Disclaimer: About a year ago, I was a podcast skeptic, and if I’m being really honest I assumed the only people that listened to podcasts were pretentious “intellectuals.” However, I have learned my lesson and I’m a podcast convert. One of my friends recommended the podcast Criminal after I started blabbing about my interest in true crime. After I listened to one episode I was hooked and wanted to explore more of this new-found media source. If you still need a little more convincing, I’ve got five reasons below as to why you should be listening to podcasts.
They Introduce You to New Ideas
Did I ever think that I would be listening to (and totally engrossed in) the design tactics used to make a nature documentary? (99% Invisible episode 256 – Sounds Natural). Nope, would’ve never thought that subject would captivate me like it did. At the end of this article I included a very long list of podcast recommendations, and even if you have a tiny inkling of curiosity towards something, I would take a listen. You’ll probably find out something you would never have learned before.
There’s a Podcast for Every Interest
When I was researching podcasts and asking around for more recommendations, it amazed me how vast the scope of podcasts have become. Seriously guys, there’s a podcast for every type of interest; news, pop culture, trivia, comedy, politics, sports, technology, true crime stories, storytelling without murder, philosophy, grammar and so much more.
Audio Storytelling is Good for the Brain
I’m guessing that many of us enjoyed storytime as a child, but what is it about story time that’s so captivating? This article from The Atlantic looks at the impact audio storytelling has on our brains. A little neuroscience for you: listening to emotional stories increases oxytocin levels, the hormone responsible for social bonding.
They Help You Gain Better Listening Skills
I fully believe that we live in a society that values being loud and outspoken. Speaking your mind comes first, and listening isn’t as valued as I believe it should be. One of the beauties of podcasts is that they make you pause, pay attention to someone else’s words, then think for yourself. They help you learn to just sit and listen for a while without feeling the need to interject your opinion. I’ll admit that it was a weird sensation at first to just focus on the words and nothing else, but it’s refreshing to sit back and let someone else take the reigns.
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They Make You Feel Less Lonely
You might think this is a little strange, but trust me. There’s something about listening to actual human voices that makes you feel less alone. It’s different than watching a Youtube video that still can seem like a television show, when your only sensory experience is sound it makes you feel closer to the storytellers. Also, podcasts are a great conversation starter, especially if you know that someone shares that same interest as you.
Have I convinced you to hop on the podcast bandwagon? If you’re interested in taking a listen and need a place to start, check out some of my recommendations below!
Recommendations:
Dear John and Hank – advice, poems, news, and the perfect amount of nerdiness.
Dear Sugar – advice on love and life, plus the co-host is a Minnesota alum!
Stuff Mom Never Told You (and pretty much all podcasts by howstuffworks) – speaking up about challenges women face in past and present society and how we can improve our lives.
Criminal – A true crime podcast with interesting and unique stories. No matter how strange the crime is the host’s voice keeps you calm and engrossed.
My Favorite Murder – True crime podcast with more laughs and blood than Criminal.
Reply All – All about how technology is shaping society and culture.
Freakonomics Radio – Socioeconomic issues that are much cooler than they sound
Modern Love – Essays about all forms of love read by your favorite celebrities
Pop Rocket – If you’re a pop culture junkie you should listen to this one.
99% Invisible – All about the unseen elements of design and architecture
Hidden Brain – A mix of storytelling and science to explain your psychology.
Happy listening, Gophs!