Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast

Matt and Karen Smith visited all 63 U.S. National Parks, wrote bestselling books about the experience, and then started this podcast to keep sharing stories from the road. Dear Bob and Sue (named after the friends they wrote their original travel emails to) has grown to 176 episodes and earned a 4.9 rating from over 1,250 reviews -- numbers that put it among the most beloved travel podcasts anywhere. Episodes run 40 to 65 minutes and typically focus on a single park or destination. A recent episode covered Pinnacles National Park with specifics about the caves, California condor viewing spots, and the High Peaks trail. Other episodes tackle mailbag questions from listeners planning their own trips, state park recommendations, and honest recaps of adventures that didn't go according to plan. The Smiths are refreshingly candid about their mistakes and misadventures, which makes the show feel like getting travel advice from experienced friends rather than polished travel influencers. The podcast is a natural companion for anyone planning a national parks road trip. Matt and Karen break down logistics like when to visit, where to stay, which hikes are worth the effort, and which ones are overhyped. They've been doing this long enough to have strong opinions, and they aren't shy about sharing them. The weekly episodes are supplemented by companion blog posts with additional details and photos. If you've got a parks passport and a full tank of gas, this is the podcast to queue up.