20 Podcasts to Listen to While Driving When the Road Gets Long

If you’ve ever had the desire to turn off the radio and turn on a podcast while driving, you’re not alone. Like… at all. 49% of podcast listeners tune in while they’re in the car, whether that’s during road trips or work commutes. And it makes sense! The roads get long, the drives get boring, and you can only listen to the same songs so many times.

Plus, after The Intersect released an episode talking about how AI music is taking over?! Yeah, no thanks. Podcasts are the perfect opportunity to learn something new, spark conversations, boost your mood, and, most importantly, make the miles fly by. After all, podcasts are designed to be versatile and portable, so they move with you wherever you choose to listen.

But there’s more to it than clicking the first recommended episode and hoping for the best. That’s why today, we’re sharing all of the best, most engaging podcasts to listen to while driving. Whether you want to listen to Hailey Bieber talk about her postpartum recovery or Paris Hilton discuss Y2K culture, we’ve got a recommendation for every type of listener.

20 Podcasts to Listen to While Driving When the Road Gets Long

Have you ever been driving for what feels like hours, completely zone out, and suddenly realize you’ve basically been on mental autopilot the entire time? That’s called highway hypnosis, and it’s actually extremely common. Your brain just goes too long without stimulation and gets tired of focusing. 

When this happens, most of us open the windows, call a friend, and try to listen to the radio. But here’s the thing: when you’re concerned with switching stations, fixing the volume, and finding the right songs? You lose focus—and not just for a second. As discussed in “The Science of Doing Less with Liz Moody” from The Wellness Process, even a quick station change can pull your brain out of the task at hand. Not worth it when you’re behind the wheel.  

That said, listening to podcasts while driving keeps you alert, engaged, and focused without distracting you. Plus, it’s easy entertainment that makes the time go by faster! It’s a total win-win. There is one thing that can change the entire experience, though: the type of podcast you listen to. 

We care about you—and your safety on the road. That’s exactly why we’ve done the work to give you all of the best podcasts to listen to while driving. And, of course, we’ve compiled a list of trips for listening safely. No digging through Apple Podcasts or searching through Spotify, we have just what you need below.

Is It Safe to Listen to Podcasts While Driving?

It’s totally safe to listen to a podcast while driving, so long as you do it right. (Yes, there IS a right and a wrong way here.)

Podcasts are a little less demanding and a little more engaging than listening to the radio. You don’t have to sit through commercials, switch stations, or constantly mess with the volume. (Those loud commercials are the WORST.) Plus, if you miss anything in a podcast? You can just come back to it later. 

It all comes down to how much attention the content demands. Light conversations feel effortless to follow, while heavy interviews require a little more mental focus. The goal isn’t to eliminate entertainment while you drive—it’s to listen in a way that keeps your attention where it belongs. AKA, on the road. 

A little planning and a strategic setup go a long way. Here’s exactly how to (safely) listen to podcasts while driving:

How to Listen to Podcasts While Driving

Set Everything Up Before Driving

Don’t even think about touching that phone while you drive—not after what we told you earlier! In all seriousness, research shows that 80% of collisions and 65% of near-collisions involve distracted driving, typically occurring within three seconds. Scary? Yes. Important to know? Abso-f*cking-lutely. 

That said, set everything up before you pull out. Adjust your volume, queue up those episodes, and fix your playback speed. Oh, and download episodes in advance. That’s a non-negotiable. Trust us, you don’t wanna get halfway into your drive, lose service, and not be able to finish “The Mobster Next Door” from The Dating Detectives. 

Use Hands-Free Listening Methods

The less distracted you are, the better. And fortunately, most modern cars are equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, keeping everything as hands-free as possible. Finished “The Reality of Being MrBeast (Part 1)” from Good Guys and ready to move on to part 2? Easy. Use your steering wheel controls and voice assistants to skip, pause, or resume. You don’t even have to take your eyes off the road.

Optimize Audio for Driving

This tip is SO important. Always, always, always stay alert. We know what you’re thinking… duh, right? But there are a few rules to live by. Rule #1: Keep playback speeds either normal or slightly reduced to avoid cognitive overload. Rule #2: Don’t crank the episode up to a volume you can’t hear over. You still need to listen for sirens, horns, and traffic cues. 

