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The dreaded evening commute is one that has never changed. After a long day at work, one will stare at the glowing brake lights for much longer than they would like. It is one of those things that has to be done no matter how unenjoyable it is. Many people have turned to podcasts for their evening drive because of how interesting or funny they can be. They are also a great way to pass the time. Author Alex Blumberg summed this up, “A lot of people listen to podcasts because they want to learn something and be entertained along the way.”

All this being said, not every podcast is a winner. For every great podcast there is also a dud. How does one separate the good from the bad? We connected with ten different people to gain their answers to this question.

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Phillip Akhzar is the CEO of Arka, a brand offering eco-friendly custom packaging & sustainable boxes. They believe this sports-centered podcast is a cut above the rest.

“The Dan Le Batard show stands out because of the unique format paired with the variety of regular cast of characters. The conversation tends to start with sports but before you know it they’re talking about the top five heist movies ever made. There’s never a dull moment. It’s an easy listen because everyone on the show feels like they’re part of a friend group rather than simply hosts of a show. With close to three hours of content, five days a week, your drive to work will be filled with interesting hilarity.”

Fresh Air

Flossy specializes in dental treatments. Their CEO and Co-founder, Miles Beckett, suggests listening to Fresh Air by NPR as the revolving door of guests is a wonderful way to detract from the stresses of a commute.

“This podcast takes on the traditional format of talk radio and executes perfectly. It’s hosted by Terry Gross who provides a comfortable atmosphere for conversations and interviews that will leave you intrigued and captivated. But, the variety of topics is what keeps me coming back to this show. One day it’s a deep dive into a recent New York Times piece while the next it’s an interview with Benedict Cumberbatch.

Pod Save America

Political discussion can leave a person feeling crazy or overwhelmed and this podcast aims to combat that. PixieLane is a business providing a platform and community for mom entrepreneurs selling kids and women’s apparel. Their Founder, Lori Price, considers this podcast to be an amazing resource for those seeking a refreshing outlook on politics.

“The best part of this podcast is that you know you’re hearing from people who are qualified to be speaking on politics as it’s hosted by four guys who used to be aides for President Obama. Twice a week, these guys go over the big news of the week in an effort to present it in a digestible manner. On top of this, they are regularly joined by guests who provide another level of depth to an already deep show.”

The Dinner Party Download

Ray Leon is the CEO of Pet Insurance Review, a brand offering information on specific insurers’ policy benefits and pricing. He advises tuning into The Dinner Party podcast for the conversation surrounding cuisine, society, and people.

“I’ve come to enjoy The Dinner Party so much that on the day it comes out I actually enjoy my drive home. I always learn something new about food or am inspired to try something I haven’t before and all of the etiquette discussion is excellent. But that’s not the only thing. The fantastic guests are always engaging and routinely bring fascinating topics to the table. For example, a recent episode featured Mel Brooks and Greta Gerwig. It’s really like a variety hour featuring food and celebrities and there’s nothing that comes close to it.

StarTalk Radio

JOI specializes in plant milk concentrates. Their CEO, Hector Gutierrez, believes the podcast featuring Neil deGrasse Tyson is an incredibly compelling way to spend a drive.

“Every time I turn this podcast on I’m exposed to some new phenomenon or new scientific trend that I was entirely oblivious to beforehand. To top this off, the host presents everything in layman’s terms so I never feel like anything being discussed is too far over my head. There’s also usually a star studded cast of guests who bring a breath of fresh air with them. Have you ever wanted to hear Bill Nye and Elon Musk talk about science and hear their opinions on technology? This podcast has done just that. Trying to understand our world is no small endeavor and this show makes it far easier.”

The Rewatchables

Everyone has a movie that they have seen more times than they care to share. The Rewatchables is here to celebrate that behavior and break down all your favorite films. Furnishr is a business providing all furniture and accessories in the design, delivery, setup and clean-up. Their CEO, Michael Van, suggests lending an ear to this show.

“Before streaming platforms existed, all of us picked up the cable remote and channel surfed. It was pretty common to see the same movies being run week after week and sometimes, a movie did just enough to make you stop surfing and get comfortable. The hosts of The Rewatchables are these types of people. Their research and passion make each episode a wonderful reminder of how great a movie was to the point where you want to watch it again once you’re home.”

Reply All

Maxim Kan, Head of Marketing at TakeUs, a brand offering rent/lend NFTs without collateral. They consider this podcast which regularly explores every corner of the internet to be one of more delightful and riveting shows available.

“The internet is probably involved in most areas of our lives at this point and in my experience, we don’t give that a second thought. This podcast changes that approach and instead goes into great detail about what makes the internet, how the internet has made us, and presents these things in the form of stories which have been discovered online. Some days, it can provide a nice reality check for how our world has changed while on others you’ll hear a story so unbelievable you couldn’t have made it up if you tried.”

Keep It

TheFutureParty specializes in community-based media platforms and daily email newsletters. Their Co-Founder and President, Boye Fajinmi, advises taking the time to check out the pop-culture centered show “Keep It”, for stimulating conversations surrounding politics, celebrity and music.

“So much of our celebrity culture crosses over into the world of politics the lines can become blurred very easily. It happens so frequently that there are many times where we don’t notice it. The Keep It podcast places these topics in the spotlight and walks through them in a very thoughtful manner. In my opinion, you would be hard pressed to find a show that discusses the most recent presidential election before rapidly transitioning to the opinions on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

This American Life

If there is a podcast in existence that brings entertainment and intrigue to the world of journalism then This American Life is just that. Poised is a business providing AI-powered communication coach for online meetings. Their COO & Cofounder, Soumya Mohan, believes this show will make any drive seem like a breeze.

“The beauty of This American Life is that every week is vastly different from the week before. However, that does not leave the audience in the dark. By using the same format, each week offers a theme that the stories are built around and contribute to. With the amount of detail the hosts go into, you can sometimes feel as if you’re watching the story play out right in front of you.”

Song Exploder

Melissa Rhodes is the CEO of Psychics1on1, a brand new platform connecting you to the world’s most gifted Psychics and top-rated Spiritual Advisors. She suggests giving the Song Exploder podcast a listen as the litany of guests and new music is second to none.

“This show provides music lovers with the opportunity to be a fly on the wall for conversation they might not hear otherwise. Some of the world’s most prominent and talented musicians regularly appear to analyze their own music, songwriting methods, and personal experiences that have led to their status as a musician. Songs that you thought you knew better than anyone will take on a new meaning as their creator takes you behind the curtain. From Halsey to Hans Zimmer and John Lennon, there’s no shortage of stunning guests.”

As seen above, there is no reason to sit in irritated silence while waiting for a light to change or skipping through radio stations in the hopes of finding something remotely interesting. Podcasts have changed the game because each one appeals to a niche audience. There is a podcast out there for everyone. However, the ease of access is arguably the strongest argument for diving into the world of podcasts. A person’s interests are available at the touch of a button. Podcaster Jordan Harbinger put it best, “Most people that I know are interested in on-demand stuff; podcasts are essentially audio Netflix.”

This content is a joint venture between our publication and our partner. We do not endorse any product or service in the article.