Road trips are a great way to get out of the house and enjoy every part of your trip. Long drives can be calm and enjoyable until sitting in the same place for hours on end becomes too repetitive. That's where media like podcasts come in to add a whole new level of fun to your drive. Listening to podcasts can provide even more entertainment than just listening to the radio by keeping the driver's attention focused on the road while immersing them in engaging conversations and thought-provoking stories.
Podcasting has now become a very popular medium, so there is a lot of different content available to listen to, spanning a variety of topics. However, that means you will have to sift through many of them to find the one that suits you. Instead, here's a list of the best podcasts for road trips, or podcasts like them, ranging from travel, pop culture, true crime, and more. Many are from Black creators and are tailored toward Black audiences to provide a more relatable and enjoyable experience.
Pop Culture/Celebrity Podcasts
“The Lead”
The Read, hosted by Kid Fury and Krystle, is a popular podcast where the hosts provide hilarious, unfiltered commentary on pop culture, hip-hop culture, current events, and the latest in music and entertainment. Masu. They discuss everything from celebrity gossip to social justice issues with a healthy dose of wit and humor, often incorporating listener questions and feedback. Few things are off-limits to these hosts, and they have a wide variety of episodes and topics, making this one of the best podcasts for road trips.
“Leave it alone!”
Hosted by Ira Madison III and Louis Vartel, Keep It! is a comedic, irreverent podcast that tackles the latest in pop culture, politics, and entertainment news. The hosts provide witty commentary, featured opinions, and thoughtful analysis on everything from celebrity scandals to social issues, making it a must-watch show for pop culture lovers. In addition to the expert hosts spilling the tea, celebrities from John Boyega to Gabrielle Union often join as guests. Use all your time on the road to catch up on pop culture drama and the latest news.
“Pop Culture Happy Hour”
“Pop Culture Happy Hour,” produced by NPR, features lively discussions about all things pop culture. Hosted by a rotating panel of NPR critics and contributors, each episode features the latest in movies, TV shows, music, books and more. The discussions are insightful, engaging, and often humorous, making them the perfect companion on long road trips. Expect a variety of topics, from serious hot takes to frivolous and fun discussions about internet drama.
Entertainment/Comedy Podcasts
“A black man giving a tip”
Hosted by Rod and Karen, “The Black Guy Who Tips” is a comedy podcast that covers a wide range of topics including current events, pop culture, and social issues. Our hosts are Rod and Karen, a charismatic couple who have been together since they were teenagers and are going strong by hosting this podcast together. They share their humorous take on the day's news, while also providing insightful commentary and engaging discussions with guests. With their witty banter and infectious laughs, Rod and Karen make great road trip companions.
“Gettin' Grown”
Gettin' Grown, hosted by Jade and Keir, is a podcast focused on growing up, self-care, and navigating life as a black, millennial woman. Hosts discuss everything from career struggles to relationship dynamics with a healthy dose of true stories and humor, offering advice and insight along the way. Gettin' Grown provides a community of like-minded women who enjoy their topics and feel seen. This is a relatable and fun podcast to keep you occupied during your road trip.
“Black men can't jump.” [In Hollywood]”
“Black Men Can't Jump” hosted by Jonathan Blaylock, Jerah Milligan and James III [In Hollywood]is a podcast that explores the portrayal of black actors in Hollywood films in the context of race and racial issues in Hollywood. It may sound like a deep topic, but the hosts and the show's comedy make it very funny. Each episode focuses on a different film with a black lead actor, and the host provides comedy commentary, analysis, and criticism. This is a fun and informative podcast that provides a new perspective on diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.
Mystery/True Crime Podcast
“serial”
This true crime anthology podcast investigates a different case each season. Each season delves into a different true crime case or mystery, investigating details, evidence, and interviews to unravel the story. The first season, which explored the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, became a cultural phenomenon and is a great choice for those who enjoy captivating storytelling and mystery. There's a reason “Serial” is one of his most popular podcasts. His engaging storytelling leaves you wanting more, making him one of the best podcasts to have on your road trip.
“Criminal”
Hosted by Phoebe Judge, Criminal is a true crime podcast that explores stories of crime, justice, and the human experience. Each episode explores a variety of cases, from historical mysteries to modern-day crimes, highlighting lesser-known stories and unique perspectives. With its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking content, “Criminal'' is one of the best podcasts for road trips in the serious crime category.
travel podcast
“Thought Card Podcast”
The Thought Card Podcast, hosted by Daniel Desir, focuses on travel finance and shares tips and strategies to make travel more affordable and accessible. This is the perfect podcast for great travel advice before and during your trip. Daniel interviews guests who share their experiences of traveling on a budget, making the most of travel perks, and exploring the world while being financially savvy. This is an informative and inspirational podcast for anyone who wants to see the world without spending a fortune.
“Traveling Women”
Women Who Travel is a podcast produced by Condé Nast Traveler that celebrates the experiences and perspectives of women in the world of travel. Hosted by Lale Arikoglu, each episode features interviews with female travelers, writers, and industry experts, covering topics such as solo travel, cultural immersion, and sustainability. With empowering stories and practical advice, this podcast is perfect for female travelers who want to learn everything from the experiences of other female travelers and hear women put at the center of their travels.