And rule #3: Save the podcasts with lots of background noise and poor audio quality for when you’re at home. It’s way too much to try and pay attention to. Plus… it’s annoying. (Sorry, not sorry!)

Match Podcast Type to Driving Conditions

There’s a time and place for every podcast episode, and that time and place depend on driving conditions. If you’re in heavy traffic or navigating city roads, keep it light with something like “Grandma Hobbies 101! Why You Need Them & How to Start” from House Guest. Easy-going and even easier to listen to. 

If you’re driving down the highway or taking a road trip? That’s when you can listen to “How Margot Robbie’s Colorist Jacob Schwartz Prepares for Awards Season” from DITL. Two-person conversation = double the attention. And, naturally, save those emotional or complex episodes for whenever you’re not in demanding driving conditions.

Create a Driving-Specific Podcast Routine

Whichever podcast app you use, take advantage of its features by making a drive-friendly playlist. Fortunately, there are so many ways to organize your podcasts depending on your mood, commute length, or even the kind of day you’re having. 

You can create podcast playlists like:

• Long commute podcast playlists
• Short commute podcast playlists
• Monday morning motivation playlists
• Road trip podcast playlists
• Laugh-out-loud comedy podcast playlists
• Personal growth and mindset playlists
• True crime podcasts for long drives
• Solo drive self-care playlists

Once you have your categories set up, you’ll never have to scramble through episodes again. And if you need a little more motivation for other areas of your life? We’ve got you covered there, too. Check out our posts, “Best Podcasts to Listen to at Work” and “Best Podcasts to Listen to While Running.”

What Is a Good Podcast to Listen to While Driving?

The Bossticks

Entrepreneurial duo and hosts of The Bossticks, Lauryn Evarts Bosstick and Michael Bosstick, are versatile, candid, and unapologetically honest. Each episode features a unique interview with world-class leaders, doctors, experts, bestselling authors, executives, and more, offering listeners a dynamic perspective on topics ranging from business to personal development.

Craving a little health and wellness inspiration? Listen to Lauryn discuss nervous system regulation practices and the importance of building non-negotiable routines. Or, if you’re in your entrepreneurial era, grab a little life-changing advice from Michael as he talks about the framework for personal and professional success. And, naturally, you have to listen to Martha Stewart talk about staying powerful, youthful, and relevant if you’re in the mood for something fun and easy.

Needless to say, The Bossticks is an instant must-listen for everything from work commutes to long road trips.

Khloé in Wonder Land

Sure, you could listen to music on your drive… Or you could listen to Khloé Kardashian dive into the internet’s strangest rabbit holes with some seriously notable guests. Khloé in Wonder Land is a thought-provoking, humorous, and relatable lifestyle podcast that makes the perfect companion while driving.

From interviewing Kim Kardashian about North West’s creative style to talking with Theresa Caputo about the afterlife, every episode is deeply reflective and authentic. Never too heavy and always entertaining, you’ll be binge-listening to every episode, craving more.

The Toast

The Toast, hosted by Claudio Oshry and Jackie O, is a daily pop culture and comedy podcast designed to keep listeners in the loop. While lighthearted and hilarious, they dive into all of the hottest headlines and trending topics that you’re already thinking about. 

Think: Britney Spears’ arrest, Travis Kelce coming back to the Kansas City Chiefs, and RHOBH recaps. And that’s just ONE episode! It’s the perfect morning-style, high-energy alternative to traditional radio shows. With 1-hour-long episodes, it’s an easy, laid-back listen for morning commutes or mid-day lunch breaks.

Oh, and for our bookworms, you can’t miss out on The Readheads Book Club! Another podcast hosted by Jackie Oshry, each month is dedicated to discussing a new, exciting read.

Girls Gotta Eat

Co-hosted by Ashley Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg, Girls Gotta Eat has been one of the most popular podcasts since 2018. Together, the two offer comedic, relatable, and real-life advice on sex, dating, relationships, and pop culture. It’s like sitting down with a couple of besties and chatting about all the latest!

