr. Floyd tries to foil the villain Dr. Steve . . . and laughs (and learning) happen along the way. The evocation of radio sound effects from another era is particularly delightful. And it’s fun for all ages!

28. Who, When, Wow!

An engaging look at obscure historical stories, hosted by “aspiring time travel detective” Carly Q. Recent episodes dug deep into the mysterious disappearance of bank robber D. B. Cooper and why the pineapple is a symbol of welcome. Episodes run about a half-hour and are perfect for kids ages eight and up. The podcast website provides additional activities, too.

29. A Way with Words

Slang, new words, dialects, grammar, and word games are a few of the topics that journalist Martha Barnette and lexicographer Grant Barrett discuss on their long-running podcast. They answer callers’ questions about words, discuss vocabulary that’s appeared in the news, and ponder linguistic curiosities from around the world. While not specifically designed for children, the pair have created a fun, educational, and family-friendly show.

30. Ear Snacks

Roughly once a month, Andrew and Polly pick a topic (fruit! space!) and write a 30-minute episode around it, including original songs. A recent episode exploring colors, rainbows, and the Holi holiday is a true standout . The New York Times says this is one of the best podcasts for kids, and it’s hard to argue with the guaranteed happy ear worms the duo produces—there’s a reason why they’ve been nominated for Grammys.

31. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

These 20-minute-ish episodes featuring narration about the lives of inspiring women are a good listen for kids ages six and up and for grown-ups, too. It’s a self-described “fairy-tale podcast” that explores famous figures like Frida Kahlo , Harriet Tubman, and Celia Cruz. A recent miniseries called “Growing Up Powerful” teaches wellness through several lenses.

32. Brains On!

American Public Media’s science podcast is for curious kids (and adults). Each episode poses an intriguing question—Do plants sleep? How do hearing aids work? Why do we have friends?—and spends a half-hour or so answering it. The series does a good job of publishing in tune with current events, such as a solar eclipse episode this past April.

If you like true crime

33. think twice.

This 10-episode podcast exploring Michael Jackson’s complicated life and myriad controversies is hosted by journalist Leon Neyfakh and hip-hop commentator Jay Smooth, who work through their own complex feelings about the artist and accused child molester. Managing to be both compassionate and hard-hitting, the series will shake your convictions about Jackson, whatever they may be.

34. Last Seen

After spending their first season exploring the famous Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist in Boston, the hosts of Last Seen (all Boston Globe or WBUR journalists) have turned their attention to other mysterious local cases. Each episode takes a deep dive into a particular event or person, from a murder in Haitian Boston to the “Jesse James of New England Community Theatre.” No prior knowledge of Boston is required. Just listen.

As concepts for podcasts go, a show in which a hairstylist and an autopsy technician poke around crime and its many related topics is already a winner. Hosts Ash and Alaina are relatives and friends, both obsessed with the, well, morbid. Each episode is a spellbinding mix of goofy humor, genuine creepiness, and assertive knowledge. Check out the recent episode about the death of Steven Robards for proof. Turns out, his teenage daughter killed him. But was it an accident—or murder?

36. Stuff the British Stole

This popular Australian podcast from the CBC has the tagline: “Throughout its reign, the British Empire stole a lot of stuff.” From that winning premise, the completed series explains why so many treasures from so many other countries ended up in the British Museum and other sites throughout the United Kingdom. Journalist Marc Fennell digs into stories as varied as the real life of Pocahontas (who was infamously stolen by the British, in a sense, from the then-American colonies) and that of an Ethiopian prince—buried on the grounds of Windsor Castle, after he was kidnapped from his home country—with a delightfully cheeky tone.

37. The Murder in My Family

For a different perspective on true crime, try this powerful show, which focuses on the families of murder victims. In each episode, a family member shares the story of how their loved one’s death has affected them. Their ongoing attempts to understand and accept what has happened makes for riveting listening, and the hour-long episodes allow for a more nuanced view.

38. Ridiculous Crime

For those who prefer true crime without all that murder business, we have a podcast for you. Hosts Zaron Burnett and Elizabeth Dutton share hour-long episodes of, yes, ridiculous crimes. Con artists, jewelry thieves, and bank robbers all get their hilarious due. Recent episodes unpacked the weird reasons musicians get arrested and the tiger king of Harlem, who raised a tiger (and a few other wild animals) in his fifth-floor New York City apartment.

If you like stories about famous people

39. comments by celebs.

Specializing in people who are famous (and famous for being famous), this podcast thrives on of-the-moment celebrity gossip, with a heavy emphasis on the Kardashians and any breaking news in the world of Taylor Swift. Hosts Emma Diamond and Julie Kramer are experts on these celebs and provide context and even nuance around the doings of the Vanderpumps, Paris Hilton, Megan Fox, and many other people whose names you know even if you don’t quite know why.

40. Super Soul

Still miss Oprah on your TV? Well, great news: she’s got a podcast, and it feels pretty perfect to listen to her soulful explorations in audio form. The show is meant to help listeners connect with their inner lives and the world around them. Oprah personally selects episodes from her collection of interviews with celebrities, authors, wellness experts, and world leaders—such as Deepak Chopra and Shirley MacLaine—to help you access your best self.

41. Office Ladies

Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer (who played Angela and Pam, respectively, on the sitcom The Office ) are also real-life BFFs. On this warm, cozy show, they discuss each episode of the series—they’re now on Season 9!—sharing both behind-the-scenes details and thoughtful analysis. Their banter is warm and delightful, making this a fun choice even for folks who never got into the show, and the occasional guest star from the series dials up the fun.

If you’re a history buff

Dive into the archives of the Smithsonian, dig into juicy scandals, and explore historical events with comedians.

Images courtesy Crash Course Black American History and Sidedoor

42. You’re Wrong About

Hindsight is 20/20—and it’s particularly interesting to revisit the events and public figures of the past with a modern perspective. That’s how host Sarah Marshall approaches her podcast , which reconsiders topics like the Terry Schiavo case, Yoko Ono and the Beatles, and an ongoing, discursive exploration of the O.J. Simpson case. Adventurer Blair Braverman is their “survival correspondent,” and in a recent episode, they took a close look at the Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashed into the Andes—it’s spellbinding listening.

43. Sidedoor

The Smithsonian has more than 157 million artifacts in its collection, and its Sidedoor podcast offers the best possible insider access. Host Lizzie Peabody invites listeners in, speaking with scientists, artists, historians, and others to explore topics like the world’s oldest winery, the life of hip-hop artist J Dilla, and an ingenious machine that harvests algae and converts it to biomass—which could one day power your iPhone. Another plus? It’s family friendly.

44. Slow Burn

Slate’s astoundingly well-researched long-form narrative series has looked at Watergate, the Clinton impeachment, the Biggie-Tupac beef, and the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court hearings. Each season, a different host builds a fascinating, multi-layered look at the topic, bringing in key voices through interviews. No matter what you think you already know about the subject, you’re sure to learn more. Next up? The Briggs Initiative (season nine, launching in May) and the rise of Fox News (season 10, out in late 2024).

45. Crash Course Black American History

Writer Clint Smith hosts this 50-episode podcast, which wrapped at the end of 2022. It provides a nuanced and comprehensive history class on Black America in relatively short (15 minutes long) episodes. Smith starts with the arrival of the first enslaved people to what would become the United States and concludes with the Black Lives Matter movement.

46. The British History Podcast

Setting out on a lengthy road trip? Start at the beginning of this 430-plus-episode (and growing) podcast. Host and writer Jamie Jeffers continues to make his stately, and fascinating, way through British history. He began with the end of the last ice age and recently arrived at Prince Robert’s rebellion against his father, William the Conqueror, in the 11th century. In other words: There are miles to go before the sun sets on the British Empire.

This story originally published in 2018. It was most recently on May 1, 2024, to include current information.

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These are the best podcasts for long road trips

Make your drive better while you listen to these great podcasts.

Depending on who you are, a road trip may be a necessary evil or something you’ve looked forward to for weeks. Whatever your position is on road trips generally, though, we can all agree that every road trip is made better by a high-quality podcast.

The Memory Palace

Sincerely, x, the only one in the room, sawbones: a marital tour of misguided medicine, my brother, my brother and me, the nosleep podcast.

• Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!

Outside Podcast

How i built this, blank check with griffin and david, my favorite murder.

This is not to say you shouldn’t embrace the sounds of the road. Nor should you avoid your fellow passengers or overlook that special quiet you get when you’re driving an empty road during the wee hours. But at some point along the way, you might want a little sonic pick me up. That’s where the road trip podcast really comes in handy — an audio copilot that will keep your brain running while the odometer ticks away.

We’ve made a roundup of the best podcasts  to add to your road trip essentials list, and boy, was there a podcast for everything. So whether you’re a fan of history or horror, you just might find yourself taking the long way to squeeze in a little extra listening time. Whatever you’re into, these are the best podcasts for road trips.

If you want a thorough, even meticulous history-oriented podcast that will, say, take you through the whole of Ancient Rome or the entire tale of the Aztec Empire, then this is not your podcast. If, on the other hand, you want to dive into unexpected places like the dining room at Thomas Jefferson’s home Monticello , the life of Shipwreck Kelly , who claimed to have survived multiple ships sinking, or the summer of 1816, the so-called Year Without a Summer due to ash sent into the air by a Pacific volcano, you’re in the right place. Host and producer Nate DiMeo digs into little-discussed but fascinating pockets of history and crafts short vignettes that bring them back to life.

As gripping as it is enlightening, Sincerely, X is a Luminary-exclusive TED podcast that plunges into the hidden stories that surround us. Each week, host Sarah Kay guides listeners through stories that are “too risky, painful, or controversial” to be shared openly, told by the anonymous people who lived them. From the woman who shares the details of her life in and after a cult to the ex-con who used the pain of his prison experience to lend a helping hand to other inmates, the stories shared on Sincerely, X are raw, powerful, and deeply personal in a way that can only be achieved through anonymity. Kay handles the series beautifully, probing deeper into the details of each story without losing the show’s deep sense of respect for its storytellers and their anonymity. The show is currently in its second season, so combine the newest episodes with the show’s 10-episode first season run, and you’ll have plenty of miles worth of listening.

In 2018, Laura Cathcart Robbins attended a popular retreat with hundreds of other writers, only to find herself surprisingly alone when she arrived. As the only Black person at the retreat, Robbins felt unexpectedly isolated, and the experience prompted her to share her story on The Huffington Post . When people from all walks of life responded by sending her their own stories of feeling “othered,” Robbins realized the connections that can be uncovered by daring to share the stories of our loneliest moments. Episodes begin with guests completing the phrase, “I was the only one in the room who …” and delicately settle their way into stories of pain, loneliness, altered perspectives, and self-realization. On its surface, The Only One in the Room is a podcast about feeling excluded, isolated, and “othered.” What it ultimately becomes, however, is an exercise in human empathy and a beautifully aching reminder of the common ground that lies between us all. Once you start an episode, you won’t want to stop, making the show perfect for whiling away long hours on lonely roads.

Radiolab is almost as tough to describe as it is rewarding to listen to. Equal parts science, philosophy, politics, history, and humanity, the show is wide in scope and rich in heart, and one of the best science podcasts out there. Hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich employ investigative journalism and a warm narrative style to bring you all the scoop on topics that include plant intelligence, driverless cars , medical triage, the U.S. nuclear chain of command, and the history of football. The hosts’ passion for every topic they cover is palpable and infectious. Because of the sheer vastness of the show’s topic pool, you can start pretty much anywhere you like, although truth be told, it only takes a couple of episodes before you find yourself scrolling back to the beginning for complete listening. If you want a driving soundtrack that’s sure to spark conversation and will have you lost in an endless array of worlds you didn’t even know existed, Radiolab is a must-download.

If you’ve ever spent more time than you’d care to admit watching those wild emergency room shows, Sawbones might be right up your alley. While it’s not filled with strange modern-day medical cases, it does take a deep dive into the annals of medical history, which is even weirder and more entertaining. Hosted by Dr. Sydnee McElroy and her husband, Justin, the show is addictively fascinating and bursting with personality. Every week, Dr. Sydnee lays out the strange and/or unsettling history of a medical procedure, condition, or phenomenon while Justin cracks jokes and pretends to understand science. The couple’s lighthearted ribbing of each other and early medical practitioners (who came up with ideas like drinking plague poo, you know, for science) will have you wishing you could become best friends with them, travel back in time together, and put the show’s patron saint Pliny the Elder on blast. For all its silly overtones, the show is impeccably researched and genuinely educational. Start at the first episode and before you know it, you’ll be a full addict.

Another podcast giving ear-time to hidden stories is Ear Hustle , from Radiotopia. Hosted by visual artist Nigel Poor and former inmate-turned-full-time producer, Earlonne Woods, the podcast explores the realities of daily life in prison and affords inmates in San Quentin the opportunity to share their stories themselves. The show, which is now in its tenth season, has explored everything from lockdown and falling in love behind bars to death row and parenting from prison, all while remaining vigilantly focused on the humanity we too often fail to acknowledge in people who are incarcerated. Ear Hustle is not a rubbernecker’s delight, but rather a poignant, haunting, inspiring, and enlightening view of a world so often ignored by those untouched by it. If you’d like to open your mind out on the open road, this show is beyond worthy of a listen.

Sometimes the only cure for road boredom is childlike euphoria, which is why we’re including MBMBaM on this list. Hosted by your eldest brother Justin McElroy, your middle brother Travis McElroy, and your sweet baby brother Griffin McElroy, the show is a wild ride into the goof-filled minds of three siblings who spend “roughly five-sixths of an hour each week” doling out advice they have absolutely no business giving. The format of the show is simple: They cull questions from the existential dumpster fire that is Yahoo Answers, mix in some listener questions submitted via email, and spend the next 50 or so minutes turning it all into a sweet brew of totally un-actionable advice. The real charm of the show, though, is the wild tangents the three go on as their responses inevitably morph into rants, oversharing, parody songs, and displays of pop-culture-reference one-upmanship. Starting this trip anywhere but the beginning would be a full sin, as the ever-evolving canon of characters, scenarios, and reflections on Scott Bakula are too rich to miss even one precious second of. Past episodes have included such wonders as the three brothers being completely pwned by Al Roker at the premiere of Jimmy Buffet’s musical, “The McElroy Family Fun Hour Brought to You by Totino’s,” and too many Lin-Manual Miranda-related delights to list. The show has over 600 episodes, so buckle in for a long, beautiful journey. You might not get any actual advice from this advice cast, but we promise you’ll be a better person for listening.

Another surefire cure for road boredom is the sheer terror that comes from listening to scary stories on a desolate highway in the middle of the night. The NoSleep Podcast is the perfect elixir of spookiness for anyone for whom horror stories are a guaranteed ticket to sleeplessness. The show is hosted by David Cummings, whose dulcet tones are the only source of comfort in an otherwise unsettling experience. He’s joined by a pool of voice-acting talent that turns every tale into a mini audio-drama, complete with eerie music and atmospheric sound effects. Stories are pulled from the popular subreddit of the same name, along with direct submissions from amateur and seasoned horror writers. While creepiness is a constant theme, subjects range from paranormal events to monsters to tales of stalkers and shadowy figures. The show is currently in its 18th season, so there’s plenty of content to make you regret that choice to drive through the night.

Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!

This weekly pod from radio masters NPR and WBEZ Chicago is a raucous, interactive show that mixes current events news with game-show-style trivia. The show is staged and recorded in front of a live audience and features a rotating panel of commentators and listeners who take on the role of contestants. There are a variety of trivia challenges, including Bluff the Listener (in which contestants listen to three stories and choose which one is fake), Not My Job (in which celebrity guests are quizzed on subjects that are nowhere near their field of professional expertise), and, of course, a final Lightning Round. Woven into the trivia games are genuine (but often hilarious) discussions of the week’s news, along with panel predictions on how news stories will eventually conclude. Panelists and guests range from journalists and authors to comedians and performers, including Drew Carey, Mike Birbiglia, Salmon Rushdie, Madeleine Albright, Neko Case, Hannibal Buress, and so many more. If you’re looking for a car-friendly game to replace worn-out standards like Punch Buggy and I Spy, Wait Wait! is a perfect way to liven up a long haul.

There’s a decent trip that the road trip you’re on is going to lead to some pretty places in the great outdoors. This podcast focuses on as much, dabbling in everything from where your brain goes after many consecutive hours on a ski lift to one person’s journey to visit every National Park in America in a single day. Like the publication it stems from, Outside is entertaining and inspires an even broader appreciation of the natural world. Moreover, if you have the time, it’ll nudge you away from the car for an impromptu hike or a slightly different route to see something new.

The name says it all with this highly listenable podcast. It’s all about the best inventions and how they came to be. From the culinary impetus to redefine and reestablish Native American cuisine to flavored kombucha, it’s all about how things came to be. There are a lot of rags-to-riches tales here, concepts developed in garages or over sleepless nights that are now international brands or big-name retail affairs. Ever wonder how the Leatherman came to be? How about the Discovery Channel? This podcast will explain it all, in colorful detail that will accompany you nicely as you knock out those highway hours.

If you’ve got a movie buff in your car, Blank Check  may be exactly what you need to pass the hours away. For one thing, each episode is long and guaranteed to fill plenty of drive time. Film critic David Sims and actor Griffin Newman host the show together, and they dive deep into the filmographies of directors who have received a “blank check” at some point in their careers, allowing them to make whatever passion project they want. Griffin and David have covered everyone from Steven Spielberg to Christopher Nolan, but the real reason to listen is because of the sincere friendship between them and the many tangents and bits that emerge as a result.

Are you a true crime fan who’s going on a road trip with someone who prefers comedy? Then My Favorite Murder could be the ideal podcast. The podcast, which is described as a true crime comedy podcast, is hosted by Karen Kilgraff and Georgia Hardstack and debuted way back in January 2016 — with over 400 episodes (and counting), there will be no shortage of content for those long road trips. Each episode is centered on one particular murder, true crime story, survivor story, or historical event, with one host sharing the details with humorous commentary from the other host. The podcast has built a rabid fanbase, who call themselves “Murderinos,” and the longer you listen, you may just find yourself becoming a Murderino, too.

