MOSES LAKE – As summer continues, the season of long road trips, scenic vistas and family vacations beckons once again.  

With most cars equipped with a Bluetooth connection or a functional auxiliary port, podcasts have emerged as a favored form of entertainment for travelers. They not only serve as a distraction from the monotony of the open road but also provide companions for deep introspection, humor and even education.  

Among the myriad offerings available, five podcasts stand out as my exemplary choices for road-tripping: "Heavyweight," "Normal Gossip," "American Scandal," "The Truth" and "This American Life."  

Each brings a unique flavor to the auditory experience, ensuring that the journey is as memorable as the destination. 

1. Heavyweight 

Hosted by Jonathan Goldstein, "Heavyweight" delves into the lives of individuals looking to resolve unfinished business. Each episode centers on a deeply personal story, often with humorous and poignant twists.  

One of the most compelling episodes, in my opinion, is "No. 27 Scott.” Scott, while struggling with addiction, begins to steal things from his dad to pay for his habit. Eventually, his dad had enough and got law enforcement involved, sending Scott to jail. While sitting in jail, his dad came in with a list of all the things he had stolen.  

“At the very top of the page ... containing some 50 items,” Scott said during the episode. “And at the very top of the page, his most prized possession, the Luger, this German pistol that my grandfather had taken off of a German in World War II.” 

Years after the incident, Goldstein works alongside Scott to try to find the gun in hopes of helping Scott repair his relationship with his father. Listen and discover if the two are successful in finding the Luger and returning it to its rightful owner.  

Goldstein’s charming narrative style ensures listeners are captivated, making it an ideal choice for both carpoolers and solo travelers alike. The episode's exploration of relationships invites introspection, challenging listeners to ponder their own life stories—a perfect companion for the existential musings that often accompany long drives through beautiful landscapes. 

My top three episodes: “No. 27 Scott,” “No. 49 Another Roadside Attraction” and “No. 16 Rob.” 

2. Normal Gossip 

For those who prefer lighter fare, "Normal Gossip" provides an entertaining portal into the lives of everyday people and the juicy stories that originate from mundane situations. The show, hosted by Rachelle Hampton, paints vivid pictures of quirky scenarios—perfect for distracting the mind from long stretches of highway.  

My personal favorite episode and the one I force all my friends to listen to when I introduce this series is season two, episode one: “Grandma’s ‘Best Friend’ Dot with Danielle Henderson.”  

Prepare for a time machine back to the 1980s, where this gossip began. The main character, Lisa, goes on a vacation with her new boyfriend’s family, only to get accused of stealing. Grandma’s best friend, named Dot, however, has other suspicions on who has been stealing the jewels and from the family's “money bowl.” Lisa, her boyfriend and Dot work together to solve the mystery and attempt to bring justice to the real thief.  

In an episode about traveling with more twists and turns than the road you’re cruising down, this podcast will keep the attention of anyone who loves a hot piece of “goss.”  

My top three episodes: “Grandma’s ‘Best Friend’ Dot with Danielle Henderson,” “Splitting the Dog Vote with David Roth” and “The Chair Saga with Hannah Giorgis.”  

 3. American Scandal 

Delving into the darker corners of history, "American Scandal" hosted by Lindsay Graham, offers listeners thrilling narratives that explore undercover schemes, political betrayals and scandalous events that shaped the nation.  

Each season focuses on a different scandal, from murders to government agencies to historic events. This podcast will help people fill in any little holes they may have in their historical knowledge. But instead of a boring history class, the podcast will take you through the most condensed and thorough experience of each of the events.  

One of the most listened-to episodes, “The Clinton Impeachment,” educates while captivating audiences with a carefully constructed tale of drama within the highest echelons of American politics.  

The pacing and depth of these stories make American Scandal a gripping choice for long drives, allowing passengers to lose themselves in America's history while transforming a seemingly ordinary road trip into a journey through time. 

My top three seasons: “Season 31: Watergate,” “Season 28: Pentagon Papers” and “Season 16: Big Tabacco.”  

4. The Truth 

For those who seek a more dramatized experience, "The Truth" presents a collection of narrative fiction that often mimics the intricate storytelling found in film or television. Unfortunately, the podcast announced they will not be releasing any further episodes; however, there are 125 episodes out that people can still enjoy.  

Episodes like “The Dark End of the Mall” boast suspenseful plots that keep listeners on the edge of their seats. 

As cars navigate winding roads, featuring twists and turns of their own, The Truth offers a refreshing escape into the world of imagination.  

The captivating narratives imbue the drive with an intoxicating ambiance, motivating listeners to remain glued to their seats, eager for each plot twist and emotional catharsis. 

My top three episodes: “The Dark End of The Mall,” “The Decider” and “Bad Hair.”  

5. This American Life 

Lastly, perhaps one of the most iconic entries, "This American Life," hosted by Ira Glass, crafts a patchwork of American life, weaving together diverse stories that encapsulate the essence of being human. Some of the episodes are funny, others heart wrenching but all delightful listens. 

My personal favorite and one that makes me giggle to this day is “Fiasco! (Act One)” which is episode No. 517. 

The first story, the best one, goes through the tale of a woman, with no experience, attempting to put on a play in her small town. 

“This is a story not just of a mediocre play or a terrible play,” Glass says in the episode. “When it comes right down to it, it's not even a story about a play. This is a story about a fiasco and about what makes a fiasco. And one ingredient of many fiascos is that great, massive, heart-wrenching chaos and failure are more likely to occur when great ambition has come into play, when plans are big, expectations great, hopes at their highest.”  

Take a minute (technically 56) and enjoy a story that, although I have listened to it several times, makes me laugh so hard I cry.  

My top three episodes are: “Fiasco! (Act One),” “129 Cars” and “Switched at Birth.”  

In conclusion, the magic of summer road trips is heightened by the right podcasts, providing not just entertainment but also the chance to connect with oneself and others. "Heavyweight," "Normal Gossip," "American Scandal," "The Truth" and "This American Life" each shine in their unique ways, ensuring that tires keep rolling in rhythm with compelling narratives, laughter and poignant reflections.  

As the sun sets and the open road beckons, these auditory companions are sure to transform an ordinary trip into an extraordinary journey, making them essential picks for any summer adventure. Happy listening!