Best Podcasts for Long Drives

Long drives deserve a good companion. Whether you’re cruising down endless highways or winding through scenic routes, the best podcasts for long drives keep your mind engaged, entertained, and make time fly. Buckle up, because we’re diving into the top picks to make those hours on the road unforgettable.

Travel-Themed Podcasts

If you’re embarking on a journey, why not dive into travel-themed podcasts that celebrate the joy of exploration? These podcasts will inspire wanderlust while you take in the miles.

1. Atlas Obscura

Atlas Obscura is more than a podcast; it’s a celebration of the world’s hidden wonders. It’s perfect for sparking your curiosity about offbeat destinations and the unique aspects of different cultures.

• Hosts: Dylan Thuras and Ella Morton.
• Why Listen?: Learn about odd places, quirky customs, and hidden corners of the world.
• Highlight Episode: “The World’s Loneliest Whale” — a fascinating story that captures the spirit of distant places.

2. Zero to Travel

If you’re more into practical travel advice with a mix of adventure stories, Zero to Travel has you covered.

• Host: Jason Moore.
• Why Listen?: Gain insights into budget travel, cultural immersion, and road trip hacks.
• Best Fit: For those looking to maximize their travel experience without breaking the bank.

Engaging Storytelling Series

Sometimes, the best podcasts for long drives are the ones that tell gripping stories—the kind that pulls you into another world and keeps you glued to the speaker.

1. This American Life

This American Life is a legendary storytelling series that features tales of real life, filled with drama, humor, and deep insights into the human experience.

• Host: Ira Glass.
• Why Listen?: Each episode revolves around a theme, delivering stories that are intriguing, moving, and often unforgettable.
• Highlight Episode: “My Summer Job” — a mix of nostalgia and humor about the odd jobs people do.

2. Ghost Story

Love a touch of the eerie and mysterious? Ghost Story brings well-researched spooky tales that walk the line between fact and fiction.

• Host: Danny Robins.
• Why Listen?: It keeps your mind occupied, focusing on chilling real-life mysteries that make you question everything.
• Highlight Episode: “The Battersea Poltergeist” — a famous haunted house that captivates the listener’s imagination.

Comedy Podcasts to Lighten the Mood

Nothing makes a long drive better than laughter. Comedy podcasts can lighten your mood, help the miles fade away, and bring a smile to your face.

1. Normal Gossip

Normal Gossip with Kelsey McKinney dives into absurd, everyday gossip stories that feel oddly familiar. The way they turn mundane events into hilarious narratives is pure magic.

• Why Listen?: Hear stories that make you think, “This is wild—and yet, I know someone exactly like that!”
• Highlight Episode: Any episode featuring Kelsey herself going deep into stories of neighborhood dramas and family secrets.

2. Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

Two comedians, Ed Gamble and James Acaster, take guests to their dream restaurant, and things get funny quickly. The conversations are witty, unpredictable, and incredibly entertaining.

• Why Listen?: The unpredictability of the celebrity guest list paired with James’s humor always makes for a fun listen.
• Highlight Guest: When Taylor Swift joined in to share her favorite meal — a delightful mix of personal insight and humor.

True Crime Thrillers

For true crime fans, nothing compares to the intrigue of criminal mysteries. The suspense, the investigation details, and unraveling of cases make for great audio experiences.

1. My Favorite Murder

Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark host My Favorite Murder, a popular true crime podcast where they share true crimes with a mix of humor, respect, and a personal twist.

• Why Listen?: Real-life stories mixed with genuine, candid commentary. It’s about murder, but also about the people behind the stories.
• Highlight Episode: “Families of Victims” — focusing on the impact of the murder business on families, sharing insight and empathy.

2. Serial

Serial, the classic true crime podcast, tells one compelling story over multiple episodes. The first season, centered around the murder of Hae Min Lee, remains a must-listen.

• Host: Sarah Koenig.
• Why Listen?: It’s suspenseful, emotional, and structured in a way that makes it hard to turn off.

Insightful Interview Shows

Interviews can be incredibly enriching, especially when hosts manage to draw out interesting, unfiltered opinions from their guests.

1. WTF with Marc Maron

Comedian Marc Maron invites a range of famous guests, from actors like Michelle Yeoh to artists like Yoko Ono, for long conversations full of deep insight, honesty, and humor.

• Why Listen?: The guests open up in ways you might not expect, revealing hidden stories and moments from their complicated lives.
• Highlight Episode: Marc Maron’s deep dive with artist Glennon Doyle—a mix of vulnerability and laughs.

2. The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience offers discussions that cover everything from martial arts to conspiracy theories. With a wide range of guests, you never quite know where the conversation will go.

• Why Listen?: The variety is the spice. One episode might feature Elon Musk talking about AI, and the next might involve a historian on ancient civilizations.

Educational and Informative Picks

You might be on the road, but you can still learn something fascinating with these educational podcasts.

1. Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know is a perfect mix of education and curiosity, covering topics as diverse as how champagne is made to the life of hip-hop artist J Dilla.

• Hosts: Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant.
• Why Listen?: Gain a little extra knowledge on every imaginable topic, making it a great conversation starter.

2. Radiolab

Radiolab is a beautifully produced show that focuses on scientific and philosophical topics, turning complex concepts into accessible audio experiences.

• Why Listen?: Intriguing sound effects, evocation of radio sound, and engaging storytelling that makes you curious about the world.

Popular Culture Discussions

If you like staying in the know about the latest buzz and drama, pop culture podcasts can be the perfect entertainment for a long drive.