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Having a vast library of good television shows and films is the most important factor in the success of a streaming service. That's part of what transformed Netflix into a global phenomenon, and it's why services like Paramount Plus have worked hard to build a healthy library of series that subscribers can browse through. As is the case with all streaming services, Paramount Plus has a mix of original series that live only on the platform and older shows that were originally on broadcast and have now found a home on streaming. Although these shows have varied histories, each one of them is a great staple in Paramount Plus's overall streaming library. Paramount Plus will likely continue to develop original content, but these Paramount Plus shows will stand the test of time, whether they're ongoing or have been over for a decade or longer.

Penny Dreadful (2014)

Disney is arguably the most iconic entertainment brand in the world. The company's properties, both original and acquired, combine to produce content that transcends age demographics. Disney has built a brand that's beloved by children, and those children eventually age into adults who introduce their kids to the films they loved when they were young. Disney's animation alone has made it iconic, but in recent years, the company has also acquired some of the biggest pieces of intellectual property there are. And, with Disney Plus available on any device, you can watch all these movies whenever you want.

Between its acquisitions of both Marvel and Star Wars, there's a good chance that whatever you love is being shepherded to screens both large and small by Disney. When they launched Disney+, the company was sure to fill it with both those nostalgic animated classics and plenty of new stuff as well. It's meant to be a streaming service for all ages, which is why the selection of movies available there is so diverse. These Disney Plus movies will make you laugh and cry and leave you eager for a rewatch. Here's a look at the best movies on Disney Plus.

Paramount Plus is one of the newer arrivals on the streaming scene, and while its roster is rolling out plenty of exciting streaming original and acquired shows, there are plenty of movies on Paramount Plus that are worth exploring. From the classic to the current and from the vintage to the very new, Paramount Plus offers an excellent movie lineup that rivals any other streaming service. To save you some time from surfing, The Manual has dug out a few of the very best Paramount Plus movies. Here's what's on Paramount Plus that you should watch this month.

Interstellar (2014)

21 Road Trip Podcasts That'll Make You Want to Keep Driving

Road trips are almost as American as baseball and apple pie. Nostalgic, adventurous, and exciting, a road trip lets you both reach your destination, and make it part of your journey, with the bonus of seeing the sights along the way (not to mention, save on airfare).

For some of us, the road trip conjures feelings of childhood nostalgia and excitement, gas station snack runs, deep conversations shared with fellow passengers, or the heights of delirium reached in those last few joyful miles. Road trips can signify an annual trip with favorite must-stop locations, or the start of something new, like the transition to college or a big move.

While the road trip means something different for everyone, there comes a moment in every drive where the inevitable question is asked: "Are we there yet?"

Even if you have the best scenery, road trip essentials , and company in the world, all those hours on the road can add up, fast. No matter how much fun a road trip is, there's always a point where it just feels long, and can be hard to stay awake when your only scenery is endless miles of open road. If you're roadtripping solo, without someone to keep you awake, staying alert and engaged isn't just for personal comfort, it's a safety issue.

Music can take you far, and if that's your jam, stick with it. But if you need a story to keep you engaged after miles and miles of freeway driving, we rounded up the best road trip podcasts to keep you awake, entertained, and — depending on the genre — either laughing, crying, learning, or all three.

"National Park After Dark"

Likely not the best fit for a road trip out west, " National Park After Dark " discusses the morbid, scary, and downright unbelievable things that have gone down at national parks. While many of the episodes cover true crime stories, there's also room for history, comedy, and short stories. Listen wisely if one of the podcast episodes features your destination.

"Stuff You Should Know"

" Stuff You Should Know " covers exactly what the title promises it does. If you've ever wondered how something — anything — works, from zip codes to car washes to caffeine, hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant likely have an episode for you. If you loved watching "How Stuff Works," think of this as its podcast companion.

"SmartLess"

Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett host " SmartLess ," so you know you'll laugh your way through your road trip. This podcast has a fun twist on the traditional seated interview genre: each week, only one of the hosts knows who the guest is going to be, so the following conversation is completely improvised. Most of the guests are celebrities, so if you're a pop culture fan, download this one immediately.

"Armchair Expert"

In " Armchair Expert ," Dax Shepard sits down with a variety of guests, from psychologists to celebrities, to talk about anything and everything.

Occasionally, he solicits stories from anonymous listeners on a particular topic, such as near-death experiences or stories from a parent-teacher conference. No topic is off limits and most episodes are two hours long, so settle back into the driver's seat and press play.

"This American Life"

Winner of the first ever Pulitzer Prize for a radio show or podcast, " This American Life ," which is produced in collaboration with Chicago Public Media, is an immensely popular podcast. It covers a wide variety of topics, from personal stories to deep dives into current events.

With over 800 episodes to choose from, you're sure to find something of interest. Bonus points for those who plan down to the minute: each episode is exactly an hour long, so you can calculate exactly how many to squeeze in for your road trip.

"Huberman Lab"

" Huberman Lab " is hosted by the Andrew Huberman, PhD, a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology at Stanford School of Medicine.

His podcast discusses neuroscience, and how our brain and body work together to control our perceptions, behavior, and health. Dr. Huberman often hosts guests in the scientific community to dive into topics like supplements, cold therapy, longevity, and general diet and exercise advice.

"You're Wrong About"

Instead of getting in an argument with your fellow passengers, let Sarah Marshall, the journalist host of " You're Wrong About ," tell you why you're wrong. Each week, Marshall releases a new episode that takes a second look at a person or event that has been miscast in the collective public eye and imagination.

"My Favorite Murder"

One of the original true crime darlings, " My Favorite Murder " uses comedy to share compelling true crimes, as well as hometown stories from friends and listeners. If you don't think that crime and comedy go together, hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark will surprise you. Despite the title, this podcast doesn't just cover murders: you'll hear survivor stories and historical events too.

"Office Ladies"

If you love "The Office," who better to spend your road trip with than Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey? In " Office Ladies ," listen as the two co-stars and best friends go behind the scenes to break down each episode of the beloved sitcom. If you're stuck in the driver's seat, this podcast is the next-best thing to watching an episode.

"Radiolab"

" Radiolab " is an investigative journalism podcast that uses the tagline "on a curiosity bender." Each episode does a deep dive into a specific topic, and typically explores the scientific, legal, and historical aspects of it in order to get to the answer. From the Olympics, to CPR, and the square dance, "Radiolab" shows us how little we really know about the world around us.

"On Purpose"

Ranked the world's number one mental health podcast, Jay Shetty, author and wellness entrepreneur, uses " On Purpose " to interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes.

Shetty interviews everyone from Melinda French Gates to Charles Leclerc to Kim Kardashian's personal trainer, Senada Greca, to discuss all kinds of themes around physical and mental wellbeing. Most of the episodes are around an hour and a half long, meaning you likely won't need to download very many to fill your time on the road.

"Serial"

" Serial " began as an offshoot of "This American Life," and takes a season-long, rather than episodic, approach to storytelling.

Each season covers a different story with the same investigative journalism approach, and so far, the themes have ranged from the 1999 killing of an 18-year-old student in Baltimore County; the story of an American army sergeant held for five years by the Taliban; the Justice Center Complex in the Cleveland area; and the history of Guantanamo Bay. If you're looking for a deep dive for your road trip, this is it.

"Pod Save America"

If you want to use your road trip to catch up on politics, you'll love " Pod Save America ," which is hosted by former Obama aides. Most episodes range from 45 minutes to an hour, so it's a great way to catch up on current events.

It's worth noting, the episodes follow the news cycle rather than covering a new topic every week, so it might not be the best fit for a cross-country road trip, as you'll soon be catching up on old news.

"The Retrievals"

A bone-chilling story about IVF gone horribly wrong, " The Retrievals " is the story of a Yale fertility clinic and the nurse who stole the fentanyl that was used during egg retrieval procedures.

The five-part podcast digs into what happened to the nurse, to the women who underwent procedures without any pain relief, and how so many women had their pain ignored for so long. (Content warning for graphic descriptions of pain and fertility challenges.)

"Scamanda"

This eight-episode miniseries is perfect for those who don't frequently listen to podcasts, but want an entertaining story for their road trip. " Scamanda " is the story of Amanda C. Riley, a Christian mother who starts a blog to detail her cancer journey, and Nancy Moscatiello, the investigative journalist who uncovers her secret (we won't spoil it here).

"Call Her Daddy"

If you have a podcast-obsessed friend, they've likely recommended " Call Her Daddy " to you by now. Alex Cooper made a name for herself in podcasting by being open, honest, and real with listeners, and by discussing themes and asking questions that women want to talk about but maybe felt too embarrassed to ask.

Cooper interviews everyone from Hunter Schafer and Demi Lovato to Aly Raisman and Jay Shetty. Sex, therapy, and scandals . . . for Cooper, nothing is off the table. You'll laugh so hard, the hours will fly by.

"Swindled"

If you love true crime but can't do the gruesome aspects of it, or if you're driving alone and don't want to hear grisly murder stories, you're going to love " Swindled ," which covers stories about white-collar crime. "Swindled" explores the ways in which corruption, fraud, and Ponzi schemes have shaped our world.

"Blindboy"

" Blindboy " is a Reddit favorite. Hard to categorize, Irish host David Chambers offers deep dives that display the interconnectedness of things, on topics from folklore, food and art history to mental health, masculinity and music. Listeners love it from Chambers's soft, soothing vocal delivery (he's also a member of Irish comedy hip-hop group The Rubberbandits).

"Dr. Death"

If you love true crime and medical drama, " Dr. Death " is for you. While the first season tells the story of Christopher Duntsch , later known as Dr. Death, the podcast doesn't end there: seasons two, three and four focus on different true crime stories about doctors who weren't who they claimed to be.

"Crime Junkie"

As the name suggests, " Crime Junkie " is the perfect podcast for fans of true crime. Best friends Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat discuss a new crime case every week in a straightforward, relatable, and informative way. They cover mysterious deaths, missing persons, and murders, plus conspiracies, survivals, and infamous people of interest. You might not want to listen to this one if you're driving at night, however.

"Pop Culture Happy Hour"

If you love pop culture and live on IMDB, NPR's " Pop Culture Happy Hour " is your new happy place. Pumping out five (five!) episodes a week, it covers everything pop culture, from new TV shows, movies, music, and awards shows. It may become your regular podcast once the road trip is over.

Kaley Rohlinger is a freelance writer for PS who focuses on health, fitness, food, and lifestyle content. She has a background in the marketing and communications industry and has written for PS for over four years.

• Travel Tips

Podcast Review

The 9 Best Travel Podcasts

T ourism is changing. While most of us still relish in the novelty of arriving in a place we’ve never been, it’s harder to talk about international travel without discussing the ethical and environmental implications. While we travel to find connection and explore new cultures, we also jet set to escape from our real lives, forgetting that we often bring our baggage with us. And despite cheaper flights making foreign vacations more accessible, travel has become even more of a status symbol, not less. We can thank influencer culture for that one. So what place does wanderlust have in a more socially-conscious world? The travel podcasts on this list try to answer that question.

A good travel show must do one essential thing: transport its listener to a new destination, whether that place is the Serengeti or a state park outside of Sacramento. These travel podcasts capture, in their own way, the thrill of an adventure, making them the perfect companions for your next trip.

You don’t have to like flying to enjoy the Layovers podcast, but it definitely helps. Centered around air travel, the show takes what might be a niche subject and turns it into an entertaining lens through which to analyze geopolitics and current affairs. Where many podcasts zoom in when exploring a topic, hosts Paul Papadimitriou and Alex Hunter zoom out, giving a broader view of the global map. For example, in a recent episode, Paul and Alex ask if we might have been in a golden age of international travel and didn’t even know it. How do we move forward in an era of infection and tighter borders? How will political tensions affect free movement? These are the sorts of questions we’re all asking, but Layovers isn’t afraid to answer.

For fans of: Being the “airport dad,” no matter your age

Pushkin has discovered a winning formula with Not Lost , a travel show hosted by podcasting veteran Brendan Francis Newnam. You may also know him from his writing for The New York Times Magazine and Saveur. After ending a long-term project (and a long-term relationship), Newman decided to do what most of us would in his situation — start a podcast. Just kidding. He actually embarked on a foodie adventure in some of the world’s best culinary destinations. The podcast, I’m sure, was just an afterthought.

Not Lost employs an effective mix of auteur direction, snappy writing, and spontaneous comedy — and that’s before you get to the heart of the show: food. A co-production of Pushkin, Topic Studios, and iHeartMedia, the show is as slick as you would expect; any sense of “rough-and-ready” adventure is purely varnish. At its core, Not Lost celebrates people, stories, and the rapidly changing world that can only be experienced through extensive travel.

For fans of: Eat Pray Love — but, like, for dudes

City of the Rails

When we say “travel,” we’re often talking about a European summer vacation, or the two weeks we spent in Aspen. But travel is not just something we document on social media. Some people turn it into a lifestyle — and not a glamorous one. If you ever watched the movie Into The Wild, you’ll know that some people turn to full-time travel to escape their cosy, suburban lives. Who would give up college and the promise of a stable life to live on the road? That’s exactly what journalist Danelle Morton’s daughter did when she abandoned her family to travel on the American railroads. City of the Rails is an intimate limited series that documents a mother’s struggle to understand her child’s choices as Morton follows her daughter to the trains, interviewing the other travellers on her journey. The ten-part show allows every character to speak freely about their experiences and asks essential questions about why someone would give up their privileges to deliberately impoverish themselves. More like a memoir than a travel podcast, City of the Rails is a quiet audio marvel.

For fans of : Anything written by Cheryl Strayed

You Should Have Been There

You should have been there is a hidden indie gem from across the pond, with a name that pokes fun at the obvious fact that no travel podcast will ever make you feel like you were actually there, but that doesn’t mean this pair won’t try. Hosted by journalist Simon Calder and BBC producer Mick Webb, this is a show that isn’t afraid to get a little erudite about adventure, exploring an impressive range of topics, from layover-friendly airports to an entire episode dedicated to the niche subject of “psychogeography.” Walter Benjamin, anyone?

Calder and Webb have natural chemistry. Sure, the audio quality is basic, but what the show lacks in volume, it more than makes up for in clarity. The show is meticulously scripted, but that’s hardly surprising given its hosts’ experience. By combining the enthusiasm of a kindly neighbor nattering about his caravan with the delivery of professional radio presenters, You should have been there can seem a touch more of a ramble than a romp. But that’s exactly what makes it delightful. Of course, I’d love to be walking the Pyrenees with Calder and Webb, but their show does something rare: it makes me feel totally comfortable just where I am.

For fans of: Always straying off the beaten track

Abroad in Japan

Chris Broad and Pete Donaldson’s cult podcast grew from a mutual fascination with their new home. Abroad in Japan isn’t what you might expect from a travel podcast, but who said adventure only comes from fleeting visits? Living abroad is an immersive way to understand and appreciate the delights of another culture, and these British guys are ready to dive deep into all the nerdy parts of Japanese life. But Chris and Pete aren’t just any old expatriates. Chris is an award-winning filmmaker. Pete’s an accomplished broadcaster. Together, they spend their free time bringing their podcast listeners a taste of a dynamic and complex country through travel tips, current events and topical reports. Why are $75 Tamagotchis making a comeback? What is it like in the country’s worst Love Hotel? And, most importantly, how much do you tip? No, they’re not locals, but Abroad in Japan brings an outsider’s eye to a fascinating country many of us have always wanted to discover.

For fans of: E ating your ramen like a local

Join The Washington Post ’s Lillian Cunningham on a different type of travel podcast: an audio journey through America’s national parks. After a strong first season, Field Trip has earned fans for its richly drawn landscapes, with many writing that the show transports them out of their normal lives and into the wilderness. If that isn’t travel podcasting, we’d like to know what is. From White Sands to Yosemite, Cunningham makes an effort to depict conservation efforts alongside historical details, bringing a level of human interest into a show that could otherwise be called nature programming. It is yet to be seen whether Field Trip will return for a second season. So far, the show has drawn enough admiration to justify an episode for all sixty-three national parks. Throwing in a few listener stories wouldn’t go amiss either.

For fans of: Wishing you were still in the Girl Scouts. Cookie, anyone?

Greetings From Somewhere

Zach Mack is road tripping through America. From the first green light, Greetings From Somewhere has proven itself to be a slick production, blending travel narrative with investigative journalism. With flavors of Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown , Mack takes his listeners on an immersive journey through some of the country’s most engaging destinations. The first episode, “Marfa TX,” sets a high bar for the rest of the series, and it’s clear that Mack is no amateur. By detailing the town’s history and exploring its controversies, the show neatly weaves interviews with local characters into an addictive narrative.

As everyone who has read Steinbeck or Kerouac will know, life on the road has become a fixed part of America’s mythology. In his episode “The Myth of American Road Trip,” Mack deconstructs these tropes, asking us why, with so much displacement and inequality around the world, we still romanticize this lifestyle. These “detour” episodes add an extra dimension to an already multifaceted show — a real breakout star of the genre.

For fans of: Saying “Anthony Bourdain is my hero”

Peak Travel

Across the world, destinations are being ruined by their own popularity — and the locals aren’t happy. Take Barcelona, for example. Rising house prices and the heavy presence of visitors has turned the local population into anti-tourism activists. While this isn’t the case in every hot vacation spot, it’s one instance of an increasingly visible phenomenon that is changing our relationship with foreign travel. Peak Travel is a new podcast that examines problems created by tourism through the eyes of locals, asking us to question our travel choices through a more nuanced lens.

As a person who hails from Edinburgh, Scotland, I can empathize with the upsides and downsides that tourism brings. Inflated prices, congested roads, and the capitalization of my history are just a few problems that arise every tourist season. Peak Travel doesn’t aim to make us feel guilty about wanting to explore new cultures; it merely asks us to be conscious of our impact while igniting our curiosity with on-location sound recordings and insightful interviews.

For fans of: Taking a walk on the ethical side

JUMP with Traveling Jackie

Since 2014, Jackie Nourse has been a mainstay of travel podcasting. First, she was host of the Budget Minded Traveler , a show dedicated to the noble pursuit of cheap travel. Now, Jackie has expanded her podcast to include an online community and travel programs with one clear message: if you want adventure, you have to take the jump. With her new vision comes a new name, though Jackie’s focus remains making travel affordable for those willing to plan ahead and make sacrifices.

