The Best Podcasts to Listen to on Your Next Road Trips (2023 Edition)

Road trips are the perfect time to catch up on your favorite podcasts or discover new ones. With so many great podcasts to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re into comedy, true crime, history, or just want to learn something new.

In this blog post, we’ll share 10 of the best podcasts for road trips, from classics like This American Life and Serial to newer shows like Armchair Expert and My Favorite Murder.

Best Podcasts For Road Trips

The best podcasts for road trips are audio programs that are particularly well-suited for listening during long car journeys. These podcasts are chosen for their engaging content, which can range from storytelling and entertainment to education and information. They are designed to make road trips more enjoyable and informative, providing passengers with an entertaining way to pass the time while traveling.

The list of the best podcasts for road trips includes various options that provide entertainment and make the journey more enjoyable, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

#1. The Sporkful

This podcast examines the world of eating and food, hosted by Dan Pashman. It has been praised for its smart and award-winning content.

#2. WTF with Marc Maron

Comedian Marc Maron hosts this podcast, where he interviews a wide range of guests from the entertainment industry.

#3. Chameleon

Season 1, Hollywood Con Queen: This podcast tells the gripping story of the Hollywood Con Queen, who scammed aspiring actors and filmmakers.

#4. Drilled

This investigative podcast delves into the world of climate change denial and the tactics used by those who spread misinformation.

#5. Modern Love

Based on the popular New York Times column, this podcast features readings of essays about love and relationships.

#6. Good Inside with Dr. Becky

Dr. Becky Kennedy is the host of this podcast, which offers insights and advice on parenting.

#7. Sold a Story

This podcast explores the world of tabloid journalism and the stories that are bought and sold.

#8. SmartLess

This podcast, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, features interviews with celebrities and interesting conversations.

#9. The Memory Palace

This podcast tells captivating stories from history, making it a great choice for those who enjoy learning while on the road.

#10. Desert Island Discs

This long-running podcast features interviews with notable guests who share the music they would take with them if stranded on a desert island.

Benefits of the Best Podcast for Road Trips

Listening to the best podcasts for road trips offers not only entertainment and education but also the chance to explore new ideas, cultures, and interests. It’s a versatile and enjoyable way to make the most of your time on the road.

Listening to podcasts during road trips offers several benefits

#1. Entertainment

Podcasts provide engaging and entertaining content that can make long drives more enjoyable. They offer a wide range of genres, including true crime, comedy, storytelling, and more, catering to different interests and preferences.

#2. Education and Learning

Many podcasts delve into various subjects, providing educational content and expanding knowledge while on the road. Whether it’s history, science, or personal development, podcasts offer opportunities to learn and explore new topics.

#3. Passing Time

Road trips can sometimes feel monotonous, especially during long stretches of driving. Podcasts help pass the time by providing captivating stories, interviews, and discussions, keeping you engaged and entertained throughout the journey.

#4. Inspiration and Motivation

Some podcasts focus on personal growth, motivation, and inspiring stories. Listening to these podcasts during a road trip can uplift your mood, provide inspiration, and offer valuable insights to apply in your own life.

#5. Companionship

If you’re traveling alone or want to feel connected, podcasts can provide a sense of companionship. Listening to hosts and their conversations can make you feel like you’re part of a community, especially during solo road trips.

#6. Convenience

Podcasts are easily accessible and can be downloaded in advance, allowing you to listen even in areas with limited internet connectivity. This convenience ensures uninterrupted listening during the entire road trip.

#7. Stress Relief

Listening to podcasts can be a form of relaxation and stress relief. Engaging with interesting content can take your mind off the stresses of driving and provide a mental break during the journey.

#8. Cultural and Global Exposure

Podcasts often feature discussions and stories from around the world, providing a window into different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. They can broaden your horizons and offer a deeper understanding of diverse topics.

#9. Storytelling

Many podcasts excel at storytelling, captivating listeners with narratives that unfold over multiple episodes. These gripping stories can keep you engaged and eagerly anticipating the next episode, making the road trip feel like an immersive experience.

#10. Multi-Tasking

Podcasts allow you to make the most of your time on the road by engaging in multi-tasking. You can listen to informative or entertaining content while driving, making the journey both productive and enjoyable.

Best Podcasts For Road Trips True Crime

True crime podcasts are a great way to keep you entertained during your road trip. These true crime podcasts offer a mix of storytelling, investigation, and analysis, making them perfect for long road trips.

Here are some of the best true crime podcasts to listen to:

#1. My Favorite Murder

This podcast, which Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark host, combines humor with true crime stories. The hosts share their favorite murder cases and engage in witty banter along the way.

#2. Morbid: A True Crime Podcast

This podcast offers a mix of true crime stories and dark humor. Hosted by Alaina Urquhart and Ashleigh Kelley, Morbid covers a wide range of cases, from well-known to lesser-known mysteries.

#3. Crime Junkie

Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat are the hosts of the popular true-crime podcast Crime Junkie. Each episode focuses on a different case, providing in-depth analysis and storytelling.

#4. Sword and Scale

This podcast delves into the darkest corners of the true crime genre, exploring disturbing cases and the psychology behind them. It features interviews, 911 calls, and audio recordings to provide a comprehensive narrative.

#5. Casefile

Casefile is a highly acclaimed true crime podcast that covers a variety of cases from around the world. The host remains anonymous and presents each case in a detailed and engaging manner.

#6. Criminal

Criminal is a podcast that explores the human side of crime. It tells tales of those who have experienced the effects of crime, including victims, offenders, and criminal justice system personnel.

