Buzz
Facing a lengthy drive with passengers of diverse preferences? As road trip season kicks in, this curated list ensures you have the perfect podcasts to keep everyone entertained. Dive into brief tales of family conflicts and deceptions, or immerse yourself in gripping real-life stories of online trickery, CIA plots, and the mysterious disappearance of a crypto tycoon. The journey will feel swift, and you'll soon find yourself enjoying a holiday feast.
Over the Road
Over the Road delves into the realm of long-distance trucking, offering a glimpse into the lives of truckers who traverse the U.S. and beyond to transport goods. Hosted by veteran trucker “Long Haul Paul” Marhoefer, the podcast brings genuine insights through personal anecdotes, interviews, and immersive audio. It places you in the cab alongside truckers—both men and women—highlighting their struggles, journeys, and the distinct culture of the industry. While focusing on personal narratives, it also examines the effects of technological advancements and evolving regulations. Ideal for on-the-go listening, this narrative-driven series is a perfect companion for your own travels.
The Habitat
The Habitat is a serialized real-life documentary set in a simulated Mars community, located in Mauna Loa, Hawaii. Six volunteers participate in a one-year simulated mission called the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS), acting as faux astronauts. Host Lynn Levy, a Radiolab veteran, has tracked the experiment from its inception, gathering audio diaries from participants and probing their daily lives—capturing their highs, lows, isolation, struggles with freeze-dried meals, and even their evolving romantic connections.
Wind of Change
The iconic power ballad “Wind of Change” by Scorpions is widely recognized, but its alleged ties to a conspiracy theory are less known. Released in 1990, the song became a symbol of hope during the Cold War’s final years, often linked to the Berlin Wall’s fall. Journalist Patrick Radden Keefe explores a theory that the CIA secretly penned the song as part of a psychological operation to sway public opinion in Eastern Europe and hasten the Cold War’s end. In the podcast Wind of Change, Patrick interviews ex-CIA agents, music industry figures, Scorpions members, and others from that era, piecing together historical evidence to validate or refute the claim.
The Missing Cryptoqueen
The Missing Cryptoqueen delves into the enigmatic and unsettling tale of Dr. Ruja Ignatova, a Bulgarian businesswoman behind OneCoin, a cryptocurrency infamous for being one of history’s largest scams. Journalist Jamie Bartlett hosts this investigative series, which unfolds like a gripping thriller, tracing the ascent and downfall of Ruja Ignatova and her crypto empire. Promising a “Bitcoin killer,” Dr. Ruja attracted a massive following and bilked billions from global investors. Portraying herself as a revolutionary leader, she mysteriously disappeared in 2017, leaving behind a web of questions and furious investors. The podcast tracks the efforts of those affected by the scam as they seek to uncover her fate. Through interviews with associates, law enforcement, financial analysts, and victims, it may not provide all the answers but will undoubtedly captivate you throughout your journey.
Dear Prudence
Dear Prudence, hosted by Jenée Desmond-Harris, transforms Slate’s renowned advice column into an engaging audio experience. Guests join to tackle listeners’ tricky dilemmas about relationships, careers, and everyday life. Is ghosting a friend ever justified? How do you handle a friend who wants to bring kids to your winery party? Should you donate sperm to an ex? Can your brother replace your dad in walking you down the aisle? These thought-provoking questions spark lively discussions, perfect for car rides—just pause to brainstorm your own answers (as long as things stay civil).
The Truth
The Truth offers a collection of audio dramas and fictional narratives reminiscent of classic radio plays. Created by Jonathan Mitchell and debuting in 2012, the podcast is celebrated for its exceptional production quality and inventive storytelling. Each episode is a standalone story, spanning genres like science fiction, romance, and explorations of human nature. These tales often blur the lines between fiction and reality, challenging perceptions while delivering humor and originality. Ideal for skeptics of fiction podcasts, The Truth serves as an excellent introduction to audio dramas. Its episodic nature makes it perfect for road trips, with stories catering to all ages and interests.
Sweet Bobby
Looking for a gripping true crime tale of love and deceit? Sweet Bobby is an investigative podcast that delves into the story of the world’s most elaborate catfisher. The victim, Kirat, a woman in the U.K., was ensnared in an intricate scam lasting eight years, involving over 60 fabricated personas. The titular Bobby, a charming cardiologist Kirat met online, became her close friend and romantic partner—despite them never meeting in person. Bobby, however, was a real person whose identity was stolen by the scammer. The bizarre and unsettling narrative will keep you hooked, making the journey feel shorter.
The Opportunist
The Opportunist is a serialized true crime podcast, with some stories spanning multiple episodes for deep immersion. Each episode explores individuals who exploited others for personal gain, uncovering unethical wilderness therapy programs, corrupt religious institutions, fraudulent cults, and more. The result is a riveting exploration of fraud, manipulation, and exploitation, perfect for long car rides. Through compelling storytelling, The Opportunist exposes the darker facets of human behavior and the far-reaching consequences of deceit. It’s utterly addictive—once you start, you won’t want to stop.
Skyline Drive
While astrology podcasts abound, none match the exquisite craftsmanship and open-minded storytelling of Skyline Drive. What begins as an exploration of astrology’s historical influence—such as Reagan’s reliance on an astrologer for White House decisions—takes an unexpected turn. Host Mangesh Hattikudur delves into his own life as a second-generation immigrant after an astrologer’s prediction of tragedy reshapes the series. The result is a poignant memoir intertwining family, loss, and the cosmos. (Keep tissues handy for this emotional ride.)
S Town
S-Town, a narrative non-fiction podcast from the creators of Serial and This American Life, chronicles the life of John B. McLemore, an Alabama resident who reaches out to journalist Brian Reed to probe a murder and other alleged wrongdoings in his town. As Reed investigates, he uncovers the complexities of McLemore’s character and his fraught connection with his community. The podcast’s third episode delivers a shocking twist, transforming the narrative from a murder mystery into a profound exploration of McLemore’s life and struggles.
In the Dark
Hosted by Madeleine Baran, In the Dark’s first season delves into the abduction of Jacob Wetterling, a Minnesota boy who disappeared in 1989 and was found 27 years later in 2016. While compelling, the podcast’s second season stands out, focusing on Curtis Flowers, a Mississippi man tried six times for the same crime. Baran and her team meticulously dissect the case, exposing potential racial and political biases in the prosecution. Their groundbreaking reporting uncovered new evidence, identified an alternate suspect, and highlighted possible prosecutorial misconduct. In 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court referenced the podcast’s findings to overturn Flowers’ conviction—after he had spent 23 years behind bars.
Dolly Parton’s America
No matter your age, political stance, or dietary preferences, Dolly Parton has a universal appeal. Dolly Parton’s America offers an intimate look at her journey from modest roots to global fame. Hosted by Jad Abumrad (formerly of Radiolab), who leveraged a casual family connection to gain access to the icon, the podcast explores the timeless allure of hits like “Jolene” and the charm of her Dollywood theme park.
Family Road Trip Trivia Podcast
This podcast is an ideal choice for family road trips. Family Road Trip Trivia Podcast, hosted by Brittany and Meredith, challenges listeners with trivia spanning pop culture, video games, geography, Disney, Harry Potter, science, Star Wars, and more. It’s an interactive game that makes long drives enjoyable. With episodes organized by themes, each family member can take turns selecting topics, ensuring everyone stays engaged.