Of course, there are more barriers to adventure than just the show’s call to action might suggest, but Jackie isn’t naive. Despite her sometimes-rambling delivery, she addresses her listeners’ concerns on topics like financial viability and safe solo travel with confident pragmatism. If you are embarking on a budget trip around the United States, JUMP will have particular appeal. With dozens of episodes on destinations including Utah, Oregon, and Southern California, the show is just the ticket for aspiring adventurers.

For fans of: Not letting little things, like being broke, hold you back

Alice Florence Orr is a staff writer and assistant editor for Podcast Review . She is based in Edinburgh. You can connect with her on Twitter or read her work on aliceflorenceorr.com

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The 10 Best Road Trip Podcasts of 2024

Not only do podcasts help you pass the time more quickly, they'll even teach you a thing or two

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When the whole car's had enough purple mountain majesties, and you hear the back seat plotting mutiny, interesting podcasts can quell the uprising and keep everyone happy. 

Here are the best podcasts for road trips. No matter who's riding along, one of these is bound to be the perfect listen as the miles roll by.

An Absorbing Take on the American Classic: The Moby-Dick Big Read

Listening to the classic is an eye-opening experience.

Talented cast of 136 well-known and obscure (to some) readers.

Occasionally, a chapter has too many sound effects.

The entirety of Melville's novel about the big one that got away read aloud, one chapter per episode, by the likes of Tilda Swinton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Steven Fry, Fiona Shaw, John Waters, former British PM David Cameron, China Miéville, and 129 others.

Every chapter has its own feel and personality, but the entire 136-chapter book comes together as a surprisingly unified whole.

Sci-Fi Political Satire Afrofuturistic Buddy Comedy: Adventures in New America

A densely realized alternate world that feels uncannily like the here and now.

It revels in the absurd while making a social statement.

Difficult to find your footing at the beginning. 

Is it meant to be funny? Over-dramatic? Ironic? 

An odd couple plans heists to pay for health care while attempting to survive the wilds of New York City and "a secret cabal of Tetchy Terrorist Vampire Zombies from outer space."

Though it's set in the not-too-distant dystopian future, AiNW has the weekly serial feel that pulled families together around the radio through the first half of the 20th century.

Word Nerdery From Two Former Dictionary Editors: Fiat Lex

A geeky guilty pleaure for language lovers.

Intriguing conversations on obscure topics.

Sometimes the word geeks try to out-nerd each other.

The promised Season 2 never happened.

Fresh off the success of Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries, author Kory Stamper and her co-host Steve Kleinedler deliver a surprisingly engaging discussion on dictionaries, words, and the ways in which language constantly changes.

The announced Season 2 never happened due to job and life changes encountered by the hosts.

Deep Dives on Lifetime Original Movies: Mother, May I Sleep With Podcast

The host pulls you in with attention to details.

It's the ultimate guilty pleasure.

You don't need to see the movie to enjoy the podcast.

The host's overuse of the word "like."

You either love it or hate it. There's no middle ground.

Lifetime's Original Movies. Implausible plots, stars on the downsides of their career trajectories, and so much scene-chewing the actors have dental riders on their contracts.

Hosted by Hello Giggles co-founder Molly McAleer,  Mother, May I Sleep With Podcast? breaks down every Lifetime movie and discusses the plot, actors, dialogue, and everything else that makes Lifetime Originals the deep-fried Twinkies of junk television.

IMDB's Lifetime Movies/Originals Movies List  shows 640 titles. Over the course of five seasons, it feels like MMISWP? has the staying power to get through all 640.

True-Crime Parody: A Very Fatal Murder

The Onion delivers humor just north of Mad Magazine .

Portrays middle-America flawlessly.

On-point parady of real true crime podcasts.

Not as funny as The Onion meant it to be.

The script could have used more work.

A Very Fatal Murder sends up the entire true-crime podcast genre. It's all here: a small Midwest town rocked by a mysterious murder, a well-meaning but self-centered host, digressions on the "crime" as a reflection on American society, and it's all served up with tongue firmly in cheek, just as you'd expect from The Onion.

Straight-Up Documentary Podcast: Serial, Season 3

The production is flawless.

Host Sarah Keonig stays out of the way of the story.

Compelling one-hour story-telling.

Production values that make Serial stand out can wear thin.

Multiple stories are hard to connect with.

Season 3 of Serial breaks form with the "one story—a true story—over the course of a season" formula. Instead, it tells one year's worth of stories from inside the Cleveland, Ohio, criminal justice system.

Radio Drama for the Age of Siri: Sandra

A well-produced podcast.

Clear story-telling and a breezy plot.

Kristen Wiig is a perfect choice for Sandra.

Only seven episodes.

Lacks a satisfactory ending.

Gimlet Media's Sandra is a well-produced and scripted podcast that asks questions like "What if the artificial intelligence powering the voice assistants we've all gone cuckoo bonkers for wasn't artificial at all?" and "What if that cute little box is always listening?"

Sandra is a tautly written, all-too-plausible look at the tech that has a deeper, more pervasive hold on us than anyone would like to admit. Of note, Kristen Wiig as the voice of Sandra is pitch-perfect.

At only seven episodes, the podcast is short, maybe because S andra was in development for TV .

Freewheeling Nerdery: The Adventure Zone

The McElroys have a great time playing the game with each other.

Hosts fully aware how silly some role-playing game concepts can be.

The storylines can be a little confusing if you start listening in the middle.

Launched in 2014 and still going strong, The Adventure Zone follows three brothers (Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy) and their Dad (Clint) on a lengthy Dungeons & Dragons campaign. It's strangely engaging.

Season four of the McElroy brothers' listen-while-we-play-RPG-games podcast launched in May 2021 and is as much fun as its predecessors. The new campaign, Ethersea, is played in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition.

Current Events Discussed by Smart People: It's Been a Minute With Sam Sanders

The host and panel never fail to engage the listener.

The on-air chemistry makes listening a delight.

Conversations sometimes turn into preaching to the choir.

Perhaps no media outlet has leaned more completely into producing interesting podcasts than NPR. Great weekly shows like It's Been A Minute do what NPR does best—assemble an interesting group of people around a mic, bring in guests, and together, they discuss the intersection of news, media, pop culture, and how we as a nation are responding to it.

Dystopian Monster Hunter Comedy: Bubble

Great production and an engaging story.

Easy to binge-listen.

Contains more jokes than you can count.

You only get eight episodes.

Sometimes, it feels like the writers are doing more ridiculing than satirizing.

Something's not right in Fairhaven, ​an idyllic enviro-bubble with an awesome music scene, all the best new restaurants, and beautiful people. They're just trying to live their lives, make a living, and avoid destruction by bloodthirsty psychic aliens.

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The 16 Best Podcasts for Road Trips

Posted by Arthur McMahon September 18, 2020 Updated September 15, 2021

Podcasts are a great way to stave off the boredom of the open road.

Let’s be honest. Road trips can be chock full of beautiful views, tasty food, and interesting roadside attractions, but they don’t often have a thing worth listening to — spouse and children aside, of course.

You need something to tickle your eardrums while you’re out there crushing highway miles en route to your far off destination. Hunting for radio stations can be tedious, and the aging playlist of your favorite songs from high school can only last you for so long. It’s time to add some fresh audio to your road trip rotation.

Best Road Trip Podcasts

Listening to podcasts can help to keep you alert and attentive while driving — and maybe even boost morale during a long road trip too. The best podcasts for road trips will keep you entertained for hours while you let multiple episodes play through without pause.

1. The Best Road Trip Podcast Overall: Outside Podcast

What we dig: Outside Podcast is a fascinating mix of adventure-focused material that will hold your interest for hours on end.

Combining an outdoorsy theme with high production values and well-developed content from multiple non-fiction genres, Outside Podcast has solidified its standing as our favorite podcast for long road trips. It’s the best show out there for those stricken with wanderlust.

The mission of Outside Podcast is to “entertain, inspire, and inform” its listeners. Its production style is reminiscent of the highly-praised public radio podcasts This American Life and Radiolab, but with adventurous and sporty topics directing the flow of each episode.

The show has four different ongoing programs that serve to mix up the content. It all started years ago with the Science of Survival, a captivating study of what it takes to be self-reliant in extreme circumstances.

Since that initial run, the podcast has branched out with several other popular programs including The Outside Interview, in which Outside Editor Christopher Keyes interviews big names in sports and adventure, Dispatch, which focuses on newsworthy storytelling, and Sweat Science, which dissects the world of extreme athletes.

Related Read: 14 Vanlife Hacks: How to Make Van Living Easier

2. The Best Story-Driven Road Trip Podcast: Serial

What we dig: Each season contains a gripping narrative from end to end.

You’ve likely heard of Serial , and you may have already listened to it. This is arguably the podcast that brought podcasts into the mainstream media. Each season of the show has an engrossing narrative that’ll have you on the edge of your seat throughout each and every episode.

The first season aired in 2014. Its 12 episodes are each about 30 to 60 minutes in length. The story is broken down into digestible segments and each one provides more questions than it does answers, leaving you wanting more as the show’s iconic piano tune signifies the end of each episode.

What’s great about this show is that each season provides a provocative story that can be totally consumed throughout the course of a long road trip. The following two seasons focus on different stories, but they’re produced in the same easy-to-consume fashion.

If you haven’t listened to Serial before, now is your chance to dive into the story that turned the world onto podcasts. And if you have listened before, you know it’s worth another go, especially if you’re road tripping with a friend who has never heard it before.

Those who crave even more Serial will be happy to hear that HBO put together the docu-series The Case Against Adnan Syed to recap the popular podcast’s first season and provide a follow-up to the story.

3. The Best Road Trip Podcast for Outdoor Enthusiasts: America’s National Park Podcast

What we dig: Each episode is jam-packed with the history, stories, and people of the National Parks.

Consider America’s National Park Podcast to be your personal tour guide to the national parks. The couple who run the show weave area history with entertaining stories, politics, visitor and employee opinions, fun facts, and their own experiences in the national parks to create well-rounded overviews of each park.

In fact, this podcast is as informative taking a guided hike with a park ranger. Timely context helps to build a narrative around each park’s history. The juxtaposition of past versus present shows how both politics and nature have shaped each park over the years.

The contemporary stories and opinions provided by park rangers, visitor center staff, and vacationers offer different perspectives, not all of which are positive, about the current status of the national parks.

While this show mostly focuses on providing entertainment and insight for its listeners, many episodes contain logistical information as well. You’ll still want to plan further before you visit a featured park on the show, but you’ll get a good introductory taste of the park’s highlights.

The podcast is managed by the RV Miles Network, and so RV camping is another aspect that is briefly discussed about the parks. The hosts tend to provide useful tips and tricks relative to National Park campgrounds and the nearby amenities.

4. The Best Comedy Road Trip Podcast: My Brother, My Brother, and Me

What we dig: Laugh out loud commentary and advice doled out by three cockamamie brothers.

Each week the three McElroy brothers of My Brother, My Brother, and Me respond to listener questions or the perplexing queries found deep in the trenches of Yahoo! Answers. The chemistry between these brothers is outlandish and outstanding. A simple question can lead them down a spiraling abyss of hilarity.

This podcast is a lot like listening to your best friends banter about stupid stuff. The conversation rarely turns serious, or intelligent, but it is always a riot.

The show has won multiple awards for its comedy, and it even spawned a short-lived television series starring the trio. They often venture into adult themes and spout crude language, so you may want to reserve this podcast for when the kids aren’t around.

The question-and-answer format repeats every episode, but there are a dozen or so recurring segments that break up the monotony and change up the rhythm of each episode. If you need a giggle to help get you through those long hours on the road, this is the show for you.

5. The Best Road Trip Podcast for Kids: Sesame Street with Foley & Friends

What we dig: It’s a Sesame Street podcast! Young tykes will love it.

This podcast has not been released yet as of the date of this article’s publication, but from the samples we’ve listened to, Sesame Street with Foley & Friends is going to be a top choice podcast for parents with young children.

The show stars a new muppet named Foley, who is most interested in making weird sounds, and her sidekick Mikee the Microphone. Every one of the 15-minute episodes will focus on an educational theme, such as the alphabet or animal noises.

Though the host is new to Sesame Street, famous guest stars like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird will make regular appearances. Recurring segments like Elmo’s Joke of the Day and original songs will mirror the appeal of the venerable children’s television show.

Podcasts for children is a burgeoning genre, and Sesame Street is sure to be a forerunner of even greater programs to come. It’s hard to beat the reliability of Sesame Street’s educational programming, though, and we think adults will have fun singing along and mimicking Foley’s weird sounds as well.

The Best of the Rest

Though these podcasts didn’t grab a “best of” label from us, they’re still binge-worthy shows that deserve a listen. Load up your playlist so that you never run short of episodes to listen to.

6. Dirtbag Diaries

Dirtbag Diaries started out as a modest outdoor storytelling podcast by a young writer over 12 years ago. Since then, the show has evolved into a conglomeration of outdoor enthusiasts from all ilks sharing their stories of the trail, the slopes, the open sea, and wherever else their wanderings have taken them.

Each episode delves into a grand story, or a series of short stories, that span the range of human emotion and endurance. This show will inspire you, hit you with humor when you least expect it, and showcase both the struggles and triumphs of intrepid explorers from around the globe.

7. Freakonomics Radio

Freakanomics Radio is an ancient program in the podcasting world. There are hundreds of episodes in its archive, all of which dissect the socioeconomic issues of our modern world.

The show’s tagline “Discover the hidden side of everything…” does well to explain what the show is all about, because its broadness makes it difficult to define. You’ll learn lots of interesting things about topics you’ve never even thought about. It’s a great show for building up your trivia bank, and it will lead to some interesting conversations with your car mates.

8. Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy

Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy is the ultimate podcast for us fiction-loving nerds. The show is sponsored by WIRED Magazine, hosted by fiction author David Barr Kirtley, and produced by John Joseph Adams of Lightspeed Magazine.

Topics range from video game-inspired cartoons to epic fantasy films to science fiction conventions. The episodes range from one to several hours in length, making this a great show for long stretches of highway cruising. Panel guests frequent the show, including notable sci-fi and fantasy legends like Neil Gaimen, Wil Wheaton, and N. K. Jemisin.

9. Philosophize This!

The be all end all of philosophy podcasts, Philosophize This! breaks down philosophers and their ideas to their building blocks. Host Stephen West does well to whittle down grandiose concepts into laymen’s terms so that we all can understand what the world’s greatest thinkers were trying to get at.

Each episode, starting with the very first, follows the evolution of philosophy chronologically, making it exceptionally friendly to beginners in the field who wish to start from its genesis. As the episodes progress, so do the depth of the ideas. It’s a remarkable journey.

To keep it brief, S-Town is an investigative journalism piece in the same style and format as Serial. It was created by the producers of Serial and This American Life.

Fans of Serial will absolutely become fans of S-Town. The setting is ominous, the characters are quirky, and the story is exciting. Host Brian Reed lets the drama of the tale hold its own as his matter-of-fact way of speaking, and interviewing, unveils the truth hidden between the words.

11. Stuff You Should Know

In each episode of Stuff You Should Know , the offbeat hosting duo digs deep into a specific topic and reveal the answers to just about every question an average person would wish to know about the subject. You can browse through the hundreds of episodes for the topics that interest you or listen to them all to learn something completely new to you.

The show works well for those who want a show they can intently listen to, and for those who want some background noise that doesn’t require their full attention.

12. The Habitat

The Habitat is a seven-episode docu-series that follows the lives of six well-qualified volunteers who are left to their own devices in a faux Mars-like habitat on a remote mountain in Hawaii. If you’ve ever wondered how people would cope in an off-world biodome, this podcast explores that fantasy in reality.

Humans are humans, even when they’re pretending to be on another planet. The relationships between the individuals are the most compelling part of this experiment. Frustration, love, and toilet troubles are all recurring themes.

13. The Moth Podcast

Highlighting storytellers from all walks of life and from all over the world, The Moth Podcast is a menagerie of tales both bright and dark. These are the real tales of real people, told live without scripts.

This series debuted live in 2009 as The Moth Radio Hour, putting storytellers on stage to speak their raw, unedited truths. It has since won a Peabody Award and is now broadcasted on over 500 radio stations. The podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts from and will provide untold hours of entertainment.

14. The No Sleep Podcast

A grassroots podcast built from a small community of horror fiction writers on Reddit, The No Sleep Podcas t is an anthology of all things that go bump in the night. Each episode features one or several hair-raising tales that can serve as the perfect road trip pre-game to your campfire stories.

Most of the stories feature a terrifying realism that pulls you into their prose. Eerie music and sound effects add to the podcast’s spooky atmosphere.

15. This American Life

The content of This American Life varies from episode to episode. Non-fiction stories are overwhelmingly featured, though short fiction does make it on to the show every so often. A mix of writers and storytellers present a thematic tale, or series of tales, each episode.

These stories are presented through investigative journalism, memoirs, found footage, and all sorts of other mediums that mix up the pacing to keep listeners interested. The stories feel unfiltered and factual, giving the show credence since its inception as a radio show in the mid-1990s.

16. Wild Thing

Wild Thing is a podcast about “wild places, wild people, and wild ideas” featuring campy topics like Bigfoot, extraterrestrials, and other mysteries that science has left unexplained. The show explores the relationship between science, fiction, and society, and it goes deeper than you would expect.

One reviewer on Stitcher summed up this podcast with a simple question — “What if Serial went hunting for Sasquatch?” This podcast mixes investigative journalism with a bit of imagination. It’s sure to scratch an itch for those who love mystery, folklore, and superstition.

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Posted by Arthur McMahon

Arthur loves to walk. It’s as simple as that. Whether it be in the mountains, on the beach, or along the city streets — he believes walking is the best way to experience the world. Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was his first backpacking foray, and he hasn’t stopped crushing miles since. Arthur and his wife now regularly travel into the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest seeking new trails to hike.

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10 Transportive Podcasts to Listen to During Your Next Road Trip

W hether it’s a gripping true-crime story or an extended interview with your favorite celebrity, podcasts make an excellent travel companion on long car trips. But podcasts can also help you learn about the places you’re going—or maybe the places that are still on your list to visit.

