We’re sure you’ll agree that a quiet, long drive is pretty high on the list of “awkward situations that we’d like to avoid.”
So, whether you’ve got a big road trip lined up, a staycation planned with your special someone, or you want to make your long commutes to work more enjoyable, we’ve got you covered.
Sure, even though music playlists are very necessary when it comes to drives (no matter how long they are, might we add), sometimes music can’t help beat boredom—and this is where the magic of a podcast comes into the picture!
Audio series are engaging and productive ways to pass the time, and the best part? When it comes to a podcast, all you’ll need to do is hit play, relax, and let the hosts do the talking.
The only question is, which podcasts are the best for a long drive?
If you’re currently asking yourself this question and want to compile a list for future drives – rest assured that you have come to the right place.
This guide will provide you with a list of our handpicked a list of the best podcast for long drives when you hit the road next. Just keep reading!
The Top 10 Best Podcasts For A Long Drive
The best part about podcasts is just how versatile they are. No matter what you’re in the mood for – you can bet that there will be a podcast out there that will be perfect for you.
Summary
- Travel Tales By AFAR: Follows a chef, a comedian, and a photographer as they explore the world, culture, and cuisines.
- Newcomers: This podcast is hosted by comedians Nicole Byer and Laren Lapkus and focuses on pop culture reviews.
- My Favorite Murder: A true crime podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, featuring murder tales and listener stories.
- Solve: A mystery podcast that turns listeners into detectives to solve crimes, inspired by true events.
- Homecoming: A psychological thriller podcast, later adapted into a TV series, featuring a plot about a therapist helping soldiers with PTSD.
- Love Me: Explores relationships, love, and human connections, providing engaging and immersive stories.
- Here To Slay: Hosted by Roxane Gay and Dr. Tressie McMillian Cottom, this podcast discusses issues faced by women and people of color.
- You’re Wrong About: The podcast, hosted by Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall, uncovers the truth behind various myths and misconceptions.
- Dolly Parton’s America: Explores the life and cultural impact of country music icon Dolly Parton.
- Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby: Hosted by Liv Albert, this show delves into various myths and analyzes them from a modern perspective.
Still, with so many different genres of podcasts out there, it can be hard to settle on a shortlist – keep reading to discover what we like to listen to during our long drives:
1. Travel Tales By AFAR
Given that you’re on the hunt for a podcast that will be suitable for helping you pass the time on a long drive, it only makes sense that the first podcast we recommend to you should be a travel podcast!
This awesome podcast follows three people from different walks of life (a chef, a comedian, and a photographer) as they travel the world, experience new cultures, and learn something about themselves.
This series is fun and lighthearted, making it the ideal podcast to reach for when you’re in the mood for some easy listening.
Oh, and if you enjoy cooking, you’re in luck—the Travel Tales hosts also emphasize trying new cuisines and recipes in each country they visit. It’s relaxing, fun, and super easy to listen to—you’ll love it.
2. Newcomers
Next, we had to choose Newcomers. Fronted by comedians Nicole Byer and Laren Lapkus, this outrageously fun podcast focuses on pop culture reviews that are full of gossip, intrigue, and plenty of great jokes.
To give you an idea of what to expect from each episode, the two hosts typically center their topics around cultural moments that define the zeitgeist, including Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Fast and Furious, and many others.
If you’ve got a long drive planned, you love movies and pop culture, and you don’t mind hearing a joke here and there, Newcomers is just for you.
3. My Favorite Murder
Are you a true crime lover? If you answered yes to that question, then we think the My Favorite Murder podcast should certainly be on your radar if it’s not already.
My Favorite Murder is an immensely popular podcast series Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark hosted.
The pair discuss various murder tales while frequently inviting listeners, friends, and family to share some of their own tales that they would like to share, too.
4. Solve
Keeping with the theme of true crime, this next podcast we have to share with you is also centered around mystery, crime, and all things spooky and scary.
Offering a unique spin on the traditional podcast listening experience, this mystery podcast allows its listeners to become detectives!
From there, you will be presented with various facts, clues, interviews, and more to help you solve the mystery.
At the end of the show, the culprit is revealed, and you will be given a backstory about the true crime tale that the episode was loosely inspired by. That sounds awesome to us.
5. Homecoming
Here’s another podcast worth listening to next time you hit the road for a long drive.
This podcast is so popular that it has its own TV series, but if you’d like to stick to it for now, it’s absolutely perfect for keeping you company on a long drive.
This podcast is a psychological thriller that includes a star-studded cast, including Oscar Isaac and Amy Sedaris, to name a few.
It is situated around a plot that follows the story of a therapist who is helping soldiers re-adjust to normal, everyday life after developing PTSD from their war experiences.
The treatment program, however, is much more intricate than the therapist first thought—and it just so happens to be called “Homecoming.”
Interested? Give it a go next time you embark on a long journey – it might just become your go-to listen.
6. Love Me
Love Me is just one of those podcasts that we think everyone needs to listen to at least once.
