Whether you're traveling via plane, train, or automobile, these five podcasts are the entertainment you never knew you needed.

The world of podcasts has grown exponentially over the years. And as more and more series are created, it can be easy to lose track of your must-listens. Lucky for you, summer is in full swing, which means your travel plans are coming up fast. So skip the radio, and instead immerse yourself in some of the most popular podcasts that are sure to keep your interest piqued.

If you've always dreamed of a space-themed reality show: The Habitat

Photo courtesy of Gimlet Media.

Moving to Mars might sound like a fantasy to some, but in this series, it becomes a reality — just not in the way you'd expect. In this true story, NASA asks six strangers to live on "fake planet Mars," an isolated environment in Hawaii where the participants stay for a year while documenting their experiences. It might sound strange, but keep in mind those who make the first trek to the Red Planet would be cut off from society for years until more humans are able to join them. The Habitat explores this concept -- the science behind life on Mars and more (with a bit of drama in between).

If you like your media centered on equality: Unladylike

Photo courtesy of Unladylike.

This series focuses on all things gender and opening your eyes to diversity. The mission: "To make inclusive, credible media that moves," according to the series' website. Through interviews with an array of women and addressing topics that challenge the norm, Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin, co-founders of Unladylike, help us better understand our identities and open our minds even more to the beauty of diversity.

If analyzing pop culture is your cup of tea: Keep It

Photo courtesy of Crooked Media.

Every week, journalists, comedians, actors, and more join host and culture critic Ira Madison III to examine the intersection of pop culture and politics. With topics ranging from movies to music to cringe-worthy tweets, this podcast series is one sure to entertain any culture buff.

If you're looking for some real talk on losing weight: Diet Starts Tomorrow

Photo courtesy of SoundCloud.

Brought to us by Betches Media, Diet Starts Tomorrow is the newest podcast offered by the edgy digital brand. This series gives listeners an honest look at health and wellness from the perspectives of women who have struggled and overcome weight loss. So if you're in the market for a dose of "realness" on getting (or staying) fit through the temptations life throws us, these episodes will not disappoint.

If true crime and investigative reporting seem like the perfect storm: In the Dark

Photo courtesy of American Public Media.

As arguably one of the best true crime podcasts out there right now, In the Dark focuses not on solving a case of a child abduction, but at how the case was mishandled in the first place. Throughout season one, American Public Media and reporter Madeleine Baran investigate one of the most infamous child abductions, the murder of Jacob Wetterling, and the aftermath of it all.

Have you listened to any of these? What favorite podcasts would you add to the list? We're all ears! Leave your thoughts in the comments below!