Here are 10 podcasts that provide a deeper understanding of regional American culture, from the Pacific Northwest to the Deep South. Add one or more to the playlist for your next road trip to immerse yourself in the stories of the places that are flashing by your car window.

The Dirtbag Diaries

This is Patagonia’s podcast about the outdoors, particularly the Mountain West. The show is filled with stories of adventure on mountains, rivers, and more. While some outdoor lifestyle shows geek out about gear and technique, The Dirtbag Diaries keeps the focus on the humans at the center of each story. Nature is a character, but not the star of the show. The focus remains on people and how nature changes our relationships with each other, which makes each episode even more compelling.

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The Bitter Southerner

The podcast from The Bitter Southerner magazine, in collaboration with Georgia Public Broadcasting, explores what it means to live in the South in all its complexity. It takes a fresh look at some of the region’s well-known tropes, from southern accents to J.D. Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy to food like okra. There’s an episode on Waffle House that sticks with me a couple years after I originally heard it in early 2020. After you listen, I guarantee you won’t think about the iconic chain the same way again.

Read More: The 10 Best Podcasts of 2021

Peak Northwest

This show from The Oregonian is the most straightforward travel show on the list. Each episode explores something different to do in Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest. It’s a must-listen if you’re traveling to that part of the country. Learn about overlooked state parks, where to go crabbing on the Oregon coast, and Portland’s dining scene. Even people who live in this region can uncover something new from hosts Jamie Hale and Jim Ryan, as well as the experts they interview.

Black in Appalachia

The Appalachian region technically consists of 13 states from New York to Mississippi and has received a ton of media coverage since the 2016 presidential election. Stories typically focus on white, working-class people and ignore the experiences of Black people living in those places. The Black in Appalachia podcast changes that by centering Black voices and breaking apart cultural and historical stereotypes. Episodes explore the myth of John Henry and the history of Black music from freed and escaped slaves in the region.

New Jersey Is the World

If you ever wanted to put New Jersey into a podcast, this is it. Unlike some of the other shows on this list, New Jersey Is the World is not filled with rich sound design or engaging narrative storytelling. Rather, comedian Chris Gethard hosts conversations about what makes the Garden State so great. He leans into the state’s stereotypes and isn’t afraid to talk about things that need to change. Whether you already love New Jersey like Gethard does or are just N.J.-curious, there’s something for you here.

Driving the Green Book

Traveling in the United States has not always been easy, particularly for people of color. This podcast traces the route that Black Americans traveled from Detroit to New Orleans when they were on tour in the Jim Crow era. The Green Book is the handbook of Black-friendly businesses and other safe havens along the route. The show includes an Apple Maps component so you can follow along the route and see what’s become of the locations in The Green Book today.

Threshold is the perfect show to get lost in on a long stretch of highway. Rather than focusing on one region, it covers our relationship to nature in an immersive way. Each episode is filled with natural sound and rich storytelling. The show’s third season, which won a Peabody Award in 2021, features reporting from Kaktovik, Alaska, the only town in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and a place at the center of the controversy over drilling for oil there.

Read More: The 50 Best Podcasts to Listen to Right Now

Dolly Parton’s America

This show received lots of buzz when it debuted in 2019, and with good reason. It’s a story about Tennessee, but also about American culture more broadly and Dolly Parton’s place within it . Travel inside what the creators call the “Dollyverse”—the world that Parton created and the one she and her fans inhabit. It’s complicated and far from perfect, but the idea of Dolly as a uniting figure is worth exploring as you traverse parts of the country that might be different from where you live.

Makers of the USA

One of the best things about traveling is finding the off-the-beaten-path places that make something unique that you can take home as a souvenir—and that will give you a story you’ll tell for years to come. The podcast Makers in the USA puts a spotlight on artists and artisans from Maine to Maryland. Learn about how they started their businesses and how they connect with their communities. Episodes cover everything from candles to gourd banjos to razors and also discuss how these creators survive in an ever-changing economy and grow their businesses while maintaining artisan craftsmanship.

Welcome to LA

No list of travel shows would be complete without mentioning the Golden State. Many people find themselves in California, and Los Angeles specifically, because they see it as a beacon of the American Dream. As you might expect, things are not that simple. Award-winning journalist David Weinberg highlights the complexities in this series from public radio station KCRW. One particularly moving episode chronicles what happens on Friday nights across the city, both before and after the early days of COVID-19.

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Home » Blog » 34 Best Podcasts For A Road Trip

34 Best Podcasts For A Road Trip

It’s a lot of fun to drive across the open road, especially if you’ve got the right car ride entertainment! For a long trip, a podcast can be way more interesting than just listening to a music playlist. Podcasts are audio-based episodic shows with usually one or two primary hosts. For the most part, episodes are released on a weekly schedule and often feature new guests regularly. Because they’re spoken shows, they allow you to listen to their content while doing pretty much anything else. That’s why they’re perfect for road trips!

As someone that has taken a lot of long road trips, for example, this cross country road trip where I visited every National Park in the USA , I know firsthand that it can get tough to be on the open road for several hours at a time. Long periods of silence can make your trip feel more draining and mundane. What’s the solution? Car ride entertainment! Sure, we’ve got the OG radio, good old audiobooks, and some fiery music playlists. Personally, I think it’s time to switch things up and find podcasts that are entertaining in a more well-rounded kind of way.

A podcast is one of my favorite ways to pass the time when I’m driving. These shows are entertaining, informative, and often inspiring! There are typically tons of episodes in the most well-known podcasts too. So you never run out of content to enjoy, and can even get really invested in the story or hosts. That’s why today’s post is dedicated to the best podcasts for a road trip. Keep reading for the ultimate open road podcast roundup! 

Disclaimer : This blog post may feature some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers. Learn more about my affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

All of the shows below are well known and continue to add new episodes on a very regular basis. So you can be sure that no matter when you find this post, or when your trip is, you’ll have content to enjoy from these podcasts. I hope you enjoy the list whether it’s on your next road trip or even on your next commute to work. If you need some inspiration planning your next adventure, be sure to check out the Ultimate US National Parks Bucket List for some must visit stops on your next road trip.

The Best Travel and Outdoor podcasts

My solo road.

My Solo Road is a podcast by the wonderful Sydney Ferbrache! Sydney shares honest stories about van life as a solo female and the hurdles that come with traveling solo. Through the ups and the downs, her life on the road is filled with laughter, learning and lots of dogs. Follow along with her adventures and get inspired by the stories she shares. Listen to my episode with Sydney from May 2021!

Brought to you by Backpacker Magazine, the Out Alive Podcast is a series on survival. Each episode shares tales of adventures gone wrong (think hungry wildlife, scary avalanches) and the people who survived. Expect to be amazed by some of these incredible tales and you might even learn a few safety tips to take along on your next adventure to feel more prepared.

Women & The Wilderness Podcast

Women & The Wilderness is brought to you by Hannah Rheaume. This podcast shares stories about women and their connection to the outdoors. There are so many inspiring stories about how the outdoors has changed lives! I’ve been so lucky to be on Hannah’s podcast not once, but twice! Listen to my episode with Hannah from March 2021 where we talk about my National Parks Road Trip , backpacking solo, and what life is like with a busy traveling schedule. In my most recent episode from March 2022, Hannah and I chat about the ups and downs that come with owning a home, buying a van, what it’s like to travel internationally in the post Covid world, and how I handle the inevitable negativity that comes with social media.

The Thoughtful Travel Podcast

The Thoughtful Travel Podcast is a show for travel lovers hosted by Amanda Kendle. Each episode is packed with travel stories from fellow travel addicts on topics like using foreign languages, meeting the locals, getting lost, and what we learn from our travels. You’ll find everything from real stories in very specific locations, to general travel tips and ways of thinking about traveling, to ethical and sustainable ways of seeing the world. There is truly something for every kind of travel lover in this podcast.

Women Who Travel Podcast

The Women Who Travel Podcast is brought to you by Condé Nast Traveler. The episodes range from tips women share about traveling solo and how travel has changed during the pandemic to exploring food and literature while traveling. There are even quite a few episodes with celebrities! Listen to my episode from August 2019 where I share more about returning to “normal” life after seven months on the road.

The Offbeat Life

In The Offbeat Life , your fearless host Debbie Arcangeles shares her journey and life stories as a location-independent being. Yep, Debbie ditched her home to live a life on the road and now interviews other individuals who ditched the norm in order to become Location Independent. On the show they discuss finding purpose, defining moments that led them to change their lives, overcoming setbacks, how they create income from their passions while working online and becoming remote entrepreneurs. This one is incredibly inspiring and showcases a lifestyle that most travel enthusiasts already live or dream of living!

The Stokecast

The Stokecast is a podcast for anyone who is passionate about the outdoors and finding adventure. Its host, Jonathan Ronzio, interviews adventurers, outdoor athletes, and entrepreneurs about how they built their lifestyles and careers whilst in the pursuit of adventure, purpose, and stoke! My husband and I were interviewed on The Stokecast back in 2019 – click here to listen to our episode!

Travel Tales by AFAR

This award-winning travel podcast is too good to be left out of this list! Travel Tales by Afar explores the tales of people who took off on a journey and came back transformed for good. We all know that traveling can be life-changing, but this show is here to remind us of it! Every story tells about a specific trip and its purpose, letting us know the reason behind that adventure. I mean, it’s perfect for road trips! It’s also family-friendly and 100% binge-able. The episodes are shorter than 20 minutes, so it’s a nice listen for in-between destinations during a busy day on the open road. With such bite-sized and motivating stories, you’ll never want to tune off! 

Between the Mountains Adventure Podcast

The Between the Mountains Adventure Podcast is a must-listen adventure travel series hosted by Chris Kilworth. These episodes cover everything from ski mountaineering in Patagonia to road trips in Tasmania to exploring one of the world’s most dangerous jungles. Be sure to listen to my episode with Chris and you might find yourself adding to your always growing bucket list or turning on to the road less travelled.

A Girls Guide to Travelling Alone

Gemma Thompson is the host of this weekly podcast on all things worldly adventures. The Girl’s Guide to Traveling Alone Podcast explores the reality of being a female solo traveler. We all know this comes with its fair share of challenges, no matter how experienced you are. And Gemma does a great job at showcasing both the good and the bad while still inspiring listeners to get out there and explore the world! She also covers diverse topics such as traveling with kids and mental health days while on a trip. The show often features unique guests who have traveled all over the world and can bring an interesting perspective! The episodes are usually around the half an hour mark, making them the perfect length for a break from your road trip music playlist. 

Unfiltered Adventures

Brought to you by California natives Giselle and Stephen, Unfiltered Adventures is a fantastic listen for anyone who loves travel and adventure. They share honest experiences about popular destinations and interview some really fun guests. If you travel with a partner, you won’t want to skip this one! You can listen to my episode with Giselle and Stephen here . We chat about traveling as a couple, what it’s like to live and work with your partner, and what it’s like to be a woman in the outdoor space.

True crime podcasts 

Wine & crime.

True crime podcasts are everyone’s guilty pleasure! No matter if you’re cleaning the car, packing your bags, researching a travel itinerary, or driving on the open road, Wine & Crime is the ultimate true crime show for travelers. The hosts are three childhood friends (Kenyon, Lucy, and Amanda) with a snarky sense of humour that goes perfect with a little gore and murder. Each episode of this long-running show covers new true crime topics over a few glasses of wine. It’s fun, it’s gorey, and it’s fantastic for the open road. With more than 240 episodes, you’ll be tempted to binge the entire podcast if you have a long trip ahead! 

Scam Goddess

If true crime sounds a little too gruesome for your taste, Scam Goddess is the show you need to try! Hosted by Laci Mosley, this podcast is dedicated to fraud and all those who practice it. You can expect some of the craziest scam stories bound to make you laugh and low-key amaze at the same time! The episodes tend to be longer than an hour, so you’ll sure be entertained for a while. There’s also a few of your favorite comedians as guests every other week! These deep dives into fraudulent anecdotes are the perfect mixture between true crime and comedy content. 

This is one of the most popular, well-known, fan-favorite murder mystery podcasts. In the series Serial , your podcast host Sarah Koenig tells one true story per season. The first season is definitely the most popular season. It tells the story of Hae Min Lee, a popular high-school senior, who disappears after school one day. Adnan Syed, her ex boyfriend is eventually convicted for her murder. He says he’s innocent, and the twists and turns of the case are absolutely riveting. There is now a second season on the story of Bowe Bergdahl, a prisoner of war in Afghanistan, and a third season which explores the criminal justice system as a whole through everyday ordinary cases in Cleveland to uncover the troubling circumstances in American justice.

Deep Dives into American history

Revisionist history by malcolm gladwell.

What’s better than a little history while cruising through the open road? For all history lovers, Revisionist History is one heck of a road trip podcast. You probably know Malcolm Gladwell because of his crazy bestselling books. So why not join him for a podcast episode as well? This show is all about re-examining history from a unique point of view. This can be an art piece, an idea, a particular event, or an outstanding person! The episodes are usually a little over half an hour and riveting enough to leave you already waiting for the next one. 

Ridiculous History

If serious deep dives into American history aren’t quite your thing, I have something else for you. Ridiculous History is for those of you who enjoy a good mix of comedy and learning material! This podcast explores the most random and weirdest things that happened in the history of human civilization. Hosted by Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown, this weekly podcast is perfect if you have older kids who want to expand their curiosity. The episodes last for an hour or so, so you can definitely binge them if you have a long trip ahead! 

Fiction Podcasts

This kid-friendly and lighthearted fiction show is great for some family fun! Storynory gives a twist to traditional fairy tales and stories from around the world. With the inclusion of some original characters and the participation of professional voice actors, this show is a must for any family road trip. Every single one of these audio stories is inspiring and wholesome. Even more, they’re bite-sized and easy to binge while on a long trip. Both adults and kids will enjoy this fiction podcast! 

Any college anecdote lovers out there? This is the show for anyone who wants a hilarious fictional story to laugh with while driving on the open road. Holy Sh!t tells the story of two best friends who move away for college and try to keep in touch, even though their lives become wildly different. Told over WhatsApp voice memos, this is a tale of sex, love, betrayal, funny situations, and… God. Definitely not kid-friendly, though! So far, there are ten 15-minute episodes ready for you to binge. So go ahead and join the girly fun! 

If dystopian stories are your thing, you’ll love The Oyster . Things get real on this show! We’re fast-tracked to the future where the Earth is on the brink of becoming inhabitable because of climate change. And only 80% of the world’s population will be granted access to underground shelters. Because of this, every human has installed a microchip on their body to track their progress and levels of usefulness for society. If the trials determine they’re 50% or more useful, they get to be saved. If not, they’ll have to face doom on the surface. 

I know, this sounds like an amazing and moving story. Because it is! The episodes are around 40 minutes long and completely captivating. You’ll 100% binge this one! Though you’ll be better off downloading the show in advance though, as I explain in my post about the best road trip tips for first-timers . So grab a coffee, get behind the wheel, and press play!

Celebrity Centered Podcasts

Eat, pray, britney.

As you may have heard lately, Britney Spears has been held under an oppressive conservatorship since 2008. She has been forced to work, tour, write albums, perform, and so much more, all while being deemed unable to make her own decisions. Her father Jamie, has been in control of her finances, estate, ability to leave her home unaccompanied, lawyers, medication, and more. Eat, Pray, Britney follows the story and legalities of Britney’s conservatorship, legal battle to regain her independence, and the #FreeBritney Movement.

Missing Richard Simmons

You probably remember Richard Simmons for his over-the-top personality, fitness genius, and for being one of the most accessible celebrities for fans and fitness enthusiasts. However what you might not know or remember is that on February 15, 2014, Richard Simmons completely vanished. He stopped teaching his regular exercise class at Slimmons, cut off his closest friends, and removed himself from the public eye. Since that day in February 2014, nobody has heard from him and no one knows why he left. Missing Richard Simmons goes down the rabbit hole of why Simmons could have left society, where he might be, and whether he’s coming back or not.

Juicy Scoop

If you’re into Celebrity gossip and getting the nitty gritty details of all things Hollywood, Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald is the show for you! Your host Heather is a top stand up comedian, wife and mother of 3, and loves diving into juicy pop culture. From all things Hollywood, celebrity romances, Bravo TV to her real-life drama, Heather tackles the juiciest and most controversial topics. Heather asks the most juicy questions during her interviews. She totally gets deep in there and asks about everything you truly want to know.

Pop culture, variety, and comedy podcasts

Things i got wrong at trivia.

If you have kids with you, this kid-friendly and hilarious show is perfect! Trivia podcasts are great for long trips with friends and family because of how dynamic and engaging they can be. You’ll even have some friendly competition among your fellow travelers! The Things I Got Wrong at Trivia Podcast is hosted by Ryan Bott, Rachel Miller, and Stuart Hopkins. This trio of hosts is absolutely hilarious and they carry this part podcast, part game show with humor, sarcasm, and a lighthearted atmosphere. Don’t worry, this is not the type of trivia where dark and ancient questions are asked. Just a lot of pop culture, media fun, and internet knowledge is necessary to win! 

What We Said

The What We Said Podcast is brought to you by Jaci Smith and Chelsey Curtis. Health, business, relationships, and life… nothing is off the table for when these two are on the microphone. They even have a full episode each month dedicated as an advice column where they read fans’ and friends’ stories and offer heartfelt advice. You’ll feel like you’re hanging out with two of your best friends after you listen to these episodes.

Her Life By Design

Her Life by Design is a podcast by the talented entrepreneur / girl-boss Christina Galbato. Curious about influencer marketing and having a career online? Christina covers it all and speaks with many incredible, ambitious women. You can even learn more about my story as a travel photographer and blogger in my episode from February 2020. Caution – you will likely leave feeling motivated and ready to smash the glass ceiling!

TSC Him & Her

If you’re looking for something with a little bit of everything, the Him & Her Podcast is a great listen. Michael Bosstick & Lauryn Evarts Bosstick host this show with weekly episodes featuring special guests from every industry. From health and wellness, to celebrities, reality TV stars, authors, influencers, business owners, doctors, beauty gurus, & more. There is truly something for everyone here. With inspiring conversations that will motivate you to take your own passion projects or career to the next level, this podcast does not disappoint.

