Podcasts have come a long way in recent years – and we’re big fans. Whether you walk or drive to work, a killer podcast can help pass the time. The best part: you might even learn something. Here are five #TCApproved podcasts that will make your commute feel like a breeze.
Best During Work Week Commute
NPR’S “HOW I BUILT THIS”
“How I Built This” will motivate you to take the leap and activate the business idea you’ve had brewing the past few years. The podcast interviews successful innovators, entrepreneurs, and idealists about what it takes to build a successful company. Each episode is a narrative journey marked by triumphs, failures, serendipity and insight — told by the founders themselves. Recently profiled guests include Maureen and Tony Wheeler of Lonely Planet, Richard Brandson of Virgin, Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia, Herb Kelleher of Southwest Airlines and Airbnb’s Joe Gebbia. Listen now.
Best on the Beach
“YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS”
Work on your golden summer glow and brush up on the Hollywood gossip of yore. Karina Longworth’s “You Must Remember This” is a fascinating series chock full of Hollywood glamour uncovers the secrets and feuds from an era long before Us Weekly or People. Listen now.
Best for a Road Trip
“THIS AMERICAN LIFE”
Listening to “This American Life” is like cozying up to an old-time radio show. In each episode, host Ira Glass explores a single theme or topic through first-person storytelling using a whimsical narrative. Some fan favorite episodes include, 550: Three Miles, 513: 129 Cars, and 360: Switched at Birth. Listen now.
Best on a Plane
“REPLY ALL”
Gimlet Media’s “Reply All” is an entire podcast dedicated to exploring Internet culture. The Guardian put it best when saying the podcast, “is actually an unfailingly original exploration of modern life and how we survive it.” “Reply All” examines everything from interviewing the creator of the original “pop up” ad, phishing scams, viral videos like Pizza Rat – and everything in-between. There are a lot of episodes, but for a few good starter episodes, try ‘The Russian Passenger,’ ‘Boy in Photo,’ ‘Vampire Rules,’ and ‘The Takeover.’ Listen now.
Best During a Workout
“THE NEW YORK TIMES: THE DAILY”
The scenario: you missed the 5 o’clock news, and still need to get your cardio in for the day. Powered by The New York Times, The Daily podcast will bring you up-to-date on the biggest news story of the day. Hosted by Michael Barbaro, new episodes are posted 5x a week (Monday – Friday) and have a run time of approximately 20 minutes. You’ve never been so fit – or informed. Listen now.
-A.P.
