Summer 2016 has been the summer of road trips. Whether it was to Spokane to visit my boyfriend, to Portland to visit my friends and family, or out to the Oregon Coast for a long weekend, I have clocked many (maybe too many?) hours in the car.

I am lucky in that not only do I like driving, but these days I have had my kitten, Basil, to provide me with some much needed company. In the past, in order to pass the time, I have relied on Spotify playlists and audiobooks. These have been great, but I realized I was getting bored and needed to change it up a little, and this is when I was introduced to podcasts. Not only are they free, but with thousands to pick from, your possibilities are endless.

So here are the eight podcasts that got me through the summer, whether it be through humor, non-fiction entertainment, relatable content, or some that were simply riveting. Enjoy!

8. "Welcome To The Nightvale."

Written by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor and narrated by Cecil Baldwin

An eccentric fictional radio show, this podcast talks about a small desert town and the strange goings on. It has great short episodes that are perfect for short drives to and from work!

7. "Stuff You Should Know."

Hosted and written by Charles Bryant and Josh Clark

These podcasts are some of the best ones I have found, explaining the things we wonder about every day. From cultures and customs to how it's made... If you're wondering, chances are they've probably got you covered.

6. "You Made It Weird With Pete Holmes."

Hosted and written by Pete Holmes

Each week a Pete Holmes hosts a different celebrity guest and has them share their awkward, uncomfortable stories. Everyone is a little weird, and Pete helps us find the comedy in our weirdness. This is another great one if you are looking for a laugh!

5. "This American Life."

Produced by Chicago Public Media and hosted by Ira Glass

This is a classic. As a 90's kid, I grew up listening to Ira Glass talk on a daily basis. This podcast ranges from essays to memoirs, fiction and in-the-news stories.

4. "Guys We've F****ed."

Hosted and written by Corinne Fisher and Krystyna Hutchins

This is a podcast that was suggested to me by a good friend this past winter in which women openly and honestly talk about their sex lives, social expectations and any number of issues women face in this world. I have never laughed more when listening to these women talk, it's liberating!

3. "Serial."

Hosted and written by Sarah Koenig

This podcast only has two seasons released, but I promise you they are not disappointing. Sarah Koenig, the incredible host, presents one story over a series of episodes, and once you start, you won't be able to stop.

2. "Invisibilia."

Hosted and written by Lulu Miller, Hanna Rosin and Alix Spiegel

Another favorite of mine, where we get a chance to look at the strange aspects of humans and their behaviors. Ever wondered why humans behave the way they do? Or what drives your emotions? Lulu, Hanna and Alix attempt to answer these strange and complicated questions for us.

1. "Risk!"

Hosted by Kevin Allison

This has by far been my favorite podcast of the summer. With stories from different individuals around the U.S., and a different theme each week, each episode has been riveting. I have laughed til my stomach hurt, and cried til I couldn't cry anymore (not recommended while driving!).

Well, there you have it, friends. And please, if you have any suggestions of your own, don't hesitate to contact me or leave some in the comments below! I am always looking for new podcasts of any kind, and I'm sure if you're reading this list, you are, too.