The Ali Kolbert Show

Comedy podcasts are a classic! Whether you need to lighten the mood, have a laugh, or simply listen to some hilarious advice, The Ali Kolbert Show is here to help make your car ride smoother. The hosts are comedian Ali Kolbert and her younger sister Jackie. This pair is pure dynamite when it comes to complaining and laughing at everyday occurrences! The episodes vary in length from 30 minutes to almost an hour. Still, you’ll always want more! If you’re taking a long trip like this epic cross-country adventure to every US National Park , the temptation to binge every single episode will be unparalleled. 

PS You’re Wrong: A Pop Culture Podcast

Pop culture podcasts have become increasingly popular over the years. And this show is no exception! With over 270 episodes, PS You’re Wrong: A Pop Culture Podcast is a long-running and successful show. The dynamic between its hosts, Shelby and Matt, is fresh, humorous, and quirky. This pair loves to spill the tea! They won’t hesitate to tell you their truth about the trendiest moments of the year and run with it far, far away. From movies, TV shows, internet sensations, guilt pleasure musts, and celebrity gossip, this podcast’s got you covered on all things pop culture! 

Wellness Podcasts

Healthier together.

Healthier Together is brought to you by the wonderful Liz Moody, longtime journalist and cookbook author. Guests on her show explore self-love, financial health, our relationships with food and alcohol, and way more. Truly, no topic is off the table! In regular Ask The Doctor segments Liz shares really fascinating health hacks that are backed up by science to make you feel your best, both on the road or at home! You’ll pick up a few tricks to staying healthy and happy while traveling when you listen to my episode on the Healthier Together Podcast .

The Heal Podcast

The HEAL Podcast is a continuation of the absolutely viral HEAL documentary and HEAL book. Kelly Noonan Gores, is on a mission to find out the true extent of human potential and healing. So she continues the conversation from the book and podcast by interviewing leading doctors, scientists, spiritual teachers, and healers around the globe. She also interviews real people with remarkable healing stories who have turned around supposedly incurable diseases. HEAL will inspire and empower you to take ownership of your own healing. You’ll learn the knowledge, tools, awareness, and a strong belief that almost anything is possible when it comes to healing. 

The Balanced Life Podcast

The Balanced Life Podcast is a space of honest conversation curated by Robin Long. You will learn how setting boundaries, doing less, and saying no more can actually help you achieve more and feel more balanced. Episodes range from ten minutes to an hour, and she even shares some quick meditations to help you feel more grounded. These are a great way to start a long day on the road! In my episode with Robin we discuss staying organized to be more efficient, overcoming feelings of inadequacy, and working closely alongside your partner while keeping your romantic and work lives separate and happy!

Mind Body Green Podcast

You’ve probably heard of Mind Body Green before if you’re in the Wellness space. They are a staple go-to for all things related to health and wellness. The Mind Body Green podcast features host Jason Wachob, founder & co-CEO of Mind Body Green, engaging in open, honest conversations with the people shaping the world of well-being. You’ll totally expand your thinking when it comes to topics like how sleep is impacted by light, hormone imbalances, neurohacking, and even survival safety skills like how to tell if water is safe to drink.

The Art of Being Well

While you’re on the road you might be interested in learning more about overall wellness and health. The host of The Art of Being Well Podcast , Dr. Will Cole, is a leading functional-medicine expert and best-selling author. He has consulted thousands of people around the world on their health journey. While you’re driving you can learn exciting ways for you to nurture your body, spirit, mind, and relationships. Honestly, you’ll definitely get some ideas for self-care and wellness while on the road as well!

If you haven’t heard of Gabby Bernstein, get excited because she is absolutely incredible and beyond inspiring. Dear Gabby is a weekly show where this #1 New York Times bestselling author and international speaker offers real-time coaching, straight talk, and BIG LOVE. Episodes include unscripted Q&A sessions where she coaches listeners through life-changing transformations, plus free-flowing conversations about personal growth and spirituality with unique and inspiring guests. I love this one for traveling on the road because there is no better time to reconnect with yourself and your spiritual side than while driving through beautiful landscapes or spending time in nature.

What are your favorite podcasts for road trips?

Those are my ultimate favorite podcasts to listen to while on a road trip! Any of these shows are perfect for a long trip on the open road. No matter if you’re alone, with friends, your partner, or your entire family, you can binge these podcasts to keep you entertained. So give them a try and tell me what you think! If you have any podcasts to recommend, definitely leave them in the comments below. I hope to add to this list both for my personal road trip audio listening experience and for you guys of course as well! Also, remember to head over to the Road Trips section of the blog for more advice for the open road. Happy podcast listening!

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One comment on “ 34 Best Podcasts For A Road Trip ”

An interesting podcast I listen to is Cult or Just Weird, where a couple, Chris and Kayla explore various organizations, people, etc. to determine if they are a cult or just weird in what they do. They are dynamic in their presentation, cover myriads of topics so I learn a lot. It is quite entertaining, with lots of humor. I have been listening for several years.

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10 Movie Death Fakeouts That Shocked Everyone

15 movie actors who were asked back for sequels & refused, 10 most influential directors of the 1990s & their most iconic movies & tv shows.

It was recently announced by Twitter that the social media giant will be offering podcast services. The podcasts will integrate into their services using their Spaces tab , where podcasters will be able to publish audio conversations to be shared and listened to on the Twitter app.

With Twitter opening up for podcast streaming, road-trippers have even more options to find podcasts to listen to during their travels. A popular way to pass the time on road trips, podcasts can keep drivers and passengers engaged and awake while on the open road.

The Secret Room

The Secret Room , hosted by Ben Hamm, is a series of stories told by guests who have a secret they would like to share. The secrets range from interviewees' experiences with cults to strange addictions and antics such as shoplifting. Each episode has a new interviewee, and they tend to be just regular people, not celebrities.

Related: Top 10 Podcasts About Romance Novels

Listening to various people spill their interesting secrets makes for a great way to pass the time on road trips. The Secret Room has over 170 episodes to its name, and each one lasts more than an hour, giving travelers plenty of secrets to listen in on during their adventures.

Duncan Trussell Family Hour

Hosted by the titular stand-up comic and actor, the Duncan Trussell Family Hour sees Duncan Trussell interview a variety of figures about various topics in philosophy, religion, entertainment, and more. Trussell also utilizes these interviews in his show The Midnight Gospel , a television adaptation of the podcast .

With over 500 episodes, including some that are over two hours long, the Duncan Trussell Family Hour is a perfect podcast for a road trip. The podcast keeps occupants of the car awake and intrigued by various entertaining interviewees, such as Lily Reinhart and Damien Echols, while having enough episodes of length to last the entire drive and more.

The Only One In The Room

Inspired by a writers retreat where she was the only Black woman in a room of 600 writers, author Laura Cathcart Robbins started a podcast to allow individuals to share their stories of when they felt othered. The Only One in The Room has a wide variety of guests, from abuse survivors to goths to swingers.

With fourteen seasons and counting having been released by Robbins, The Only One in The Room has plenty of content for road trippers to listen to. Episodes range from quick interviews of 20 minutes to over an hour, giving listeners who might get bored with longer episodes a variety to choose from.

Scam Goddess

Hosted by Laci Mosley, Scam Goddess delves into the world of fraud. The podcast explores a wide variety of fraudulent crimes, from cryptocurrency scams to fake art. Episodes also take a look at both current happenings in the scamming world as well as diving into historical scams and their outcomes.

Related: The 10 Best Sports Podcasts, According To Reddit Scam Goddess keeps listeners enthralled and has enough episodes to fill even the longest of drives. Episodes tend to be right around an hour long, allowing road trippers to get a good variety of scamming knowledge in throughout their adventure.

Behind The Bastards

An investigation into the most villainous the human race has to offer in history, Behind The Bastards explores the nitty-gritty of history's evilest individuals. Each deep dive looks past what is commonly known about these dastardly people, exploring the interesting odd facts, such as Saddam Hussein's romance novels.

Each Behind The Bastards dive consists of multiple episodes chronicling a specific individual or group. These episodes tend to be over an hour, making each exploration a multi-hour fest perfect for long road trips. Depending on the person road-trippers choose to learn about, their entire drive could be an extended look at one historical villain.

Things I Got Wrong At Trivia

An award-winning general trivia podcast, Things I Got Wrong at Trivia brings a creative and narrative spin on trivia. The show consists of the three hosts giving each other a variety of trivia questions that explore a wide range of topics, from Disney to math to vocabulary.

Unsurprisingly best for travelers who love trivia, Things I Got Wrong At Trivia will keep listeners engaged and guessing throughout their drive, even allowing passengers to compete with each other using the point system the hosts use. The podcast has over 80 episodes that are each around an hour long, giving road-trippers plenty of interesting and unusual factoids to get them through their trip.

Ologies With Alie Ward

Hosted by science correspondent Alie Ward, Ologies is a deep dive into a wide array of scientific topics and phenomena. In each episode, Ward interviews a different expert in a specific field in the science world about their work, allowing listeners to learn about unique sciences they might not have even heard of prior.

Related: 10 Podcasts Marvel Fans Have To Listen To With plenty of episodes that last well over an hour, Ologies is the perfect podcast to keep science-interested road-trippers engaged and learning throughout their drive. The podcast also has a wide variety of fields that it discusses, giving listeners an array to choose from to find something that will capture them and keep them awake and engaged on the road.

Hidden Brain

A part of the NPR family, Hidden Brain is an educational podcast hosted by Shankar Vedantam that explores human behavior. Vedantam looks at various phenomena in human behavior from a scientific perspective, often inviting guest experts to help explain these behaviors in a storytelling manner.

With a large catalog of episodes ranging from a half-hour to an hour, Hidden Brain is perfect for psychologically-focused road-trippers looking to binge episodes about behavior. Vedantam employs story-telling narration in each episode, making them easy listens for passengers and keeping them engaged throughout their drive.

Hosted by three beloved comics—Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes— SmartLess is a mix of guest celebrity interviews sprinkled with comedy. The shows start out with banter between the three actors before shifting to an interview with an entertaining guest, such as Jimmy Fallon or Kristen Wiig.

With a bevy of hilarious conversations and never-before-heard celeb tidbits about their guests, SmartLess makes for an easy and fun listen for road-trippers. The episodes tend to be over an hour as well, giving listeners long and engaging talks with their favorite celebrities to listen to for their drive.

Based in the Bay Area, Ear Hustle looks into the lives of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals living in the United States. The podcast gives listeners a look into the prison system of the US from the inside, as well as a view of the reintegration process for those who have served their time.

Launched in 2017, Ear Hustle has amassed a large catalog of episodes chronicling the life of prison inmates. Episode range from around a half hour to over an hour, allowing road trippers to vary their story length to keep interest at the maximum while learning about first-hand experience within the US incarceration system on their drive.

Next: Top 10 Best Book Podcasts Focused On Horror

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The 15 best road trip podcasts

You’re racking up some big miles, you’re done with the radio – here are the best podcasts for a big road trip

What is a quintessential road trip podcast? To be honest, there’s no real answer: the best podcast for a road trip is whatever you feel like listening to on your road trip. Still, it doesn’t hurt to have a bit of inspiration, and as a rule, you’re probably after something fun and light rather than difficult and challenging. So that’s what we’ve gone for here, a mix of upbeat music podcasts, gripping stories, big old belly laughs and fascinating trivia. All of them should at the very least keep your mind stimulated and your eyes open as you’re racking up the miles. Safe travels, and keep on podcastin’!

RECOMMENDED: 🎧  The best podcasts to listen to right now 🎶 The best podcasts on Spotify 🔪  The best true crime podcasts 😂  The best comedy podcasts 🏃  The best motivational podcasts ✊  The best political podcasts

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best road trip podcasts, ranked

Desert island discs.

Okay, the word ‘podcast’ had emphatically not been invented when ‘Desert Island Discs’ launched. Or, indeed, 50 years later. Running since 1942, the BBC’s iconic long-runner features a guest chatting about their life while choosing eight songs that mean something to them, plus the luxury item they’d take if stranded on a hypothetical desert island. It is a simple formula made a winner by the show’s brilliant hosts over the years, and the exceptional calibre of guests, who run the gamut from interesting business figures to huge celebrities. Savvily, the episodes are made available on Apple and Spotify as de facto podcasts, with many classic editions from the vaults nestling up to the new ones. Mixing interesting names with big tunes and a vast archive, there’ll be something fun for your road trip guaranteed here.

Renegades: Born in the USA

Nothing says ‘drivetime’ like Bruce Springsteen. Probably you’ve cranked out ‘Born to Run’ five times already on your road trip. But if you’re going for a more contemplative vibe, you can still enjoy The Boss via this luxury limited-edition podcast that sees him in conversation with the even more famous Barack Obama. ‘Renegades’ is a series of musings on life, the universe and the American Dream, with lashings of music chat inevitably in the mix. Yes, it’s liberal elite babyboomerism writ large. But it’s bloody classy.

A Very Fatal Murder

Sometimes a laugh is all you need to pass the miles away: this deathlessly funny parody of true crime podcasts from The Onion is, straight up, a hoot. It follows David Pascall, a New York City reporter who uses an algorithm to determine which small town he should head to to find a hot dead girl he can make a lengthy podcast series about. It only ran for one series, but ‘A Very Fatal Murder’ is a pin-sharp parody of ‘Serial’ et al that should enliven even the most tedious journey, regardless of whether you personally are into true crime.

Song Exploder

Nothing says ‘road trip’ like blasting a few tunes, but technically that’s a radio show, not a podcast. However, there are lots of great podcasts *about* music, one of the foremost of which is ‘Song Exploder’. Hosted by Hrishikesh Hirway, it’s a deceptively simple concept: for each edition, an artist talks us through the creative process behind one of their songs and… that’s it. Insightful and varied, with a good mix of legacy greatest hits and contemporary songs from cutting edge artists, the 20-minute-episodes are long enough to feel like you’ve learned something, but short enough to feel like you’re flipping between songs. It’s as much about learning to appreciate something new as geeking over a classic.

No Such Thing as a Fish

If keeping the brain teased and stimulated is your goal on a lengthy trip, look no further than ‘No Such Thing As a Fish’, the weekly podcast from the ‘QI Elves’ (aka the researchers for the long-running trivia-based UK game show ‘QI’). Essentially each edition features the rotating cast of presenters - usually four per show - going to bat for their favourite fact that they’ve unearthed that week. The results are inevitably gloriously outlandish, amusingly useless, and utterly fascinating.

You don’t want road trip podcasts to be overly challenging. SmartLess may not be dumb, but it’s the podcast equivalent of a big glossy summer blockbuster, as A-lister hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnott entertainingly shoot the breeze with their A-lister guests. There is a nominal conceit based on the fact that until the show starts the identity of the week’s guest is unknown to two of the three hosts. But that’s not really something you need to get hung up on. The appeal is the massive guests - pretty much as big as it gets - plus the undeniable easy, breezy, multimillion-dollar charm of the hosts.

The Trojan Horse Affair

If you want something a bit more nitty and gritty to dig into on a long journey, why not hook yourself up to the big zeitgeisty podcast of the year. From the makers of ‘Serial’, ‘The Trojan Horse Affair’ is a very deep dive into the titular British scandal, wherein an anonymous letter was sent to a Birmingham city councillor regarding a supposed plot by Islamic extremists to take over the city’s schools, leading to an Islamophobic scare and various toughenings of the law. But an in-depth investigation from reporters Hamza Syad and Brian Reed suggests a thoroughly dubious story behind the letter and the reforms carried out in its name.

The Lovecraft Investigations

Engrossing, accessible, funny and terrifying, Julian Simpson’s brilliant BBC trilogy of HP Lovecraft adaptations - that’s ‘The Strange Case of Charles Dexter Ward’, ‘The Whisperer in Darkness’ and ‘The Shadow Over Innsmouth’ - are binge-listing heaven. Rather than straight adaptations of Lovecraft’s early-twentieth-century cosmic horror stories, they’re modernised as a series of faux true-crime podcasts called ‘Mystery Machine’, in which intrepid hosts Matthew Heawood and Kennedy Fischer investigate a series of unusual cold cases that bring them into contact with beings beyond the scope of human comprehension.

Dolly Parton’s America

In this divided era, you’d still seriously struggle to find anybody who doesn’t think Dolly Parton is a living saint. And if you like the country music queen without being entirely sure of her story, this delightful podcast series tells you at length. It’s presented by Jad Abumrad, a US radio host who found out his father is a passing acquaintance of Parton’s and successfully parlayed it into getting access to the country music legend for an affable and energetic series that delves into everything from the enduring power of the song ‘Jolene’ to the delights of her Dollywood theme park.

Things I Got Wrong at Trivia

Billing itself as ‘a pub quiz with friends’, ‘Things I Got Wrong at Trivia’ is a smart but slick trivia-based quiz show in which a posse of question-setting pals attempt to challenge each other - and by extension, us - with a series of tricky but never boring questions. Crafted with love, there are only a couple made a month, but they’re always top quality and feature a host of thoughtful cultural recommendations alongside the quizzing fun.

Another easy, breezy podcast, ‘Newcomers’ basically sees loud, loquacious hosts Lauren Lapkus and Nicole Boyer delve into some film series or other pop-cultural monolith that they’ve allegedly never seen before and do a deep dive with the aid of an expert guest who acts as their guide. Presented in lengthy themed ‘series’ - eg ‘Lord of the Rings’, ‘The Fast and the Furious’ and in 2022, the MCU - the odds are that you the listener are already reasonably acquainted with whatever’s being discussed. that is a large part of the fun, as is Lapkus and Boyer’s game willing to go really deep - their ‘LOTR’ adventures included listening to the 1978 radio version, and even trying their hands at Dungeons & Dragons.

Another really meaty drama in podcast form, ‘Homecoming’ is a serial thriller that features a proper celebrity cast headed by Catherine Keener, Oscar Isaac and David Schwimmer. The short, punchy, expensively wrought episodes follow the story of Keener’s Heidi, a caseworker from an experimental facility treating psychologically damaged combat veterans, including Isaac’s Walther Cruz. ‘Homecoming’ is some years old now and begat a TV series of the same name with an even starrier cast. That probably outstayed its welcome: the OG ‘Homecoming’ is white knuckle perfection.

