The Perks of Podcasts

In 1939, FM radio made it to the airwaves, paving the way for how people listen to news and music. In a world before television, radio was where people gathered around to listen to current events and stories such as Little Orphan Annie.

Today, you may find yourself wanting something more, and which coincides with your specific interests. Podcasts also entered the scene to reach out to people, but not in the same way that radio try. Podcasts, unlike radio, aren’t live and speak to a variety of topics that have people of all ages tuning in.

What kinds of podcasts are out there?

Radio stations, while still bringing in listeners, don’t give those listeners the same variety as podcasts. Podcasts encompass a wide range of genres, not all of which you can find in radio. If you want to hear a couple of self proclaimed BFFs talk about anything and everything, there is a podcast for that.

A major difference between radio and podcasts is that podcasts are pre-recorded, so you can revisit them whenever you like. Unless you are recording your favorite radio host, you may lose the morning banter once you shut off your radio. But with any device like your smartphone or tablet, you can bring along the shared ideas of people you’ve never met to discuss the intricacies of successful poetry writing or true crime, for example.

The fiction and mystery podcast, Alice Isn’t Dead is geared toward those who enjoy a Stephen King-esque feel about a trucker looking for her wife and all the creepiness that she encounters on her journey. Comedians like Anna Faris have their own channels too, if you would rather enjoy a chuckle on the way to the office.

You don’t have to stress about losing your podcast either. It will be waiting for you when you hop back into the car or sink into the bathtub thanks to the option to download. Podcasting lets you find exactly what you want to listen to at any time.

How Podcasts Can Help

A long train ride, commute, or family car vacation may seal you inside a vehicle for longer than you wish. You may find yourself spending too much time running around to indulge in an essay or blog that discusses your interests. Thanks to podcasts, you get this information fast and conveniently through many streaming companies.

If you own your own company or find you wish to share your own opinions, creating a podcast can help spread the word to potential clients. As with any brand, finding people who wish to hear your voice can help you gain numbers in your rise in the podcast game.

Listening to one can help increase your creativity and auditory skills. Like a book, they give you the opportunity to set up a mental image of what you are listening to, letting you create your own imaginative world. Becoming attuned to a podcast may help your listening skills as well. If you aren’t paying attention, you are missing out on the information you wanted to hear in the first place.

Podcasts can help you become a better listener. Being a good listener helps you expand your knowledge about subjects and can benefit you at work and in school. People who view you as a good listener will seek you out for advice and trust in your opinions. Paying attention to others shows you are interested in their views.

For example, if your boss calls on you to share your thoughts on a current project, you may be able to shed light on something others may have missed if they zoned out at the meeting. This isn’t to say podcasts will get you a promotion, but they can certainly help you improve certain skills.