What I love about podcasts is that to me they feel so old school. They remind me of families sitting around listening to the radio in the 1920s before the advent of TV. Podcasts allow for me to use my imagination but still be totally engrossed in a story or idea.
Unlike reading a book or watching TV, podcasts utilize a different part of my brain. They let my mind wander while still focusing on the podcaster’s voice. I remember when I was little and I loved having my older sisters read me books. That’s what podcasts are like, someone reading to me, doing the work, while I just get pure enjoyment.
One of the reasons podcasts are so nice on vacation is that I can just plug in my headphones and listen to them anywhere: walking on the beach, working out at the gym, vegging out under a palapa on the beach. I’m constantly on the lookout for new podcasts to listen to, tapping my friends and coworkers all the time. The podcasts top charts don’t really do it for me; they’re dominated by either things I’ve already heard, sports podcasts (yawn), and humor I’m not always on the same page with. Especially before I take off on a trip, I like to have a few series downloaded and ready to go so if I’m stuck without cell service I have some great things to listen to.
Here are some of the top podcasts to to listen to on vacation. Check them out in the slideshow.
Top Podcasts to Listen to on Vacation
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Modern Love:
I have been devoted to this column in the New York Times for forever. I love essays and hearing people’s personal stories concerning the ups and downs of loving a child, parent, or partner. This is pure bliss.
Listen here: Modern Love
image: Modern Love
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Call Your Girlfriend
This engaging—and often inspiring—podcast is like listening and talking to your best friend. It just feels right.
Listen here: Call Your Girlfriend
image: Call Your Girlfriend
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Stuff You Should Know
This interesting and lighthearted podcast covers everything from the myths and truths of tornadoes to the truth about the rivalry between the Hatfields and McCoys. Broken down into categories—psychology, food, sleep, and about twenty other sections—it’s no wonder this podcast is one of the top-ranking ones on ITunes.
Listen here: Stuff You Should Know
image: Stuff You Should Know
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Dear Sugar Radio
The hosts of this podcast are best-selling writers Cheryl Strayed, who wrote Wild and Tiny Beautiful Things, and Steve Almond, who wrote Candyfreak. They field all kinds of questions from viewers and give great feedback (and empathy) in return.
Listen here: Dear Sugar Radio
image: Dear Sugar Radio
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Brand Ambition
Aimed at emerging entrepreneurs, this podcast is so interesting to me even though I don’t run my own business. Host Valerie Howard gives practical tips and advice that can be used in everyday life, and her expert guests are insightful as well as successful.
Listen here: Brand Ambition
image: Brand Ambition
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Serial
This might be one of the most talked about podcasts, and the reason, I believe, is because it’s 100% escapism. And who doesn’t want that on a vacation?
Listen here: Serial
image: Serial podcast
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How to Do Everything
Since I have two boys, I get asked questions…a lot. This podcast answers it all---even the questions I didn’t know to ask yet.
Listen here: How to Do Everything
image: NPR
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Magic Lessons
Elizabeth Gilbert, best-selling author of Eat, Pray, Love, launched this podcast as an extension of her latest book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. She offers insight into how to tap into your creativity and live up to your dreams and potential.
Listen here: Magic Lessons
image: Magic Lessons
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This American Life
An oldie but goodie---there’s a reason this podcast has such a huge following. These stories will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between.
Listen here: This American Life
image: NPR
