If you’re like me, then you might be a frequent listener of podcasts (which side-note, it’s still impressive to me that this term derived from broadcasts on the iPod has become so pervasive). And, if you’re like me then you typically listen to a small stable of podcasts that you rotate through. So if you’re in the market for some new, entertaining podcasts for all types of travel from the morning commute to red-eye plane rides, here are a few winners (warning, they are geeky or sports-related):
In Review (Kinda Funny)
It feels just like yesterday when I rediscovered the entertainment company Kinda Funny, and caught the start of the In Review series when they started by rewatching and recapping every Marvel Cinematic Universe movie leading into Avengers: Infinity War. It blew me away when they mentioned that they had just passed 300 movies reviewed since the podcast began. These reviews can be very informative, but I always come back to listen to them for the pure entertainment value, even if I haven’t seen the movie they are reviewing. I highly advise you to find some movies or series that you love, to re-watch them, and listen to these reviews.
Annual Pass (Rooster Teeth)
Although I have been to theme parks a fair amount in my life, I didn’t give much thought to their design and development. Annual Pass pulls back the curtain on the lore, the subtle design, and the enjoyment of theme parks and specific attractions. Every episode is approachable, and even if you’ve never visited the park or ride that is being examined, learning about them might make you more excited to visit them in the future. I never thought I would be so interested in theme parks at this point in my life, and I owe it to Annual Pass.
That’s Hockey Talk (Pat McAfee Inc.)
That’s Hockey Talk epitomizes hanging out with your friends talking about hockey, with the slight twist that one of those friends is a Stanley Cup champion (Mike Rupp). The podcast release weekly during live recordings available on YouTube, and the three hosts interview NHL personalities ranging from current players, to veteran analysts and announcers. The production value isn’t the highest, but the stories told on the podcast, and the fun had by the hosts and guests can’t be missed.
The Geraint Thomas Cycling Club Podcast
The Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast gives an inside look at the life of different types of professional cyclists: GC riders, time trialists, track cyclists, mountain bikers, and more. Every episode features an interview with a professional or notable cyclist, and it is extremely fascinating to hear about the challenges that they face– professional cycling is really like no other sport, particularly at the Grand Tours. I think the most interesting episode of the series included an interview with Geraint Thomas’ wife, and how she deals with the ups and downs of his profession.
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