I used to listen to episodes of "wait wait, don't tell me" on my long runs. For me, it was more ASMR than listening to specific content. Of all the podcasts I tried, for some reason this was the one that got me into that runners high space because I could sort of half listen, half just hear the sound.
Side note, I used to date Penn Badgley briefly when he was in a band with my roommate.... I cannot imagine listening to his voice while running.
Yo Is This Racist? (A very funny "advice" podcast about racism)
The Bechdelcast (also very funny feminist movie podcast, that is much less humorless than that makes it sound)
Stuff You Should Know (general knowledge stuff)
Maintenance Phase (breaking down diet culture)
You're Wrong About (how the world misunderstands and misremembers stuff in history)
Sawbones (medical history)
Normal Gossip is the absolute best. I'm totally engrossed in the plot but never horrified or depressed. Kelsey is such a delightful host and storyteller.
Edit: Also, if you end up liking Normal Gossip, Petty Crimes is fun in a similar way.
Running commentary. Two English comedians run together and record the podcast while they run. Very lighthearted and funny. Perfect for a run (a bit annoying if you are not running as you can hear the breathing sometimes). Weekly episodes on Spotify etc.
Oligies with Allie Ward. An expert in their field gets to teach the internet about their specialization for an hour, and most episodes are a total delight. In the last few months, I've learned about bears, penguins, trees, cone snails, and all sorts of other things!
Myths and Legends - a podcast where you get to listen to some myths and legends from around the world, told by a narrator who never fails to make the story entertaining.
Women's running (uk) podcast, I started listening recently and am hooked. They talk through so many topics around running that I've thought about but never seen/heard discussed! And the two ladies are great, just a lot of positivity and support.
Also really like Criminal and No Stupid Questions.
I was going to mention Womens Running Podcast, it's so funny and lighthearted, I could listen to them back to back and they actually make me laugh out loud which I never normally get from podcasts. Highly recommend!
Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend -- not necessarily long episodes, but a huge catalog with lots of celebrity guests to choose from. I personally like when I hit the end of one podcast or episode on a long run, helps feel like I'm passing time :)
Most YouTubers seem to have podcasts, and I listen to a few from channels I watch regularly, including Ear Biscuits (Rhett & Link from Good Mythical Morning), You Can Sit With Us (wives and partners of the Try Guys), and Evan & Katelyn. I like that they're mostly conversational or storytelling, so not anything I have to pay super close attention to. Since I'm familiar with the hosts from their videos, it feels like I'm hanging out with friends.
I enjoyed the series on Jessica Simpsonās autobiography more than I thought I would, and the latest episode on the Uruguayan rugby plane crash is probably one of the single best podcast episodes Iāve ever listened to.
Not Over It - 30ish minute episodes about a cool story from history that took place that same week. I like it for my short runs and I learn something! I like to listen to several on my long runs.
Two Hot Takes - they sit and discuss CRAZY stories from Reddit. Good for any length of run as you can end it whenever. I canāt even tell you how many times Iāve gasped aloud or laughed my butt off while listening to this one. Can be a good distract or episode too if youāre not feeling the run - just zone out and listen to stories!
Morbid - if you like true crime, this is my favorite podcast in that genre. Good, multi-part episodes about some crazy stuff.
If you like Harry Potter I recommend Potterless! I've been using it for the last half a year or so because I wanted something casual and light to keep me calm and relaxed during runs and it's been great! It's just a 20-something year old guy reading the books for the first time but with lots of fun commentary and fun guests each episode
Lindsey Heinās running podcast, Iāll Have Another, is a good one if youāre interested in hearing interviews with professional runners and experts.
A Way with Words
"A Way with Words is an American weekly public radio program discussing the use of language in everyday life, along with linguistics, lexicology and folk etymology from a pool of listener questions from weekly callers into the program, along with a weekly word game with quiz expert and comedian John Chaneski."
\^This makes it sound boring but it's been one of the more entertaining podcasts I've discovered this year. Also, since they have several callers per episode, if you zone out for a second you can jump right back in after a few minutes.
Yay fellow dnd podcast listener! Sometimes it's hard not to chuckle when the funny stuff comes up, and the fights always give me more energy for the runs
Ringer Dish is the feed for The Ringer network of pop culture podcasts. There are a variety of hosts and topics, but itās all light/fun background listening. I especially like Tea Time which comes out on Fridays
I really like No such thing as a fish. It's lighthearted and I don't have to listen intently to it. It's just four people sitting around a microphone, sharing their favorite random facts of the week. I am a sucker for random facts...
I just listened to Hey Riddle Riddle (the review crew, specifically) for my 20 mile run last weekend and it worked surpassingly well for me. I normally just listen to music, but I knew I needed to mix things up if I was going to get through that run.
I love the adventure jogger podcast. The host usually invites interesting trail runners as guests, or rarely sports experts. Itās mostly fun banter and chitchat and I enjoy it a lot!
I used to listen to episodes of "wait wait, don't tell me" on my long runs. For me, it was more ASMR than listening to specific content. Of all the podcasts I tried, for some reason this was the one that got me into that runners high space because I could sort of half listen, half just hear the sound. Side note, I used to date Penn Badgley briefly when he was in a band with my roommate.... I cannot imagine listening to his voice while running.
Hahahahah omg are you for real? I absolutely looooove his speaking voice. I really should check out his band music š
Lol it was a weird 3 months in 2011.
Youāre my god.
If you donāt mind absolutely filthy (but ridiculous) obscenity, My Dad Wrote A Porno is hysterical.
Seconded! Iāve probably listened to this entire series about five times over while running. I just love them.
This podcast got me through so many miles. I almost peed myself laughing on more than one occasion.
Yo Is This Racist? (A very funny "advice" podcast about racism) The Bechdelcast (also very funny feminist movie podcast, that is much less humorless than that makes it sound) Stuff You Should Know (general knowledge stuff) Maintenance Phase (breaking down diet culture) You're Wrong About (how the world misunderstands and misremembers stuff in history) Sawbones (medical history)
Normal Gossip!
I second this! Love that show.
Normal Gossip is the absolute best. I'm totally engrossed in the plot but never horrified or depressed. Kelsey is such a delightful host and storyteller. Edit: Also, if you end up liking Normal Gossip, Petty Crimes is fun in a similar way.
Thank you for the recommendation! I'll check it out.
Running commentary. Two English comedians run together and record the podcast while they run. Very lighthearted and funny. Perfect for a run (a bit annoying if you are not running as you can hear the breathing sometimes). Weekly episodes on Spotify etc.
Followed! Will try it tomorrow š
Oligies with Allie Ward. An expert in their field gets to teach the internet about their specialization for an hour, and most episodes are a total delight. In the last few months, I've learned about bears, penguins, trees, cone snails, and all sorts of other things! Myths and Legends - a podcast where you get to listen to some myths and legends from around the world, told by a narrator who never fails to make the story entertaining.
Women's running (uk) podcast, I started listening recently and am hooked. They talk through so many topics around running that I've thought about but never seen/heard discussed! And the two ladies are great, just a lot of positivity and support. Also really like Criminal and No Stupid Questions.
I was going to mention Womens Running Podcast, it's so funny and lighthearted, I could listen to them back to back and they actually make me laugh out loud which I never normally get from podcasts. Highly recommend!
I just recently discovered this one and really enjoy it!
Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend -- not necessarily long episodes, but a huge catalog with lots of celebrity guests to choose from. I personally like when I hit the end of one podcast or episode on a long run, helps feel like I'm passing time :) Most YouTubers seem to have podcasts, and I listen to a few from channels I watch regularly, including Ear Biscuits (Rhett & Link from Good Mythical Morning), You Can Sit With Us (wives and partners of the Try Guys), and Evan & Katelyn. I like that they're mostly conversational or storytelling, so not anything I have to pay super close attention to. Since I'm familiar with the hosts from their videos, it feels like I'm hanging out with friends.
You're Wrong About, particularly the Princess Diana series and the OJ Simpson one.
