Driving an hour-and-a-half from rural Wooster, Ohio, whenever A-K are in the building makes the solitude of the car ride mentally draining.  Often, podcasts are how I keep my brain occupied (while still focusing on the road, obviously). Today, I thought I’d recommend some of my favorite podcasts. 

The Way I Heard It

• Mike Rowe, the previous host of “Dirty Jobs,” anchors this short-form podcast perfect for those without a lasting attention span. Keeping to a five-to-ten minute format, Rowe spins a tale of misdirect until he reveals the real focus of the story. He drops hints throughout the episode, so only clever listeners can solve the mystery. Some of the most notable episodes include “A Book to Pass the Time” and “On the Pursuit of Satisfaction.”

The Anthropocene Reviewed 

• John Green lovers, this one’s for you. The best-selling author critiques subjects suggested by listeners, ranging from the grocery-store chain Piggly Wiggly to the seed potatoes of Leningrad. With his characteristic humor and wit, he describes the topic and reflects on the advantages and disadvantages associated with it. He grades them on a five-star scale and explains his reasoning. My favorite episode is one where he reviews the city of “Indianapolis and Love at First Sight.”

Armchair Expert 

• Dax Shepard, a celebrity best known for his portrayal of Cosby Braverman on “Parenthood” and for being Kristen Bell’s husband, is the host of this podcast. It consists of celebrity interviews, deep dives into famous lives and uncovers intimate details of the stars. Many famous celebrities have taken a turn in the hot seat and divulged new information about themselves. 

This American Life

• A classic that has seemingly been on the air forever, This American Life is renowned across the country. The hour-long show is split into three distinct segments, with each segment being a separate story. Each story is related to the overall theme and captivates audiences.

Serial

• I’ve recently been on a true crime kick and binging these podcasts to my heart’s content. This one is produced by the same people who produce “This American Life” and the first season follows a criminal case in the state of Maryland. The investigative reporter devotes herself entirely to solving the cold case in which she believes an innocent man was accused. Trust me,  each break in the case will enthrall.