Binge-ready podcasts to get you through the hot, wet summer

La Nina is in full swing and whether you're enjoying some new found travel freedoms or embracing a staycation there are plenty of great podcasts out there to pass the time.

Podcasts are the perfect pairing for roadtrips, long walks or simply just doing the housework - and there is something for everyone.

From comedy and science to true crime and documentary, a lot of podcast apps offer a more vast range of content than streaming services.

And here are some of our top recommendations:

People often ask, is true crime played out? Has it finally had its day? The answer, at least to me, is no. Especially when the people telling these tales actually care about the victims and survivors involved. Crime Junkie, hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, delves deep into unsolved murders, missing person cases and infamous serial killers with the lens fixed firmly on the victims. There's not a sniff of glamourising horrific crimes in this podcast and its goal is to help solve crimes and give greater voices to victimised people and communities. It's a great listen - one episode will have you hooked.

Seth Rogen is known for his comedic movies. Pineapple Express, This is the End and Bad Neighbours just to name a few. If you follow him on Instagram, you'd also know about his penchant for pottery making. But this podcast is all about great stories. Some of them are funny, some are harrowing, some are sad and some are simply weird. Rogen invites people to tell their greatest stories and it's a really interesting way to pass some time.

Australian Community Media's very own podcast explores stories from across regional Australia. It looks at a huge range of topics including why we should be eating more kangaroo, why Indigenous people are being prosecuted for fishing on NSW's south coast and why wombats need our help. It highlights the issues facing everyday Australians across the country as well as some more niche topics that are in need of some much-needed attention. If you love good, old-fashioned Australian stories, this one's for you.

Having spent the past two years living amidst a global pandemic, many people have gained a keen interest in viruses, diseases and how the human body deals with illness. In This Podcast Will Kill You, disease ecologists and epidemiologists Erin Welsh and Erin Allmann Updyke dive deep into infectious diseases and viruses including the black plague, typhoid fever and the infamous COVID-19 itself. Both of the Erins provide listeners with heaps of interesting info, with a side of humour to lighten the mood. It's great if you have always pondered the mysteries of how illness spreads.

Film buffs, this one is perfect for you. This podcast, hosted by Millie and Danielle (no last names credited), analyses movies from a wide range of genres and throughout history. They compare the old with the new, the good with the bad and cult faves versus blockbuster hits. You'll know a fair few of the movies - like Point Break, The Lost Boys and Robocop - but some of the films discussed are so obscure some Googling might be required. That just means you might find some undiscovered gems to add to your collection. Give it a go!

Small town cops telling their most harrowing stories? Sign me up. This podcast, hosted by Lisa Simpson voice actress Yeardley Smith and identical twin detectives Dan and Dave delves deep into policing across small towns in America, Scotland and Ireland. The stories are told by the detectives who solved the crime. It provides great insight into policing and, of course, addresses the recent policing issues experienced in the United States. It's compelling, fast-paced and sometimes a little sad but it's a podcast that will have you hanging on every word.

Law and Order: SVU is an institution. After more than 20 seasons and 500 episodes there is no denying that it has captivated audiences for generations. And this super fun podcast delves deep into the episodes and the true crimes they are based on, and interviews people from the show. It's hosted by female comedians Liza Treyger and Kara Klenk so it's sprinkled with humour and plenty of inside knowledge. You don't need to be a fan of the show - in fact, there is a section of their audience that doesn't watch the show but simply likes hearing it retold by two funny ladies. It's a great way to pass the time.

Ever had an experience that chilled you to the bone? This podcast is the equivalent of the hair on the back of your neck standing up. It's a look at how we as humans use our intuition. How it has often saved us from potential danger. These are stories that happened to real people retold by host Andrew Tate and some of his podcasting friends. It's a great conversation starter and will have you remembering strange encounters of your very own. Definitely not one for the kids.

Spooky season (October) might be over, but don't let that stop you from enjoying a bit of horror. This podcast features a range of voice actors and actresses telling some great scary stories. There's classic haunted houses, mysterious neighbours and gruesome doctors - it's like a horror movie that you can play out in your head. If you like a good scare, or you just enjoying good story-telling, this one is a great listen.

Hedley Thomas' new true crime podcast is about an Australian woman who was mysteriously murdered while walking home in 2013. Shandee Blackburn's stabbing death on a street in Mackay, northern Queensland, was captured on CCTV footage with two men looked at for the crime. The footage showed a figure running toward the woman before the attack - yet the identity of that person remains unknown to this day. But Hedley reckons the case could one day be solved. Take a listen if you're a fan of unsolved mysteries.