7 Podcasts for a More Productive Commute
Isabel Armiento
· 4 min read
- Commuting and podcasts
- Productivityist
- The Daily
- The Accidental Creative
- Hardcore History
- Planet Money
- TED Talks Daily
- Fresh Air
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Are you one of the 95% of Americans who commute to work every day? If so, you’re probably well aware that driving to work can be long and tedious, often taking up a sizable chunk of your day. According to data from the 2019 census, the average American commutes a total of 27.6 minutes each way—so about an hour daily from Monday to Friday.
That being said, with a simple Bluetooth connection, you can really make the most of your commute time, and maybe even come to enjoy your time spent stuck in traffic.
Commuting and podcasts
An easy way to improve your commute is by listening to a podcast. Podcasts are great for keeping you alert and entertained through your morning commute doldrums, but that’s not all they’re good for. Podcasts can also help you stay up-to-date on the news, learn about a new topic, practice a new language, or get motivated for the day ahead.
What you do with your drive to work is important, since the time you spend commuting can really add up. According to
The Washington Post
, the average American commuter spends a total of nine days per year commuting. Think about how much you could get done if you had an extra nine days, or 216 hours, every year!Here are seven podcasts sure to make your commute more productive—and enjoyable.
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Productivityist
Looking to increase your productivity, but not sure where to begin? Productivityist is a podcast hosted by actor Mike Vardy that offers insights into how to boost your organization and time-management skills.
After a few commutes, you’ll have tons of extra knowledge about how to get more done—plus, you’ll start each workday refreshed and confident, armed with strategies for maximizing output and making the most of your time.
The Daily
The Daily is a staple of any early-morning commute. Get the day’s news delivered to you in a digestible and clear format, straight from the New York Times’s news team.
Hosted by Michael Barbaro, The Daily launches a new half-hour episode every morning, with a run-down of major news stories plus a closer look at a particularly interesting and topical issue.
The Accidental Creative
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This podcast is more for the artistically inclined. If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to get more innovative in the workplace, The Accidental Creative is a great place to start. Each weekly 30-minute episode features interviews with entrepreneurs, writers, and artists and is sure to empower you to bring your most creative self to work—and life.
Hardcore History
If you’re looking to use your commute time to learn as much as you can, try a history podcast. There are plenty on offer, but a fan favorite is Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History.
Each sprawling episode is a 3+ hour long deep dive into a particular historical period or event. At that runtime, every episode is sure to cover several commutes, so be sure to choose the topic carefully before hitting play.
Planet Money
NPR puts out a lot of great podcasts, and Planet Money is no exception. Whether you’re a die-hard finance nerd, an armchair investor, or simply someone with a passing interest in the economy, this is a guaranteed good listen.
Even if you’re someone who is baffled by money matters, this easy-to-follow podcast can help you get a better understanding of world markets, while also offering some helpful personal finance tips.
TED Talks Daily
Can’t choose what topic to focus on? TED Talks Daily offers new thought-provoking talks on a variety of subjects, from AI to psychology to pop culture. With fresh material out each day, you’ll never run out of things to listen to.
Each talk is hosted by journalist Elise Hu and runs for around 15-20 minutes, so it’s perfect for the curious commuter who lives relatively close to the office.
Fresh Air
This one is more for pleasure than productivity. Hosted by NPR journalist Terry Gross, this radio show-turned-podcast has delighted listeners since 1975.
With all-new episodes released daily, Fresh Air often features celebrities and artists and is a classy-yet-accessible way to get your fix of political and cultural commentary. The episodes run over half an hour long, so they’re sure to fill up your commute time even on days when traffic feels never-ending.
For more podcast recommendations for upping the productivity level of your commute, see these lists from
Benchmark One
or The Manual
. 
