The best podcasts for road trips, listed

For a long road trip, the best podcasts keep you entertained, engaged, and immersed for hours, offering a mix of storytelling, humor, education, and conversation. True crime podcasts, such as Serial and My Favorite Murder, are excellent companions, with gripping stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. If you prefer long-form narratives, This American Life and Radiolab dive into fascinating real-life stories and explorations of science, culture, and human experiences.

Serial is a groundbreaking investigative journalism podcast that debuted in 2014 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Created by Sarah Koenig and Julie Snyder, it explores real-life stories over the course of multiple episodes, blending true crime with long-form narrative journalism. Each season focuses on a different case or topic, immersing listeners in the details through interviews, archival audio, and Koenig’s thoughtful narration.

The first season delves into the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, a high school student in Baltimore, and the controversial conviction of her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed. It raises questions about the investigation, trial, and whether justice was served, sparking widespread public interest and even contributing to real-world legal developments. The second season shifts focus to Bowe Bergdahl, a U.S. Army soldier who abandoned his post in Afghanistan and was later captured by the Taliban, examining the complexities of military life and public perception. The third season explores the American criminal justice system through cases at the Cleveland courts, offering an in-depth look at systemic issues.

With its engaging storytelling, attention to detail, and willingness to confront ambiguity, Serial has redefined the podcasting genre and remains a must-listen for anyone interested in true crime and investigative journalism.

My Favorite Murder is a popular true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Launched in 2016, the show blends detailed storytelling of crime cases with humor, personal anecdotes, and candid conversations. Each episode features the hosts discussing notable murders, true crime stories, or strange, unsolved mysteries. Their unique approach—tackling dark subjects with empathy, wit, and levity—sets the show apart, creating a space where listeners feel both entertained and connected.

Kilgariff and Hardstark’s friendship and off-the-cuff humor play a significant role in the podcast’s appeal. They often engage in tangents about mental health, personal growth, and pop culture, making the podcast feel conversational and relatable. The hosts are open about their struggles and flaws, cultivating a community known as “Murderinos,” who embrace the motto: “Stay sexy and don’t get murdered.”

The podcast frequently includes hometown murder stories submitted by listeners, which adds a participatory element. With episodes ranging from infamous cases like the Zodiac Killer to bizarre local crimes, My Favorite Murder offers a mix of well-researched storytelling and spontaneous banter. Its blend of true crime and comedy has garnered a massive following, leading to live tours, merchandise, and even a book co-authored by Kilgariff and Hardstark.

This American Life is a long-running, award-winning radio show and podcast that tells captivating, real-life stories centered around themes that resonate deeply with listeners. Created and hosted by Ira Glass, the show weaves together journalism, personal narratives, and creative storytelling. Each episode follows a specific theme, such as love, fear, mistakes, or transformation, and presents multiple stories that explore it from different angles.

Known for its intimate, thoughtful style, the show often combines interviews, soundscapes, and reflective commentary, creating an immersive listening experience. The topics range from everyday moments to extraordinary events, offering a glimpse into the complexity of the human experience. Stories might include accounts of ordinary people facing unusual challenges, deep dives into cultural issues, or personal anecdotes with unexpected twists.

Since its debut in 1995, This American Life has become one of the most influential programs in audio storytelling. It has tackled social issues, sparked important conversations, and occasionally inspired real-world change through investigative reporting. The show’s blend of humor, heart, and insight has earned it a devoted following and numerous awards, including a Peabody. With its ability to make the ordinary feel extraordinary, This American Life continues to captivate listeners with stories that are both thought-provoking and deeply human.

For those who enjoy humor, Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend and SmartLess bring in celebrity guests for light-hearted conversations, making them great choices to lift the mood. If you’re into personal development or thought-provoking ideas, The Tim Ferriss Show and Stuff You Should Know offer deep dives into various topics, from productivity hacks to historical events.

Best Comedy Podcasts

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend is a popular comedy podcast hosted by comedian and former late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien. Launched in 2018, the podcast grew out of O’Brien’s desire to build genuine friendships with the celebrity guests he’s interviewed over the years. In each episode, O’Brien sits down with actors, musicians, comedians, authors, and other public figures for candid, unscripted conversations. The show’s charm lies in its mix of humor, warmth, and the host’s self-deprecating personality, creating a space for meaningful yet hilarious exchanges.

