12 Travel Audiobooks for Armchair Tourists
Whether you're hoping to plan a trip soon or voyaging in your imagination, these fictional and non-fiction choices will help satisfy a case of wanderlust.
What to Hear
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Netflix Announces ‘Don’t Look Up’ Behind-the-Scenes Podcast Series
Netflix has announced “The Last Movie Ever Made,” an upcoming podcast series that will offer a behind the scenes look at writer-director Adam McKay’s comedic disaster film “Don’t Look…
‘New Girl’ Podcast Hosted by Zooey Deschanel, Hannah Simone and Lamorne Morris to Debut in January
Zooey Deschanel, Hannah Simone and Lamorne Morris are reuniting to host a "New Girl" rewatch podcast, premiering on Jan. 24.
Roddy Ricch Goes Outside the Box With Measured, Insightful ‘Live Life Fast’: Album Review
After releasing "The Box" in Dec. 2019, the Compton rapper hit his stride, logging his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 and registering one of the biggest hits of the year.
Spotify Buys Podcast Tech Company Whooshkaa, Which Turns Radio Shows Into Podcasts
The Australia-based podcast technology platform lets radio broadcasters convert their existing audio content into on-demand podcasts.
Audiobooks
Variety Recommends
Dive into the audiobooks getting Hollywood's attention, for your next vacation or long car drive.
By: Otto Friedrich
Narrated by: P.J. Ochlan
'City of Nets'
Go deep inside Hollywood of the 1940s in this comprehensive look at the stories behind "Citizen Kane," "The Maltese Falcon," the demise of the studio system and the Black List.
Listen
By Diana Gabaldon
Narrated by Davina Porter
'Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone'
The ninth "Outlander" book drops in less than a week. Use this time to steel yourself for the return of the series in 2022.
Listen
By Amor Towles
Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini, Marin Ireland, Dion Graham
'The Lincoln Highway'
In 1954, an 18-year old is released from a juvenile work farm and plans to pick up his little brother and head to California. But his plan goes astray when he finds two friends hidden in his trunk.
Listen
By Michael Connelly
Narrated by Titus Welliver, Christine Lakin
'The Dark Hours'
Harry Bosch joins forces with LAPD detective Renée Ballard to track down the Midnight Men, a pair of serial rapists, after a methodical killer strikes on New Year's Eve.
Listen
By Mel Brooks
Narrated By Mel Brooks
'All About Me! My Remarkable Life in Show Business'
Mel Brooks looks back on 95 years of his life, spilling all the tea about the lessons he learned (and the stunts he pulled) in Hollywood. Thankfully, he narrates the audiobook as well.
Listen
Partner Content
Audible Recommends
Our partners at Audible give their picks for the best audio books to consider.
By Maejor
Narrated by Maejor
'Maejor Frequency'
Record producer, singer and songwriter Maejor talks with sound and musical experts in this series that unlocks the secrets behind the healing power of sound frequencies.
Listen
By Mark Greaney
Narrated by Robert M. Jimenez, Ana Osorio, Andrew Call, Barrie Kreinik, Brandon Dirden, Chris Andrew Ciulla, Dan Bittner, Elizabeth Evans, Fajer Al-Kaisi and more
'Armored'
A military contractor is offered a chance at redemption after his last mission totaled his career. The new job sends him to Mexico on the hunt for a member of the drug cartel.
Listen
By Mel Robbins
Narrated by Mel Robbins
'Here's Exactly What to Do'
In a series of tactical motivational talks, Mel Robbins takes on challenges and how to overcome them, whether it's guilt, a case of the blahs or lack of creativity.
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By Matthew Chauncey
Narrated by Kim Cattrall, Judy Greer
'Self Center'
In this fictional original series, a woman treats herself to a weekend wellness retreat on her 40th birthday, only to discover that her glowing host might have mysterious methods of staying young.
Listen
By Paul Lieberstein
Narrated by Will Forte, John Malkovich
'Middlespace: The Rebels Attack, And Then The Other Side Attacks As Well'
Will Forte plays a Starship Captain who quits his job, stranding his ship in space while he focuses on other passions. His idea to do nothing will instead lead him on a failing upwards trajectory.
Listen
By Liz Phair
Narrated by Liz Phair
'Never Said Nothing'
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter talks about her life and inspirations in an intimate conversation that includes song performances from across her career.
Listen
Narrated by Eddie Vedder
'Eddie Vedder: I Am Mine'
Eddie Vedder joins Audible's "Words + Music" series to play, break down his famous lyrics and discuss the intersection of art and life in this show named after the 2002 single.
Listen
By Sesame Workshop
Narrated by a full cast
'The Sesame Street Podcast' (Season 2)
Foley the Sound-Maker Monster welcomes friends like the Cookie Monster, Grover and Elmo to talk and sing about dogs, musical instruments, the circus and dinosaurs.
Listen
Podcasts
Trending
From daily news to true crime, find the next can't-miss podcasts that everyone is talking about and are sure to get you hooked.
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'Here's Exactly What to Do'
In a series of tactical motivational talks, Mel Robbins takes on challenges and how to overcome them, whether it's guilt, a case of the blahs or lack of creativity.
-
'The Sesame Street Podcast' (Season 2)
Foley the Sound-Maker Monster welcomes friends like the Cookie Monster, Grover and Elmo to talk and sing about dogs, musical instruments, the circus and dinosaurs.
