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Best Podcasts For Roadtrips - Your Ultimate Listening Guide

Dr. Una Hayes

When you're heading out on a long drive, the right sounds can make all the difference, really. Forget about the same old music playlists you've heard a thousand times, you know? Sometimes, what you truly want is something fresh, something that pulls you in and keeps your mind buzzing as the miles just melt away. That's where a great audio show steps in, transforming a plain trip into a memorable listening experience.

It's true, there are so many choices out there when it comes to finding things to listen to. The bigger platforms often show you only a small handful of options, based on what their computers think you might like, which, you know, isn't always the full picture. We've put together a collection of some of the very best audio programs that will keep you company, entertain you, and maybe even teach you a little something while you're on the move, actually.

Whether you're looking for something to make you think, something to make you laugh, or a story that holds you tight, this list aims to help you pick the perfect sonic companion for your next big adventure. From gripping tales to shows that spark your curiosity, we've got you covered for those long stretches of road, or, you know, just any time you're in the car.

Table of Contents

What Makes a Podcast Great for Roadtrips?

You might wonder, you know, what truly sets a good audio program apart for a long car trip. It's not just about having sound fill the quiet spaces. It's about finding something that truly holds your interest, that makes the miles seem to disappear. Sometimes, you're looking for something that just clicks with the mood of the trip, like your best music lists, but with a voice. It's really about finding that absolute list of the most enjoyable audio shows to listen to in the car while driving, and that varies a lot, actually, from person to person.

For some, the ideal audio companion keeps them awake and alert, especially during those very long stretches. Others might prefer something that sparks thought, something that helps them learn something new, or helps them think about things differently. A truly great audio program for a road trip can, in a way, make you feel like you're having a conversation with someone interesting, even when you're all alone on the road. It's about finding that connection, that feeling of shared experience, you know, even if it's just with the voices coming through your speakers.

Curiosity Sparkers - Best Podcasts for Roadtrips That Make You Smarter

Sometimes the very best audio shows for a car trip involve picking up new bits of knowledge. These sorts of thoughtful and informative audio programs for road trips will make you feel a bit more knowledgeable, a little wiser, and ready to take in a fresh way of seeing things or a new idea. They really satisfy your desire to know more, taking a close look at all sorts of different subjects. It's like having a little school on wheels, more or less, but in a fun way.

Stuff You Should Know - A Top Choice for Roadtrips

Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant's audio program, called 'Stuff You Should Know,' is a really good example of this kind of listening. It goes over many things you'd likely want to know about, everything from how concrete works to the history of the zombie. It first came out in 2008, and if you're looking for some of the very best audio shows that can be listened to during car travels and leave you feeling more informed, this one has main episodes as well as shorter bits for quick and easy listening while you're on the road. It's a pretty reliable pick for making your brain a little bigger, you know.

True Crime and Thrillers - Best Podcasts for Roadtrips That Keep You Awake

For those who like a bit of suspense and a story that keeps them on the edge of their seat, true crime audio shows are often a perfect fit for car trips. These kinds of programs, you know, can really hold your attention, making the time fly by. They're definitely among the top choices for keeping you alert and interested, especially when you're driving for many hours. There are, like, twenty excellent true crime audio shows that are just right for road trips, according to some folks.

Serial - A Must-Listen for Roadtrips

Serial is, without a doubt, one of the most popular audio shows, and for a really good reason. Its story-telling style is so gripping it will leave you wanting to know more, making it one of the very best audio shows for car trips that just couldn't be left off any list. It's the kind of thing that makes you want to keep driving just to hear what happens next, actually, which is pretty useful on a long haul.

Criminal - An Excellent Pick for Roadtrips

Hosted by Phoebe Judge, Criminal is an audio program about true events that looks at tales of wrongdoing, fairness, and the human side of things. It explores all sorts of situations where people have found themselves in tricky spots, or, you know, have been involved in unusual happenings. It's a very well-made show that offers a different angle on events that have actually taken place, and it's a great choice for those who enjoy a thoughtful look at these kinds of subjects while on the go.

National Park After Dark - A Unique Option for Roadtrips

This one, National Park After Dark, probably isn't the best fit for a car trip out west if you're planning to visit a national park, but it talks about the strange, scary, and truly unbelievable things that have happened in those places. While many of the stories are pretty wild, it's a show that will certainly keep you wide awake and maybe a little spooked, which, you know, can be a good thing on a long, quiet drive. It's a rather specific kind of interest, but for those who like it, it's gold.

