Bored in bumper-to-bumper traffic? Tired of running errands? Instead of a mundane and repetitive drive, your commute can be transformed into an enjoyable and educational experience with the help of a great podcast. From true crime to world news to finance, we’ve rounded up 10 best podcasts to help your commute fly by.
1. The Daily
Need a dose of news to start your day?
The Daily from The New York Times offers a quick rundown of significant happenings.
Hosted by Political journalist Michael Barbaro, each episode (about 20 minutes) delves into an important headline, often through a political lens. The content is primarily US-centric but includes global issues at times.
2. Vox’s Today, Explained
Today, Explained from Vox covers a wide range of stories spanning politics, culture, and more.
Co-hosted by Sean Rameswaram and Noel King, this daily news explainer podcast is your guide to the day’s most important stories. Each 20-30 minute episode explores the story behind current issues.
3. Fresh Air
Fresh Air is a popular radio show that’s available as a podcast.
Produced by WHYY (a Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine) and hosted by Terry Gross, the program covers insightful interviews with luminaries. The episodes feature discussions on art, culture, politics, social issues, and much more.
4. 99% Invisible
An exciting exploration of the stories behind what we see, this podcast primarily focuses on the process and power of design.
What makes it so interesting?
99% Invisible features the stories behind popular visual elements, offering a deeper perspective into things you’ve seen often but didn’t know much about.
5. Planet Money
Planet Money provides a clear and coherent understanding of the various facets that impact the economy.
Its episodes (about 10-30 minutes) explore the aspects that shape our lives, all while making learning about the economy entertaining.
6. BBC Global News
Want to know what’s happening all around the world?
The BBC Global News podcast brings your daily news fix twice a day (once a day on weekends)!
Its episodes summarize the top happenings across the globe, helping you stay in the know of current events.
7. Up First
If time is a factor for you, you’ll love this quick news podcast from NPR.
Up First covers the three biggest stories of the day, with a bonus of reporting and analysis from NPR News.
Its 10-minute episodes are especially great for shorter commutes.
8. The Accidental Creative
Want to get your creative juices flowing?
Tune in to The Accidental Creative podcast. The episodes, which include interviews by author and host Todd Henry, explore how to stay healthy and thrive in work and life as a creative professional.
9. Serial
Hosted by Sarah Koenig, Serial is an award-winning investigative journalism podcast.
Each season revolves around a single story or case (non-fiction), covered over multiple episodes.
It’s the best podcast for true-crime fans.
10. Stuff You Should Know
Want to try something new?
But looking for something relevant?
We’ve got you covered.
Whether you want to know about chaos theory, tarot, or woman pirates, Stuff You Should Know covers it all. Join hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant as they explore fascinating stories behind the unimaginable.