Best Podcasts for Commuters in Austin and 5 Major U.S. Cities (2026 Edition)

Commuting is back with a vengeance. After the pandemic suppressed rush‑hour traffic, 2024 and 2025 saw congestion rebound to record levels. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s 2025 Urban Mobility Report found that U.S. drivers lost a record 63 hours on average sitting in traffic in 2024【387450439130156†L220-L226】—the highest figure the researchers have recorded. Major metro areas fare even worse: Los Angeles tops the list with 137 hours of delay per commuter, followed closely by San Francisco (134 hours) and New York City (99 hours)【96995870972117†L42-L46】. In Texas, Houston and Dallas commuters waste about eight days each year stuck behind the wheel, while Austinites spend 64 hours a year in traffic【387450439130156†L220-L226】.

At the same time, podcasts have become the go‑to companion for modern commuters. According to podcast industry statistics, there were over 584.1 million podcast listeners in 2025—an increase of 6.84 % over 2024【55405669260249†L87-L93】. People love podcasts because they’re on‑demand, offer in‑depth storytelling, are portable and invite an emotional connection【55405669260249†L70-L85】. With so much dead time on the road or train, listening to a good show can turn a frustrating commute into a productive or entertaining part of your day.

Below is a city‑by‑city guide for commuters in Austin and five other major U.S. metropolitan areas. For each city we summarize the latest congestion data and recommend a few podcasts—mixing quick news updates with longer shows—tailored to your commute length and local interests.

Why Podcasts Are Perfect for the Commute

People are drawn to podcasts for several reasons:

• On‑demand and portable – you can listen whenever and wherever you like【55405669260249†L70-L85】. This flexibility suits unpredictable travel schedules and public transit rides.
• In‑depth storytelling – podcasts often dive deep into a subject, providing context that short‑form media can’t【55405669260249†L70-L85】. Long‑form content makes extended car rides feel shorter.
• Emotional connection – hearing someone’s voice creates an intimate feel that many listeners enjoy【55405669260249†L70-L85】.
• Niche topics and low barriers – no matter your interest, there’s probably a show about it【55405669260249†L70-L85】. Anyone with a microphone and some editing skills can start a podcast, so choices are plentiful.

With millions of listeners worldwide【55405669260249†L87-L93】, podcasts have moved from a niche hobby to mainstream media. When paired with the time lost in traffic, they become an indispensable tool for commuters.

Austin, Texas – Tech Hub With Growing Traffic

Congestion snapshot. Austin’s booming population and tech economy mean the region’s roads are busier than ever. The 2025 Urban Mobility Report ranks Austin 30th among U.S. metro areas, with commuters wasting 64 hours per year in traffic【387450439130156†L220-L226】. Local travel patterns have shifted: Mondays are now the easiest day to drive. A KUT analysis notes that a national traffic study found “Monday is hands down the least congested weekday”【901023224363020†L380-L390】. In Austin, delays on Tuesday between 8 and 9 a.m. are almost twice as bad as Monday【901023224363020†L397-L400】, and congestion is spread throughout the day rather than being confined to morning and evening peaks【901023224363020†L415-L417】. These patterns are largely due to hybrid work schedules and a sizable share of workers who can choose to stay home earlier in the week【901023224363020†L387-L390】. Still, not everyone can work remotely, so podcasts provide a useful escape during those mid‑week backups.

Podcast picks for Austin commuters

• The Indicator from Planet Money – A bite‑sized podcast that makes sense of the economy in about 10 minutes【7973554822557†L90-L96】. Perfect for the typical 15‑ to 20‑minute commute to the office or a quick errand.
• Up First – NPR’s daily news briefing summarizes the top stories in roughly 10 minutes【7973554822557†L105-L110】. It’s ideal for Monday commutes when you’re easing into the week.
• Stuff You Should Know – A long‑form show (about 46 minutes per episode【7973554822557†L54-L62】) that explores fascinating topics—from chaos theory to Rosa Parks—making it great for longer drives or when traffic is spreading beyond rush hour.

Los Angeles, California – America’s Top Congested City

Congestion snapshot. Los Angeles retains the dubious title of the nation’s most congested metro area. A Crosstown analysis of the Texas A&M report notes that LA roadways are 15 % more congested than before COVID【822456634887732†L82-L90】 and that a typical commuter wasted 137 hours in traffic last year【822456634887732†L93-L97】—almost six days. Mondays offer some relief, but by mid‑week the pain intensifies; Thursday between 4 and 5 p.m. is the worst hour for congestion【822456634887732†L131-L134】. Flexible schedules mean traffic is now spread throughout the day, including weekends【822456634887732†L107-L115】. With such long delays, LA commuters need engrossing audio companions.

Podcast picks for LA commuters

• SmartLess – A comedic interview show hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett. Each hour‑long episode features a surprise celebrity guest and plenty of banter—perfect for LA’s sprawling, stop‑and‑go freeway drives.
• My Favorite Murder – A true‑crime podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Episodes run about an hour or more and blend gripping crime stories with dark humor, which helps lighten the mood during gridlock.
• The Daily – From The New York Times, this news podcast delivers a deep dive into a single story in about 20 minutes【7973554822557†L125-L128】. If you catch an express bus or Metro ride, The Daily provides a high‑quality briefing before you arrive.

