Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence. – Abigail Adams
I began listening to podcasts about a year ago. My husband, who travels a lot for work, and one of his coworkers frequently listened to comedian Joe Rogan’s Podcast. The Joe Rogan Experience was the perfect way to break up long drives, especially when they didn’t like the area radio stations. Almost nightly, my husband would tell me about interesting things he learned.
I decided to give Joe’s podcast a listen, which launched me into a whole new world. Podcasts deliver news and entertainment. They can present new ideas or review old ones. Once I started looking into them, I realized that I had been missing out on a fun and dynamic learning tool.
WHY YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO PODCASTS
LEARN THINGS
Podcasts are a great way to break up your learning cycle. Whether you are looking for professional development, a hobby, or just a topic that interests you, options are plentiful. Bonus: the ads on each podcast are tailored to the audience. If you find a podcast you love, more than likely the suggested podcasts may interest you as well.
UNWIND
Podcasts can be a great way to relax. Catching up on news or gossip or listening to someone talk about your hobby can help give your mind a break. Allow yourself a few moments of escape while also feeding your passions.
CONVENIENCE
We all have a million things to do and never enough time to do them. Podcasts are very easy to integrate into your life. They make the perfect companion when working out, commuting, or folding laundry. My favorite time to listen is while I make supper or get ready for work.
Podcasts are easy to find, especially for iPhone and Android users. Most podcasts are published on iTunes and in Google Play. Other common apps include Spotify and Stitcher.
PODCASTS I LOVE
Convinced you need to start listening to podcasts? To help save you from wandering Podcast World alone, here are a few of my favorites. Give them a listen. Maybe they’ll inspire your search.
Stuff You Missed in History
Each show tells the story of a historical event or person. New podcasts arrive Monday and Wednesday each week. On Saturdays they replay an episode from their archives.
Sawbones
The show’s hosts, Dr. Sydnee McElroy and her husband Justin, “uncover all the odd, weird, wrong, dumb, and just gross ways we’ve tried to fix people over the years.” Justin, who is not a doctor, makes you feel like you’re not alone when you don’t know something. They also cover medical events that make the news (e.g., “raw water” and Tide Pods). New episodes weekly.
Atlanta Monster
This show explores the Atlanta serial killings of the late seventies and early eighties. Episodes air on Fridays.
Small Town Murder
This true crime comedy podcast takes a close look at a small town and the murder that occurred there. The hosts are comedians, so the podcast may not be for everyone. New episodes every Thursday.
UpFirst
NPR’s podcast is ready by 6:00 am each morning and breaks down the news you need to know to start your day.
The Science of Social Media
Buffer publishes this podcast every Monday and discusses recent social media changes and tips. Bonus: this podcast is only up to 15 minutes long.
Those are a just a few of my favorites. I love adding to and changing my podcast lineup. Let podcasts help you explore and grow in all areas of your life. Happy Listening!