Family Friendly Fun - Best Podcasts for Roadtrips with Everyone Along

When you have a car full of people, especially little ones, finding something that everyone can enjoy is, you know, a bit of a challenge. You want something that keeps everyone entertained without anyone getting bored or, like, squirming in their seats. There are some really great audio shows out there that are just perfect for family car trips, making the time pass pleasantly for all ages. We've got fourteen favorite audio shows that are just right for family car trips, which is a pretty good number to choose from.

Circle Round - A Favorite for Family Roadtrips

Of all the audio programs we've listened to with our children over the years, our absolute favorite audio show for family car trips is Circle Round. It tells engaging stories that are suitable for younger listeners and often have a good message without being too preachy. It's a really good way to keep the peace and get everyone listening together, which, honestly, is a pretty big win when you're stuck in a car for hours.

The Dollop - A Hilarious Choice for Roadtrips

I'll never not suggest The Dollop for car trips. It's a very funny American history audio show, and they have so many episodes that wherever you're going, you're likely to find a story that relates at least somewhat to that place. It's a pretty good way to get a laugh and learn something quirky about the past, and it's often a hit with a wide range of ages, too, if they appreciate a bit of humor with their history.

Travel Stories and Perspectives - Best Podcasts for Roadtrips About the World

Some people really like to feel like they're still exploring, even when they're just sitting in the car. Audio shows that share travel stories, or, you know, talk about different cultures and experiences, can be a wonderful way to do that. They let you feel like you're seeing the world through someone else's eyes, or maybe just hearing about places you've always wanted to go. Road trips can be a very good way to learn, unlearn, and relearn some life lessons, and interesting audio shows like Best of Both will go a long way to help with achieving this, apparently.

Thoughtful Travel Podcast - A Good Fit for Roadtrips

The Thoughtful Travel Podcast is a show for people who love to travel, hosted by Amanda Kendle. Each episode is packed with stories from fellow travel enthusiasts on subjects like using foreign languages, meeting the people who live in a place, getting lost, and what we gain from our travels. It's a rather calming and inspiring listen, perfect for those moments when you're dreaming of your next big adventure, or just reflecting on the one you're currently on.

Pop Culture and Entertainment - Best Podcasts for Roadtrips to Keep Things Light

Sometimes, you just want something light and fun, something that doesn't require too much deep thought but still keeps you entertained. Pop culture audio shows are perfect for this. They're often hosted by people who are just chatting about movies, TV shows, music, or, you know, whatever's happening in the world of entertainment. This kind of audio program is hosted by comedians Nicole Byer and Lauren Lapkus and looks at reviews of pop culture. It's a pretty easy listen, good for when you want to relax and just enjoy some friendly conversation, more or less.

How Do You Pick the Right App for the Best Podcasts for Roadtrips?

Once you've got your list of great audio shows, you might wonder about the best apps to play them. Choosing the right one is, you know, pretty important for a smooth listening experience. You'll want to pick one that works well with your phone or tablet and offers the features you need. Some people prefer apps that let them download episodes ahead of time, which is really handy if you're going somewhere with spotty internet service. Others might like apps that suggest new shows based on what they already listen to, or, you know, have easy ways to organize their listening queue. It's all about finding what makes your listening easy and enjoyable, actually.

Considering Your Listening Style - What Are the Best Podcasts for Roadtrips for You?

The truth is, the "best" audio show for a car trip really depends on who you are and what you like. My personal top three, for instance, are what I save episodes of specifically for car trips, even if the content isn't directly about driving. I do a lot of car trips, so finding those perfect fits is, you know, something I put thought into. The top audio shows of 2024 were with us for the long haul; our editors tuned into episodes when we were stuck in traffic on car trips, in airport lounges waiting out awkward layovers, or during our usual routines. No matter who's riding along, one of these is likely to be the perfect listen as the miles just fly by.

So, there you have it, a collection of ideas for audio shows that can make your next long drive a much more enjoyable experience. From learning something new with a show like 'Stuff You Should Know' to getting lost in a true story with 'Serial' or 'Criminal,' there's truly something for every kind of listener. If you're traveling with family, 'Circle Round' or 'The Dollop' might be just what you need to keep everyone happy. And for those who love to hear about far-off places, the 'Thoughtful Travel Podcast' offers a way to explore without leaving your seat. These suggestions, you know, are meant to help make your drive better as you listen to some really great audio shows.

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Detail Author:

  • Name : Dr. Una Hayes
  • Username : darien.goyette
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