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Imagine cruising down the open road, with landscapes unfolding before you, immersing yourself in podcasts. These podcast gems transform road trips into intellectual explorations, with series offering gripping personal stories and laughter-inducing banter. Whether you’re in the mood for true crime, comedy, or an inspiring self-improvement session, we’ve got you covered.
Consider these podcasts for your next trip. There’s a podcast for every interest, from suspenseful true stories to personal reflections.
Essential Podcasts for True Crime Fans
For fans of dark true stories, podcasts like Morbid, Crime Junkie, and My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark are essential for long drives.
1. Morbid: A True Crime Podcast
Explore true macabre stories with Morbid: A True Crime Podcast. This chilling series takes you through the most sinister crimes, expertly narrated to keep you on the edge. Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley guide each episode with thorough research and engaging storytelling, perfect for true crime fans.
2. Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie is a popular podcast among true crime fans. Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, each hour-long episode delves into a different case, often focusing on mysteries and missing persons. Its well-crafted narratives and attention to detail make it a staple for any road trip playlist. It consistently ranks high on Apple Podcasts charts, securing its reputation in the true crime community.
3. My Favorite Murder With Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Join Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark in My Favorite Murder, a podcast where comedy meets true crime. Each hour-long episode explores a different murder case, with the hosts’ unique chemistry adding levity to the grim subject. Their storytelling has created a loyal fan base, making this podcast a mainstay on Apple Podcasts charts. It’s the perfect mix of intrigue and humor for your next road trip.
4. Last Seen
Join the quest to solve an art heist mystery with the podcast Last Seen. It recounts the story of the world’s most valuable stolen treasures from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The captivating narrative makes you feel like part of the investigative team, making the miles pass quickly as you uncover the truth.
5. Through The Cracks
Through The Cracks delves into the stories of those who slip through society’s cracks, examining systemic issues. Each episode is a thoughtful exploration of cases that deserve more attention, making it a thought-provoking addition to any road trip playlist.
Cultivating Laughter: Comedy Podcasts That Lighten the Drive
Lighten long drives with laughter-inducing podcasts. These will have you chuckling through every mile, from the comedic debates on Go Fact Yourself to the quirky tales from the Atlas Obscura Podcast.
6. SmartLess
SmartLess combines celebrity interviews with spontaneous humor, as hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett bring on a mystery guest each episode. This unpredictable format ensures each listen is as fresh and entertaining as the landscapes you’re passing.
7. How Did This Get Made?
Have you ever watched a movie so bad it’s good? How Did This Get Made? hosted by Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, dissects the most baffling and hilariously bad movies. It’s a perfect escape from the monotony of the road.
8. 2 Bears, 1 Cave With Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer
Tune into 2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer for unfiltered laughs. Their chemistry and no-holds-barred conversations about a wide range of topics make for an unpredictable and entertaining podcast.
9. The History of Sketch Comedy
Explore the evolution of humor with The History of Sketch Comedy, hosted by Keegan-Michael Key, for a humorous look at the genre’s history and its impact on comedy today. This podcast is both funny and educational, offering insights into humor’s evolution.
10. Go Fact Yourself
Go Fact Yourself is a live game show podcast where comedians, actors, and musicians get quizzed on their claimed expertise. It’s a blend of humor and trivia that’s sure to entertain.
Explore History With Engaging Podcasts
Are you going on a long road trip? Enhance it with podcasts that take you through history, offering stories as expansive and varied as the road ahead.
11. Sidedoor from the Smithsonian
Sidedoor from the Smithsonian opens a portal to lesser-known tales behind historical artifacts and cultural phenomena. Each episode is an adventure, perfect for those seeking knowledge and wonder.
12. Slow Burn
Embark on a journey through time with Slow Burn, a podcast that examines significant political scandals. Season 1 focuses on the Watergate scandal, drawing you into a captivating narrative that feels as immediate and suspenseful as a thriller. It’s perfect for history buffs or anyone into political intrigue and makes long drives educational.
13. Hardcore History
Get ready to have your perception of history transformed with Hardcore History, where Dan Carlin’s storytelling brings the past to life. This podcast isn’t just dates and facts; it’s an epic exploration of humanity’s dramatic moments. Carlin’s deep dives into historical events are so engaging that you might find yourself sitting in the car just to finish an episode.
14. You’re Wrong About
Challenge your preconceptions with You’re Wrong About, a podcast where journalists Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall revisit past events, figures, and cultural myths you thought you understood. Each episode debunks misconceptions with wit and thorough research. It’s the perfect companion for the open road, making miles vanish as you reassess what you know.
15. Burnt Toast
Burnt Toast by Food52 is a must-listen podcast for food enthusiasts. It delves into culinary history, culture, and captivating food stories. Perfect for road trips, the podcast explores the origins of classic dishes and the latest food trends. Combine it with local cuisine for a sensory adventure that satisfies both your wanderlust and your appetite.