1. Popcast

Hosted by The New York Times, Popcast digs into music and pop culture. From Taylor Swift’s newest album to the changing landscape of hip-hop, this one’s full of juicy discussion.

• Why Listen?: You’ll feel up-to-date on music and trends while diving deep into what’s behind the headlines.

2. Keep It!

Keep It! is a cultural commentary podcast with humor at its core. They dissect what’s happening in Hollywood, the music industry, and beyond, blending serious analysis with laughs.

• Why Listen?: It’s witty and makes complex cultural events easy to understand while being highly entertaining.

Health and Wellness Conversations

Stay motivated and inspired by listening to some wellness-centric podcasts while on the road.

1. The Daily Stoic

Explore the stoic wisdom that can make your life simpler and help deal with roadblocks. It’s practical, motivational, and perfect for those seeking a bit of introspection during their drive.

• Host: Ryan Holiday.
• Why Listen?: It’s straightforward, filled with actionable lessons, and can help you find balance on the go.

2. We Can Do Hard Things

Hosted by Glennon Doyle, this podcast covers mental health, resilience, and self-improvement in an honest and vulnerable way.

• Why Listen?: Hear stories and advice that challenge you to confront life’s challenges head-on—with compassion.

Exploring History Through Audio

For those with a passion for historical events, long drives are the perfect opportunity to dive into some of the best historical storytelling podcasts.

1. Hardcore History

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History isn’t your typical history class. He breaks down complex historical events in ways that make them vivid and fascinating.

• Why Listen?: His deep dives make you feel like you’re right there, whether it’s with Alexander the Great or at the Battle of Midway.

2. British History Podcast

British History Podcast dives into the fascinating history of the British Isles, featuring everyone from Vikings to kings and queens.

• Why Listen?: Get a comprehensive history class on the go—a perfect way to pass those long stretches on the road.

Science and Curiosity Explorations

If you’re the type who loves interesting tidbits and scientific discovery, check out these podcasts.

1. Science Vs

Science Vs takes on fads, trends, and controversies—like climate change, diets, and more—backing everything up with scientific evidence.

• Host: Wendy Zukerman.
• Why Listen?: Great for skeptics who love evidence-based analysis and prefer information over hyperbole.

2. Song Exploder

For a mix of science and art, Song Exploder deconstructs songs to show how music is made, featuring artists like Yoko Ono, Michelle Yeoh, and others.

• Why Listen?: If you’re a music lover, you’ll enjoy how they unpack every part of a song, from lyrics to production.

Inspirational and Motivational Podcasts

Long drives can be a great time for self-reflection and growth, and these podcasts are perfect for inspiration.

1. The Tony Robbins Podcast

Tony Robbins is a legend in self-improvement, and this podcast covers everything from health to entrepreneurship.

• Why Listen?: If you need a boost of motivation or inspiration, Tony’s words are like fuel to get you going.

2. The School of Greatness

Lewis Howes interviews people from all walks of life—athletes, entrepreneurs, and celebrities—about their journeys.

• Why Listen?: Gain insight into the strategies and habits of successful people while cruising on the highway.

Notable Podcasts for Kids and Families

If you’re driving with little ones in the back seat, you’ll want to keep everyone entertained and happy.

1. Wow in the World

A family-friendly science podcast that explores mind-blowing facts about the world in a way that’s fun for both kids and adults.

• Why Listen?: Perfect for making kids laugh while sneaking in a bit of learning.

2. Story Pirates

Story Pirates features stories written by kids, performed by talented comedians, and filled with sound effects that are sure to keep young listeners engaged.

• Why Listen?: Engages kids’ imaginations, turning their own ideas into funny, creative stories.

Unique and Offbeat Podcast Recommendations

Sometimes you want something different—something offbeat to break the monotony.

1. Welcome to Night Vale

Welcome to Night Vale is a fictional podcast that plays out like a community radio broadcast from a mysterious town where strange things happen.

• Why Listen?: It’s unique, unsettling, and darkly humorous—a great twist to keep your mind occupied.

2. Creepy

If you like the thrill of being spooked, Creepy shares horror stories from the web. It’s a rollercoaster of spooky, disturbing tales that are sure to keep you on edge.

• Why Listen?: For those who enjoy a good scare, especially when traveling alone.

Seasonal and Thematic Audio Stories

Podcasts can add a touch of seasonal magic to long drives, making them perfect for trips around holidays or other themed moments.

1. Spirits

A mix of mythology, folklore, and supernatural tales, Spirits is hosted by Amanda McLoughlin and Julia Schifini. It’s cozy, themed, and full of fascinating deep dives into folk stories.

• Why Listen?: They make ancient tales relatable, fun, and sometimes spooky—a great fall road trip listen.

2. Christmas Past

Driving home for the holidays? Christmas Past is a seasonal favorite that tells nostalgic Christmas stories and history, perfect for getting into the festive mood.

• Why Listen?: If you love the holidays, this podcast will add a little extra magic to the journey.

Final Tips for Choosing Podcasts

To make sure you get the most out of your road trip podcasts:

• Mix Genres: Keep it interesting by mixing comedy, storytelling, and educational content.
• Test Different Episodes: Not every episode will be a hit. Skip episodes that aren’t working and try another!
• Download Before You Go: Signal may not be available on all routes—download episodes before starting.
• Plan Based on Trip Length: Match podcast length to your trip for optimal listening.

Conclusion

Whether you’re into true crime, deep dives into history, or just want to laugh along to comedians, these podcasts are perfect for keeping you company on long drives. Whatever your taste, there’s something here to make your road trip memorable and the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.

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