New York City, New York – The City That Never Sleeps

Congestion snapshot. The New York metropolitan area remains the country’s largest employment center. According to the Texas A&M report, New York commuters lose about 99 hours per year to traffic【96995870972117†L42-L46】—less than LA but still roughly four days wasted. Manhattan’s population nearly doubles during workdays as over a million people stream in from the suburbs; mid‑week rush hours are especially intense. Despite high transit ridership, the sheer number of cars means traffic jams are inevitable. Short and reliable audio updates help New Yorkers make the most of subway rides or bridge delays.

Podcast picks for NYC commuters

• The Daily – A must‑listen for New Yorkers, this show from The New York Times dissects one big story every weekday in about 20 minutes【7973554822557†L125-L128】. Its local production and national scope resonate with residents who want to stay informed on their commute.
• Radiolab – Produced by WNYC, this science‑and‑storytelling program immerses listeners in thought‑provoking narratives. Episodes run roughly 45 minutes and feature creative sound design—perfect for longer subway rides.
• The Indicator from Planet Money – When your commute is quick, this 10‑minute economic explainer【7973554822557†L90-L96】 offers a useful snapshot of markets, work and business.

Chicago, Illinois – The Most Congested U.S. City in 2025

Congestion snapshot. In 2025 Chicago overtook New York as the most gridlocked U.S. city. An Axios report notes that Chicago commuters lost 112 hours to congestion in 2025, costing each driver about $2,000【435245260701627†L45-L54】. Another local article reported that drivers wasted an average 112 hours in 2024 and that congestion increased another 10 % in 2025【722132088841428†L78-L84】. Winter weather, returning office workers and ongoing highway construction have pushed Chicago’s traffic to all‑time highs【722132088841428†L81-L93】. Chicagoans need podcasts that can fill long stretches of time while also providing laughs or local color.

Podcast picks for Chicago commuters

• Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! – NPR’s weekly news‑quiz show is produced by WBEZ Chicago and recorded in the city. Its mix of current events and humor makes a 50‑minute episode fly by.
• This American Life – Another Chicago‑born program, this hour‑long storytelling podcast features compelling narratives around a theme. It’s ideal for train rides on the Metra or CTA.
• Curious City – A shorter local podcast from WBEZ that answers listeners’ quirky questions about Chicago’s history, neighborhoods and culture. Episodes usually run 20–30 minutes.

Washington, D.C. – The Capital’s Congested Corridors

Congestion snapshot. The nation’s capital sees heavy congestion despite a robust transit system. An INRIX traffic scorecard reported that DC‑area commuters spent 62 hours stuck in traffic in 2024【250000444210149†L48-L70】. The report also found that 14 % fewer people worked from home in the region compared with the prior year【250000444210149†L48-L75】, contributing to busier roads. DC still ranked among the top ten most congested U.S. cities, and downtown travel speeds averaged just 12 mph【250000444210149†L108-L112】. For the many government workers and policy wonks who split their time between car, Metro and commuter rail, short and informative podcasts fit best.

Podcast picks for DC commuters

• The NPR Politics Podcast – A daily podcast where NPR’s political reporters break down the biggest stories from Capitol Hill. Episodes typically run 15–30 minutes, matching a Metro ride from the suburbs.
• Planet Money – NPR’s flagship economics program makes complicated policy issues accessible. Episodes are around 25–30 minutes and often link economics to everyday life.
• Pod Save America – A candid, humorous political discussion hosted by former Obama staffers. Hour‑long episodes dig into news and policy with a progressive bent, great for longer commutes on I‑495 or the Virginia suburbs.

San Francisco Bay Area, California – Tech & Transit Hotbed

Congestion snapshot. The Bay Area, encompassing San Francisco, Oakland and surrounding communities, has the nation’s second‑worst congestion. The Crosstown analysis notes that Greater San Francisco commuters lost 134 hours in traffic, and those trips are 30 % longer than they were in 2019【822456634887732†L136-L139】. Geography (bays, bridges) and a booming tech industry combine to create daily car and transit jams. With long travel times on BART or Highway 101, Bay Area commuters crave both tech news and creative storytelling.

Podcast picks for Bay Area commuters

• 99 % Invisible – Produced in Oakland, this show explores the unseen design and architecture of the world around us. Episodes average about 25–30 minutes, making it perfect for a BART ride across the Bay.
• Pivot – Tech journalist Kara Swisher and NYU professor Scott Galloway dissect the latest developments in Silicon Valley, business and politics. Twice‑weekly episodes run 45–60 minutes, ideal for longer drives down Highway 101 or Caltrain trips.
• Techmeme Ride Home – A daily 15‑minute roundup of the day’s tech news. It’s great for staying current between meetings or while waiting for your next bus.

Conclusion: Turn Gridlock Into Growth

No matter where you live, traffic delays are becoming a fact of life. Los Angeles and San Francisco commuters lose more than five days a year to congestion【822456634887732†L93-L97】【822456634887732†L136-L139】, Chicago drivers lose nearly the same【435245260701627†L45-L54】, and even Austin’s shorter commutes still consume more than two work‑and‑a‑half days【387450439130156†L220-L226】. Yet the boom in podcasting offers a silver lining. With millions of shows to choose from【55405669260249†L87-L93】, you can transform idle time into learning, laughter or inspiration. Whether you prefer bite‑sized news briefings or immersive storytelling, there’s a podcast out there to match your commute. So load up your queue, hit play and make gridlock a little more bearable.