Route 66: America’s Greatest Road Trip – the new podcast exploring the culture, history and flavours of the United States’ iconic highway

A brand-new podcast, Route 66: America’s Greatest Road Trip, delivers the ultimate cross-country adventure to mark 100 years of the legendary highway. Hosted by American-English journalist and broadcaster Sean Fletcher and launching today, Wednesday 5th August, this eight-part series travels through beloved roadside diners, breathtaking natural wonders and the timeless rock ’n’ roll spirit that defines the world’s most famous highway.

Commissioned in 1926 and stretching 2,400 miles across the US from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 is a symbol of Americana and the open road – and the spirit of the Mother Road comes alive in this new podcast series. Filled with nostalgia, personal stories and travel inspiration, the podcast explores the historic highway, meeting well-known faces whose lives were shaped by the journey and the local characters who keep its spirit thriving today.

In each episode, you’ll see Route 66 through the eyes of fascinating guests. Pop legend Sinitta shares early musical memories on the road, film critic James King unpacks why Hollywood is obsessed with the highway, rock icon Suzi Quatro shares stories of six decades touring across the US and explorer Ray Mears inspires with stories of natural wonders that can be found along the way. Plus, TV chef Ainsley Harriott reveals the unique dishes, global flavours and passionate people behind the Mother Road’s famous food scene. 

Along the journey, Sean meets some of Route 66’s most passionate local characters. In Tulsa, Steve Jenkins opens the doors to the remarkable Bob Dylan Center, and in Springfield, Illinois, Josh Waldmire shares stories of his family’s long connection to one of Route 66’s most beloved roadside institutions: the Cozy Dog Drive In.

Designed both for daydreaming at home and true road-trip inspiration, each episode offers cherished moments, favourite stops and travel tips for anyone dreaming of taking the greatest road trip of them all.

Beyond a rich listening experience, Route 66: America’s Greatest Road Trip is filmed with guests in person, on a bespoke set designed to capture authentic Americana. Full video episodes will be available across Spotify and YouTube.

“Route 66 is a physical journey of American culture and history,” says host Sean Fletcher. “Connecting with my own roots in the US while travelling through stories from Chicago to Santa Monica with such fantastic guests and local legends has been a delight.”

"Every mile of Route 66 tells a story, taking travellers through eight states where iconic landscapes, welcoming communities, and unforgettable experiences capture the spirit of the United States. As we celebrate the route’s centennial, these episodes invite listeners to set out on the Mother Road and create stories of their own.” said Fred Dixon, president & CEO of Brand USA.  

Brought to listeners by Visit The USA and produced by Telegraph Media Group in partnership with Platform Media. Route 66: America’s Greatest Road Trip launches on Wednesday 5th August - available to watch on Spotify or YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts.