When you embark on a massive road trip like #RunningTo, you need a solid arsenal of listening material. Music can only take you so far. Sorry, One Direction; even you can only go so far.
I’ve been devouring lots of podcasts on my long journey, both silly and serious ones alike. If you’re curious what I’m listening to after ten weeks on the road, here are my five favorite podcasts!
The Schnoz Cast with Bryan Allain
Humorist Bryan Allain’s podcast contains “conversations so trivial, it’s actually kinda important.” Each episode features a super serious (i.e. not at all serious) Skype call with some funny dude or dudette in Internetdom. His chats with Tyler Stanton (of Tripp & Tyler lore) are especially hilarious. It’s classic Seinfeld: the best entertainment really is the simplest.
The Relevant Podcast by Relevant Magazine
I first delved into Relevant Magazine‘s podcast after subscribing to their print magazine. The four-person cast has brilliant chemistry, and I’m usually laughing within the first minute. The podcast opens with some casual chit-chat, followed by entertainment releases and “slices” from pop culture, usually rounded out by a serious conversation with some musician, author, pastor, or other noteworthy figure. Inside jokes develop over time, so the longer you stick with the Relevant Podcast the more you enjoy the special community of it.
Reality LA Podcast with Tim Chaddick
Oh, Tim Chaddick. I would listen to this guy even if I hadn’t lived in the LA area these last four years. I visited Chaddick’s church, Reality LA, a couple times in the last year and fell in love with the place. Tim has that lethal combination of down-to-earth hilarity and humble vulnerability. I’m always gripped by his stories, and he makes my long drives feel a little less long.
Your Move with Andy Stanley
Andy’s cheery humor and sincerity easily make his weekly podcast among my favorites. Yes — even though he’s from Georgia. His podcasts come in easily digestible 30-minute doses, making it the perfect podcast for a short drive.
The Bad Christian Podcast
Of all the podcasts I’ve been consuming on my #RunningTo trip, Bad Christian is probably growing on me the most. The podcast is basically just like it sounds: three normal dudes talking about the crossroads of life and faith and struggle and occasionally swearing from time to time. The cast features members of the “Christian band” Emery, and their chemistry is evident from the start.
After some opening hilarious conversations, each episode features an in-depth interview with a usually controversial figure of some sort. Gay Christians, Christians-turned-atheists, and musicians of all slices have appeared on The Bad Christian Podcast, and it’s always a fascinating listen. Highly recommended for people of all faiths, denominations, or lack thereof! And for the podcast-impaired, their Bad Christian blog is also one I’m eagerly following.
But that’s just me. What am I missing? What are your favorite podcasts, both silly and serious? What’s your go-to listen on a long road trip: music, podcasts, audiobooks, or some/all of the above?
