Whether you’re embarking on a long road trip or simply commuting to work, podcasts are the perfect companion for the open road.
With podcasts, you can make the most of your time in the car by diving into gripping true crime stories, exploring fascinating history, or laughing along with comedy.
There’s something for everyone, no matter your mood or interests.
From educational to entertaining, podcasts offer a variety of genres that make even the longest drives feel shorter.
Here are some fantastic podcasts to tune into while you’re driving:
True Crime Lovers
If you’re a fan of thrilling mysteries and chilling true crime stories, these podcasts will keep you on the edge of your seat:
Stuff You Should Know
Hosts Josh and Chuck delve into fascinating topics across a variety of subjects, making even the most complex ideas easy to understand.
Their storytelling is engaging and informative, offering everything from the history of ancient civilizations to quirky facts about everyday life.
With their witty banter and deep dives, you’ll learn something new with every episode, making it a perfect choice for a road trip.
My Favorite Murder
True crime lovers will appreciate this hilarious yet eerie podcast.
Hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark mix humor with chilling murder cases, making it both informative and entertaining.
Their candid discussions and unique takes on infamous crimes make it a captivating choice for long drives, especially for fans of dark humor.
Read Here: How To End a Podcast Episode
S-Town
A gripping true crime documentary series that follows a journalist as he uncovers a mystery in a small Southern town.
It’s a long-form podcast perfect for long drives, with a narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
The twists and turns in the story make for an unforgettable listening experience.
Small Town Murder
This podcast digs into strange and eerie crimes from small towns across the U.S.
Each episode covers a different town, offering an unpredictable mix of unsettling tales.
With hosts James and Jimmie, the podcast brings to light lesser-known, bizarre criminal cases that are both entertaining and eerie, perfect for those who love exploring the dark side of small-town life.
Comedy Podcasts
Laughter is a great way to pass the time.
These comedy podcasts will have you laughing out loud as you drive:
SmartLess
Comedians Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett interview surprise celebrity guests, offering hilarious conversations and great chemistry that’ll make your road trip much more enjoyable.
Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
Join Conan O’Brien as he chats with celebrity guests in a relaxed, funny, and often heartwarming way.
The podcast is filled with candid moments and humor.
Comedy Bang! Bang
This show blends improvisational comedy with a podcast format, with Scott Aukerman hosting.
Expect guest appearances from comedians and a lot of offbeat humor.
Threedom
This podcast features a trio of comedians—Paul F.
Tompkins, Janie Haddad Tompkins, and Scott Aukerman—who explore random topics with their hilarious banter.
For the History Buffs
Travel back in time with these fascinating history podcasts:
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History
If you’re a fan of in-depth, immersive storytelling, this podcast is for you. Dan Carlin takes a deep dive into historical events, providing hours of captivating content.
His unique, intense delivery style makes complex historical topics feel like thrilling adventures.
With episodes that often exceed four hours, it’s the perfect choice for long road trips when you want to dive into epic tales from history.
Stuff You Missed in History Class
Join Holly and Tracy as they cover a wide range of historical topics, from well-known events to obscure moments in history.
It’s a great way to pass the miles with interesting and educational content.
With their fun and approachable style, you’ll not only learn new things but also get a deeper understanding of lesser-known figures and stories from the past.
Revolutions
Mike Duncan’s podcast explores famous revolutions throughout history, offering an alternative view of major global events.
It’s a fascinating listen for anyone interested in the complexities of historical change.
Duncan’s deep knowledge and engaging narrative make even the most intricate historical moments come alive, offering listeners a thorough understanding of the forces that shape our world.
The History Extra Podcast
Produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine, this podcast features interviews with historians about various periods of history, offering a mix of educational and entertaining content.
Whether it’s discussing the mysteries of ancient Rome or uncovering surprising stories about famous historical figures, this podcast is perfect for history buffs who enjoy a blend of learning and storytelling.
Family-Friendly Podcasts
If you’re traveling with family or kids, here are some fun and educational podcasts perfect for all ages:
Wow in the World
Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz host this science and nature podcast for kids.
It’s entertaining and educational, offering fascinating facts in an engaging format that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
This podcast features stories of remarkable women from history, making it both empowering and educational. It’s ideal for inspiring the next generation while on the road.
Brains On!
If your kids are curious about science, this podcast answers questions submitted by young listeners.
It’s fun, educational, and perfect for a long family road trip.
Engaging Documentaries & Series
For those who love in-depth storytelling and detailed narratives:
This American Life
One of the most iconic storytelling podcasts, this show covers a variety of human experiences, featuring touching, funny, and often poignant stories from around the U.S.
Each episode is thoughtfully curated, offering a unique theme or perspective that dives deep into everyday life, often leaving listeners with a new outlook on the world.
Whether it’s a lighthearted tale or a more serious reflection, This American Life masterfully captures the richness of human emotions and experiences.
Revolutions
Mike Duncan’s detailed exploration of world-changing revolutions is perfect for anyone who loves history with a narrative twist.
Through his engaging storytelling, Duncan takes listeners through some of the most pivotal moments in history, like the American and French Revolutions.
His thorough research and captivating delivery make each revolution feel like an epic adventure, giving a fresh perspective on the events that shaped the modern world.
The Infinite Monkey Cage
Hosted by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince, this podcast blends science with humor.
They tackle topics like astrophysics and biology in an engaging and easy-to-understand format.
Radiolab
This award-winning podcast combines science, philosophy, and storytelling.
It’s thought-provoking and often presents complex concepts in a fun and digestible way.
Thought-Provoking & Educational
For those who enjoy expanding their minds while driving:
TED Talks Daily
If you love the TED Talks series, you’ll enjoy their podcast, which brings the best ideas from experts and thought leaders in a variety of fields.
It’s an inspirational way to spend your commute.
Science Vs
This podcast tackles popular myths and misconceptions by pitting them against scientific facts.
It’s a great way to learn something new and challenge your thinking.
The Guardian’s Audio Long Reads
If you’re someone who enjoys reading but doesn’t always have the time, this podcast presents long-form articles from The Guardian in an audio format, perfect for road trips.
Final Thoughts
No matter what your interests are, there’s a podcast out there to make your time on the road more enjoyable.
Whether you’re looking for true crime, comedy, history, educational content, or podcasts for working, these podcasts will keep you engaged, entertained, and informed during your drive.
So, the next time you hit the road, be sure to press play on one of these podcasts and let the journey fly by.