I decided to think about and then share why I listen to podcasts. If you’re reading this blogpost, you’re probably aware that Chris Brown and I are co-hosts of our Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast. We’re obviously predisposed to listen to podcasts since we produce one regularly. I did listen to podcasts well before Chris and I thought we should start one.
My brother recently was housebound while he recovered from an injury. I suggested that he listen to podcasts when he wanted to lie down to rest but maybe didn’t really want to sleep. He wasn’t really aware of podcasts so I suggested a couple that I thought he would enjoy.
I pointed out that it might be enjoyable just to listen to something without having to read or watch a screen.
Statistics
According to Podcasting.Org, there are over 820,000 different podcasts and over 28 million episodes. That’s a lot of podcasts and a lot of episodes. It makes finding the right podcast a bit challenging. That’s where word of mouth comes in. If you’re trying to figure out what you might like to listen to, ask a friend who enjoys podcasts. That’s often the best way.
You can, of course, do a search on Google. Simply type in the topic you want and add the word podcast and Google will find them for you.
Reading
I’m a reader by nature. In an ideal world, I’d just sit and read my book. Since I have to drive to work and take road trips to visit family, I can listen to audio books but also like to listen to podcasts. For one thing, I can listen to people discuss a variety of topics, learn about subjects I’m interested in, and feel like I’m having a conversation with people. It’s a different experience than listening to audio books.
Five Reasons Why I Listen to Podcasts
- I enjoy listening to people discuss things I’m interested in and want to learn more about. I listen to some podcasts that deal exclusively with podcasting and so I learn from them. Then, when Chris and I work on Fit Strong Women Over 50, I often have some fresh ideas on how to do things.
- It’s motivational to hear what other people are doing. The podcasts that deal with running or fitness or diet all bring new perspectives to me. When I listen to people who are doing amazing things, I’m motivated to do more or at least to keep doing what I’m doing.
- I’m entertained. Some podcasts are just fun to listen to. I don’t necessarily learn anything new but I enjoy hearing what they have to say. This can include suspenseful podcasts too. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there are a lot of unsolved mystery podcasts and they’re very popular. I don’t listen to many of them but once in a while I enjoy one. Find something that you like to listen to and stick with it or look for more.
- They’re portable. Podcasts work well in the car when I’m driving. Any commuting that I do usually means I’m listening to an episode of something. If I’m running or walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike, podcasts are great. I usually have my phone with me and just plug in headphones (or connect my Trekz Air Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones) and I’m ready to start listening.
- I love the variety. Some podcasts are very short, say ten minutes, and come out daily. Others are over an hour and come out maybe once or twice a month or even less. Some are serious and very informational. Others are just kind of silly and make you laugh. The great thing is that you can try a new podcast and if you don’t like it, move on to the next one.