Since the devastating outbreak of Covid-19, travel has been hit hard around the world. With flights and large-group travel discouraged, the only real way to travel safely is through road trips. This season has seen a huge rise in domestic, cross-country, travel as people pile into their vehicles to set off across the country for weekend getaways to break the monotony of isolation.
With road trips rising in popularity, it’s no surprise that podcasts have seen a boom, too. Of course, we need entertainment on our long drives, right?
Need help sifting through hundreds of podcasts to listen to? We have put together a list of the best podcasts to listen for your long drive or commute.
Where to Begin?
Source: ShutterstockThere is no end to the number of podcasts available to the curious listener. Everyone from sports experts to Star Wars enthusiasts have taken up the hobby, and many of them have found great success. Although every podcast has it’s pocket of listeners, it seems that there are a handful of categories that consistently draw the largest number of fans.
- Society and Culture
- True Crime
- Health and Wellness
- Comedy
These categories provide long-form episodes with engaging content that are easy to follow without getting lost due to a lack of information. Another plus is that each episode stands alone. Listeners can jump into the podcast at any point without starting at the very first episode.
Society and Culture
Source: ShutterstockPodcasts that focus on society and culture draw a large number of listeners due to how educational they are while being extremely entertaining. The TED Interview is an excellent example of a popular Society and Culture podcast.
The host interviews a wide variety of interesting people, often professionals in their respective fields, and asks questions that prompt in-depth responses.
True Crime
True Crime podcasts are extremely popular at the moment, and there are many them to choose from.
Source: ShutterstockOne popular series that investigates true crimes in a powerful and engaging format is Crime Junkie. The hosts do extensive research into a wide variety of criminal cases, from serial killers to missing person reports, and retell the story. They maintain an objective perspective while respecting the people involved in the crime. Furthermore, they donate to organizations that help the victims of the crimes they cover. Extremely engaging and a little spooky, this podcast makes long commutes fly by as you sit on the edge of your seat.
Health and Wellness
As we continue to stay home due to the pandemic, many are listening to health and wellness podcasts to maintain their physical and mental health. One such podcast that has garnered much recognition is the Goop Podcast, hosted by Gwyneth Paltrow.
Source: ShutterstockThe Goop podcast interviews a wide variety of highly interesting guests and discusses unique health and wellness techniques. Although not strictly dedicated to health and wellness, the podcast also features leading thinkers in the arts, business, and culture. An excellent podcast for being entertained while bettering yourself at the same time.
Comedy
One sure way to help the miles melt behind you as you travel down any road by laughing away at stand up comedy. Comics have a real talent for taking you on a hilarious adventure through story and the same applies when you are driving anywhere. Whether you are a passenger or driver, you somehow find yourself imaging the many unique scenarios the comedian portrays and laughing along with the punchlines.
Source: ShutterstockPretty soon, the 4-hour car ride is down to its last 30 minutes and you are wondering where the time went. This is why so many podcast listeners turn to comedy channels. One such channel that comes highly rated is and is friendly for the whole family is Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me. A highly entertaining series of episodes with game shows, witty commentary and an number of unique guests. This podcast is sure to pass the time and keep the whole family engaged as you travel to your anticipated destination.
Podcasts are a fantastic way to pass any commute. With the wide variety of categories available, there is bound to be a topic that catches your attention. From crime podcasts that will have you on the edge of your seat to comedy episodes that will have you gasping for breath, the possibilities for any long commute are endless. So, next time you set out on a long road trip, or even on your drive to work, consider queuing up one of these fantastic podcasts for the ride!
