Best Podcasts for Roadtrips
This fall I drove from Atlanta, GA to Boulder, CO. To say the journey was excruciatingly long is an understatement. I love jamming in the car, but music can only provide so much entertainment. What got me through the 22+ hours of driving were podcasts. God bless podcasts. Here's my list of the best podcasts for roadtrips.
Because they have been my companions on many excursions, I want to share some of my road trip favorites.
- This American Life :
I have been a long time listener of This American Life. The 2000’s teen drama, The OC described it as, “that show where those hipster know-it-alls talk about how fascinating ordinary people are.” That is definitely one way to explain the hit podcast but don’t be scared off! Ira Glass and his associates pick a topic every week and present three or four stories relating to that topic. I think travelers and adventurers would all love Episode 494: Hit the Road. It follows the journey of Andrew Forsthoefel as he walks across the United States. This American Life has covered hundreds of topics throughout its 20 year long run.
Episodes are available on iTunes and ThisAmericanLife.org.
- Rick Steves’ Tours:
When I was 14 years old and backpacking with my dysfunctional family through Europe, I wanted to destroy Rick Steves. Every time we ate, we had to consult Rick, every time we ventured anywhere, we had to get Rick’s approval. My mother lived and breathed Rick Steves’ Europe travel books and rightly so. This guy knows what he is talking about. He provides wonderful guides and walking tours of dozens of European cities.
If you need advice for your trip check out this podcasts, videos and books, most of which are available on iTunes.
- S’more Outdoor
S’more Outdoor is a podcast created by Brett Traudt that launched in January. The podcast invites authors, outdoor business owners and entrepreneurs to share their experiences in the outdoors and how beneficial they were. We live in such a technological world so its awesome hearing how people invested in this modern age still appreciate nature and its effect on our health and wellbeing.
Episodes are available on iTunes.
- The Dinner Party Download
This podcast doesn’t revolve around traveling or the outdoors, but it is delightful and I really enjoy it. Dinner Party Download is “a culture show to help you win this weekend’s dinner party.” Hosts Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newman interview awesome stars like Bryan Cranston, Bill Hader and Kevin Spacey, musicians share their dinner party playlists and they travel around the world exploring food trends. It’s really fun to listen to and the format is brilliant.
Their past and present episodes are available on iTunes.
- RadioLab
RadioLab is one of the first podcasts that I fell in love with, and it actually me helped pass the time on a 4-hour long flight. (Pro tip: Podcasts aren't just for your road travels). Hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich have great on-air chemistry, and they delve into topics ranging from the scientific to the philosophical. I don't think I've even found a single episode dull. Their team of producers and contributors are extremely gifted at finding untold stories and mysterious phenomena to explore. You never know what you're going to get, but you'll never regret tuning in.
You can listen on iTunes or use the NPR app or RadioLab app.
What are some of your favorite podcasts when you're on the road? If I'm missing any, spread the listening wealth! Shoot us a note at hello@rheosgear.com and who knows, maybe we'll need to put together a round 2 podcast playlist for the blog. Happy trails and happy listening, friends!
