Embarking on a long road trip can be both an exhilarating and daunting experience. The perfect playlist of road trip podcasts can transform your journey into an unforgettable adventure. With a wide array of genres and storytelling styles, there’s a podcast for everyone. Here’s a curated list of top road trip podcasts to keep you entertained and engaged on the road.
Best Podcasts for Road Trips
1. Normal Gossip
If you love being in the know about juicy, anonymous gossip, Normal Gossip is for you. Host Kelsey McKinney dives into listener-submitted stories with a guest each week, making it a perfect, fun companion for long drives.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
2. How I Built This
Hosted by Guy Raz, How I Built This tells the stories behind some of the world’s most successful companies and brands. These in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs will inspire and motivate you, making them an excellent choice for road trips.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
3. My Favorite Murder
True crime enthusiasts will enjoy My Favorite Murder, hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. This podcast combines true crime storytelling with humor, making it a captivating listen for any journey.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
4. S-Town
For those who enjoy investigative journalism, S-Town is a must-listen. It starts with a murder investigation in a small Alabama town and evolves into a complex narrative about the life of one of its residents.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
5. Ear Hustle
Ear Hustle offers a unique perspective on life inside a prison, narrated by inmates at San Quentin State Prison. The stories are both compelling and humanizing, providing a deep, thoughtful listening experience.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
6. Ologies
Science lovers will enjoy Ologies, where host Alie Ward interviews experts in various fields (the “ologies”). From volcanology to paleontology, this podcast makes learning fun and accessible.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
7. A Very Fatal Murder
This satirical take on true crime podcasts by The Onion is both entertaining and hilarious. A Very Fatal Murder parodies the genre while still delivering an engaging story.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
8. Serial
No list of top podcasts would be complete without Serial. This groundbreaking podcast redefined the medium with its deep-dive storytelling approach. Each season explores a different true crime case, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
Niche and Engaging Podcasts
9. The Toast
Hosted by sisters Claudia and Jackie Oshry, The Toast delivers daily updates on pop culture, business news, and more in a light-hearted, humorous manner. It’s perfect for those who enjoy keeping up with the latest trends and gossip.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
10. Wild Boys
Wild Boys is an engaging narrative podcast about two brothers who arrive in a small Canadian town with an unbelievable story. The community’s response and the brothers’ secrets make for a captivating road trip listen.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
11. Dark House
Combining elements of true crime and architectural history, Dark House explores infamous homes and the events that took place within them. It’s a fascinating mix of HGTV and true crime storytelling.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
12. Las Culturistas
Hosted by Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, Las Culturistas delves into pop culture with smart and hilarious takes. Whether discussing reality TV or the latest films, this podcast will keep you entertained throughout your drive.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
13. This Had Oscar Buzz
For film buffs, This Had Oscar Buzz is a delightful podcast that discusses movies that were expected to be Oscar contenders but fell short. It’s insightful, entertaining, and perfect for long drives.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
14. 99% Invisible
Design aficionados and curious minds alike will appreciate 99% Invisible. Hosted by Roman Mars, this podcast explores the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world, making the mundane fascinating.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
15. Song Exploder
Each episode of Song Exploder features a musician breaking down one of their songs, offering insights into the creative process. It’s a must-listen for music lovers who enjoy behind-the-scenes stories.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
16. The Sporkful
The Sporkful isn’t just for foodies; it’s for anyone who loves to eat. Host Dan Pashman explores culinary topics with humor and curiosity, making it a delightful podcast to snack on during your trip.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
17. WTF with Marc Maron
Comedian Marc Maron’s WTF podcast features in-depth interviews with celebrities, offering a mix of humor and deep conversation. With a vast archive, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
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