Each of us has a unique and tailored relationship to our favorite podcast or audio story, and that’s what Roy Burdine, creator of the podcast Mindraker: Background Anger, finds most compelling about the format. Mindraker is a sci-fi/mystery podcast that follows Maru, a psychic soldier, as he protects mankind from alien invaders who have permeated the collective Unconscious. Mindraker borrows from the lyrical tradition of music and uses immersive sonic techniques to engage with audiences, creating for a transcendental auditory experience unlike any other. The podcast stars Sean Schemmel, a prolific animation and video games voice actor most known for his work as Goku in Dragon Ball Z, as well as Pokemon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Yugioh Gx, and Lego Monkie Kid.

These five podcast episodes delve into the life and legacy of the ultimate 20th century parenting influencer. Listeners will enjoy archival audio of Dr. Spock’s smooth East Coast Brahmin accent, learn about 20th century history through the lens of one long-living figure, enjoy gossipy details about his troubled first marriage, and appreciate how The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care shaped an entire generation of Americans.

If you were expecting a sad, depressing podcast about death... this isn't it! Reverend Peggy and I discuss her work in spiritual care over the past two decades — and also her personal spirituality, which even includes supernatural experiences (yes, in the hospital!)

Finding Fire Island is a new Broadway Podcast Network docu-podcast series which brings to life how a sleepy, 19th century beach town became a modern day queer mecca for artists and the New York City theater community. Created by Jess Rothschild, this podcast will take you behind the curtain of the mystique, legends and lore of the LGBT communities (Cherry Grove and The Pines) from folks who experienced their evolution from the 1950s to today. Starring: Joel Kim Booster, Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers, DJ Lina Bradford, Brian Moylan, Ben Rimalower, Paul Rudnick & more!

I’ve scoured the podcast world to find the best family podcasts for summer road trips, so subscribe to these shows ASAP. That will be one less thing you have to worry about when you’re packing up the car.