Podcasts for Your Commute
As things move slowly towards a semblance of "normal," people are spending more time commuting. Driving to work, driving kids to school, flying to attend in-person classes -- all these trips will leave you with some prime listening time. So, whether your commute is 15 minutes or a few hours, these podcasts will help keep you entertained.
If You Have Kids in the Car
If your commute involves a car loop, daycare pickup or a family vacation to San Francisco for your weekend of classes, consider some of these podcasts to keep everyone entertained.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
Based on the series of books "Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls," these podcast episodes are approximately 20 minutes long and share stories of women who have made a difference in their world. An equally pioneering woman narrates each episode.
The Past and the Curious
Learning about history can be fun, and The Past and the Curious presents some of them in a fun way. For example, the episode about the Oyster Pirates talks about the Chesapeake Bay and how the various ways of farming for oysters. A quiz at the end will test your listening skills -- your kids, too.
This American Life
National Public Radio has been educating people for generations. And This American Life has over 25 years of content to share, and topics indicate which ones are kid-friendly. The quality of the podcast and the storytelling makes it a must-listen.
If You Want to Learn Something New
Podcasts can be entertaining and educational, and with these next few options, you don't have to choose between substance and quality.
Hardcore History
If you're a history fan, you simply must take some time to listen to Dan Carlin's Hardcore History. Each episode is approximately the length of a short audiobook, but the details are what makes it so intriguing. Want an in-depth study of French cannons used during World War I or a detailed look at the life of Genghis Khan? Hardcore History is for you.
All Songs Considered
Another podcast from the NPR team, these episodes discuss new musicians and artists -- often with live performances and interviews.
Stuff You Should Know
Even when you're in school, there are more things to learn. And the Stuff You Should Know podcast has lots of those things for you. There are enough episodes in their catalog to keep you entertained. Be warned; you may come out of your commute with a new interest.
If You Like a Good Series
Sometimes you need a podcast that strings you along awhile, sort of like a favorite television show. These podcast series bring you familiar voices, a consistent storyline and something to binge on.
Slow Burn
The best of both worlds, Slow Burn conquers a new subject each season in a series of narratives around complicated topics like the U.S. Invasion of Iraq and Watergate.
Decoder Ring
In each episode of Decoder Ring, Slate's television critic Willa Paskin examines a cultural question, object or habit. By looking at the history and the topic in discussion, Paskin tries to figure out what it means and, perhaps more importantly, why it matters.
Humans Outside
Writer, editor, caregiver and outside enthusiast Amy Bushatz has spent 20 minutes outside each day since September 1, 2017. Oh, and she does it from Alaska. Her podcast shares how she spends her outside time, and she also includes interviews with other people and why they like to spend time outside.
Spy Affair
True crime is a trendy genre, and this one looks at the case of Russian Maria Butina. Butina came to the US, made some powerful government friends, and host Celia Aniskovich dived deep into what happened.
Did we miss your current favorite podcast? Let us know, so we can give it a listen, too.