Buzz
Finding those rare hours of solitude when you’re disconnected from the internet, seated comfortably (or as comfortably as airplane seating gets), is a rare luxury. Make the most of it on your next flight by immersing yourself in a great podcast. Here’s a curated selection of podcasts to download and enjoy while you soar through the skies.
Joel Kahn, Senior Video Producer
Song Exploder is ideal for any flight length. While episodes are brief (about 20 minutes), you can expand their enjoyment by listening to the full album by the featured artist, enriched by fresh insights from the show. With numerous episodes available, you can pre-download episodes featuring your favorite artists and dive deep into their entire discographies.
Nick Douglas, Staff Writer
When I’m on a flight, I often drift in and out of consciousness, and a perfect companion for that state is LeVar Burton’s soothing voice on the podcast LeVar Burton Reads. He brings classic (but not overdone) short stories to life, just like he did on Reading Rainbow. With 48 episodes available, each lasting between 30 to 60 minutes, it’s an ideal companion for any flight.
Meghan Walbert, Contributing Writer
Lately, I’ve been hooked on Terrible, Thanks for Asking. While it’s undeniably sad—dealing mostly with grief and loss—the host, Nora McInerny, injects it with dry wit and a hearty laugh that lifts the mood. It’s brilliant storytelling and interviewing, and the 40-minute episodes somehow fly by.
David Murphy, Senior Tech Editor
I’ve always been drawn to the calming tones of This American Life. But I’m also a huge fan of D&D-inspired podcasts like Acquisitions Incorporated, the “C” Team, or Critical Role. It’s a form of interactive storytelling that lets me pass the time and embrace my inner geek, all without the need for $80 worth of books, figurines, and a whole group of friends.
Virginia Smith, Managing Editor
The Bowery Boys offers a seemingly endless supply of short episodes covering snapshots of New York’s history, from historical events and neighborhoods to specific people and buildings. I find it both engaging and incredibly relaxing.
Lisa Rowan, Personal Finance Writer
When I’m on the move, I love catching up on Criminal. Each episode is about 30-40 minutes, filled with captivating storytelling and unforgettable characters. While some episodes can be a bit too grisly for a relaxing trip, they usually come with a content warning. If you’re new, start with 'The Stowaway,' a fun episode about a non-criminal who gets caught up in a situation.
Beth Skwarecki, Health Editor
For flights, I prefer podcasts with concise, multi-episode series that follow a clear arc and conclusion. The Dream is an 11-episode dive into the world of multi-level marketing, with each episode pulling you deeper into the world of scams. Oh No Ross and Carrie also fits that mold, offering their quirky investigations into paranormal events and pseudoscience. Some investigations, like their nine-episode dive into Scientology, are true epics.
Melissa Kirsch, Editor-in-Chief
You have to check out Root of Evil! This true crime podcast is hosted by two sisters convinced that their great-grandfather may have been the infamous Black Dahlia Killer. It’s chilling, tragic, gruesome, and full of suspense—guaranteed to make you forget you’re stuck in a middle seat.
Alice Bradley, Deputy Editor
Everyone should dive into Hit Parade, where host Chris Molanphy offers in-depth explorations of the songs that have dominated the charts. I've enjoyed every episode, even those about artists I never thought I'd care much about. And for the artists I already adored? I was completely captivated by the analysis.
Abu Zafar, Video Producer
If you're facing a long flight, Surviving Y2K is the perfect podcast binge. Dan Taberski is a brilliant storyteller who brings to life the Y2K panic through the perspectives of those who experienced it. With tales of a high-stakes hostage crisis, a crafty entrepreneur, the first baby born in the new millennium, and Taberski’s own poignant personal story, it paints a vivid picture of what it was like to believe the world might end as the century turned.
Michelle Woo, Parenting Editor
When you’re on vacation, you want to break free from your usual entertainment, which is why I can’t recommend My Dad Wrote a Porno enough (if you haven’t already binged it). The premise? A man reads the amateur erotic novel his dad wrote with his friends. It’s utterly ridiculous and hilarious, and you’ll never forget the saga of Belinda Blinked.