Interview-Based Podcasts: In-Depth Conversations for the Curious Traveler
Listen to Interview-Based Podcasts, where travelers can find enlightenment and companionship through in-depth discussions with fascinating individuals from various walks of life.
16. WTF With Marc Maron
Join Marc Maron in his iconic garage for WTF with Marc Maron, a podcast offering raw, honest interviews with entertainment personalities. Listen to the episode where Maron sits down with Michelle Yeoh for an intimate conversation that’s as engaging as it is revealing. It’s a perfect way to feel connected while driving.
17. Latina to Latina
Latina to Latina is an empowering podcast where journalist Alicia Menendez interviews remarkable Latinas about their lives, struggles, and successes. Each episode celebrates Latina heritage and resilience, offering inspiring stories of determination and triumph. It’s a road trip listen that leaves you feeling energized and prepared to face new challenges.
18. Celebrity Interviews With Joey Mitchell
Celebrity Interviews with Joey Mitchell gets you closer to your favorite stars as they open up about their lives, careers, and, occasionally, their views on the climate crisis. Mitchell’s style and probing questions make for an entertaining and revealing listen that’s perfect for long drives.
19. It’s Been a Minute
It’s Been a Minute with host Sam Sanders offers a refreshing take on the week’s news, culture, and everything in between. Sanders’ engaging interviews and thoughtful commentary make complex topics approachable, keeping you entertained and informed as you explore new landscapes.
20. The Tim Ferriss Show
Boost your road trip with The Tim Ferriss Show, a podcast where the best-selling author deconstructs world-class performers to uncover their routines and habits. Whether for self-improvement or success secrets, Ferriss provides ample material for reflection as invigorating as your journey’s scenic views.
Family-Friendly Podcasts: Entertain Kids on the Road
Make car rides exciting with Family-Friendly Podcasts. Spark your kids’ imagination with stories and activities, exploring pop culture and space adventures aboard the Marlowe 280 interplanetary exploratory space station.
21. WOW in the World
Explore the world with WOW in the World, a podcast covering science and technology. Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz will take your family on a journey from the ocean to space, sparking curiosity and laughter.
22. The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian: Sci-Fi for Kids
Join The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian: Science Fiction for Kids, a serialized story podcast about Finn and friends exploring the galaxy from the Marlowe 280 space station. It’s perfect for sparking young imaginations and passing time quickly.
23. Circle Round
Circle Round spins folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 4 to 10. Each episode explores themes like kindness, persistence, and generosity, making it an enriching and entertaining choice for family road trips, with life lessons wrapped in captivating stories.
24. Brains On!
Ignite your kids’ curiosity with Brains On!, a science podcast for kids and adults. Co-hosted by kid scientists and radio reporters, it covers topics from the solar eclipse to travel snacks. It’s an engaging and educational way to keep young minds active on long drives.
25. Trivia for Kids
Keep kids engaged on long drives with Trivia for Kids, a podcast that turns the miles into a game show. This podcast challenges their knowledge and curiosity with a wide array of educational and entertaining questions. Your kids will become trivia masters before you arrive!
Unraveling The Mysteries: Podcasts for the Curious Mind
Explore history’s intriguing puzzles with captivating historical podcasts, perfect for travelers who love the unknown.
26. The Atlas Obscura Podcast
The Atlas Obscura Podcast is your guide to the strange and unusual for explorers who love the world’s hidden wonders. Episodes delve into topics like the history of the Ouija board, making it a thrilling companion for any road trip.
27. Ologies
Alie Ward hosts Ologies, a podcast where she interviews experts, or ‘ologists’, in different fields. Each episode offers a chance to learn about the natural world and the many ‘ologies’ that explain its mysteries, from dendrology to cosmetology.
28. Stuff the British Stole
Travel through time and uncover the colonial past with Stuff the British Stole. This podcast reveals the stories behind artifacts taken during the British Empire’s history, initiating thought-provoking conversations about culture and history.
29. National Park After Dark
Join hosts Danielle and Jessica as they explore spooky tales from America’s national parks. National Park After Dark is not your average nature podcast. Season 2 escalates with eerie stories that blend the park’s beauty with the thrill of the nocturnal unknown.
30. The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel is a gripping audio drama for mystery-loving youths. Follow the clues and join the search for Mars Patel and his missing friends in a mysterious and entertaining podcast.
Fictional Worlds to Explore
Imagine driving through real landscapes while listening to fiction podcasts that transport you to different worlds, like the peculiar town of Night Vale.
31. Welcome to Night Vale
Welcome to Night Vale is a standout fiction podcast for its unique blend of humor and horror. The community radio updates are sure to keep you intrigued and amused, set in a desert town where every conspiracy theory is true.
32. Birds of Empire
Enter the alternate reality of Birds of Empire, a fictional podcast weaving a tale of intrigue and power in a steampunk America. Listen as the story unveils characters amidst an industrial revolution powered by magic.
