17 Bingeable Podcasts That'll Make Your Commute Fly
Streaming back-to-back episodes on Netflix has been the norm for years. But, what about binging podcast episodes? For those of us with a tortuously long commute, this is our answer to beating the daily grind.
Say goodbye to mindless social media scrolling and hello to true crime tales, hilarious stand-up comedy, and seriously practical money advice to help you hit your financial goals.
1. Love Etc.
Whether you’re happily coupled up or playing the field, dating is a topic we all can’t stop talking about. Presented by Bumble Australia and hosted by Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald (the Melbourne-based journalists and masterminds behind the ever-growing Shameless Media network), expect to dive deep into juicy topics like what happens when we hate sex and who should pay for the first date.
We would be amiss not to give a well-earned shoutout to another Shameless Media podcast. But this time, we’re talking about a topic most of us would rather avoid. Money. Hosted by millennial money expert Victoria Devine, She’s On The Money is all about empowering you to take control of your financials to set yourself up for success now and into the future.
3. KIC Pod
Fitness is about more than just a gym membership, as this next podcast firmly proves. KIC Pod is hosted by Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw, founders of the online fitness program Keep It Cleaner, and calls itself ‘your weekly D&M on the stuff that matters’. Expect honest discussions about life’s most relatable topics, including fad diets, building a thriving career and why women shouldn’t be scared of lifting weights.
Television and radio presenter Yumi Stynes isn’t afraid to start an uncomfortable conversation. In fact, that’s the premise behind her hit podcast series, Ladies, We Need To Talk. It’s a show by women, for women about all the things that make us hot under the collar. Each episode is authentic, honest and oh-so-cringy, making this podcast perfect binge-worthy material.
5. Casefile
It’s fitting that the host of this true-crime podcast has remained anonymous for its 3 years of production. Told as scripted narratives using interviews, police documents, and eye-witness accounts, Casefile reveals chilling tales of murderers and serial criminals from Australia and beyond. Awarded Apple Podcast’s Best Podcast of 2018, and with over 115 episodes to explore, this one’s sure to be a captivating listen.
6. The Dropout
‘How did the woman once heralded as "the next Steve Jobs" find herself facing criminal charges (to which she pleaded not guilty) and up to 20 years in jail?’ That’s the core question behind this riveting investigative podcast, The Dropout. Hosted by ABC US News correspondent Rebecca Jarvis, the series explores the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her blood-testing startup Theranos. You won’t want to miss an episode of this one.
7. Serial
For nearly half a decade, the investigative podcast Serial has captured the minds and earbuds of listeners globally. Developed by the US radio program This American Life and hosted by journalist Sarah Koenig, each season tackles a true story related to the topics of death, love, truth, and justice.
8. S-Town
In a similar vein, S-Town brings together the production teams from Serial and This American Life to delivers a fascinating deep-dive into one man’s complex life. As the story unravels, tales of a nasty feud, social unrest, and an unresolved murder emerge in what proves to be an intriguing and ambitious podcast.
Love a good confession? Well, in that case, you’re going to love this belly-laugh inducing podcast hosted by British comedian Deborah Frances-White. The Guilty Feminist is everything its name suggests, discussing what it means to be a 21st Century feminist while ‘confessing the insecurities, hypocrisies, and fears that undermine our its lofty principles.’
10. The High Low
Delivering a healthy mix of the trivial and the political, this weekly pop-cultural podcast dishes up fascinating discussions at break-neck speed. Hosted by British journalists Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton, each episode effortlessly blends low- and high-brow content with style.
This self-proclaimed ‘podcast for long-distance besties everywhere’ is hosted by powerhouse duo (and besties) Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman. Weekly episodes reveal ‘realtalk’ conversations we’ve all shared with our nearest and dearest, as well as inspiring interviews with female creators, movers, and shakers from around the globe.
12. Ctrl Alt Delete
Thought about ditching the 9-5 for your side hustle? Struggling to demystify the concept of self-care? What does etiquette mean in the digital age? Hosted by best-selling British author and presenter Emma Gannon, Ctrl Alt Delete features intimate interviews about creativity, work, social media, and mental health. With past guests including Lena Dunham, Gillian Anderson, and Elizabeth Gilbert, you’re sure to walk away with some golden gems of life advice.
13. Glow Journal
Beauty lovers, make a bee-line for the Glow Journal podcast hosted by Australian beauty writer Gemma Watts. Hear from some of the country’s leading ‘CEOs, founders and creative minds heading the brands that shape the beauty industry.’
If your morning commute has you dreaming about Friday drinks, this is the perfect podcast for you. Hosted by journalists Isabelle Truman and Grace O’Neill, their infectious humor and down-to-earth style make each discussion of pop-culture, news, and entertainment a must-hear.
In a world where ‘busy-ness’ is glorified and burnout a badge of honor, many of us are craving slower and more mindful living. Enter host Madelyn Carafa, a ‘self-proclaimed health enthusiast and full-time hustler’ delivering a series of conversations combining health, wellbeing, and business.
16. Healthy-ish
There are a bunch of fads, trends, and buzzwords floating around the wellness space. Sorting the good from the bad is mybodyandsoul.com.au’s latest podcast, hosted by Dr. Andrew Rochford, Maz Compton, and Eliza Cracknell. Each episode takes a no-nonsense, common-sense approach to the latest fitness and health news.
17. Seize the Yay
Thinking about starting your own business? Or just curious to know how others have made it as an entrepreneur? Tune into Seize the Yay, hosted by lawyer turned funtrepreneur Sarah Holloway as she connects with leaders and dreamers you’ve found their ‘yay’ in work, rest and play.
Loved this? Here are 21 Inspiring Podcasts to Listen to On Your Way to Work.
