Running is awesome but can sometimes feel like a chore.
We’ve all been there, counting down the minutes until the long run is over or drifting off into a mental abyss when we should be sprinting. But fear not! I’ve got a game-changing solution to make those miles fly by: Podcasts!
To be honest, I’m a podcasts addict, and I believe they’re a runner’s best friend. Picture this: you’re out on your long run, feeling the rhythm of your feet hitting the pavement, and your mind gets whisked away to a whole new world of entertainment and knowledge. It’s like having a running buddy who’s constantly whispering words of inspiration and distraction in your ear.
Podcasts are the ultimate multitaskers. They’re not only incredibly relaxing and enjoyable, but they also serve as the perfect white noise backdrop to keep you focused and motivated during those grueling miles.
What’s more?
No matter what tickles your fancy—be it health, comedy, business, history, or even crime mysteries—there’s a podcast out there just waiting to captivate you. It’s like having a buffet of audio goodness at your fingertips.
But here’s the downside. With over 900,000 podcasts and a staggering 40 million episodes available, how on earth do you find the right ones?
Fret no more. I’ve done the hard work for you. In today’s post, I’ve carefully curated a selection of six podcast options that are guaranteed to keep you entertained, informed, and utterly engrossed while you conquer those miles.
Let’s dive in and discover the perfect podcasts to make your running experience extraordinary.
1. The Joe Rogan Experience
I’ve been hooked on Joe’s shows for years now, and I’ve probably devoured hundreds of episodes. This podcast is an absolute juggernaut, with over 1400 episodes, and still going strong after nearly a decade.
Joe Rogan himself is a force to be reckoned with. He’s a sports broadcaster, stand-up comedian, actor, and all-around cool guy. What makes JRE so special is Joe’s unique ability to blend science, motivation, comedy, straight talk, and pure badassery into one incredible show.
What’s more? Joe Rogan regularly invites fitness and health experts to join him on the podcast. They dive deep into the hottest trends and the latest discoveries in the health field, sometimes sparking spirited debates that will leave you hanging on every word.
For runners, specific episodes like #901 with David Goggins, an ultra-endurance athlete, or #725 with Courtney Dauwalter, an accomplished ultrarunner, provide valuable insights into pushing physical and mental limits. These conversations delve into training strategies, overcoming challenges, and the mindset required for endurance sports.
Just keep in mind the majority of the episode are long—up to 3 hours—presented as an-depth conversations with a wide variety of guests and topics, ranging from standup comedians, athletes, actors, and scientists, covering everything from ancient civilizations, psychedelics, science, to politics, and entertainment industry.
2. Hardcore History
Among the vast sea of history podcasts out there, one stands head and shoulders above the rest—Hardcore History. This gem of a podcast has captivated listeners since its inception in 2006. Each episode takes you on a gripping exploration of a specific historical topic or era, with episodes that can stretch into epic lengths of four hours or more.
When it comes to the content, Hardcore History delves fearlessly into the darkest corners of human history. It sheds light on the great atrocities that have shaped our world—uncovering the horrors of subjugation, war crimes, and even the menacing specter of nuclear proliferation.
And let’s not forget the epic battles and conflicts that have shaped nations and reshaped the world—World War, Cold War, Punic War, and many more.
What truly sets Hardcore History apart is the masterful storytelling of its host, Dan Carlin. He possesses the gift of captivating oration, painting vivid pictures of ancient events that transport you back in time.
3. Freakonomics
If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head over perplexing economic concepts like the effectiveness of socialism or the ethics of boycotting Chinese products, then prepare to have your mind blown by the enlightening podcast Freakonomics.
Hosted by the brilliant Stephen Dubner, this show is a captivating exploration of the economic concepts that lie beneath the surface of our everyday activities. Dubner engages in thought-provoking conversations with CEOs, Nobel Prize winners, scientists, and entrepreneurs, unraveling the complex web of economics and shedding light on the fascinating secrets that shape our world.
Get ready for mind-bending discussions that delve into a wide range of topics, from the economics of blockchain currency to the psychology of tipping. You’ll gain insights into the intriguing world of Chinese competition and even learn how to unlock the secrets of getting a great night’s sleep. Trust me; there’s no topic too obscure or too complex for Freakonomics to tackle.
Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t economics a dense and dry subject? Will I be able to grasp it all?” Fear not! Despite the seemingly daunting nature of economics, Freakonomics is designed to be conversational, engaging, and relatable to listeners of all ages. Dubner has a knack for breaking down complex ideas into digestible pieces, making the show accessible and captivating. It’s like having a stimulating conversation with a brilliant economist who effortlessly translates economic jargon into plain language.
4. The Tim Ferris Show
The Tim Ferris Show will guide you on a transformative journey toward building better relationships, increasing your wealth, improving your health, and finding true happiness.
Tim Ferris, a multi-talented individual known for his bestselling books, entrepreneurial ventures, investment prowess, and philosophical insights, has taken the podcasting world by storm with his highly acclaimed show, The Tim Ferris Show.
Imagine this podcast as your personal treasure trove, filled with valuable insights and actionable strategies from some of the most successful individuals on the planet. Tim fearlessly dives into the minds of world-class performers, extracting their wisdom and distilling it into practical advice that you can apply to your own life.
As you tune in, you’ll embark on a captivating journey alongside Tim Ferris, exploring the realms of health, wealth, happiness, and wisdom. Through thought-provoking interviews with renowned experts, industry leaders, and accomplished individuals from diverse fields, you’ll gain unparalleled access to the strategies and secrets that have propelled them to greatness.
For runners, episodes like “How to Run Faster and Farther” or “The Art and Science of Learning Anything Faster” provide practical insights and strategies from experts in the running and sports performance world. These episodes dive into training methodologies, nutrition, recovery techniques, and mindset tips that can enhance your running performance.
But here’s the beauty of The Tim Ferris Show: it’s not just about passive listening. Tim invites you to become an active participant in your own personal growth. He shares his own self-experiments, daringly testing unconventional methods to uncover the most effective strategies for personal transformation. With Tim as your guide, you’ll have the tools and inspiration to push your boundaries, challenge the status quo, and discover your untapped potential.
5. Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truths
Welcome to the electrifying world of Mind Pump, an online podcast/radio show that will revolutionize your understanding of fitness and leave you craving for more. Prepare to embark on a wild ride that combines the intensity of a fitness session with the audacity of Howard Stern, resulting in a show that is as raw as it is enlightening.
Picture this: three fearless hosts, Sal Di Stefano, Justin Andrews, and Adam Schafer, bring a collective wealth of over 40 years of combined training experience to the table. These fitness aficionados have walked the talk as personal trainers, IFBB competitors, club managers, and thought leaders in the fitness industry. With their infectious energy and unapologetic approach, they are here to shatter misconceptions and reveal the unfiltered truth about fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Buckle up as Mind Pump takes you on a rollercoaster journey through the realms of health and fitness, leaving no stone unturned. In each episode, these three passionate hosts dive headfirst into the most pressing topics, delivering insights, debunking myths, and challenging conventional wisdom with a fervor that is both shocking and refreshing.
But don’t be mistaken, and this show is not just about shock value. Alongside the raw entertainment, Mind Pump serves up a wealth of valuable information and practical advice that will empower you to navigate the complex world of fitness and make informed decisions about your own health journey. They strip away the glossy facade and expose the truth, enabling you to separate the wheat from the chaff and discover what truly works when it comes to achieving your fitness and health goals.
6. The Rich Roll Podcast
Join Rich Roll, renowned endurance athlete, author, and speaker, as he dives deep into conversations with influential guests from various fields.
Rich interviews a diverse range of guests, including world-class athletes, health experts, and thought leaders, offering valuable insights and inspiration for runners and individuals seeking a holistic approach to their well-being.
You’ll explore topics such as fitness, nutrition, mental health, personal growth, and environmental sustainability. Rich’s engaging and thought-provoking discussions provide runners with inspiration to push their boundaries, adopt a plant-based lifestyle, and achieve both physical and mental transformation.
7. The Strength Running Podcast
Step into the world of running with host Jason Fitzgerald, a certified running coach and founder of Strength Running. Jason shares practical advice on training, injury prevention, and performance improvement.
Each episode features insightful interviews with experienced coaches, elite runners, and sports scientists who share their expertise and strategies.
Jason shares expert advice, interviews top coaches and athletes, and provides practical tips to help runners improve their technique, prevent injuries, and reach their full potential.
This podcast is for everyone—the beginner, the experienced, and everyone in between.