-
'Maejor Frequency'
Record producer, singer and songwriter Maejor talks with sound and musical experts in this series that unlocks the secrets behind the healing power of sound frequencies.
-
'Middlespace'
Will Forte plays a Starship Captain who quits his job, stranding his ship in space while he focuses on other passions. His idea to do nothing will instead lead him on a failing upwards trajectory.
-
'Self Center'
In this fictional original series, a woman treats herself to a weekend wellness retreat on her 40th birthday, only to discover that her glowing host might have mysterious methods of staying young.
Podcasts
Variety Produced
Keep it in the family with our suite of Variety produced podcasts covering everything from awards, Broadway and business.
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'Just For Variety'
SubscribeEach week, Hollywood's most recognizable red carpet correspondent, Marc Malkin, sits down with today's biggest stars to talk film, television, pop culture and the latest news.
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'Awards Circuit'
SubscribeThe weekly "Awards Circuit" podcast features interviews with top film and TV talent and creatives; discussions and debates about awards races and industry headlines; and much, much more.
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'Stagecraft'
SubscribeBehind the scenes with the biggest stars on Broadway, off-Broadway and beyond. Hosted by Gordon Cox.
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'Strictly Business'
SubscribeIndustry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment.
Music
Album Reviews
Who doesn't love new music, our critics pick the best new albums of the moment.
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‘Covers’
Cat Power
ListenThe focus is on her voice with these covers of songs by Frank Ocean, Bob Seger, Billie Holiday and more.
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'Live Life Fast'
Roddy Ricch
ListenOn 'Live Life Fast,' the Compton rapper goes outside the box with a measured, insightful album.
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‘Evening With Silk Sonic’
Silk Sonic
ListenBruno Mars and Anderson .Paak's 'Evening With Silk Sonic' is a luscious blast of '70s soul
What To Hear News
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Cat Power Captivates With ‘Covers,’ Barely Recognizable Songs by Frank Ocean, Bob Seger, Billie Holiday, More: Album Review
Indie icon Cat Power — a.k.a. Chan Marshall — has been releasing fine albums of original material for more than 25 years, but imaginative covers have always been a big part of her sound: Her…
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‘New Girl’ Podcast Hosted by Zooey Deschanel, Hannah Simone and Lamorne Morris to Debut in January
Hey, girl! Zooey Deschanel, Hannah Simone and Lamorne Morris are reuniting to host a “New Girl” rewatch podcast, premiering on Jan. 24. Each week on “Welcome to Our Show,” Deschanel, Simone…
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‘Archive 81’ Creators Set Their Next Podcast, Conspiracy Thriller ‘Wavelength’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Podcast creators Dan Powell and Marc Sollinger, the duo behind popular horror series “Archive 81” — which has been adapted for television by Netflix — have set up their third podcast, “
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Siegfried & Roy Podcast From Apple TV Plus Uncovers Duo’s Private History (Podcast Roundup)
In today’s podcast roundup, Apple TV Plus delves into the lives and careers of pop-culture icons Siegfried & Roy; “SNL” alums Dana Carvey and David Spade host a comedy talk show from Cadence13…
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HBO Max’s ‘Peacemaker’ Is Getting a Video Podcast From Rooster Teeth
The zany misadventures of “Peacemaker,” the HBO Max original series starring John Cena, will get an official aftershow-style official video podcast launching alongside the DC show. HBO Max and…
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Spotify Shutters In-House Podcast Studio, Lays Off Staff
Spotify has shut down Studio 4, its internal podcast studio group, a move that will result in as many as 15 staffers being laid off or redeployed into other divisions. A source familiar with…
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New York Times’ Popular ‘Modern Love’ Podcast Gets a New Host
There’s a new voice of the New York Times’ “Modern Love” podcast: Anna Martin, a producer in the company’s audio department, who is taking over hosting for the popular relationship and…
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The Weeknd Doubles Down on the ‘80s and Even Michael Jackson on the Upbeat ‘Dawn FM’: Album Review
The Weeknd’s music has always been based around a combination of light and darkness, as the truth-in-advertising title of his 2015 sophomore full-length album, “The Beauty Behind the Madness,”…
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Spotify Unveils Next Podcast From the Obamas, ‘The Big Hit Show’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Spotify announced podcast docuseries “The Big Hit Show,” a new podcast from Higher Ground Productions, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s media company, coming out next week “The Big…
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Netflix Launches ‘The Gay Agenda,’ Podcast Celebrating LGBTQ+ Community (EXCLUSIVE)
Netflix has launched “The Gay Agenda,” a new podcast that will look at the lives of LGBTQ+ creatives at the top of their fields across different industries. The goal, the streaming service says…
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12 Travel Audiobooks for Armchair Tourists
With travel advisories and restrictions once again in the news due to the fast-moving Omicron variant, cross-country trips and overseas vacations are temporarily on hold for some people at the
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Netflix Announces ‘Don’t Look Up’ Behind the Scenes Podcast Series ‘The Last Movie Ever Made’
Netflix has announced “The Last Movie Ever Made,” an upcoming podcast series that will offer a behind the scenes look at writer-director Adam McKay’s comedic disaster film “Don’t Look…
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Best New Podcasts of 2021
Audio entertainment has boomed in recent years, and today literally millions of individual podcasts are a click away from your ears. Spotify, for one, currently hosts more than 3.2 million podcast