If you’re anything like me, you need your daily walks to stay sane.
At least once a day, I lace up my walking shoes and pound the pavement—through rain or shine (literally and emotionally). My walks aren’t just one of my favorite forms of physical exercise; they’re also a form of therapy for me. They give me the time and space to process my emotions, be alone and get some fresh air.
My walks require different things depending on my mood. Sometimes I walk in silence because my own thoughts are entertainment enough. Other times, I crank the music, getting lost in a favorite album or playlist that reflects how I’m feeling. A good phone call to my mom is always a solid option.
Recently, though, I started incorporating podcasts into my walks, and I haven’t looked back. Podcasts have spiced up my routine, exposing me to different genres, topics and styles, including true crime, news, humor and self-help. They give my mind something else to focus on while my body moves. Whether I’m laughing, learning or reflecting, listening turns my walks into a more immersive, comforting experience. In a way, podcasts allow me to have a companion while I process my thoughts.
If you’re interested in incorporating podcasts into your walks, then below are my top eight podcasts for all your various walking needs.
Crime Junkie
A true crime podcast is the perfect escape from our own lives, allowing us to explore human nature, mysteries and dark motivations without experiencing real danger. Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, Crime Junkie releases weekly episodes covering everything from serial killers to unsolved murders. These hour-long stories are perfect for longer walks.
Smosh Mouth
The official podcast of the YouTube comedy group Smosh, Smosh Mouth is one of my favorite lighthearted listens. Hosted by Shayne Topp and Amanda Lehan-Canto, the weekly episodes dive into internet trends and feature a variety of guests. With relatable stories and hilarious banter, this podcast always makes me laugh, and I feel like part of the friend group while listening.
Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast
Another dynamic podcast duo, Brooke Averick and Connor Wood remind me of conversations with my own brothers: unfiltered, honest and occasionally irritating. Their mix of pop, culture, gossip, and personal stories keeps me entertained from start to finish.
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Self-help podcasts go hand in hand with walks, combining physical movement with mental growth. Best-selling author Mel Robbins, known for her books The 5 Second Rule and The Let Them Theory, blends expert interviews, personal experiences and research-based tools to help listeners navigate everyday challenges. I love how empowering, rather than preachy, Robbins is, offering practical steps you can immediately apply to your life.
Up First from NPR
If you prefer shorter walks, Up First is a perfect option. With daily episodes around 10 minutes long, this podcast covers the biggest news stories of the day in an engaging, easy-to-understand way. It’s a great way to start the morning and feel informed without committing to the nightly news, especially for busy college students.
The Broski Report with Brittany Broski
Brittany Broski’s The Broski Report might be my favorite podcast on this list. As a young woman, Broski captures the complexity of womanhood, shifting seamlessly between immature humor, intense fangirling, and serious conversations about the state of the world. I never know if I’ll finish an episode laughing, crying or deep in introspection, and that unpredictability keeps me coming back for more.
Therapuss with Jake Shane
In Therapuss, Jake Shane sits down with celebrities and online personalities for conversations that feel part interview, part therapy session. The chemistry between Shane and his guests changes every episode, making each one feel fresh and entertaining. His “Tell Me What’s Wrong” advice segment, where he works through listeners’ current dramas, is always a highlight.
Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain
Often referred to as Gen Z’s “Queen of the Internet,” Emma Chamberlain brings her authentic, relatable personality to Anything Goes. As the name suggests, no topic is off-limits. I especially love her advice episodes, where she pairs thoughtful reflection with raw, real-life experiences. As a style icon, her fashion and trend-focused episodes always pique my interest.
Whether you’re a walker or not, these podcasts are a great addition to commutes, chores or morning and nighttime routines. Listening to podcasts, like walking, is a way to show up for yourself, adding humor, insight and connection to your life one episode at a time.