Podcasts have become the go-to form of entertainment and education for people with busy lifestyles. Whether you’re commuting to work, jogging in the park, traveling cross-country, or simply running errands, a great podcast can keep you entertained, informed, and inspired.
With so many options out there, finding the right shows can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best podcasts to listen to on the go, covering everything from true crime and comedy to personal growth and storytelling.
Why Podcasts Are Perfect for On-the-Go Listening
Podcasts fit seamlessly into everyday life. You don’t need to sit in front of a screen or dedicate a large block of time you can listen while doing other tasks. Plus, many episodes are available for download, making them perfect for travel or areas with spotty internet.
Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, learn something new, or get lost in a gripping story, there’s a podcast out there that fits the moment.
How We Chose These Podcasts
When selecting these top podcasts for commuting, travel, or workouts, we looked for shows with:
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Engaging storytelling that captures your attention
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Episode lengths that work for both short and long trips
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High production quality for a polished listening experience
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Consistent updates so you always have fresh content
Top Podcast Recommendations by Category
1. True Crime Thrillers
If you love suspense, mystery, and solving puzzles, true crime podcasts are perfect for your commute or morning walk.
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Serial – A groundbreaking podcast that tells one true story over the course of a season.
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Criminal – Short, compelling episodes that explore fascinating cases from around the world.
2. Comedy & Entertainment
Sometimes you just need a good laugh while stuck in traffic or on a long flight.
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SmartLess – Hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, this show features hilarious and insightful celebrity interviews.
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The Always Sunny Podcast – The cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia revisits episodes, shares behind-the-scenes stories, and keeps things lighthearted.
3. Personal Growth & Motivation
Perfect for morning commutes or gym sessions when you want to start your day with the right mindset.
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The Daily Stoic – Short daily episodes featuring practical wisdom from ancient philosophy.
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The Mindset Mentor – Motivational tips to help you stay focused, confident, and positive.
4. Educational & Informative
For those who want to learn something new every day, these shows deliver interesting facts and deep dives into various topics.
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Stuff You Should Know – Fun and accessible explanations of how things work and why they happen.
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Science Vs – A science podcast that takes on fads, trends, and popular myths to uncover the truth.
5. Storytelling & Fiction
Get lost in immersive stories while commuting or traveling.
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Welcome to Night Vale – A fictional community radio show from a strange desert town, blending humor and mystery.
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LeVar Burton Reads – The beloved actor reads handpicked short stories, transporting you into different worlds.
Tips for Enjoying Podcasts on the Go
To make the most of your listening time, try these tips:
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Download episodes in advance so you can listen without using mobile data.
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Create themed playlists for different moods or activities.
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Adjust playback speed to fit your schedule speed up for quick listens or slow down for deep engagement.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of podcasts is that there’s something for everyone, and they fit perfectly into even the busiest schedules. The best podcasts for travel, commuting, or workouts are the ones that make time fly and leave you looking forward to the next episode.