It’s funny, relatable, and easy to listen to—but besides all that, it’s a genuinely engaging and immersive podcast that centers around relationships, including those shared with loved ones, family members, and, of course, that special someone.
There’s a great mixture of relationship-themed topics to explore, and we’re sure the thought-provoking conversations will help make your upcoming long drive pass quickly.
7. Here To Slay
Hosted by the bestselling author Roxane Gay and sociologist Dr. Tressie McMillian Cottom, this is an engaging and thought-provoking podcast series that centers around topics women and people of color often face in society.
Each episode examines relevant topics related to this and often includes a variety of guest speakers, such as Gabrielle Union, Stacey Abrams, Ava Dubernay, and many more.
8. You’re Wrong About
Arguably one of the most popular podcasts ever made, You’re Wrong About is the perfect accompaniment to your long drives!
This podcast is fronted by Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall, who both spend each episode discussing, debunking, and uncovering the truth of various myths and misconceptions in popular culture.
From Princess Diana to Yoko Ono, this podcast contains thorough research, interesting discussion, and plenty of truth-telling.
If you’re in the mood to listen to a podcast that will set the record straight, you’ll absolutely love the You’re Wrong About podcast!
9. Dolly Parton’s America
What better way to pass the time during your long drive than to listen to the country’s most beloved country music icon?
Dolly Parton’s America is a fun and interesting podcast that not only takes a deep dive into the life and career of Dolly Parton – but also analyzes how Dolly Parton has shaped American culture as a whole.
Whether you happen to be a Dolly Parton fan or not, this is a podcast that you should listen to at least once. It is the perfect partner for your upcoming long drive!
10. Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby
Last but certainly not least, our final long drive-certified podcast recommendation for you is this fantastic show: Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby!
As the title suggests, this podcast centers on myths of all types, from historical mythology to controversial myths prevalent in pop culture.
The host, Live Albert, takes a deep dive into a variety of different myths, all while examining them from a more modern perspective. It’s one to sink your teeth into!
Best Road Trip Podcasts For Kids
- Wow in the World: Join hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz on exciting and educational adventures that explore fascinating scientific discoveries and wonders of the world.
- Brains On! is a science podcast for curious minds. It answers young listeners’ questions about various topics through fun and informative discussions.
- Story Pirates: Immerse your kids in the world of storytelling as professional actors bring to life creative stories written by children.
- But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids: Host Jane Lindholm answers questions submitted by curious young minds, covering a wide range of topics from science and nature to culture and history.
- Circle Round: Enjoy folktales from around the world that are brought to life with vibrant storytelling and enchanting music.
- Smash Boom Best: Engage in friendly debates between two interesting topics, such as unicorns vs. dragons or pizza vs. tacos, and let your kids pick their favorites.
- Eleanor Amplified: Follow the adventures of the world-famous radio reporter Eleanor Amplified as she goes on thrilling quests and solves mysteries.
- The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian: A serialized science-fiction podcast that takes young listeners on an intergalactic journey with Finn Caspian and his friends.
- Storynory: Delight in classic fairy tales, myths, and original stories, beautifully narrated and perfect for kids’ imagination.
- Tumble Science Podcast for Kids: Discover the wonders of science through interviews with scientists and explorations of fascinating scientific concepts.
Bonus: Top 10 Podcasts to Download for Road Trips
- Serial: Dive into gripping true crime stories that unfold over multiple episodes, making it perfect for a long drive.
- The Joe Rogan Experience: Join comedian Joe Rogan as he engages in thought-provoking conversations with a wide range of guests, including experts, celebrities, and fascinating individuals.
- Stuff You Should Know: Expand your knowledge on various intriguing topics with hosts Josh and Chuck as they explore everything from history to science and popular culture.
- The Daily: Stay informed and updated on the latest news with concise, in-depth reporting and analysis from The New York Times.
- Radiolab: Explore the wonders of science, philosophy, and human curiosity through captivating storytelling and thought-provoking discussions.
- How I Built This: Discover the inspiring stories behind successful companies and brands as host Guy Raz interviews entrepreneurs and innovators.
- Comedy Bang! Bang!: Get your dose of laughter with this hilarious comedy podcast featuring entertaining interviews, improvisation, and absurd humor.
- TED Radio Hour: Embark on a journey of ideas with TED Talks reimagined for radio, covering a wide range of topics from technology to psychology and beyond.
- Criminal: Delve into fascinating and often unexpected stories from the world of crime, exploring the human side of lawbreaking.
- The Moth: Experience the power of storytelling as real people share their extraordinary and captivating tales on stage.
What to listen to on a long drive?
Consider listening to podcasts, audiobooks, music, language learning materials, meditation guides, educational lectures, or comedy shows on a long drive.
Final Thoughts
There we have it—you’ve made it to the end. Now that you have read through our guide above, we hope we have inspired you to put something on your “to listen” list next time you embark on a long drive!
Before you go, why don’t you bookmark this page? That way, if you ever need to come back for some long-drive podcast inspiration, you will know exactly where to find us. Or check our top podcasts hub if you are looking for a specific type of podcast to listen to.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide, and happy podcasting!