If you’re hoping for a simple, easygoing pop culture update, tune into “The Snack: Punch the Monkey, Love Is Blind, and Hockey Winners and Losers.” But if you need a little come-back-to-reality love life advice? “I Love Men (And That’s the Problem) with Liz Plank” is a must-listen. Soon enough, you won’t even think about turning on the radio—you’ll already have Girls Gotta Eat queued up.

Pretty Basic

Alisha Marie and Remi Cruz are like the big sisters we’ve always wanted. Hosts of Pretty Basic and real-life best friends, the two talk all things dating, mental health, friendship, and the realities of being an influencer. But it doesn’t feel like they’re talking at you; it feels like they’re talking with you.

Take “2016 YouTube, Hormones in Our 30s, & Beauty Eras We Survived” for example. It’s a relatable convo about everything from full-beat glam to how content has changed in the last decade. With all of those “wait… me too!” moments throughout each episode, it makes you actually look forward to driving. 

And don’t miss out on their sister show, Basically Unfiltered, where Alisha and Remi team up with Zane and Heath, hosts of Unfiltered. (Get it? Basically Unfiltered? It’s perfect.) 

The Squeeze

Tay Lautner (no, not that one) is joined by her husband, Taylor Lautner (yes, that one), to host The Squeeze, a mental health and wellness podcast. After Tay began a nursing career in the peak of the pandemic, she has struggled with mental health ever since. And she’s here to talk about! 

Interviewing celebrities and guest experts, Tay and Taylor Lautner strive to further the conversation around mental wellness. Enter: “Kevin Jonas: Embracing Change” and “Nikki Reed: The Power of Purpose.” Every episode is gentle, thoughtful, and entirely authentic—perfect for those car rides that call for something a little more genuine.

Breaking Beauty

Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins aren’t just the hosts of Breaking Beauty; they’re two longtime beauty editors with impressive portfolios. Having seen (and swatched) it all, the two invite celebrities, industry experts, and founders to discuss all things skincare, beauty, and culture.

Think: relatable conversations about acne, hair care hacks, and honest reviews on trendy brands and products. They even feature monthly #DamnGood review episodes where they test and review highly anticipated products—both drugstore and high-end. It’s the perfect way to spend your car rides: learning about beauty brands without having to do the research yourself.

“Lili Reinhart on Her Acne-Busting Hacks, Boyfriend Skincare Secrets, and Details on Her Next, Witchy Acting Role” is THE episode to start with.

Let’s Be Honest

We’re sure you know and love Kristin Cavallari from early 2000s reality series like Laguna Beach and The Hills. But did you also know that she’s the host of the iconic lifestyle podcast, Let’s Be Honest? On it, Kristin talks about everything from dating and relationships to nutrition and personal growth. 

And things get insightful, with episodes like “Inside Family Wounds with Marriage and Family Therapist Vienna Pharaon.” Through solo episodes, Q&As, and interviews with standout guests, Let’s Be Honest takes a no-holds-barred, authenticity-driven approach. It’s the perfect trendy listen for those days spent on the road.

And don’t worry, she’s not leaving recaps out. Listen to Back to the Beach, hosted by Kristin Cavallari and Stephen Colletti, as they rewatch, relive, and revisit Laguane Beach: The Real Orange County.

The Art of Being Well

Health journeys are deeply personal—and often come with many questions. Leading functional medicine expert, bestselling author, and host of The Art of Being Well, Dr. Will Cole has the answers. Through lightness and grace, this podcast explores practical, holistic ways to nurture your body, mind, spirit, and relationships. 

And each episode is uniquely reflective, discussing everything from PMS and cycle syncing to mold and medical gaslighting. Dr. Will Cole leads by one strong belief: self-care is a form of self-respect—and he’s here to help lead the way. With episodes averaging about an hour each, it’s perfect to binge while you’re in the car.

Not Skinny But Not Fat

Amanda Hirsch’s Not Skinny But Not Fat is THE place to be for all things pop culture, celebrity gossip, and reality TV. And it’s not just because she dishes the latest news; she’s interviewing the names behind the headlines.

