Friends and acquaintances, with whom I have conversations with on a regular basis, know that I frequently listen to podcasts.  This is because many of these conversations include “I just listened to this great podcast about …..” at some point in the conversations. Why should you listen to podcasts? Let us discuss the benefits of listening to podcasts.

How It Started

I am not sure how this liking of podcast began.  I believe it was when I was commuting by bus and needed background noise. Background noise was needed to cancel out the passengers around me listening to music or videos or having phone conversations without headphones.  Something that annoys me immensely.

Over time, my affinity for podcasts grew much beyond being a source of background noise. My Spotify library had a rolling 20 or so podcasts at all times.  I discovered that podcasts can be a useful source for learning. Almost every topic you can imagine has podcasts – investing, personal finance, health, history, self-improvement, psychology, retirement planning (not the finance part), consumer advice, spirituality, writing, sports and the list goes on and on. The benefits of listening to podcast covering a very wide range of topics.

Benefits of Listening to Podcasts

Need a Reason? Learning, Inspiration, Entertainment, Information, Personal Development, Stay Informed.

Learning

One of my favorite uses of podcasts is for the discussions around new books.  When a new book is published, the author typically makes the rounds on various podcasts for an interview.  This normally applies to self-help, self-improvement books or reflective books.  In some cases, after listening to two or three podcasts on the book, I no longer feel the need to buy and read the book the points have been covered in detail in the podcast. You find these by going to a podcast provider, I use Spotify, and search on the title of the book or author. Search a topic of your choosing.

Focus

Similar to reading a book, when listening to a podcast you must focus on its content.  I cannot multitask while listening to a podcast.  Maybe that’s another reason I like them.  They calm my mind and help me focus on just the one thing at hand.

Simplicity

I like podcasts for their simplicity.  It’s simply two or more people sitting around a microphone having a conversation.  Unlike television, there is no strict time limit so the conversation can go where it leads.  A really good podcast host will pause and ask the interviewee to clarify a term or concept. Nothing is assumed on the really good podcasts.

Simple Technology

In this world of technology moving at a blistering place, I am amazed in the simplicity of podcasting.  There are very little if any barriers to entry.  Have a phone or laptop?  You can start a podcast.

The Art of Listening

There is somewhat of an art to listening to podcasts.  When you try a new one, you do need to sense when it is time to move on and let that one go if its not working for you.  There are many that probably aren’t worth your time. They just banter on and provide little, if any learning.  You also have to learn how much of the introduction you can skip through. Most start with small talk.  I believe this is a turn-off for a lot of podcast beginners. I find it odd that almost every podcast has this at the beginning. 

A Podcast Enthusiast

I slowly work to convert people to listening to podcasts and often wonder if I am getting through. Recently, I discovered that I have converted at least one person to podcasts.  Someone I had recommended the podcast world to a year ago sent me a note.  In the note, they thanked me and told me how listening to a podcast had improved one major area of their life.  In this case it was spirituality.  So I know I have one convert. Someone who has recognized the benefits of listening to podcasts.

Entering the world of podcasts for beginners

If you want to dip your toes in the world of podcast, maybe you start with “Feel Better, Live More with Raegan Chatterje.” It’s one of my favorites. You can also go to your podcast provider and search a book you have been considering or any topic of your choosing.

My list of podcasts (link).