Ask Us Anything

Another fun trivia podcast, this time from the American magazine Popular Science, the USP here is that rather than the more traditional format of nerds bringing in their own obscure duelling factoids to the table, here listeners pose questions that host Claire Maldarelli and producer Jess Boddy must answer. It’s a simple idea, but thanks to the thoughtfulness, thoroughness and - naturally - good humour brought to bear, even the weirdest enquires yield rewarding answers. Did food taste better 50 years ago? What does space smell like? Find out here!

This murder mystery podcast has its origins on Snapchat of all places, where the interactive features of the multimedia messaging app allowed followers to take a stab at solving dozens of imagined murder mysteries. Clearly, you can’t do that with a podcast, but the excellent season one of ‘Solve’ (the podcast) featured a different murder each week, with a clue-laden first section followed by a break for listeners to try and figures out who they think did it - perfect for a bit of back and forth with your travel companions on a long journey.

Questlove Supreme

Drummer for The Roots and all-around genial dude Questlove has a delightful music-based podcast, perfect for whiling away the miles. The format of what Questlove describes as ‘a Black, nerd version of NPR’ is pretty simple: he chats –geekily, but entertainingly – with some big musical icon or other about their life and times. What makes it really stand out is the intensive research he does – he reckons he listens to about 200 songs per episode – and the accompanying, integrated mixtape is what really elevates the show. It’s very much based on Questlove’s hip-hop and soul-based musical tastes, but while it’s maybe not going to be a destination for, say, metal fanatics, it’s a very classy listen.

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The Best Podcasts to Fill Road Trips and Long Flights

No matter your circumstances, downloading a good podcast before setting out for a road trip should be as routine as checking the pressure on your tires. After all, we are in the Golden Age of podcasting, which means there is a bounty of shows to help you pass the time when you're on the open road—whether you’re headed cross-country to Las Vegas or Dollywood and it’s salacious entertainment talk that you seek, or bound for a family get together a state or two away and need a friendly voice to supplement your road trip companion. Here, a few shows to get you started, including deep dives on juicy gossip, laugh-out-loud cultural takes, and memorable interviews with A-listers.

I’ve been a Toaster for over five years and still can’t get enough. There’s a new episode every Monday through Friday, so it’s the perfect light-hearted companion for my hour-long commute to work, daily outdoor walks, and road trips. It’s hosted by sisters Claudia Oshry (better known on Instagram as Girl With No Job) and Jackie Oshry, and together they deliver the Fast Five: the top five stories of the day, breaking down everything you need to know from pop culture to business news to McDonald’s newest McFlurry flavor. The Oshry sisters are smart, hilarious, and have a unique jive that’s unlike any other podcast I’ve binged. — Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor  

Normal Gossip

It's a beautiful thing to become privy to gossip with which you have nothing to do: Who sent something intended for one pair of eyes only to a Disney World group chat ? Who pretended to be poor when, really, they were rich ? What did you hear through the thin walls of your miserable apartment ? On Normal Gossip, host Kelsey McKinney invites a guest to discuss juicy gossip submitted by listeners. It's completely anonymous and completely fun, with an archive of 40 hour-long episodes plus new ones dropping weekly making this perfect for a cross-country binge. — Charlie Hobbs, editorial assistant

How I Built This There’s no better kick in the pants than binging on the success stories of the entrepreneurs featured in this beloved podcast. Host Guy Raz is a delightful interviewer and his Q&As are both inspiring and humanizing—a good reminder that even billionaires like  Airbnb’s Joe Gebbia or  James Dyson , of vacuum cleaner fame, put their pants on one leg at a time. Most episodes follow a rollercoaster arc that rises, falls, and rises again on the ingenuity and problem-solving skills of its star businesspeople. The biggest takeaway, of course, is a nugget we could all stand to remember: If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. —Ashlea Halpern, contributor

For proper storytelling

Last summer I had a nine-hour drive home from the Ontario lakes to New York City with my sister and her fiancé. We wanted to burn through the journey with an engaging, narrative podcast that would fill the time, and went searching for something vaguely about “Canada.” Wild Boys delivered, and we were captivated for at least seven consecutive hours. Let me give you a preview, from the podcast’s own description: “Two strange brothers, Will and Tom Green, blow into a small Canadian town, telling an unbelievable story about their upbringing. The community, led by a hockey Mom named Tami, rallies to help them. But the boys have a secret.” I mean, hit play already! — Megan Spurrell, senior editor

A not-so-great Netflix show about  The Watcher house in New Jersey got me into this (much-better) podcast last year, around the time when my partner and I started looking to buy property of our own in a historic part of Boston. It’s equal parts HGTV and true-crime stories, and tackles some of my longtime favorite legends, from the Conjuring witch house in Burrillville, Rhode Island, to the Mercer-Williams House murder in Savannah , Georgia. The focus is on the homes’ architectural histories, the people who lived in them, and a deep dive into factual reporting about the infamous stories of what happened in them—so deep that you might find yourself playing detective—alongside the editors of House Beautiful magazine, and often a guest or two who have a connection to the home or its story. — Shannon McMahon, destinations editor

For popular culture

Las Culturistas  

What  is  the culture that made you say, “Culture is for me?” That central question is answered most weeks by Matt Rogers and  Bowen Yang ’s guests—recent sit-downs feature Andy Cohen,  D’Arcy Carden , Melanie Lynskey, and Michelle Yeoh. But some of my favorite episodes of this weekly podcast, which first launched in 2016 (I started listening a few years ago after going to a live taping in New York City), are the ones with just Matt and Bowen—if you don’t know them by name, you’d recognize them from  Saturday Night Live ,  Fire Island , and  I Love That for You —shooting the breeze, catching up on all things culture: pop stars, reality TV, films, general life happenings. They’re hilarious, their takes on culture are so smart, and they cover an impressive breadth of content. Most episodes are over an hour, making them great to tune in to on road trips, train rides, or long commutes, too. If you’re new to the pod, start with May’s three-part Las Culturistas Culture Awards nomination special—it’ll have you laughing out loud at seminal categories like the ‘Slouching Toward Bethlehem Award for Chicest Book to Hold’ and ‘Meal We Should Have Gotten But Didn’t.’ — Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

This Had Oscar Buzz  

Stuck in Memorial Day traffic on my way out to Rhode Island from Connecticut a few weeks ago, desperate to pee but knowing any detour to do so would be punished by further time spent in the standstill, I needed a distraction. This podcast, hosted by entertainment writers Joe Reid and Chris Feil, kept my eyes on the road and my mind on the past, rather than a future in which I might imminently wet myself. I’ve long been a fan of  This Had Oscar Buzz , in which a typical episode sees Reid and Field perform a port-mortem on a film that failed to receive a single Academy Award nomination despite indications that it might. My drive benefited from a miniseries titled  100 Years, 100 Snubs  (styled after the various AFI lists of the same name). Here, Feil and Reid spend several episodes naming the snubs most atrocious to them since the awards’ inception (I agree with them most strongly on Michelle Pfeiffer for  Age of Innocence  and Jennifer Garner for  Juno ) and then choose somebody who  did  get nominated that year who they would kick out to make room. It’s thoughtful, a little mean, and very entertaining. — C.H.

99% Invisible Design aficionados and the insatiably curious alike have fallen for Roman Mars. His wildly popular, 30-to-45-minute weekly show seeks answers to questions most of us never think to ask, like “ What is the origin of the ring tone? ” and “ How did the cul-de-sac become the symbol of the suburbs ?” History, tech, infrastructure, objects, and sounds are all game for dissection—the more unexpected, the better. One surprising episode, for example, digs into  the spooky saga of the Ouija board ; another examines  the rise of the critically loathed American McMansion . —A.H.

Song Exploder So it turns out “Closing Time” isn’t just about last call in a bar. But you wouldn’t know that unless you heard  Dan Wilson , the songwriter behind the Grammy-winning Semisonic, breaking it down for “Song Exploder” host Hrishikesh Hirway. Each 20-minute episode in Hirway’s podcast series features one musician unpacking the nuts-and-bolts of a single song: how it came together, what it meant then, and what it means today. From its debut breakdown of The Postal Service’s “ The District Sleeps Alone Tonight ,” the programming has leaned hard on millennial and Gen-X indie rock, but what’s most fun about the series is how it evolved, incorporating hip-hop (Ghostface Killah’s “ The Battlefield ”), pop (Carly Rae Jepsen’s “ When I Needed You ”), and even classical takes (Yo-Yo Ma’s “ Prelude, Cello Suite No. 1 in a G Major, by J.S. Bach ”). —A.H.

The Sporkful Dan Pashman is the force behind one of the smartest and most awarded foodcasts ever recorded. ( The Sporkful has swept prizes at the Beards, the Webbys, and the  Saveur Awards.) Each 15- to 30-minute episode is a kitchen-sink take, anchored by a playful interview with a YouTube star (cookbook author Claire Saffitz ), celebrity toque ( Jamie Oliver ), rising chef (Washington, D.C.’s  Kwame Onwuachi ), comedian ( Ronny Chieng ), or other grub-obsessed personality. Then, Pashman dives deep, exploring topics like the upside-down world of cannabis-infused edibles or bringing in heavyweight food-sci gurus like  Serious Eats’ Kenji Lopez-Alt for comment . But he also keeps it real, contemplating important food-related questions (“Should you tip for takeout?”) and offering practical tips, like how to make airline meals more palatable. —A.H.

WTF with Marc Maron Comedian Marc Maron has been podcasting since 2009, which makes him the Yoda of this particular audio world. Now on his 1,443rd episode, his roster of A-list guests would give any prime-time awards show a run for its money. In years past, Maron has chatted up Paul McCartney, Anjelica Huston, Hank Azaria, and  Barack Obama (in his garage, no less!), but it was his April 2010 and December 2011 interviews with the late Robin Williams and the late  Anthony Bourdain , respectively, that will stick with listeners for years to come. Equally humorous and darkly sobering, the men spoke frankly about the ravages of drug addiction, alcoholism, and fame. (If you want access to all of the  WTF with Marc Maron episodes, you'll have to sign up for  Stitcher Premium , as only some episodes are available on Apple Podcasts.) —A.H.

This article was originally published in September 2020. It has been updated with new information.  

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When you've got a long drive ahead of you, music isn't always enough. Podcasts are a road trip's best friend, and for good reason: a really well-done podcast can distract you for hours on end, keeping you engaged and simultaneously allowing you to drive safely for hundreds of miles. The only challenge, then, is finding enough quality podcast content so that you don't run out before you finish the drive.

The trick to most great podcasts is a compelling premise. Whether it's debunking theories around an unsolved murder, or exploring what goes on behind closed doors in another relationship, a good podcast helps you get closer to answering a question you've always wondered  — or maybe one that's never even occurred to you to begin with.

It can also help to have some variation with your listening content. If you enjoy true crime, you might want to add a helping of cultural analysis to your plate, or perhaps add some fiction to the docket as well. The more varied your podcast arsenal is, the more entertained you're guaranteed to be. You might enjoy yourself so much that you end up driving past your destination, just to get to the end of an episode. Crazier things have happened, after all — and you'll know this for certain once you get into some of these road trip-friendly podcasts.

1 The Dropout

The Dropout is a six-episode podcast about the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of medical technology company Theranos who now faces criminal charges for allegedly lying about the capacities of the company's health care technology. The podcast is the result of a three-year investigation by ABC News, and tracks Holmes' growth from early childhood to her years at Stanford to the stratospheric rise and downfall of Theranos. And yes, it also addresses all that controversy about Holmes' voice, too.

2 Gay Future

Gay Future asks you to consider a specific premise in the very first episode:

The year is 2062 and everyone is gay. A totalitarian government rules over what's left of North America to spread its insidious gay agenda. Humanity's only hope for a rebellion rests on the shoulders of a precocious teenage boy who harbors a dark secret: He's straight.

The self-proclaimed narrative sci-fi comedy series is fiction, but it'll pull you in so quickly that you might start to forget what's real and what's imagined. Throughout the six-episode first season, you'll travel along with characters in search of the Lost City of Straight, making intrepid trips through places like the Chloe Sevigny forest and more. And if you're not convinced yet, consider this: The podcast claims to be an adaptation of a "recently discovered, never released YA novel by Mike Pence."

1619 is an audio series by The New York Times that commemorates the 400th anniversary of the first arrival of a slave ship to America. The five-part series is at once wide-reaching and specific, deploying first-person and familial stories to depict the history and legacy of slavery in America. From the "birth of American music" to the longstanding, embedded racism in American medical institutions, this podcast serves as a groundbreaking education on the history of race in America.

4 Bear Brook

Bear Brook is a "podcast about a cold case that's changing how murders will be investigated forever." Specifically, the podcast unpacks the famous Bear Brook murders, also known as the Allenstown Four, in which two female bodies were found at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire, in 1985, and another two female bodies were found in 2000, though all four women are believed to have died around 1980. Fans of true crime will definitely find a home with this story — and for those who finish and want more, they can listen to Stranglehold , a podcast made by the producers of Bear Brook about the true stories behind the New Hampshire Primary.

5 Julie: The Unwinding Of The Miracle

What does it feel like to die? This podcast answers that question. Told from the perspective of the late Julie Yip-Williams as a companion to her posthumously released memoir, The Unwinding of the Miracle , this podcast gives readers an insight into the conversations, emotions, fears, and more that took place while Yip-Williams "watched herself die from Stage IV colon cancer."

For those who are a little afraid of such heavy subject matter, you might want to scroll through the reviews for the podcast before you opt out. One reviewer called the series "brilliant, funny, [and profound]," explaining, "[The podcast is] more inspiring than sad: how a creative mind documented and approached this challenge and left us all a gift."

Most podcast aficionados have, at the very least, heard of Serial , and just as many have likely argued about the subject of the first season for the podcast . But what others might not know is that there are two additional seasons after the one that tackled the case of Adnan Syed, and each of them are every bit as engrossing as the first.

Season 2 of Serial covers the story of Bowe Bergdahl, a soldier who was captured by a Taliban group after he deserted his post in 2009. Season 3 of the show takes a different narrative approach, eschewing one long story for many: It covers the "extraordinary stories of ordinary [courthouse] cases," all from one court in Ohio. All three seasons are narrated by Sarah Koenig.

7 In The Dark

The first season of In the Dark chronicles the 1989 abduction and murder of a child named Jacob Wetterling in Minnesota, which would soon become one of the "most notorious child abductions in the country." The second season of the podcast covers a different aspect of apparent criminal injustice: It tells the story of Curtis Flowers, a man on death row who has "maintained his innocence" for 20 years, won "appeal after appeal, but every time, the prosecutor just tries the case again." The show asks, "Why does the justice system ignore the prosecutor's record and keep Flowers on death row?" You'll have to listen to learn the answer.

8 Last Seen

Last Seen explores the mystery behind the largest unsolved art heist in human history. The 1990 disappearance of 13 pieces of art from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston has still never been solved, but that doesn't make this story any less juicy to absorb. Like all good crime podcasts, you'll be given multiple theories and suspects to keep you entertained for hours.

9 Where Should We Begin?

If you like listening to couples argue (or make up) at the table next to you at your local coffee shop, then Where Should We Begin? is the podcast for you. Narrated by world-renowned couples therapist Esther Perel, the three-season podcast offers up dozens of different real-life relationships for you to dissect, with each episode featuring a new couple who attend a recorded therapy session with Perel.

10 Happy Face

Ever wondered how the family members of famous criminals feel about that criminal activity? Wonder no longer. Happy Face chronicles the many crimes of serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson, as analyzed by his own daughter, Melissa Moore.

In addition to breaking down the details around Jesperson's murders and behavior, Moore takes the reader along a more internal journey, too, by asking a central question: "When you look like your father, and you share his intelligence and charisma, how do you know you’re not a psychopath, too?"

11 Moonface

Moonface is a fictional podcast about a gay Korean American man who wants to come out to his mother but can't because they don't speak the same language. The debut season of the podcast was widely considered one of the best new podcasts of 2019, and is described by Vulture as the "kind of podcast that stays with you."

12 Sincerely, X

Sincerely, X is a podcast that features anonymous TED Talks — i.e., talks about ideas that "can't be shared in the open," which often include stories that are "too risky, painful, or controversial" for an open stage. The podcast describes its own content as "stories that deserve to be heard, from people who deserve to be hidden." Talk about enticing.

13 The Only One In The Room

The Only One in the Room was inspired by a singular moment: host Laura Cathcart Robbins attended a famous writer's retreat and realized she was the only black woman in the room. This experience led to an article in HuffPost, which led to an outpouring of messages to Robbins from people who had shared similar experiences. This podcast explores those experiences, as shared by "people from all races, ethnicities, creeds, and nationalities who had felt 'othered.'"

14 The No Sleep Podcast

The No Sleep Podcast is a horror fiction anthology series of stories so scary they'll keep you wide awake, even on the 13th hour of your road trip in the middle of the night. Even better, the famous podcast has racked up a whopping 13 seasons, each of which have 25 episodes. All the better to scare you with.

15 My Favorite Murder

My Favorite Murder is kind of like Serial in that it's slowly garnered a cult-like following of support. The show bills itself as a "true crime comedy podcast," in which hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark dissect a new murder mystery, crime, or similar topic each week. The difference between this show and every other true crime podcast you've listened to is one single factor: humor. The whole purpose of the podcast is how these hosts approach a true crime analysis with a complete sense of humor, making each story exponentially more interesting along the way.

16 Homecoming

Homecoming is a fiction podcast about a caseworker at an experimental facility. The show features a number of famous voices, including Oscar Isaac and David Schwimmer, and was so successful that it generated a television series of the same name on Amazon Prime, which premiered in November 2018, helmed by Julia Roberts.

The best part about podcasts is they're the gift that keeps on giving; even after you're done listening to a really good one, you get the benefit of hours of conversation with friends and family, not to mention a few friendly arguments. So the next time you get into the car for a long haul, you can plug in your phone, turn up the volume, and buckle up for one fantastic ride after another.

The 10 Best Travel Podcasts

Even when you're not traveling, there are ways to scratch your travel itch from the safety of your house—travel podcasts. You can travel vicariously thanks to audio storytelling. Listen in as others share their stories of offbeat adventures, deep dives into worlds you never knew, or offer fascinating dispatches from around the globe. 

Here are 10 of the best travel podcasts to listen to while you hunker down and plot your next trip.

 iHeartRadio

When Brad and Matt Kirouac decide to pack up their dog and their lives in Chicago to hit the road in an RV, they don’t really know what they are in for, but they can’t wait to find out. Parklandia documents their often hilarious journey through the national parks, spanning from the Florida Everglades to the desert Southwest and the Olympic National Forest in Washington State. Along the way, they re-learn history, find the Mary Kate and Ashley of Arches National Park, and learn what happens when a married couple is cooped up together for weeks on end as they test-drive a nomadic lifestyle.

Start with: The Oscars of Rivers—Cuyahoga Valley National Park

 Outside/In

This show from New Hampshire Public Radio crafts portraits of the natural world and how we travel through it. This isn’t just a show for wilderness buffs, though, topics range from traveling to Antarctica to count penguins, the "raw water movement," storm chasing, moose whisperers, and Lyme disease. While the show has a slight New England bent, host Sam Evans-Brown finds topics that are surprising, engaging, and delightful, proving that a love of the natural world is truly universal.

Start with: Now I am an Axolotl

On She Goes

 On She Goes

This podcast is the audio offshoot of the On She Goes travel community, a digital platform created by and for women of color. The show has been around since 2017, so there is a vast back catalog of episodes where guests like The Read's Crissle West, yogi and author Jessamyn Stanley, and "Bad Feminist" author Roxane Gay share their stories of travel and leaving their comfort zones. They cover topics like camping, road trips, the pros and cons of voluntourism, the upside to romance while on the road, the joys of winter travel, and how to satisfy your wanderlust while staying sane.

Start with: What Is Business Travel with guest Roxane Gay

Counting Countries

 Counting Countries

There are 193 sovereign nations in the world, according to the United Nations, and an elite group of privileged travelers are determined to visit all of them—sometimes twice! Each episode, host, Ric Gazarian chats with a traveler who has either visited all 193 or is well on their way to hitting that goal or aiming to break Guinness World Records as they trek. The interviews are fascinating portraits of what happens when travel turns from past time to life's work. Fair warning, though, these stories will make you positively itchy to grab your passport and hit the road as soon as possible.

Start with: Audrey Walsworth

This podcast, hosted by Willow Belden, explores enormous questions of life and how to live it through the lens of traveling through nature. True to its mission, episodes ask big questions like what it means to go on a pilgrimage when you aren't outdoorsy or religious. Other episodes explore what it's like to live so deep in the woods that the only people you meet are strangers passing through on the Appalachian Trail, redefining the word "adventure," and when you're allowed to complain when living a privileged life.

Start with: Everest for a Sherpa Teen

A Different Way of Traveling

 A Different Way of Traveling

People with able bodies tend not to stop and think about, say, hopping into a jeep during a South African safari or strapping in for a zipline through the Costa Rican jungle canopy. Folks living with disabilities though can’t help but think about accessibility, though. This podcast talks to travelers and tour guides who are determined not to let the need for a wheelchair or living with cerebral palsy or a lack of sight or hearing stop anyone from going on safaris, taking up surfing, going on a hajj, or training for a triathlon.

Start with: Let’s Go Ziplining with Angelique Le Roux

Extra Pack of Peanuts

 Extra Pack of Peanuts

One of the OG travel podcasts, fans have been following host Travis and Heather on their nomadic adventures around the world. They’ve been traveling since 2010 and started podcasting about in 2013—so far in the past that they had to explain what a podcast was to their fans. Their specialty is showing people how to travel on a budget without sacrificing any of the fun and as their long track record shows, living a globetrotting life on a budget is entirely possible.

Start with: 7 Lessons Learned

The audio dispatches from Outside magazine make for intriguing listening even if you haven’t stepped foot in nature since a disastrous third-grade field trip. The show features interviews with outdoor enthusiasts, scientists, travelers, athletes, and average folks in extraordinary circumstances. While you may never plan on nearly freezing to death on Mt. Everest, encountering a grizzly bear, or finding a freaky fish in the swamps of Alabama, the Science of Survival series will make sure you know what to do in such an emergency.

Start with: Science of Survival: Snakebit, Part 1

Inappropriate Traveler

 Inappropriate Traveler

Despite what you might see on Instagram, travel is not always a glorious adventure traipsing unencumbered through gorgeous landscapes. That’s where this show comes in. San Francisco Chronicle travel editor Spud Hilton interviews travelers, journalists, influencers, and globetrotters about life on the road, favorite destinations, and what happens when travel goes very, very wrong. While guests share stories of touching moments and poignant encounters, the best episodes feature the sagas of misadventures. It serves as an often-hilarious reminder that travel isn’t always perfect and that almost any nightmarish situation can be funny when it’s in the rearview mirror. Fingers crossed that a second season is coming soon.

Start with: Travel Hookups with Fly Brother Ernest White II

Wander Woman

 Wander Woman

To be clear, this isn’t a podcast, but an “audio travel magazine” created by writer, photographer, and Wanderlust contributing editor Phoebe Smith. Like its glossy printed counterparts, each episode (issue?) offers a variety of stories in various formats. There are field recordings captured during her round-the-world adventures, like when she goes beer bathing in Estonia or hiking through Tasmania. There are interviews with conservationists and trailblazing tour guides, ideas for shopping and beating jet lag, tips from travel writer Bill Bryson, and manatee spotting in Florida. The issues are diverse, informative, and fun to listen to.

Start with: Wild Waters Run Deep

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The Best Podcasts for Family Road Trips in 2022

A podcast is a great way to make long family road trips unforgettable. Continue reading to find the best podcasts for your family road trip.

Updated by Jan Keyser on November 14, 2022

Why listen to podcasts on a family road trip?

Podcasts are a great way to stimulate mental energy while learning more about topics you find interesting. Without film or photos to look at, you create mental images of what’s being discussed when you listen to podcasts.  

During a family road trip, podcasts can be a great way to bond while entertaining everyone on what could otherwise be a boring drive. Podcasts are more popular than ever these days and there are so many to listen to. The key is picking the right podcasts for family road trips is to ensure that everyone in the car remains engaged, listens, and learns something. 

Podcast vs audiobooks

Aside from music, podcasts and audiobooks are two of the most popular forms of entertainment for families on a long road trip. Both offer a great way to learn something new.

Audiobooks and podcasts both have a lot to offer but they differ in a few ways that make podcasts a better option for your ride. Think of an audiobook as a collection of many podcasts. Whereas a podcast is shorter, focusing on one topic at a time. Make it easy to shuffle through podcasts while driving with this car phone mount.

What to keep in mind when picking family-friendly podcasts?

The main thing to keep in mind when picking a family-friendly podcast is that it should be interesting to everyone in the car. Everyone should find some value from learning and it gives you something to talk about later. If you have young kids in the back seat, try out this travel tray for kids . Don’t forget to include some healthy snacks .

If you have really young kids it may be more difficult to keep them engaged if the topics are far too advanced. Let’s check out some of the best podcasts for a family road trip in 2022

A list of the best podcasts for family road trips in 2022

The following podcasts for family road trips are the most highly recommended. 

1. Storynory

Everyone loves a good story. Storynory is a short-form podcast that tells great stories for younger kids that adults will also find entertaining. Visit Storynory.com to subscribe and find the episodes.

2. Short & Curly

Focusing on important lessons for kids and their parents, all episodes of Short & Curly are fast and full of great ideas. This will be sure to keep your attention and that of your kids also.

3. Wow in the World

  Gay Raz and Mindy Thomas host this family-friendly podcast that most would recommend for a family road trip. Episode length ranges from 15 to 20 minutes and a wide variety of topics, guaranteed to WOW you, are covered.

4. Brains On

Interested in science? How about checking out Brains On to learn some fun little science tips if you’re raising a future scientist. Many adults find the topics interesting and fun to remember things they also learned in school.

5. Dream Big

A family-friendly podcast that inspires children to dream big and follow their passions in life. Maybe it can also spark a new dream in the hearts of mom and dad. Either way, this is a great podcast for a family road trip.

6. Story Time

Podcasts that tell everyone’s favorite stories are made for kids ages 2 – 13. Who doesn’t love a good story? Each episode is around 10 mins so short and sweet so you can make sure everyone’s attention is captured.

7. The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd

Dr. Floyd, the world’s greatest scientist, goes on a range of adventures that are fun for a whole family on a long road trip. Episodes are available on Apple Podcasts if you’re subscribed. This show has been running since 2004 and is the longest-running family-friendly audio drama.

8. What If World

A storytelling podcast produced for children with weekly episodes. Mr. Eric, the host, runs through various “what if?” questions to help everyone on the road trip learn something new and exciting.

9. Stuff You Should Know

This one isn’t quite as directed to children as some of the other podcasts on our list of best podcasts for a family road trip. However, we all benefit from learning something new. Especially if it’s something we “should” know.

10. Circle Round

The final entry on our list of podcasts for family road trips is Circle Round. Targeted at children ages 4 – 10, this podcast features weekly 10 – 20 minute episodes that adapt our favorite folktales from around the world. It might bring up some nostalgia for parents while keeping kids entertained in the back seat.

Pros and Cons of Podcasts

Podcasts are simple, convenient ways to learn about a wide range of topics. There are several pros to listening to podcasts including being educated, entertainment, and variety.

There are few cons to podcasts other than not all of them being available on one platform. You have some that will be on Apple Podcasts others on Spotify. The subscriptions can add up.

15 amazing podcasts for travel lovers

Check out a recent article highlighting 15 amazing podcasts for travel lovers you won’t want to miss.

14 Best Podcasts for Family Road Trips

Keep your kids and yourself entertained for hours on end with stories, interesting facts, trivia, and more

Family road trip entertainment used to be pretty sparse, often leaning on age-old games like I Spy and Punch Buggy, but podcasts offer a unique way to entertain the whole family.

Some general interest podcasts are great for family listening, but there's a rich vein of family- and kid-friendly podcasts . Some are even made in collaboration with real kids.

Whether your family is into science and learning new things, exciting stories, spooky mysteries, or interactive game shows, the best podcasts for family road trips are sure to keep everyone entertained mile after mile.

Best Science Podcast: Wow in the World

What we like.

Educational and entertaining content.

Family-friendly topics suitable for kids and adults.

Full of fun humor and banter.

What We Don't Like

Some topics are too complex for younger listeners.

Doesn’t provide enough depth on some subjects.

High energy delivery can be distracting for the driver.

Wow in the World is ideal if you have science-minded kids or your family likes learning. This podcast is designed to ignite curiosity for all listeners by providing captivating looks at various topics related to science and technology.

This podcast is presented in language that kids can understand, with lively hosts and a dash of interactive storytelling, but it’s also interesting enough to keep adults engaged. It has over 300 episodes, too, so you’ll find at least a few topics of interest for your next road trip.

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to Wow in the World

Best Game Show: The Big Fib

Promotes critical thinking.

Both entertaining and educational.

Fun interactive format.

Active participation can be distracting for the driver.

Some younger kids will struggle with the format.

The game show format isn’t for everyone.

This interactive game show experience spawned a live-action version on Disney Plus , but the original is still available on your podcast platform of choice. Each episode presents two supposed experts in a specific field and tasks you and your kids with figuring out which one is on the up and up and which is a big fibber.

It’s part trivia game and part detective work, as you’ll need to put on your critical thinking cap to separate truth from lies. Work with your kids as a family to uncover the truth, or play your hand closer to the vest and see who in the family is the best at picking out the big fibber. Each episode is about 25 minutes long, with over 270 to choose from. 

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to The Big Fib

Best Comedy and Songs by Kids: Story Pirates

Stories are written by real kids.

High production quality with professional actors.

Your kids can submit their own stories.

Story quality varies.

Older kids may not be as engaged.

Some stories and jokes are difficult to understand.

Ahoy, family road-trippers! If you’re looking for a fun podcast that mixes stories, comedy, and music, you’ll want to set sail for Story Pirates immediately. Each episode is produced and performed by professional voice actors, with special guest stars ranging from Julie Andrews to Lin-Manuel Miranda, but the stories, skits, and songs are all written by kids.

If you have a budding creative in your family, you can even help them submit their own stories that might be featured in a future podcast episode. Episode lengths vary, but they typically run less than 20 minutes each.

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to Story Pirates

Best Serial Mystery: The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel

Performed by actual kids.

High production quality.

Serialized format is great for long road trips.

Story is too complex for younger listeners.

Themes may be too dark for some kids.

Need to listen to the episodes in order.

This serialized mystery podcast features a middle-school-aged cast, making it especially relatable for kids. It’s billed as a thematic cross between Goonies, Spy Kids, and Stranger Things, so parents will likely enjoy it for nostalgia. At the same time, kids will latch on to the suspenseful storyline that makes this the perfect “just one more episode” podcast for a long road trip.

This podcast is heavily serialized, so you’ll probably want to start at the beginning, and your kids will probably want to keep listening long after your road trip is over.

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel

Best Science Podcast for Kids: Tumble

Covers a diverse range of topics.

Includes interviews with experts.

Family-friendly topics that also keep adults engaged.

Some concepts will be too complex for younger listeners.

Requires some focus to follow the more complex topics.

Not great if your family isn’t interested in science.

Tumble combines exciting and engaging storytelling with real science, so it’s entertaining while sneakily adding facts and information. Since it isn’t too heavy-handed, it’s great for science-minded kids and kids who might be less excited about an educational podcast.

Topics range across various family-friendly subjects, with engaging interviews featuring real scientists and interactive science experiments encouraging your kids to ask questions and spur fun family conversations on the road.

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to Tumble

Best Debates: Smash Boom Best

Teaches kids how to defend ideas.

Encourages discussion after the episode.

Educational value with fun topics.

Can trigger arguments.

May go over the head of some younger listeners.

Can be distracting for the driver.

This debate podcast pits two concepts against each other, with the hosts each taking up one side or the other. Each debater makes a passionate case for their side, using facts and classic debate tactics that can help your kids learn to form and defend their own opinions in the real world.

The fun part is in the subject matter since this show doesn’t waste any time on boring topics. Instead, the hosts get to argue the merits of pizza vs. tacos, who would win in the age-old battle of electric eels vs. Tasmanian devils, or opine on the relative strengths and weaknesses of the Tooth Fairy vs. the Sandman.

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to Smash Boom

Best What If Scenarios: What If World

Fosters creativity and imagination in young listeners.

Questions are submitted by real kids.

Each episode teaches about different subjects.

Older kids and teens may not enjoy it.

Some episodes are lacking in educational content.

Active listening isn’t promoted so your kid may zone out.

This storytelling podcast is perfect for creative kids, as it takes wild and out-there concepts, like “what if sharks had legs?” and renders them into fun and entertaining stories. Each episode focuses on a single “what if” scenario, often weaving in valuable life lessons about bravery, friendship, kindness, and other positive traits while exploring fun, crazy, and fantastical concepts.

Each episode is pretty short, so cue up a single one for shorter drives or load up an entire playlist for an extended road trip. The inventive premises and wild stories often encourage lively post-episode discussions, allowing you to pause at the end and chat with your kids about the implications of what you just listened to.

You can also help your kids submit their own “what if” scenarios that might be featured in a future podcast episode.

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to What If World

Best Anthology Storytelling: Welcome to Night Vale

Engaging storytelling.

Full of dark humor and clever writing.

Plot can be tough to follow for younger listeners.

Some themes may be unsuitable for young kids.

The driver may not be able to follow as it requires attention.

This podcast features a radio show-style narrative with darker and more complex themes best suited to teenagers and adults. The content isn’t scary enough to be inappropriate for most younger kids, but it may not hold their interest as much as some of our other recommendations.

Teens and adults will find a fascinating story with cohesive worldbuilding that constructs a vivid world around recurring characters and storylines, even though the anthology style doesn’t require you to listen to the episodes in order or even start at episode one.

Each story is self-contained and focused on the titular setting of Night Vale and its quirky and interesting inhabitants. With over 200 episodes, this one is great, especially for long road trips.

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to Welcome to Night Vale

Best Journalistic Non-fiction: This American Life

High quality journalistic work and narration.

Covers a wide range of subjects.

Episodes are thought-provoking.

Episode length can fail to hold the interest of young kids.

Some themes are too complex for young kids.

Some episodes aren’t family-friendly.

This American Life is an NPR classic that gets rolled into a podcast each week, with each episode featuring a slice of American backed up by excellent reporting, compelling narratives, and soothing narration by Ira Glass. It’s aimed at general audiences, so it may not hold the interest of younger children, but the subject matter and content is typically appropriate for the whole family (a warning is mentioned at the start of each episode if the producers feel it might be inappropriate or contain curse words).

If you have teens or thoughtful older children tired of content specifically aimed at kids, This American Life will provide a welcome break from that type of content.

Each episode delves deep into a theme, providing a listening experience that’s both entertaining and educational and which can also serve as a jumping-off point for conversations with your teens on various engaging subjects.

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to This American Life

Best Fairy Tales and Fables: Storynory

Delivers rich storytelling with high quality narration.

Covers a wide range of cultures and literary styles.

Many stories include a lesson or moral.

Limited interactivity leads to passive listening.

Varying age appropriateness across episodes.

Some themes are too complex for younger listeners.

This delightful podcast features stories based on classic fairy tales, myths, legends, and fables alongside entirely original works. Stories are selected from a wide range of sources, allowing you to introduce your kids to varied literary traditions that go far beyond the basics they’re already familiar with from popular media.

The stories are easy to follow, even for young listeners, and have a high production level that should also keep you engaged. Each episode is pretty short, with most falling in the range of 10 to 20 minutes, so they’re just as suitable for faster drives as they are for inclusion on a longer road trip playlist. 

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to Storynory

Best Bedtime Stories: Story Time

Creates a cozy, calming atmosphere.

Covers a variety of themes.

Encourages kids to use their imaginations.

Primarily aimed at younger listeners.

Passive listening experience.

Not a lot of educational content.

This colorful series of bedtime-style stories is perfect for loading up as the sun sets on a long day of driving. You may even need to load up on a fresh serving of gas station coffee as this podcast's comfy, cozy atmosphere creates a relaxing environment to help lull your kids to sleep while continuing to entertain.

