Hitting the open road, cranking up your playlist, and setting out for a new adventure is an experience like no other. But for those longer stretches where music just doesn’t cut it, podcasts are the ultimate road trip companion. Whether you’re in the mood for a suspenseful story, a good laugh, or something educational, there’s a podcast for every traveler. Here are the top 10 best podcasts for road trips that’ll keep you entertained and make the miles fly by.
1. “Stuff You Should Know” – Dive into Fun Facts and Random Knowledge
When it comes to entertaining yet informative podcasts, Stuff You Should Know is hard to beat. Hosts Josh and Chuck explore everything from the science of sleep to the history of famous landmarks. They bring humor and curiosity into each episode, making even the most mundane topics sound fascinating.
Personal Tip: My last road trip wouldn’t have been the same without it! Listening to the episode on how black holes work had us looking up at the night sky with new perspectives during a rest stop.
2. “Criminal” – True Crime Stories for Thrill Seekers
If you’re into true crime, Criminal is a must. Hosted by Phoebe Judge, this podcast dives into real-life stories that aren’t your typical “whodunit” mysteries. From petty crimes to complex cases, each episode is a carefully crafted tale that’s as gripping as it is thought-provoking.
Insider Tip: Try to listen to the episode “The Manual” – it’s a story that had us glued to our seats as we drove through the night, feeling like detectives in our own adventure.
3. “Armchair Expert” – Deep Conversations with a Touch of Humor
For those who enjoy candid conversations, Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard is perfect. Dax brings on guests from all walks of life to talk about the human experience, vulnerabilities, and hilarious personal anecdotes. The variety of guests—from actors to scientists—means there’s something here for everyone.
Why It’s Great for Road Trips: With episodes often stretching over an hour, this podcast is ideal for filling long stretches of highway with engaging stories and hearty laughs.
4. “My Favorite Murder” – True Crime with a Dash of Humor
Hosted by comedians Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, My Favorite Murder takes a unique approach to true crime. Each episode dives into a different crime story, often with a humorous spin that keeps things light without diminishing the story’s impact.
Personal Story: On a recent road trip, my friend and I found ourselves laughing out loud at some of their banter, which kept our spirits high even during an unexpected detour!
5. “The Moth” – Real-Life Stories that Resonate
If you’re a fan of storytelling, The Moth will keep you captivated. This podcast features real people sharing their life stories on stage. The stories range from hilarious to deeply moving, creating an emotional rollercoaster that’s perfect for long drives.
Road Trip Tip: The variety in stories means you’ll never get bored. From tales of triumph to moments of sheer embarrassment, you’ll find yourself feeling every emotion along with the speakers.
6. “No Such Thing As A Fish” – Fun Facts to Keep You Curious
Hosted by the researchers behind the popular British TV show QI, No Such Thing As A Fish is filled with quirky, fascinating facts that are sure to spark conversation. Each week, the hosts share the most interesting things they’ve discovered, covering topics that are as random as they are intriguing.
Perfect for Pit Stops: The show’s short episodes make it ideal for quick breaks, giving you a dose of fun facts to liven up your rest stops along the way.
7. “How I Built This” – Inspiring Stories of Entrepreneurs
Hosted by Guy Raz, How I Built This is a great pick for those who love stories of resilience and innovation. Each episode interviews founders of successful companies who share their journeys, struggles, and triumphs. From Airbnb to Spanx, every story is a lesson in perseverance.
Road Trip Inspiration: This podcast has a way of sparking ideas and dreams. On a recent drive, it inspired a friend of mine to brainstorm new business ideas while we were miles from anywhere!
8. “Welcome to Night Vale” – Fictional Stories with a Twist
If you’re looking for something completely different, Welcome to Night Vale is a unique fictional podcast that blends sci-fi, horror, and humor. The podcast takes place in a fictional desert town with bizarre characters and events, narrated in a deadpan style that makes the weird stories even funnier.
Ideal for Night Drives: This one is particularly fun when the sun goes down. The eerie vibe adds a little thrill to nighttime driving, making it feel like you’re part of the story.
9. “You Must Remember This” – Old Hollywood Tales for Film Buffs
Film fans will love You Must Remember This, a podcast about the forgotten and iconic stories of old Hollywood. Host Karina Longworth dives into the tales behind classic stars and scandals, bringing a bygone era to life with impressive research and storytelling.
For History Lovers: This podcast adds a touch of nostalgia to road trips. Hearing stories about classic Hollywood as you cruise along can make you feel like you’re traveling back in time.
10. “Science Vs” – Entertaining Science Debunking
Hosted by Wendy Zukerman, Science Vs tackles popular myths, beliefs, and controversies with a dose of humor and scientific evidence. From discussing fad diets to questioning myths about climate change, the show offers insightful and sometimes surprising takes on issues that often come up in everyday conversations.
Why It’s Great for Groups: If you’re traveling with friends or family, this podcast can spark some interesting debates. It’s a fun way to challenge ideas and learn together, making those longer drives feel shorter.
Final Tips for Podcast Lovers on the Road
When choosing podcasts for your road trip, think about variety. Mix up long episodes with shorter ones and try to cover different genres to keep things fresh and exciting. And remember to download episodes in advance if you’re headed to areas with spotty reception.
These podcasts are sure to turn your drive into a memorable experience filled with laughter, suspense, and inspiration. So, queue up your favorites, hit the road, and let these shows entertain you all the way to your destination.