Podcasts have taken the world by storm, and if it seems that everyone is getting in on the action in some way, that would be a factual statement. Companies of every size, bloggers, comedians, radio and TV networks, religious organizations, podcast networks, and individuals create compelling, informative, and entertaining content for people that they distribute online.
Some podcasts are put out daily, others as weekly episodes or at varying times. You can also subscribe to your favorite podcasts for notifications of new episodes.
Many people start podcasts to share information with others, as they are cheap and easy to produce without the need for expensive recording equipment. All it takes is a microphone and basic recording software. Most podcasters record and then edit their content before sharing.
Podcasts are downloadable, pre-recorded discussions covering every topic imaginable. Even if your chosen subject would appeal to a small niche market, a podcast is probably out there. Every podcast is different, so if you are one of the over 100 million people in the US listening to podcasts, you will surely find something of interest.
Some types of typical podcasts include:
● Monologue/solo: a solo host sharing information on any range of topics, often unscripted
● Conversational: like radio shows, a host may speak with guests, or there may be co-hosts discussing a topic
● Interview: a host interviews a guest about a topic rather than having a free-flowing conversation
● Educational: provides enlightening information on a topic
● Theater: entertaining programs with voice actors (think of the old-time radio shows)
● Storytelling/investigative: non-fiction, informative, and immersive podcasts that may require extensive research
● Repurposed content: using information available in other mediums to create new content
● Hybrid: combining different podcast styles for flexibility and creativity
Best of all, you can listen to podcasts whenever the time works for you.
Benefits of Listening to Podcasts
Downtime is a rare commodity in today’s busy world. We often find ourselves multitasking to keep up with everything we want to do. Audiobooks are excellent for avid readers driving long distances, but not everyone wants to hear a book read to them. Another beneficial option is listening to podcasts, which provide unlimited information and entertainment sources.
The benefits of listening to podcasts are endless, as you will see below:
● Learn something new
Busy people do not always have time to research and read up on a topic. Listening to podcasts can be quite educational. They can be motivating, enlightening, and purposeful, and they can help you get out of your comfort zone. New knowledge helps to promote brain health and reduce the risk of dementia.
● Gain valuable insight and knowledge
Podcasts can provide insight into a topic you did not know, helping you make decisions that can improve your life. Many podcasters do hours of research before providing information to their listeners.
● Reduce anxiety
Life is stressful, and listening to your favorite podcast can help stimulate dopamine release in your brain to reduce anxiety. Whether choosing a humorous, educational, relaxing, or entertaining podcast, picking one that helps you relax can make a difference in your emotional well-being.
● Form of entertainment
Some podcasts have one purpose – to entertain, and they do so without you having to pay for tickets or take time off from other responsibilities. Entertaining podcasts can help you enjoy doing chores, walking, or exercising.
● Form of mental break
Your brain cannot run at 100% focus all day without some downtime. It needs distractions, which is why listening to podcasts while doing household tasks is beneficial. It turns off your thinking and lets your brain rest and not focus. Constant multitasking can impact your stress levels and lead to some mental issues. HGH therapy clinic also points out that mental diseases can also be caused by harmful hormonal levels, like HGH deficiency. Take care of your hormonal and mental health if you feel that stress, anxiety, or depression are getting to you.
● Reduce feelings of solitude
▪ People who live solitary lives and may not be able to get out much can feel as though they are connecting with others, especially when they listen to frequently produced episodes. It is as if they are getting to know the podcasters personally.
▪ Some topics can help people realize they are not alone in their own struggles, and they find solace in hearing how others have overcome similar challenges.
● Can help grow your business and network
Listening to podcasts related to your business can help you learn from others, create new opportunities, and connect with like-minded individuals.
● Can help you become a better listener
We are often too focused on what we want to say next in a conversation to tune in and listen to the other person. Podcasts can help us focus more on what someone else is saying, and we do not need to worry about making eye contact.
What Is the Negative Side of Podcasts?
As we have shown, there are many benefits to listening to podcasts. But what about the negatives? Are there any downsides to listening to podcasts?
Everything in life has pros and cons, and podcasts are no different. Here are some of the reasons why listening to podcasts can be bad for you:
● Can interfere with productivity
Listening to podcasts while working can distract you from tasks you must complete. You may become so absorbed in what you are listening to that you forget what you were supposed to do.
● Can increase your stress
Although many podcasts can help reduce your stress, others, such as audio stories, can draw you in the same way as movies, books, and television shows. You may start to sympathize with the characters and worry about their well-being. As stories hit peaks, the brain can increase the release of oxytocin, dopamine, or cortisol, which boosts stress.
● Makes the brain try to multitask
The brain is designed to focus on one cognitive function at a time, and if the podcast takes precedence, you could also make mistakes. That is why listening to podcasts is best done when doing mundane chores or traveling from one location to another. It does not cause the brain to focus on two cognitive tasks simultaneously, which can be mentally taxing.
● Silence is beneficial for the brain
A constant flow of stimuli does not give the brain a chance to rest. Silence helps the brain focus and formulate ideas, solutions, and memories. Too much data is hard for the brain to process, and giving it time to do so improves retention and creativity.
● Can provide false information
Not everyone is the expert they propose to be. When you learn something new, verify it with your own research before taking any new actions. False information spreads like wildfire.
Conclusion
Listening to podcasts provides exciting new insights into the world around us. They help expand our minds, provide valuable information, and entertain us while helping our brains “turn off” for a while.
As mentioned earlier, verifying any information you hear is crucial – especially about health-related subjects. Anyone can do a podcast, and those who do not have adequate medical training and experience can give misinformation that can harm rather than help. Also, just because a pharmaceutical company provides information on a medication does not mean it is right for you. They are trying to sell a product.
If you find a podcast that is not of interest, move on. There are many more to explore, and you will undoubtedly find some that meet your needs and desires.