#7. Serial

Serial is a groundbreaking podcast that captivated audiences with its first season, which investigated the murder of Hae Min Lee and the conviction of Adnan Syed. Each season focuses on a different true crime story, making it a great choice for long road trips.

#8. Up and Vanished

This podcast follows the investigation into the disappearance of Tara Grinstead, a high school teacher from Georgia. It provides a deep dive into the case, uncovering new evidence and shedding light on the mystery.

#9. Criminal Minds

Based on the popular TV show, this podcast explores real-life cases that have inspired episodes of Criminal Minds. It delves into the psychology of criminals and the methods used to solve cases.

#10. The Vanished

The Vanished focuses on missing-person cases, shedding light on the stories of those who have disappeared. It raises awareness and provides a platform for families to share their experiences.

Tips for Listening To The Best True Crime Podcast

Here are some tips for listening to the best true crime podcasts during road trips:

#1. Download Episodes in Advance

Before hitting the road, make sure to download the episodes of your chosen true crime podcasts. This ensures uninterrupted listening, even in areas with limited internet connectivity.

#2. Create a Playlist

Organize your downloaded episodes into a playlist to have a seamless listening experience. This way, you won’t have to search for episodes while driving and can enjoy a continuous stream of captivating true crime stories.

#3. Plan for Engaging and Longer Episodes

True crime podcasts often have episodes that delve deep into cases, providing detailed narratives and analysis. Look for longer episodes that can keep you engaged for a significant portion of your road trip.

#4. Take Breaks if Needed

Some true crime stories can be intense or emotionally heavy. If you find yourself needing a break, pause the podcast and switch to a different genre or lighter content for a while. It’s important to prioritize your mental well-being during the journey.

#5. Engage in Discussion

If you’re traveling with others, true crime podcasts can spark interesting conversations. Pause the podcast at certain points to discuss theories, share thoughts, or debate the details of the cases. It can make the road trip more interactive and enjoyable.

#6. Stay Alert and Focused

While listening to podcasts, especially during long drives, it’s crucial to stay alert and focused on the road. Adjust the volume to a comfortable level that allows you to hear the podcast without compromising your ability to hear traffic sounds and important road cues.

If you enjoy a specific true crime podcast, explore other podcasts in the same genre. Many true crime podcast hosts recommend similar shows or have collaborations with other hosts, providing a wealth of content to discover.

#8. Mix Up the Subgenres

True crime podcasts cover a wide range of subgenres, including cold cases, mysteries, serial killers, and more. Mix up the subgenres to keep the content fresh and varied during your road trip.

#9. Research the Cases

If a particular case piques your interest, consider researching it further during rest stops or after reaching your destination. Digging deeper into the details can provide additional context and insights into true crime stories.

#10. Take Breaks from True Crime

Take breaks and try different podcast genres if you think that true crime podcasts are getting too serious or overwhelming. It’s vital to put your mental health first and select stuff that suits your comfort zone.

What Should I Listen To On My Road Trip?

On your road trip, you can listen to music, audiobooks, podcasts, news, and radio. You can also enjoy language learning, interactive games, comedy, documentaries, meditation, or audio tours. Choose what suits your and your fellow travelers’ interests to make the journey enjoyable.

How Do I Find Interesting Podcasts?

To find interesting podcasts, you can follow curated lists, seek genre-specific recommendations, use podcast discovery platforms, engage with online communities, consider podcast awards and reviews, explore podcasts from well-known networks, follow podcast creators on social media, and ask for personal recommendations. These tips will help you discover engaging podcasts based on your interests and make your road trip more enjoyable.

How Do You Have a Perfect Road Trip?

To have a perfect road trip, plan your route and create a flexible itinerary. Pack essentials, check your vehicle, and book accommodations in advance. Stay safe on the road, explore local cuisine, and embrace the journey. Capture moments and be prepared for emergencies. Enjoy the experience and make lasting memories.

How Do You Listen To Podcasts?

To listen to podcasts, you can use podcast apps on your smartphone or tablet, visit podcast websites, use podcast players on your computer, utilize smart speakers, or listen through car infotainment systems. These options provide convenient ways to search for podcasts, subscribe to shows, and enjoy episodes based on your preferences.

What Type Of Music Is Best For Driving?

The type of music that is considered best for driving varies depending on personal preferences. However, pop music is often recommended for driving because it is easy to digest, familiar, and keeps the energy up and steady. Some people also enjoy listening to specific genres like rock, electronic, or classical music while driving. Additionally, research suggests that the ideal driving song has a tempo of 60–80 beats per minute, which mimics the beat of the human heart. Ultimately, the best music for driving is subjective and can vary from person to person.

What Should I Watch on a Long Road Trip?

When it comes to what to watch on a long road trip, you have several options. You can watch movies and TV shows, including anime if you’re a fan. Travel documentaries can be educational and inspiring, while kids’ entertainment can keep children entertained. If you prefer interactive entertainment, road trip games can be a fun choice. Just make sure to consider the preferences of everyone on the trip and prioritize safety.

Conclusion

Listening to the best podcasts for road trips offers entertainment, education, learning, passing time, inspiration, and companionship. With a variety of genres, podcasts cater to different interests and preferences, providing educational content, engaging stories, and inspiring insights. To enjoy true crime podcasts during road trips, download episodes in advance, create a playlist, plan engaging episodes, take breaks if needed, and engage in discussion to make the journey more interactive and enjoyable. This will keep you engaged and focused on the stories. These podcasts cover a variety of cases, explore the human side of crime, and provide insights into various cases.