The best podcasts for crime-loving, showtunes-singing travel junkies

Buffering was my first glimpse into what podcasting could be. Hosts Jenny Owen Youngs and Kristin Noeline Russo first caught my attention when I was browsing through pop culture shows. Buffy the Vampire Slayer has been one of my very favorite shows since it's initial run. When Buffy was originally on the air, none of my friends were into it. I never had anyone to gush with over Angel or Spike; nobody to turn to when I mourned the deaths of some of the show's prominent characters. To this day, I rewatch Buffy about once a year. So when I stumbled upon Buffering, I thought - sure, let me give this a try. I was not at all prepared for the deep dive into the series I was about to embark on. Jenny and Kristin have expanded my brain in ways I could have never imagined. I came to the show when they were in their final season and started from the beginning, thinking I'd be on this journey alone since most fans were up-to-date. But the incredible community that these two have created is still going strong. We have fallen in love not just with the series all over again, but with these hosts - they have taken us through their own personal hurdles, the ups and downs of political outcries, unrest, and injustices in our country, the COVID crisis, and more. They have already begun their next rewatch, which is X-Files. While I've never had any interest in that series whatsoever, I may just have to start it just to keep these two amazing people in my life - or rather, in my ears.

I've always loved a good crime-based story. Shows like Law & Order, Criminal Minds, and White Collar can always be found in my streaming favorites. I had never been much into "true crime" but on the recommendation of a friend, I decided to give Crime Junkies a shot. Needless to say, I was HOOKED after the first episode. The host, Ashley Flowers, is such a skilled and compassionate storyteller, it's hard not to get sucked in! Ashley and Brit tackle some famous and other not-so-famous stories of missing persons, unsolved murders, serial killers, and more. I especially love that they will put out special episodes when there is an update on a case they've covered - when an arrest is made in a previously cold case, or when a guilty verdict they reported on is overturned. The series has been running since 2018, making it perfectly bingeable!

The short answer on why I picked this podcast is obvious... it's mine! Each episode I sit down with a new guest where they share a "Had To Be There" moment they've experienced while traveling - the good and the bad! We've had guests who have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, guests who have taken a wrong turn hiking through the Austrian Alps, guests who have locked their cell phones in an Italian Airbnb on checkout day, and so much more. I love hearing the stories about what drew them to the destination we're talking about and about - not just the memories - but the lasting impressions these trips have left on their souls. In more recent episodes, I've added a segment called "Passport Picks" were my guest will share some of their favorites - destination with the best nightlife or the best beaches, a travel tip they've picked up, and so on. Each episode kicks off with a "Weekly Roundup" where I share current travel promotions to try to encourage listeners to have their own adventures, and save some money while doing so! I have met some of the most incredible people through these interviews and I look forward to meeting many more. I hope new listeners will enjoy the show even HALF as much as I enjoy hosting it.

On Monoreel Radio, hosts and spouses, Sean and Jacki, tackle a different Disney movie each week. I really enjoy their analysis and break-down of films old and new. They are both very naturally funny, which is not easy to do! Even when some of their takes may not quite align with my own, it's always a joy to hear them! The couple is originally from New York and, since launching their podcast, are now Florida residents. For someone like me (an adult Disney fan without kids, also from the Northeast) - that's the dream right there! Being closer to the magic, they've been able to expand their discussions to include special episodes like "Dockside Chat" where they pop over to Disney Springs and chat about current Disney goings-on over a drink at Dockside Margaritas. Having never met Sean or Jacki in real life, they almost feel like friends. They have such a warm and welcoming vibe about them, I really think this is a must-listen for all Disney fans!

I first came across the Profitable Nomad Couple when hosts Austin and Monica were guests on my show (the Had To Be There podcast, in case you forgot!) and shared a harrowing adventure they had on a road trip along the California coast. They are two of the kindest people I've ever met and they are living their lives as digital nomads. On their podcast they are not just sharing their own experience, but sharing insights as to who you and I can become digital nomads too! With so many opportunities to work remotely these days, this is a topic that I find incredible fascinating. Aside from the show (along with their website and social media) being so inspirational and educational, Austin and Monica themselves are a delight to listen to! The husband and wife duo were college sweethearts and you can just tell - they genuinely like each other! Highly recommend for anyone who has even fleetingly considered diving into the world of digital nomads. Tell Austin and Monica I said hi!