Joined by his assistant Sona Movsesian and producer Matt Gourley, O’Brien brings his quick wit and natural curiosity to every conversation. Episodes often feel relaxed and spontaneous, with discussions ranging from funny anecdotes and career highlights to deeper reflections on personal struggles and creativity. The podcast’s casual tone makes listeners feel like they are eavesdropping on friends catching up over coffee.

Guests include a wide variety of personalities, from comedians like Bill Hader and Tina Fey to musicians like Dave Grohl and actors such as Tom Hanks. What sets Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend apart is O’Brien’s ability to disarm his guests with humor while also drawing out thoughtful insights, striking a balance between comedy and sincerity. The show has been widely praised for its refreshing take on the celebrity interview format and has earned a dedicated following, becoming a staple for anyone seeking both laughter and honest conversation.

SmartLess is a comedy podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, offering an entertaining mix of humor, curiosity, and camaraderie. Launched in 2020, the podcast follows a simple yet engaging format where one of the hosts surprises the others with a mystery guest each episode. The guests come from a variety of fields—actors, musicians, athletes, entrepreneurs, and public figures—resulting in lively conversations that blend personal stories, humor, and thoughtful insights.

The dynamic between the three hosts is a key part of the show’s charm, with their banter and friendly teasing creating a relaxed and spontaneous atmosphere. As friends in real life, their chemistry adds to the sense that listeners are sitting in on a conversation among close friends, making the podcast feel warm and approachable. Guests have included high-profile personalities like Tom Holland, Kamala Harris, and Paul McCartney, with conversations ranging from lighthearted topics to more reflective moments about career, life challenges, and success.

One of the podcast’s strengths lies in its unpredictability, as the mystery guest format keeps both the hosts and listeners surprised. The trio’s humor, mixed with genuine curiosity about their guests’ lives and experiences, creates engaging interviews that feel both entertaining and meaningful. SmartLess has quickly gained a large following, celebrated for its blend of laughter, candid conversations, and the infectious chemistry between the hosts.

For travelers seeking stories that connect to the spirit of adventure, The Moth presents true, personal tales told by ordinary people, and Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard offers introspective conversations about life, relationships, and success. Fiction lovers will enjoy narrative podcasts like Welcome to Night Vale or Limetown, blending mystery and drama into immersive audio experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for thought-provoking content, suspenseful storytelling, or something light and funny, these podcasts make long hours on the road fly by, keeping you entertained and engaged throughout your journey.

The Moth is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the power of personal narratives told live without scripts or notes. Founded in 1997 and later adapted into a podcast, it features real people sharing true stories from their lives on stage at live events around the world. The stories, which range from humorous and lighthearted to deeply emotional and thought-provoking, are told in front of audiences, giving each episode an authentic, intimate feel.

The charm of The Moth lies in the diversity of its storytellers—ordinary people and notable figures alike—each bringing their unique experiences to the microphone. Stories cover a wide range of themes, from love, loss, and family dynamics to unexpected adventures, moments of transformation, and tales of survival. The unscripted nature of the storytelling creates an emotional immediacy, inviting listeners to connect with the storytellers on a personal level.

Whether funny, heartbreaking, or inspiring, each story reflects the raw, unfiltered moments of life, often revealing unexpected truths or insights. The podcast has become beloved not just for the stories it features, but for fostering empathy and connection among its listeners. With new episodes released weekly, The Moth continues to remind audiences of the shared human experience, bringing people together through the timeless art of storytelling.

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard is a popular podcast where actor Dax Shepard, along with co-host Monica Padman, dives into long-form conversations with a wide range of guests, exploring the complexities of human behavior, success, and personal growth. Launched in 2018, the show creates a space for open and honest discussions about life’s challenges, blending humor with introspection. Shepard’s charm and self-deprecating humor make for a welcoming and relatable atmosphere, encouraging guests to share personal stories, insights, and struggles.

