Family Road Trip Adventures

Summer signals the start of family road trips, and the scenic routes await. As you pack snacks and fuel up, you can almost feel the tension rising with the first argument in the backseat about personal space.

To keep things calm, you might think about handing over devices for a bit of digital distraction. But then, a wild thought arises: what if we actually spent this time together? You know, making some memories?

“Contrary to the Odds” offers a type of storytelling that captures everyone’s attention, keeping the car quiet—not an easy task.

“Are we there yet?” It’s usually the first question that derails your train of thought. Just 22 minutes—great, that’s a new record. And then the chaos begins.

A light slap to the backseat, almost a whisper, provides just enough coverage for plausible deniability, mixed with some awkward dance moves.

Have you thought about adding a podcast to your road trip arsenal? Classics like audio-only entertainment can really make the miles fly by. Here are five family-friendly choices.

“Deliberately Blank”

Hosted by best-selling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson along with sci-fi and horror writer Dan Wells, “Deliberately Blank” feels like listening in on two quirky friends chatting about everything from memorable villains to, believe it or not, famous food thieves.

Episode suggestion: Ranking your favorite Cryptids. I mean, we’ve all heard of Bigfoot and The Loch Ness Monster, but what about those creepy Mongolian death worms?

“Sports Wars”

From Serena vs. Venus to Kobe vs. Shaq, “Sports Wars” takes you on a journey through some of the fiercest rivalries in sports, ranging from basketball and tennis to soccer and wrestling. These stories, both funny and heartbreaking, draw in fans and non-fans alike.

Episode suggestion: Brady vs. Manning: Family First. Tom Brady and Eli Manning, two legends; their rivalry is a spectacle as thrilling as watching a pirate ship sail away.

“Opportunities Against the Odds”

Perseverance is the core message in “Opportunities Against the Odds.” It captures exhilarating true stories of survival, from Thai cave rescues to hostage escapes. The storytelling here keeps everyone quiet in the car—quite a feat. Just be prepared for some intense moments, although nothing too graphic.

Episode suggestion: Thai Cave Rescue: Lost. Just a week ago, rescuers bravely worked against the clock for a soccer team trapped in a perilous cave. These accounts are more suspenseful than graphic, perfect for older kids who enjoy a good thrill.

“How I Built This”

Every product has a story, whether it’s those socks your son threw at his sister or the chicken fingers she spilled all over the backseat. Guy Raz interviews successful entrepreneurs, letting them share their journeys, the ups and downs of starting a brand. If you’re curious about success stories and inspired by those who shaped their paths, give this a try.

Episode suggestion: Spikeball: Chris Ruder. Ever wanted to revive a childhood game and turn it into a business? That’s exactly what Chris Ruder achieved, and he shares the full story.

“Spooked”

There’s nothing quite like a ghost story to keep everyone on the edge of their seats during night drives, especially as sugar crashes begin. “Spooked” features true stories told by those who’ve lived them. Episodes last about 27 minutes—long enough to draw you in, but not so long that you’re losing interest. Some narratives are a bit intense, like those from the Vietnam War, but generally, they remain eerie without inducing nightmares.

Episode suggestion: Borderlands. Follow U.S. Border Patrol agents as they encounter something unexpected during a patrol in the Arizona Desert—definitely a suspenseful listen.