Road trips are great ways to get out of the house and enjoy every bit of the journey when taking a trip. A long drive is peaceful and enjoyable until sitting in one place for hours on end becomes too repetitive. That is when media like podcasts come in to add a whole new level of enjoyment to the drive. Listening to a podcast can provide even more entertainment than just listening to the radio as they can enthrall you into an enticing conversation or thought-provoking story while still allowing the driver to focus their attention on the road.
Nowadays, podcasting has become such a popular medium that there are so many different ones spanning different topics for you to listen to. However, that does mean you have to sift through many of them to find the right one for you. Instead, here is a list of some of the best podcasts for road trips for you to listen to or ones like them, ranging from travel, pop culture, true crime and more. Many of them are by Black creators and tailored toward a Black audience for a more relatable and fun experience.
Pop Culture/Celebrity Podcasts
These are great podcast options for those that love hearing about what is trending in the world of celebrities and pop culture. Many don’t get the appeal, but these topics make for great conversations and hilarious situations. From scandals, to TikTok trends, to breaking news, get it all with these podcasts.
“The Read”
Hosted by Kid Fury and Crissle, “The Read” is a popular podcast where the hosts offer their hilarious and unfiltered commentary on pop culture, hip-hop culture, current events and the latest in music and entertainment. With a healthy dose of wit and humor, they discuss everything from celebrity gossip to social justice issues, often incorporating listener questions and feedback. Almost nothing is off-limits with these hosts, and the variety of episodes and topics makes this one of the best podcasts for road trips.
“Keep It!”
Hosted by Ira Madison III and Louis Virtel, “Keep It!” is a comedic and irreverent podcast that tackles the latest in pop culture, politics and entertainment news. The hosts offer witty commentary, hot takes and thoughtful analysis on everything from celebrity scandals to social issues, making it a must-listen for pop culture enthusiasts. Alongside the expert tea-spilling hosts is often celebrity guests ranging from John Boyega to Gabrielle Union. Use all the time you have on the road to catch up on all the pop culture drama and latest news.
“Pop Culture Happy Hour”
Produced by NPR, “Pop Culture Happy Hour” features lively discussions about all things pop culture. Hosted by a rotating panel of NPR critics and contributors, each episode covers the latest movies, TV shows, music, books and more. The discussions are insightful, engaging and often filled with humor, making it a perfect companion for long drives. Expect a range of topics from serious hot takes to discussions on frivolous and fun internet drama.
Entertainment/Comedy Podcasts
Nothing passes the time and makes for a good outing like laughter. These podcasts are hilarious and fun or present useful conversations in a lighthearted and often humorous way. Laugh your way to your destination with them.
“The Black Guy Who Tips”
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. The hosts are Rod and Karen, a charismatic couple that have been together since they were teens and going strong hosting this podcast together. They share their humorous take on the news of the day, while also offering insightful commentary and engaging discussions with guests. With their witty banter and infectious laughter, Rod and Karen make for great road trip companions.
“Gettin’ Grown”
Hosted by Jade and Keia, “Gettin’ Grown” is a podcast that focuses on adulting, self-care and navigating life as a Black millennial woman. With a healthy dose of real talk and humor, the hosts discuss everything from career struggles to relationship dynamics, offering advice and insights along the way. “Gettin’ Grown” provides a community for like-minded women to feel seen while also being entertained with each topic. It’s a relatable and entertaining podcast that’s sure to keep you engaged during your road trip.
“Black Men Can’t Jump [In Hollywood]”
Hosted by Jonathan Braylock, Jerah Milligan, and James III, “Black Men Can’t Jump [In Hollywood]” is a podcast that explores the portrayal of Black actors in Hollywood films in the context of race and Hollywood’s race issues. What may sound like a deep topic is very entertaining by the hosts and the show’s comedy. Each episode focuses on a different movie featuring Black lead actors, with the hosts providing comedic commentary, analysis and critiques. It’s a fun and informative podcast that offers a fresh perspective on diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.
Mystery/True Crime Podcasts
We had to throw something in there for the true crime lovers as well. These true crime/mystery podcasts are made into an impressive production in the form of a podcast to immerse you into the story being told. They sometimes even provide pictures, documents, videos and more that go along with the case being discussed that you can look at once you have stopped. All of this culminates into a thrilling listening experience that will have you at the edge of your seat throughout your drive.
“Serial”
This true-crime anthology podcast investigates a different case in each season. Each season dives deep into a different true crime case or mystery, exploring the 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 an excellent choice for those who enjoy gripping storytelling and mystery. “Serial” is one of the most popular podcasts for a reason. Its gripping story telling will leave you wanting to know more, making it one of the best podcasts for road trips that could not be left out.
“Criminal”
Hosted by Phoebe Judge, “Criminal” is a true crime podcast that explores stories of crime, justice, and the human experience. Each episode delves into a different case, ranging from historical mysteries to contemporary crimes, with a focus on lesser-known stories and unique perspectives. With its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking content, “Criminal” is another of the best podcasts for road trips in the true crime category.
Travel Podcasts
There is no better time to listen to podcasts all about traveling than when you are doing just that, traveling. These podcasts are perfect for helping out those who are new to traveling or those that want to travel better and smarter. They provide tips, stories from experienced travelers, hacks and more that can be very useful for your trip and any in the future.
“The Thought Card Podcast”
“The Thought Card Podcast,” Hosted by Danielle Desir, focuses on travel finance, sharing tips and strategies for making travel more affordable and accessible. It is a great podcast to tune into before or during your trip for great travel advice. Danielle interviews guests who share their experiences traveling on a budget, maximizing travel rewards and exploring the world while being financially savvy. It’s an informative and inspiring podcast for anyone looking to see the world without breaking the bank.
“Women Who Travel”
“Women Who Travel” is a podcast produced by Conde Nast Traveler that celebrates women’s experiences and perspectives 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 its empowering stories and practical advice, this podcast is perfect for female travelers that want to learn all from the experiences of other women travelers and hear women be put at the center of travel.