Think: Dove Cameron talking about 56 Days, Pitch Perfect’s Brittany Snow discussing Hairspray and The Hunting Wives, and the one and only Kris Jenner opening up about facelifts and fame. 

We could go on and on—but we think you get the gist. Getting to hear all the juicy, nitty-gritty details straight from the source? YES, please! Conversations are laid-back, relaxed, and completely authentic, making them the perfect easygoing listen while driving.

Gals on the Go

Best friends and hosts of Gals on the Go, Brooke Miccio and Danielle Carolan, are always real, always unfiltered, and always honest. And that energy naturally radiates to every episode of this super-popular podcast. From justifying risky decisions to beauty trends that every girl needs to know, Brooke and Danielle are definitely girls’ girls.

So, when you tune in while driving? It literally just feels like you have two friends in the backseat, chatting about everything cluttering your mind. Start with “Eldest Daughter 101,” an episode all about hair removal, Tell Me Lies, and creating a safe word. Versatile, easy to laugh out loud at, and even easier to relate to, Gals on the Go is a must-listen while driving.

Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story

Heading out for a long roadtrip? This one’s a no-brainer—turn on Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story. Hosted by Sara Ganim and Karen Given, this Dear Media true crime podcast explores the story of Coco Berthmann. From her claims of surviving childhood sex trafficking to her 2022 arrest for faking a cancer diagnosis, the podcast explores how everything isn’t always what it seems.

With over 5 episodes of detailed, action-packed information, you may just sit in the car longer to keep listening. Naturally, you have to start with “Something’s Not Right,” the first episode in the series. 

Once you’re done? Listen to “Survivor & Counter Human Sex Trafficking Specialist Coco Berthmann on Working to End Human Trafficking and The Sex Slave Trade” from The Bossticks. Filmed pre-arrest, it’s fascinating to listen to Coco’s perspective, knowing what you know now.

Dear Gabby

If there’s anyone to listen to about spirituality and personal development, it’s Gabby Bernstein: New York Times bestselling author, international speaker, and host of Dear Gabby. With real-time coaching and lots of love, this self-improvement and spirituality podcast is your secret weapon for personal growth.

And that means bettering yourself in every capacity—relationships, unresolved trauma, anxiety—the whole nine. With a focus on meditation, spirituality, and manifestation, this audio-formatted guidebook is full of advice you can’t get anywhere else.

Looking for a place to start? “Reset Your Nervous System: 5 Simple Exercises to Help Your Body Let Go of Anxiety” is a treasure trove of advice.

Well with Arielle Lorre

Wellness is a vast, ever-changing landscape, with new big promises and “life-changing” tips everywhere you turn. Arielle Lorre, host of Well with Arielle, is here to set the record straight. Through interviews with experts in medicine, nutrition, fitness, and beauty, each episode delivers all the latest information in the wellness space.

Sometimes, it’s with guests like Mark Manson, author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, talking about reframing confidence. Other times, it’s episodes like board-certified plastic surgeon and host of Botched, Terry Dubrow, discussing when anti-aging goes too far. But here’s the best part: it’s fact-based, rooted in science, and accessible to everyone. Listening while driving is the perfect way to level up your life on your time.

She’s So Lucky

If you ever need a boost of empowerment or a reminder that you’re magical just as you are, listen to She’s So Lucky. Host Les Alfred is all about inspiring women to live life on their own terms. And a big part of that is by harnessing your power and creating your own luck! It’s totally possible; you just need the tools. And that’s exactly what each episode provides. 

From entrepreneurs and creatives to wellness experts and successful women, every conversation is equally compelling and informative. Sometimes it’s about business, and sometimes it’s perspective-shifting lessons that actually move the needle in your life. Regardless of what journey you’re on, there are so many car-ride-appropriate episodes to accompany you through it.

Start with “The Top 7 Tips for Becoming the Luckiest Person You Know!” It’s the perfect way to see how gentle (and useful) Les’s life-changing advice is.

Don’t Think

We’ve all been there, spiraling and in our own heads about anything and everything. Carla Benzanson, host of Don’t Think, gets it—and she created a podcast all about it. Don’t think it’s a self-help podcast, because it’s not. It’s an honest, hilarious, utterly raw, and relatable show that you’ll finally feel seen by.

