Earbuds are the best buds

Travel Delays, Snowed In, or Stuck at Your In-Laws? We’ve Got a Podcast for That

’Tis the season for slower work days, more time with friends and family, and festive celebrations. But the holidays also can come with bad weather, houseguests who wear out their welcomes, traffic jams, and travel delays. Blissful or bah humbug, it’s the most wonderful time of the year—to listen to podcasts.

Whether you’re looking to brush up on current events or escape into a complex story, Spotify’s robust and ever-expanding collection of podcasts will keep you occupied. Not sure where to start? Here are five that fit the bill.

If you’re looking for a topic that’ll impress your boss at the office holiday party

Try … “Revisionist History.” Each episode of Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast takes a second look at the past and questions whether the popular narrative about a particular event, person, or idea is accurate.

If you’re looking for … anything to distract you while you spend hours sitting on the tarmac

Try … “Up and Vanished.” True-crime buffs will dig the investigative journalism podcast that explores cases of people who have gone missing or disappeared. Each season is an in-depth look into what happened, including first-person accounts from locals who were present as the case unfolded. Because each season covers one case, the suspense will keep you listening episode to episode, no matter what kind of delay the airport throws at you.

If you’re looking for … enough material to keep up with your uncle who always wants to talk hot-button topics at the dinner table

Try … “The Daily.” For 20 minutes a day, five days a week, Michael Barbaro of The New York Times shares a quick summary of something that’s going on in the world. Based on interviews and reporting, each episode focuses on one topic, but ends with a roundup of the other important headlines of the day.

If you’re looking for … a lighter note to keep you entertained while gift wrapping

Try … “My Brother, My Brother, and Me.” In this comedy/advice podcast by Justin, Griffin, and Travis McElory, the brothers answer questions submitted by listeners and read entertaining posts from Yahoo! Answers. MBMBaM also has frequent guests and humorous recurring segments, like “Haunted Doll Watch,” where the brothers discuss eBay listings selling supposedly haunted or cursed dolls.

If you’re looking for … a story that gathers everyone around the fireplace

Try … “Lore.” What’s real and what’s just lore? Mystery lovers will get hooked on more than 100 spooky stories that dive deep into the darker side of human nature. The nonfiction series is based on historical explorations of folklore, investigating rumors of haunted houses, witches, and vampires, and telling other tall tales from around the world.

Looking for more ways to get away this holiday season? Check out Spotify’s top podcasts.