33. Alice Isn’t Dead
Join a truck driver searching for her believed-to-be-dead wife in the podcast Alice Isn’t Dead. The journey across America becomes surreal as she encounters not-quite-human creatures and a deepening conspiracy that could transform reality itself.
34. The Bright Sessions
The Bright Sessions invites you into therapy sessions for the strange and unusual. Each session uncovers the struggles of living with extraordinary gifts with a therapist who specializes in treating patients with supernatural abilities.
35. Harry Potter Series
Revisit the Harry Potter world through the podcast that brings J.K. Rowling’s series to your ears. Whether you’re a longtime fan or introducing your family to the magic for the first time, this podcast will make your road trip captivating.
Self-Improvement and Growth: Inspiring Podcasts
Turn your road trip into a personal development journey with inspiring podcasts dedicated to growth and positive habits.
36. Habits for Greatness
Embark on a transformative path with Habits for Greatness, where each episode motivates and guides you in cultivating habits for success and personal satisfaction. Learn from the experiences and advice of those who’ve mastered their fields and unlock your potential.
37. Derren Brown’s Boot Camp for the Brain
Imagine your mind as a muscle that seldom gets to flex in total darkness, like during a solar eclipse. Derren Brown’s Boot Camp for the Brain challenges your perceptions and mental agility. As you travel, let Brown’s psychological illusions and exercises redefine your understanding of the mind’s capabilities.
38. Are u ok?
Are u ok? is a soothing podcast that encourages you to check in with your emotions as the miles pass. It focuses on mental health, offering insights and stories that remind you to prioritize well-being amidst life’s travels.
39. Super Soul
Super Soul transforms road trips into spiritual pilgrimages with wisdom from Deepak Chopra and other thought leaders filling your car’s cabin. Each episode is a stepping stone towards greater understanding, contemplating life’s big questions against passing landscapes.
Pop Culture and Entertainment: Stay Informed While Traveling
Stay updated on entertainment through podcasts that offer insights on movies, music, TV, and more.
40. Pop Culture Happy Hour
Dive into Pop Culture Happy Hour, a podcast for lively discussions on the latest in entertainment. Like a chat with your media-savvy friends, this show turns your car into a hub of cultural commentary.
41. The Last Podcast on the Left
The Last Podcast on the Left explores the darkest corners of human experience with a blend of humor and horror. True crime, paranormal events, and bizarre history keep you captivated, making long road trips pass quickly.
42. Binge Mode
Binge Mode delves into your favorite series and movies, making it the perfect companion for any pop culture aficionado on a road trip. It’s like a spoiler-filled, fanatical discussion about the intricacies of the latest binge-worthy content in your car.
43. You Are Good
You Are Good is a podcast about the emotional connections we make with movies. It’s an exploration of why certain films resonate, enriching your travel time with insights into cinema and the human heart.
Discovering New Places and Experiences Through Travel Podcasts
Let seasoned explorers guide you to your next destination with tales, tips, and inspiration to energize your car and wanderlust.
44. Jump With Traveling Jackie
Join travel writer Jackie on Jump With Traveling Jackie. Her enthusiasm and practical tips turn each episode into a guide for your explorations, whether you’re driving to a nearby town or dreaming of distant lands.
45. Let’s Go Together
Let’s Go Together celebrates diversity in travel, sharing unique perspectives from those often underrepresented in the travel space. This podcast invites you to reimagine the travel narrative through a more inclusive lens.
46. Travel Tales
Each episode of Travel Tales transports you to a new corner of the world. You experience adventures and misadventures through the voices of fellow wanderers. It’s the perfect soundtrack for anyone looking to add a touch of global escapade to their drive.
More Podcast Picks
Find more podcasts to keep your playlist fresh and mind engaged across a range of interests.
47. Goofus and Gallant
Check out the Goofus and Gallant podcast for a modern take on classic Highlights magazine lessons in manners and morals. The podcast offers fun and thoughtful content for all ages on your road trip.
48. Queery With Cameron Esposito
Comedian Cameron Esposito explores identity, community, and life in the podcast Queery. Guests share their stories with humor and honesty, enlightening and entertaining on the go.
49. Unpacked
Embark on a narrated journey with Unpacked, uncovering the hidden layers of famous destinations and attractions. Each episode transports you behind the scenes, revealing untold stories and secrets. Unpacked serves as your audio tour guide, offering insights that transform your perceptions of the world’s wonders, from Disneyland’s creation to iconic landmarks’ history.
Perfect Playlists: Podcasts for Every Mile of Your Road Trip
Cruising from the neon lights of Las Vegas to the bustling streets of Los Angeles, your road trips transform with the perfect podcast playlist. Imagine a 30-minute episode of Maintenance Phase debunking wellness myths as the desert scenery whizzes by. Or host Kelsey McKinney of The Steering listeners through historical fiction.
Every mile brings a new audio adventure with celebrity guests, travel tips, and true crime podcasts. These best podcasts are the ultimate co-pilots for any road trip, from conversations with host Krista Tippett to the executive producer’s favorite episodes.
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