The podcast often features celebrities, athletes, authors, scientists, and experts from various fields, with conversations ranging from lighthearted banter to deeper reflections on mental health, addiction, relationships, and creativity. Shepard, drawing from his own life experiences, brings empathy and curiosity to each interview, fostering meaningful connections with guests like Kristen Bell, Barack Obama, and Brené Brown. The addition of Padman as co-host adds a grounding dynamic, with her thoughtful questions and gentle humor balancing Shepard’s more energetic style.

A signature aspect of Armchair Expert is the way it blends personal anecdotes with scientific and philosophical perspectives, making complex topics accessible and engaging. Episodes often conclude with a “fact-check” segment, where Padman reviews key points from the conversation, adding corrections and additional insights, reinforcing the show’s thoughtful approach.

With its candid conversations, mix of humor and vulnerability, and exploration of what it means to be human, Armchair Expert has earned a dedicated following. The podcast appeals to listeners seeking both entertainment and personal growth, offering a refreshing look at the ups and downs of life through candid, relatable storytelling.

Welcome to Night Vale is a unique and immersive fiction podcast that blends surreal storytelling with humor, mystery, and elements of horror. Launched in 2012 and created by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor, the show takes the form of a community radio broadcast from the fictional desert town of Night Vale. The podcast is narrated by Cecil Palmer, the town’s enigmatic radio host, who updates listeners on strange happenings, bizarre events, and paranormal occurrences that are treated as ordinary parts of life in this peculiar town.

With its blend of deadpan humor and eerie storytelling, Welcome to Night Vale creates a universe where things like glowing clouds, government conspiracies, and time distortions are just part of everyday news. The tone is quirky and unsettling, offering a blend of absurdity and horror that feels both amusing and haunting. Recurring characters and plotlines, such as the mysterious corporation StrexCorp or the cryptic messages from the “Dog Park,” give the series continuity and depth while maintaining a dreamlike atmosphere where logic often takes a backseat to the surreal.

The podcast’s charm lies in its immersive world-building and its ability to balance humor with moments of emotional poignancy. Episodes often explore themes of fear, love, acceptance, and community, making it more than just a whimsical narrative. Fans have connected deeply with the show’s characters and stories, with the relationship between Cecil and his partner, Carlos, becoming one of the podcast’s most beloved elements.

Accompanied by eerie, ambient music from composer Disparition, Welcome to Night Vale transports listeners into a strange but oddly comforting world, where the unusual feels familiar. With its distinctive storytelling style and devoted following, the podcast has grown into a cultural phenomenon, inspiring live shows, books, and spin-off projects. It remains a favorite for those seeking something different—an experience that’s equal parts unsettling, funny, and strangely heartwarming.

Finally, The History Chicks is a popular podcast that brings history to life by focusing on the often-overlooked stories of influential women throughout time. Launched in 2011 and hosted by Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider, the podcast offers well-researched, conversational episodes that explore the lives and legacies of historical figures, both well-known and obscure. Each episode delves into the personal backgrounds, achievements, and societal impact of these women, covering figures such as Cleopatra, Marie Curie, Harriet Tubman, and even fictional characters like Jo March from Little Women.

The podcast’s charm lies in its approachable and engaging storytelling style. Graham and Vollenweider present history with warmth and humor, making it accessible without sacrificing depth. They break down complex historical events and timelines in a way that feels like listening to friends chatting, all while maintaining a strong focus on factual accuracy. Their episodes often go beyond the headlines to explore the challenges, flaws, and triumphs of these women, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of their lives.

With an emphasis on shining a light on the contributions of women throughout history, The History Chicks appeals to both history buffs and casual listeners. The podcast also offers recommendations for books, movies, and other resources related to each subject, encouraging listeners to dive deeper into the topics discussed. Beckett and Vollenweider’s passion for history and storytelling is evident in every episode, making The History Chicks both entertaining and educational. It is a perfect listen for those seeking to learn more about the remarkable women who have shaped the world, often against the odds.

Here is a simple list of the podcasts I mentioned:

Serial
My Favorite Murder
This American Life
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
SmartLess
The Moth
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Welcome to Night Vale
The History Chicks