Struggling with body anxiety? Carla actually talked all about this in “The Five Pound Lie.” Trying to navigate healthy anxiety, negative thoughts, OCD loops, and catastrophic thinking? Yup, there’s an episode for that, too: “Challenging Negative Thoughts (While Having 900 of Them).” It’s like a virtual pep talk everyone deserves to listen to—and what better time than when you’re driving?

The Dream Bigger Podcast

Siffat Haider, the founder of wellness brand Arrae, knows a thing or two about entrepreneurship and improving her wellbeing. So, naturally, she created The Dream Bigger Podcast to share all her tips and tricks with listeners. On it, Siff invites all the movers and shakers, from wellness experts to skincare gurus, for thoughtful, inspiring conversations.

Don’t know what must-have products to add to your nightly routine? Listen to Irina Shayk’s esthetician, Mimi Luzon, talk about peptides, exosomes, and popular aesthetic treatments. If instead, you’re ready to dive headfirst into creating your own brand and space, but don’t know how to get there, listen to Allli Webb, founder of Drybar, talk about business evolution and leadership growth.

Light, easy, and so worth taking notes on, The Dream Bigger Podcast is PERFECT to listen to while driving.

What We Said

Jaci Marie and Chelsey Jade aren’t just the hosts of What We Said—they’re also best friends! So you can count on every conversation to feel authentic, realistic, and grounded in unsolicited, heartfelt advice. It feels like, as a listener, you’re just girl chatting in your matching Valley Girl Bath Robes on a cozy Saturday night.

Sometimes solo episodes, sometimes with guests, Jaci and Marie cover all things health, business, relationships, and life. And they talk about all the things you don’t wanna say outloud, like that you hate your best friend’s boyfriend. (Hey, it happens.) Hilarious, deeply realistic, and generally an hour long, it’s the best for quiet car rides when you could use a laugh—or 10.

Transform

We all want to be the best versions of ourselves, but we don’t always want to read self-help books to get there. It’s time-consuming, we get it! That’s why we listen to Sami Clarke and Sami Spalter, hosts of the self-improvement podcast, Transform.

These best friends want the bestfor every listener, and they demonstrate that through unfiltered conversations both with each other and expert guests. Whether it’s about the importance of friendship through different life seasons or healing attachment styles, one thing’s for sure: the Samis aren’t here to gatekeep. Learn everything you need about improving your own life, one drive at a time.

We Met At Acme

We’ve given you podcast recs for every niche, but there’s one important topic we’re missing… Relationships! We Met At Acme, hosted by Lindsey Metselaar, is the OG dating podcast—and it’s remained popular for a reason. Regardless of what your dating life looks like or what struggles you’re navigating in your own relationship, Lindsey’s here to talk about it.

Here’s why we love We Met At Acme: it isn’t all black-and-white thinking. Sometimes it’s easygoing conversations like “How to Stop Comparing Timelines in Your Early 30s.” SOOO important, by the way. But it can also be “How We Should Handle Modern Dating ft. Mel Robbins.” Dating is hardly linear, which is why a little versatility from guests is important. Think: dating experts, licensed professionals, celebrities, and influencers. 

Having a little boy or girl trouble? Get in your car and turn on We Met At Acme. Problem solved.

Tired of listening to the radio while driving? Yeah, we bet. Tune into these dynamic, engaging, and always insightful podcasts instead!

As much as we love classic radio shows and our “‘90s throwback playlists,” we love learning, growing, and evolving more. That’s why as soon as we sit in the car, we’re already queuing up our list of best podcasts to listen to while driving. From health and wellness to relationships and entrepreneurship, there’s always a tip, trick, or lifestyle adjustment you could be learning about. So learn it! Tune into these podcasts and watch your mind (and your life) totally thrive.

If you loved this post, you’ll love the Dear Media blog just as much. We’re always covering the hottest pop culture news, need-to-know dating advice, and personal development tips you’ll wish you’d read sooner. And if you’re ready to see all of the other incredible podcasts we offer? Just head to the Dear Media show list—there are so many hosts waiting and ready for you.