There are a lot of running playlists floating around on the Internet so I wanted to share with you what I listen to when I run. The only thing is that it’s actually not music. When I am not running with the team I am usually plugged in to a good podcast.

Since I discovered podcasts earlier this year I have almost completely stopped listening to music. Weird, I know. If you aren’t familiar with podcasts, they are downloadable audio broadcasts, similar to a radio talk show, but without the awful ads and inane chit-chat. You can find a podcast on anything you could possibly be interested in like science, cooking, real crime, sports, comedy or news.

One of the best parts about them is that they are totally free! So if you are bored of your playlist and are looking for something new to listen to on your runs check out one of these podcasts:

Serial

If you’re a podcast beginner, Serial is a great place to start. It’s the show that has connected podcasts to the mainstream market. This real-life crime story follows a journalist as she reinvestigates a 15-year-old murder. It’s addicting so be prepared to want to binge listen to all 12 episodes straight. Episode lengths range from 33-55 minutes long, perfect for all kinds of runs.

Mystery Show

Mystery Show is a brand new podcast born out of the podcast network Gimlet. So far there are only six episodes in season one but with most of them being about 50 minutes in length they are perfect for one of your midweek runs. Each episode follows the show’s very endearing host, Starlee Kine, as she solves everyday mysteries. This show is light, fun and a very easy listen.

The other podcasts in the Gimlet network; Reply All, a show about the Internet, and StartUp, a show about how Gimlet was built from the ground up, are also both awesome. Episodes for these two shows are all around 30 minutes, so are better for that short recovery run or the bus ride to work which is when I listen to them.

Love And Radio

Warning: Love And Radio isn’t a show for the kids. However, if you like weird, slightly provocative and highly emotional stories, this podcast might be for you. Episodes range from 30 minutes to an hour and at times are so engaging they will make you forget that you are even running. Some episodes may be a bit of a heavy listen for some so read the descriptions and heed the content warnings if you venture into the world of Love And Radio.

Not interested in any of those? Try these:

99% Invisible – A show about design. This is probably my favourite podcast although the episodes are a little too short to run to

Criminal – Real life crime stories

TLDR – Another show about the Internet but with short 10-15 minute episodes

Canadaland – A show about the media in Canada

I just realized I have no running or fitness podcasts on this list. That might have to be my next podcast venture. Do any of you have a favourite podcast? Comment with your best recommendations!