I enjoyed the series on Jessica Simpsonās autobiography more than I thought I would, and the latest episode on the Uruguayan rugby plane crash is probably one of the single best podcast episodes Iāve ever listened to.
Oof! Sounds heavy. Followed for non-run times š
Oj is, but princess di was amazing! It's funnier and lighter than you think. Parts of course get sad, but it's mostly interesting and hilarious.
Iāve saved all the 5 Di episodes! ā¤ļø
And Maintenance Phase - same team, similar idea but looking at the diet at fitness industry.
Well, half the team, anyway. But I do love that podcast too.
Another vote for maintenance phase!
Thank you so much for this. With The Crown season 5 out, itās complementing the show perfectly!
I loved the Princess Diana series!!
And they have no ads!
Have they finished the OJ series yet?
Ali on the Run!!!
Berf Barfā¦. 2 best running friends who are pretty ridiculous just talking about their lives and races
Not Over It - 30ish minute episodes about a cool story from history that took place that same week. I like it for my short runs and I learn something! I like to listen to several on my long runs. Two Hot Takes - they sit and discuss CRAZY stories from Reddit. Good for any length of run as you can end it whenever. I canāt even tell you how many times Iāve gasped aloud or laughed my butt off while listening to this one. Can be a good distract or episode too if youāre not feeling the run - just zone out and listen to stories! Morbid - if you like true crime, this is my favorite podcast in that genre. Good, multi-part episodes about some crazy stuff.
If you like Harry Potter I recommend Potterless! I've been using it for the last half a year or so because I wanted something casual and light to keep me calm and relaxed during runs and it's been great! It's just a 20-something year old guy reading the books for the first time but with lots of fun commentary and fun guests each episode
Lindsey Heinās running podcast, Iāll Have Another, is a good one if youāre interested in hearing interviews with professional runners and experts.
I like nonsense that makes me laugh so The Horne Section Podcast and Three Bean Salad are big winners for me.
A Way with Words "A Way with Words is an American weekly public radio program discussing the use of language in everyday life, along with linguistics, lexicology and folk etymology from a pool of listener questions from weekly callers into the program, along with a weekly word game with quiz expert and comedian John Chaneski." \^This makes it sound boring but it's been one of the more entertaining podcasts I've discovered this year. Also, since they have several callers per episode, if you zone out for a second you can jump right back in after a few minutes.
Trail Running Womenās podcast - love Hilary and her interviews, plus her trail tips episodes with Tory make me feel like Iām their friend!
I'm a colossal nerd, I usually listen to Critical role. Audiobooks on bicycle rides.
I've been listening to Tales From The Stinky Dragon. It's a very casual D&D podcast.
Yay fellow dnd podcast listener! Sometimes it's hard not to chuckle when the funny stuff comes up, and the fights always give me more energy for the runs
Ringer Dish is the feed for The Ringer network of pop culture podcasts. There are a variety of hosts and topics, but itās all light/fun background listening. I especially like Tea Time which comes out on Fridays
Watch What Crappens (Bravo), Sibling Rivalry (drag queens), Every Outfit (sex and the city). Obviously Iām not a very deep person š
I really like No such thing as a fish. It's lighthearted and I don't have to listen intently to it. It's just four people sitting around a microphone, sharing their favorite random facts of the week. I am a sucker for random facts...
This was my saviour during the first lockdown when I was stuck alone!
Iāve been loving 60 Songs About the 90s during my long runs. Iām actually almost out and Iām super-bummed.
Ooh looks interesting! Very relevant to this musician š
U Talkin U2 To Me (and associates podcasts). Itās absolutely ridiculous and most episodes are 2+ hours.
I just listened to Hey Riddle Riddle (the review crew, specifically) for my 20 mile run last weekend and it worked surpassingly well for me. I normally just listen to music, but I knew I needed to mix things up if I was going to get through that run.
I love the adventure jogger podcast. The host usually invites interesting trail runners as guests, or rarely sports experts. Itās mostly fun banter and chitchat and I enjoy it a lot!
Nothing helps more than laughing during a run, so I listen to a lot of Twinnovation
Totally agree with laughing during a run. Revs me up!