Top 11 podcasts for truck drivers, recommended by truck drivers

What do truck drivers listen to on the road? There are more options than ever, including satellite radio (standard spec on new Schneider trucks), audiobooks and of course AM/FM radio, but one genre growing in popularity among truck drivers is podcasts.

Podcasts can be downloaded before hitting the road, and listening is becoming one of the go-to hobbies for truck drivers.

We asked our truck driver audience for their favorite podcasts, and we’ve added a few others to round out this list of top podcasts for truck drivers.

Inclusion does not imply endorsement of all content, but we know you’ll find some good shows to add to your queue wherever you listen to podcasts (iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean, Castbox or others).

1. Talk CDL Trucking Podcast

You’ll need to determine for yourself if they earn their self-professed title as the “number one trucking podcast on planet Earth,” but they’ve certainly carved out their place as a go-to podcast from truckers for truckers, with new episodes on Fridays.

2. The Joe Rogan Experience

This isn’t trucking specific, but as one of the top podcasts in the world, it’s a favorite of many truckers as well. Joe Rogan is a comedian, actor, sports commentator, martial artist and TV host. He’s approaching 1,500 episodes as of this writing!

3. This American Life

Another that’s not specific to trucking, but it’s another staple among truckers, with entertaining journalistic non-fiction. It’s a weekly public radio program also airing as a podcast, and with a Pulitzer Prize to its name, host Ira Glass has earned his spot here.

4. Big Rig Banter

Our friends at AllTruckJobs.com produce an educational and entertaining podcast with experienced journalists offering exclusive interviews that get to the heart of the trucking industry. Look for new episodes every two weeks.

5. Serial

Well-told stories make this podcast an award-winner and trucker favorite. In fact, they tell one story per season, making for a captivating format — from the producers of “This American Life” above. It’s not trucking focused, but many truckers love it.

6. Red Eye Radio

For almost 50 years, truckers have tuned into Red Eye Radio during the overnight hours, but with on-demand availability as a podcast, truckers can catch this trucking news, information and entertainment any hour that works for them.

7. Crime Junkie Podcast

Love true crime stories? You’ll enjoy this show. Again not trucking focused, but straightforward, yet suspenseful storytelling has vaulted this podcast to the “Best Listens” listen from Apple Podcasts. Plus you can help fight crime in the process.

8. Pardon My Take

By recommendation of our truck driver community, Barstool Sports’ loud and entertaining take on a sports talk show has become a favorite of truck driver sports fans, featuring episodes Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

9. Jocko Podcast

Several truck drivers recommended this one, although truckers and non-truckers alike will grow stronger as they learn from retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink about discipline and leadership in business, war, relationships and everyday life.

10. Armchair Expert

Host Dax Shepard interviews people about the messiness of being human, digging deep into their stories to celebrate the growth and betterment that come from challenges and setbacks. Thanks to our trucker community for this recommendation.

11. Trucking After Hours

Previously “The Trucking Podcast,” this new podcast launched earlier this year, hosted by experienced father-and-son trucking duo Buck and Don Ballard. This new show discusses trucking, business, pickups, cars and life outside the truck.