Podcasts are one of the most effective ways of communication, especially in the millennial generation. Adam Curry and Dave Winer created podcasts, a sophisticated method of broadcasting, to make audio content available to listen at their convenience. Podcasts were first used in an article for the Guardian newspaper of the words “pod” from the word iPod and broadcast.
In the past year, I’ve gotten more into listening to podcasts while driving, working out, cooking, or walking through the grocery store. The Apple Podcast application makes it easier than ever to find and listen to topics ranging from news, arts, business, education, health, and more.
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Not only have podcasts have helped inspire new ideas, but they’ve also helped me realize what I’m passionate about. The Hilarious World of Depression is a podcast by John Moe that highlights clinical depression and other mental illnesses but gives a serious yet humorous light on a topic that is incredibly difficult. John Green, author of New York Times best seller The Fault in Our Stars and Turtles All the Way Down, was recently featured on John Moe’s podcast. John Green shares his problems as being an acclaimed author and the pressures of having to repeat creating a story that is popular and successful. As the podcast progresses, John Green shares his story of taking medication for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In addition to his struggles with OCD, Green also shares how difficult it is to be a celebrity in his own home as well as give his audience what they want.
John Green has been one of my favorite authors for some time. He has created relatively relatable content in his books that have struck a chord with me. I’m impressed by his honesty and the ability to communicate his struggles in a relatable way.
I’ve grown to be more encouraged and inspired to share ideas because of this podcast and other podcasts. I’ve also grown to be more honest in my life because people in their podcasts have been honest. There’s a great power in honesty in our world.
In addition to growing and being more honest, I’ve learned that podcasts have become great escapes for entertainment purposes as well as to avoid the real life for a few minutes. Walking through the grocery store is a lot more interesting when there is an informative piece playing.
I’ve also found that podcasts are a great optimization of your time. Simply listening to podcasts while walking from classes, driving around, working out, cleaning my room, or other simple tasks have made me more productive.
Here are a few podcasts that I really enjoy:
- Hilarious World of Depression: Series of moving conversations with comedians and creative individuals who have struggled with depression. Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hilarious-world-of-depression/id1181589175?mt=2
- The RobCast (Rob Bell): The RobCast is a podcast weekly that is hosted by Rob Bell, Christian figure and father. Link: https://robbell.com/portfolio/robcast/
- The Daily (New York Times): This podcast is produced five times a week and each podcast is twenty minutes in length. It’s journalism how it should be and highlights important stories that might otherwise be missed. Link: https://www.nytimes.com/podcasts/the-daily
- This American Life: This American Life is a podcast and weekly public radio program that is weekly broadcasted with a theme and story. It’s a form of entertaining journalism that goes beyond the regular stories. Link: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/
- TED Talks Daily: The popular Ted Talk turned into a podcast every weekday. Ted Talks are discussions given by the world’s leading thinkers and doers. Link: https://www.ted.com/about/programs-initiatives/ted-talks/ted-talks-audio
- Stuff You Should Know (HowStuffWorks): A platform Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark use to educate the public about common things and how they work. These topics range from feral children to taming lions. Link: https://www.stuffyoushouldknow.com/podcasts
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