Each episode is about 10 to 15 minutes long, with themes and language that are age-appropriate for younger kids and themes that range from friendship and family to swashbuckling adventure. The narration is rich and captivating, which helps younger kids visualize the stories and spur their own imaginations. 

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to Story Time

Best Music and Stories: Ear Snacks

Fun musical elements.

Episodes are short and sweet.

Parents will enjoy the wit and humor.

Some older teens may not find it engaging.

May be too distracting for the driver.

Some sections require parental interaction.

Ear Snacks is a fun and engaging podcast that captures and keeps a child’s interest on long road trips with interactive segments inviting them to sing, answer questions, and think critically. The hosts are talented musicians and storytellers and cover a diverse variety of subjects that entertain and educate at the same time.

Music features heavily in each episode, including sing-along segments and other interactive content. Topics are more aimed at younger kids than older kids, but each episode is fairly short, so it’s easy to mix things up if you’re trying to satisfy kids of different ages.

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to Ear Snacks

Best Question and Answer: But Why

Fun and informative.

Helps start conversations.

Kids can send in their own questions.

Teens and adults may lose interest.

Some topics are too complex.

Requires active listening.

If your kid’s favorite words seem to be, “But why?” then this is the perfect podcast to load up for a long road trip. Each episode answers questions from real kids, so the topics are of genuine interest.

Information is presented in a very accessible way, even for younger kids, while providing enough in-depth information to satisfy older listeners. You’ll likely find that you already know the answers to many of the questions, but many topics, like an exploration of how we learn to read and an exploration of why social media is so addictive, will teach some parents right alongside their kids.

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to But Why

Best Trivia: Trivia for Kids

Play together or competitively.

Interactive and engaging.

Educational.

Can be frustrating for younger listeners.

No replay value.

This fun and engaging podcast will turn your car into a game show arena, allowing each family member to compete to see who knows more about trivia. The kid-friendly topics cover various areas, like geography, history, science, and even pop culture, so you’ll likely find that some family members do better in one while others will excel in the next.

The basic format of this game show podcast presents a series of trivia questions, with brief pauses for each player to think about and jot down the answer. You can work together by brainstorming out loud, or each write down your answers silently to see who knows the most. The answers are presented afterward, with fun banter and jokes interspersed throughout.

Featured Link: EXTERNAL: Listen to Trivia for Kids

How to Pick Podcasts for Family Road Trips

Since many families represent a diverse audience of ages and interests, it can be tough to find one podcast that's perfect for everyone. If you're planning a long road trip, don't hesitate to cue up options that will satisfy some listeners more than others. Some of our recommendations are great for the whole family, while others are better for younger kids or teens and adults.

If you're packing a lot of the best road trip gear, like tablets and game systems , it's easy to keep everyone entertained even when everyone isn't especially interested in the current podcast. Since many of our recommendations have episodes that clock in at 20 minutes or less, mixing things up enough that everyone stays happy is easy.

How to Listen to Podcasts

Read the original article on Lifewire .

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Britain’s Violent Riots: What We Know

Officials had braced for more unrest on Wednesday, but the night’s anti-immigration protests were smaller, with counterprotesters dominating the streets instead.

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By Lynsey Chutel

After days of violent rioting set off by disinformation around a deadly stabbing rampage, the authorities in Britain had been bracing for more unrest on Wednesday. But by nightfall, large-scale anti-immigration demonstrations had not materialized, and only a few arrests had been made nationwide.

Instead, streets in cities across the country were filled with thousands of antiracism protesters, including in Liverpool, where by late evening, the counterdemonstration had taken on an almost celebratory tone.

Over the weekend, the anti-immigration protests, organized by far-right groups, had devolved into violence in more than a dozen towns and cities. And with messages on social media calling for wider protests and counterprotests on Wednesday, the British authorities were on high alert.

With tensions running high, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet held emergency meetings to discuss what has become the first crisis of his recently elected government. Some 6,000 specialist public-order police officers were mobilized nationwide to respond to any disorder, and the authorities in several cities and towns stepped up patrols.

Wednesday was not trouble-free, however.

In Bristol, the police said there was one arrest after a brick was thrown at a police vehicle and a bottle was thrown. In the southern city of Portsmouth, police officers dispersed a small group of anti-immigration protesters who had blocked a roadway. And in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where there have been at least four nights of unrest, disorder continued, and the police service said it would bring in additional officers.

But overall, many expressed relief that the fears of wide-scale violence had not been realized.

Here’s what we know about the turmoil in Britain.

Where has the unrest taken place?

Protesters over the weekend took to the streets of a dozen cities across Britain, most of them in England. Trouble broke out from Aldershot in the south to Sunderland in the north and Liverpool in the west. Belfast, in Northern Ireland, was also drawn into the fray.

In some cases, the protesters were merely unruly, but in others the violence was more pronounced.

Where arrests have been reported

On Sunday, rioters set upon a hotel that was housing asylum seekers in the town of Rotherham, in northern England, breaking windows before surging inside as the police struggled to control them. No guests were injured in the melee, the police said.

In Middlesbrough, a group of rioters, some masked, hurled bottles and rocks at officers. Cars were set on fire, and at least nine people were arrested. On Saturday, a library and a food bank were set ablaze in Liverpool as groups damaged and looted businesses, and in Hull, fires were set and storefronts smashed in the city center.

Dozens of police officers were injured, including some who required trips to the hospital.

What set off the protests?

The unrest began after a teenager wielding a knife attacked a children’s dance class early last week in the seaside town of Southport, which is near Liverpool. Three children were killed, and eight were wounded.

The suspect was born and raised in Britain, but online rumors soon circulated that he was an undocumented immigrant. To counter those false claims, the authorities took the unusual step of publicly identifying him. The BBC has reported that the suspect’s parents are from Rwanda. The police have not disclosed a motive for the stabbing attack.

But with migration a flashpoint issue in Britain, especially on the far right, the rumors were all it took to set off violence.

Extremist groups urged their followers to take to the streets, and on the day after the stabbings, they began to do so, starting in Southport.

How have the authorities responded?

The weekend riots prompted a heavy police response. Nearly 4,000 additional officers were deployed, a law enforcement association said. And a government order gave officers in some places special powers to disperse any gatherings or “antisocial behavior,” the police said in a statement .

More than 400 people have been arrested, and about 100 have been charged, Mr. Starmer said after an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday — the second in two days.

The prime minister, who has characterized the riots as “far-right thuggery,” encouraged prosecutors to name and shame those convicted to dissuade others from joining the violent rampages.

“I’m now expecting substantive sentencing before the end of the week,” Mr. Starmer said. “That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week and that nobody, but nobody, should involve themselves in this disorder.”

BJ Harrington, the head of public order for Britain’s National Police Chiefs’ Council, said that online disinformation had been “a huge driver of this appalling violence.”

Intelligence teams, detectives and neighborhood officers, Mr. Harrington said, were working to identify the people fomenting the violence.

“They won’t win,” he said.

How are the authorities handling online incitement?

Social media has acted as an accelerant throughout the protests, with disinformation fueling far-right and anti-immigrant groups . Britain and other democracies have found that policing the internet is legally murky terrain, with individual rights and free speech protections balanced against a desire to block harmful material .

In his remarks on Tuesday, Mr. Starmer said that some arrests involved people accused of inciting violence online.

The first person to be convicted over online posts since the riots, according to the Crown Prosecution Service , was a 28-year-old man from Leeds who posted messages on Facebook about attacking a hotel that housed asylum seekers. It said that the man, Jordan Parlour, had pleaded guilty and been convicted of using threatening words or behavior to stir up racial hatred.

Mr. Starmer has called out social media companies over misinformation on their platforms, but holding them accountable could be tricky. Britain adopted a law last year that requires social media companies to introduce protections for child safety and to prevent and quickly remove illegal content like terrorism propaganda and revenge pornography. The law is less clear about how companies must treat misinformation and incendiary language.

What are the political implications?

The riots are the first political crisis for Mr. Starmer, who took office a month ago after his Labour Party defeated the Conservatives, who had been in government for 14 years.

While in power, the Conservatives tried to capitalize on public unhappiness over immigration, vowing to reduce it (though failing to do so). But in recent days they joined Labour in condemning the violent protests.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, now the opposition leader, said the unrest had “nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport.” The police, he said, have “our full support to deal with these criminals swiftly.”

Megan Specia contributed reporting.

Lynsey Chutel covers South Africa and the countries that make up southern Africa from Johannesburg. More about Lynsey Chutel

My wife isn't 'just' a stepmom to my son. He sees her as his other mom.

• My wife has been in my son's life since he was 6 years old.
• She has taken on a parental role, stepping in whenever I need extra help.
• Even though she's his stepmom, my son considers her his other mom.

After Vice President Kamala Harris announced she was running for president, one criticism lobbed against her was that she is not a parent because she has never given birth to children. But she is the stepmother to her husband Doug Emhoff's two children.

Like Harris, my wife is a stepmother to my son.

I am no longer in a relationship with his father and have been in a new relationship for four years. My wife came into my son's life when he was 6 years old and quickly stepped into a parental role. It was a role she enthusiastically took on.

Although she didn't give birth to my son, my wife is absolutely his second mother.

My son and wife's relationship started friendly

My wife didn't immediately take an authoritative role or force him to treat her like a parent. At first, she was more like a grown-up friend — someone he knew he needed to respect, but someone who would take him on drives to get ice cream or let him pretend to drive her car while I was inside the grocery store.

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I was worried about parenting with another person all the time. As the primary parent, I wasn't used to dividing parenting duties . My wife was aware of that and always deferred to me as the primary parent.

But the bond between my son and my wife was instant. He had never met someone I was dating before, but he liked her immediately.

My wife has taken on more responsibility as a stepmom

Over the last four years, she's taken on more parental responsibility but never tried to act like she was more of a parent than myself or my son's father. She is a bonus mom, someone there to kiss him goodnight , help him with his homework, and love him unconditionally.

During the pandemic, my wife volunteered to take the lead in helping my son with virtual school so I could focus on work. She created a schedule for him, made him lunch, and ensured he kept up with assignments. When the playgrounds opened, she would take him to play, armed with a backpack full of whatever was needed.

I have gone on several overnight trips , leaving the two of them alone together. My son doesn't even call or text me when I'm gone because he's having so much fun hanging out with my wife. I never have to worry about him; I know my wife will make sure he takes a bath and goes to bed on time.

There are days when I will ask her to tag in and do the bedtime routine because I'm working or want a break, and she does it without question. My son knows that if he needs something, he doesn't have to come to me all the time.

Seeing my wife willingly step into a parental role with my son has strengthened our relationship. I knew I loved her almost immediately after we met, but seeing how my son responded to her made me more secure in my decision.

Sometimes, she still refers to him as mine, and I always remind her that she's his mom, too. We do everything as a team: school meetings, performances, birthday parties . Everyone knows us as his two moms, and there's no one else I could imagine doing this with.

My son now sees my wife as the missing piece to our family puzzle. He proudly claims her as his other mom.

"You're my mom too," my son will say when my wife calls herself his stepmom. He made that decision. My wife never wanted to force a close relationship on him, but he pushed for it.

Media has warped the perception of stepmoms

Popular media depictions of stepmoms are largely negative. The common trope is that they're evil.

For example, you have characters like Meredith Blake in the Lindsay Lohan version of "The Parent Trap," the Baroness von Schraeder in " The Sound of Music ," and, of course, the prototype: Cinderella's Evil Stepmother.

These women are always seen as temptresses who come in and seduce the father into marrying them before revealing they intend to get rid of his daughter so that she will be the only woman in his life.

Maybe there are stepmoms out there who fit this description, but by and large, stepmoms are there to be whoever their step kids want them to be.

I know that's exactly the role my wife plays, and my son and I are all the more lucky for it.

Watch: Why one mother fled Texas to keep her child safe

• Main content

For Juliette and Bella Whittaker, the Paris Olympics are a family trip

Sisters from Maryland have familiar roommates in the Olympic Village: each other.

Years before Bella and Juliette Whittaker participated in the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremonies , they celebrated their own.

Rather than standing on a boat gliding down the Seine with the rest of the American team, the sisters stood on the sandy shores of the Outer Banks. Their grandfather led the way as the nominal torch bearer — holding a baseball bat overhead. Then came the contestants. The Whittakers and family members divided themselves into teams of two and were each assigned countries.

They’d compete over the next few days in a variety of competitions: sprints on the beach, swimming races in the ocean, gymnastics routines and even nonathletic events — Juliette vaguely recalled an eating contest. They tracked scores on a poster board in the kitchen.

It was a contest worthy of a family that Bella described as “hardcore Olympic lovers.”

“In my household, when it’s Olympic time,” she said, “we don’t turn the TV off.”

It’ll be on this year — especially because the sisters are competing. Bella, a 22-year-old who transferred Penn to Arkansas, is on the American 4x400 mixed relay team and Juliette, a 20-year-old at Stanford, advanced to Sunday’s 800-meter semifinals.

The Laurel, Md., natives overcame individual challenges to make it to what Juliette called “the pinnacle.” Their friendship helped in that perseverance and will continue doing so in Paris.

“It gives me so much comfort knowing that [Bella is] going to be there,” Juliette said. “If she wasn’t coming I’d just be so much more nervous … it’s nice to have this one thing that’s just been a constant in my life.”

Falling and flying

Long plane rides make Juliette contemplative. During her trip back home from the 2023 USATF outdoor championships, she didn’t have pleasant memories to work with.

She’d been mere steps from the finish line in the 800 meter semifinals as she felt two runners creep to her side. Threatened, she tried to power through but had no energy left to expend.

Her legs gave out.

She flew forward.

Runners passed her prone body as they crossed the finish line.

Get the latest updates on the 2024 Olympics

Juliette’s heartbreak evolved into excitement for the next competition as the plane crossed the country. She opened a new note and titled it with the date: 7/10/2023.

“this year i fell steps from the finish of the semis. next year i am making the team,” she wrote, a declaration of intent she got to validate back in Eugene at the U.S. Olympic trials.

Juliette, competing again in the 800-meter race, needed to finish in the top three. Chaos overtook the final when Athing Mu , who won the gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics , fell early.

Whittaker pushed forward and past the finish line. Unable to think straight, she looked up at the board. There, a moment she’d envisioned and replayed in her mind crystallized into reality.

She finished third with a new personal best, 1:58.45, and earned a trip to Paris. Bella, overwhelmed by her sister’s success, sank to her knees before sprinting to meet Juliette at the finish line, enveloping her in a hug.

“I don’t know if there was anything other than just pure shock and joy and relief,” Juliette said.

‘A new person’

Bella’s selection took longer. She was on the bus ride to the Portland airport, watching the remainder of the trials.

Any second, her Olympic fate would be decided. She’d already competed, finishing sixth in the 400 meters. The result would likely be enough to get her into the relay pool, but it wasn’t a guarantee. Bella went through the American team processing despite that, trying on gear and uniforms and all the while trying to manage her excitement.

She was checking her bag when one of her coaches at Penn, Chené Townsend, called. Bella declined the FaceTime. Townsend rang again. This time, Bella picked up — and learned she would be going to Paris.

“I was grinning from ear to ear and I felt very relieved,” Bella said.

The full weight of realization only came when she got on the flight. The passenger next to her was on his way back from Paris. They started talking about the Olympics and Bella told him she’d be competing.

“I’m gonna look out for you,” she recalled him telling her, words that made the achievement sink in.

The moment was that much sweeter because of where Bella was two years prior.

She soared in her freshman season with the Quakers, qualifying for the NCAA championships in the 400 meters as 22nd seed in nation. But a stress fracture in her back derailed her sophomore year, forcing her into a back brace and leaving her unable to run for months.

Back spasms debilitated her. Once, as she studied during finals week in the library, she was unable to move, lying on the ground.

“It was a pretty traumatic time,” she said.

The worst moments came as she tried to return and realized she was nowhere near her peers or prior form.

“It was mentally and emotionally draining,” she said.

She and Townsend worked together to try to recapture her abilities. They had to overhaul the way she trained, her nutrition, how she managed her mental health and more. Bella worked with a sports psychologist to buoy her confidence.

Podcast episode

Townsend recalled Bella’s dedication, saying she never missed a workout and was always trying to do more.

“When she came back from her injury, it was almost like a new person,” the coach said.

Bella’s abilities grew steadily. She closed her junior year strong and exploded in 2024, finishing with a host of program and Ivy League records. Her ability to stay focused on her goals despite those injury difficulties impressed and inspired Juliette.

Many mistakenly think the sisters are twins. But Juliette said there is a clear older-younger sister delineation between the two. Bella’s emotional maturity makes her a source of reassurance and advice.

“The first person that I always call or text when things just are feeling scary or just not going my way is always Bella,” Juliette said.

And of course, the two are best friends, their mother, Jill Pellicoro said. When they went to the grocery store, the sisters would beg their mom to let them out of the car so they could run the last bit of the trip back home. They shared a room until Bella went to college but their bond continued even on opposite coasts.

Their qualification to the great games brought one additional benefit: The Whittaker sisters once again get to room together. This time, it’s in the Olympic Village.

Paris Olympics 2024 so far

The Paris Olympics are officially underway after the daring Opening Ceremonies . Keep up with all the action by following us live , subscribing to our newsletter and listening to our podcast .

How to watch: Follow all the Olympic events and TV listings with our daily schedule and find out how to tune in or where to subscribe to watch. If you’re new to the Olympics, we’ve got a guide for that .

Medals: We’re tracking all the Olympic medals country by country , including firsts and comparisons to the 2020 Olympics. See the U.S. medals broken down by athletes , too.

U.S. athletes: Top Team USA athletes like Noah Lyles, Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky are some of the athletes to watch , but there are some familiar faces that are missing this year .

New this year: Breaking or break dancing is coming to the Olympic stage , while Paris also has a bold plan to host swimming events in the Seine .

• Cast & crew

A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern. A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern. A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern.

• Halina Reijn
• Nicole Kidman
• Harris Dickinson
• Antonio Banderas
• 1 nomination

Top cast 35

• Intern Rose

• Nude cult member

• Giggling Girl
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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2024 Venice Film Festival Guide

• December 20, 2024 (United States)
• United States
• Netherlands
• New York City, New York, USA (street scenes)
• Man Up Film
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 54 minutes

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