I cannot begin to count the number of times my iPhone has informed me that I no longer have enough storage to download a new app, purchase a new song, or take another picture. Every time that hated notification pops up I silently curse Apple for making it impossible to delete the Health, Passbook, Tips, and Game Center apps. How many people actually use those anyway?
Until recently, I tried (and failed) numerous times to delete the Podcast app off of my home screen because I never used it. I didn’t even know what podcasts were, let alone thought I would ever become addicted to them. However, after numerous road trips, plane rides, and train commutes this summer, podcasts have become my new best friends.
I tried to find a good definition of what a podcast is online, but most of the definitions were way too technical. Instead, I decided to create my own definition of podcast: (noun) a perfect combination of radio show, television series, and audiobook that can be easily downloaded onto a mobile device for listening pleasure.
While you spend hours making a new playlist for your workout routine, consider these perks and download a podcast instantly instead.
1. There Is Something For Everyone
Having a bad day? Listen to a podcast dedicated to living a happier life. Thinking of becoming a lawyer? Listen to a podcast that attempts to solve crimes. Need inspiration? Listen to TED Radio Hour. There are thousands of podcasts covering thousands of topics directly at your fingertips.
2. They Are Free
Buying audiobooks and music can get expensive. Podcasts provide hours of entertainment at no cost at all!
3. No Data? No Problem
You don’t need 4G or Wi-Fi in order to listen to podcasts. If you are like me and tend to run out of data fast, this is the perfect form of cellular-free entertainment. You simply download episodes that look interesting when you have Wi-Fi or 4G, and once they are finished downloading they are saved in the app and ready to entertain wherever.
4. Anywhere, Anytime
I love to multitask. The great thing about podcasts is how easy it is to listen and do another activity at the same time. I can bake cookies while listening to storytellers or workout while learning how an awful movie somehow made it to theaters. They are perfect for a 5 minute walk to class or a 6 hour road trip through Nebraska (trust me, I have done both). My sister who recently came back from studying abroad in Spain told me that she constantly listened to podcasts overseas because they are accessible, entertaining, and easy. They are the world’s best travelling companion!
5. Just Enough Is Left to the Imagination
I find books more enjoyable than movies because I get to mentally picture all of the characters and events. Podcasts are the same way. A compelling voice (who, I must admit, is occasionally much nicer to listen to than my own inner voice) tells an intriguing story or provides hilarious commentary and allows me to do the rest. It is fun to picture the face behind the voice and create mental images of characters and ideas.
If I haven’t convinced you to live the podcast lifestyle yet, my best advice would be don’t knock it until you try it. For starters, here are 3 podcasts I highly recommend to any and all listeners: Serial, Stuff You Missed in History Class, and How Did This Get Made?
Happy Listening!
The HCND application is now open! For more information contact Rebecca Rogalski at rebeccarogalski@hercampus.comor Katrina Linden at katrinalinden@hercampus.com
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