Do you listen to podcasts regularly?
If not, you need to start to today.
If you read my article a few months ago about my three favorite personal growth podcasts at the time, you know that I didn’t even know what podcasts were for years.
I thought podcasts were created for higher ed and were used to teach college classes. Really, I never knew anyone who listened to podcasts daily. But, my husband introduced me to them about six months ago. Now, I am quite addicted.
The great thing about podcasts is that they are not made for one “type” of person or age group. Podcasts are like music. There are so many different types of genres to fit the many wonderful and different people that exist.
Here are some of the different categories of podcasts out in cyberspace:
- Art
- Business
- Comedy
- Education
- Family
- Film
- Fitness
- Games
- Government
- Health
- Kids
- Medicine
- Money
- Music
- News
- Politics
- Religion
- Science
- Society
- Spirituality
- Sports
- Technology
- TV
No matter who you are and what you are trying to accomplish in life, there are so many benefits when it comes to listening to podcasts. Making podcasts a daily habit in your life has so many incredible benefits. The sooner you start including them into your routine, the faster you will see the magic happen.
Below are 7 reasons that will hopefully inspire you to begin listening to podcasts.
7 Reasons Why You Need to Start Listening to Podcasts
1. Podcasts can make you more intelligent
There are so many podcasts out in cyberspace that are jam-packed with an unlimited amount of information on various topics. It is amazing what you can find when doing quick search. You might want a quick grammar lesson, to learn Spanish, polish up on your social studies skills, learn about politics, or immerse yourself in a culture.
I also think there is a big misconception about the people speaking on these podcasts.
Why should anyone listen to them? Do they have any credibility? Overall, most of the hosts of podcast shows do hours (even days) of research beforehand and bring on experts in order to make the listeners’ experiences deep and enriching.
Personally, I have used podcasts to learn more about myself. I have been on a personal development journey this year and podcasts were my inspiration to start the process. Over six months, I have grown mentally and learned so many different ways to better myself in order to be able to serve others around me.
2. Podcasts can make mundane moments more enjoyable
Everyone has a do-to list daily that they need to get through, no matter what. You know… feeding the dog, vacuuming the house, driving to work, mowing the lawn, laundry, dishes, cooking, etc. Think about your daily routine and the amount of time (probably hours) spent doing tasks that are mindless. Most likely, they have become annoying and unfulfilling.
Listening to podcasts while doing these tasks can offer much more fulfillment in your life.
Now, I do not really believe anyone can multi-task. Maybe because I know that I cannot do that, no matter how hard I try. But, if a task is routine, there is usually little to no thought involved. So, your brain has space to take on a 40 minute podcast episode.
I solely listen to podcasts during times like these and I have found that my productivity has improved since I made this a habit. Also, my outlook on mundane experiences has shifted. Doing dishes is a little less boring, the drive to and from work is a bit more interesting, and getting ready in the morning each day is now a moment of personal growth.
3. Podcasts can motivate you to crush life
Everyone has those days where you just do not have a thing left in the tank. You feel defeated and your outlook on life is a bit drib drab. Your bed looks soooooo comfy to just crawl back into. Work is a chore and… the gym after? Forget about it. Not going to happen. Nice try, brain.
Podcasts can pull you out of this funk.
The amount of motivational speakers that have podcasts out there is incredible. Whether you are not motivated to eat right, go to the gym, get your last three items on your to-do list completed, or get ahead in your job… there is someone in cyberspace waiting to get you motivated and inspired.
My husband listens to a few podcasts with no-nonsense men who inspire anyone that listens to them to throw out their excuses and just GO! Due to my husband’s weekly dedication to their podcast episodes, nothing holds him back from popping out of bed at 4:15am each day to go to the gym.
Whenever you need a push to get through, podcast hosts can be your cheerleaders (or drill sergeants) that you truly need in the moment.
4. Podcasts can make you more open-minded
The amazing aspect of listening to a podcast is… well, you’re just listening.
It might just be the host sharing their experiences and research one episode. But, there are also others where two or more people spend 30 minutes to an hour discussing one topic. What’s important about this is that the listener is being exposed to opinions other than their own.
Before hitting play on any given episode, you already have your own opinions and experiences beforehand. No matter what topic is being presented.
The beauty of this is that podcasts offer an avenue for you to challenge your own thoughts. They allow you to become more open-minded and sensitive to other’s opinions and thoughts.
My husband and I have discussed that although podcasts are impersonal on the surface and the host does not know who is listening, it actually serves as a personal experience in a way. Since the listener is focused on a conversation, the podcast listening experience is often like a coffee date.
You feel like you are in the room with the host and their guests, actually listening in real time. Especially since most hosts talk to the listeners and have a call to action during many parts of each episode through their blog, social media, or e-mail
5. Podcasts can make you a healthier person
Getting to the gym can be a hard task. I’m not talking about physically driving or walking there. But, getting in the mode to want to work out, especially after a long day of work, can be a tough endeavor. But, working out is all about preparation.
If you have a few good podcasts episodes downloaded on your phone, that can be your ticket to getting you through a hard workout.
Ok, if you have not listened to a podcast when working out before, it might sound weird at first. But, trust me… it is not strange. Especially if you choose the right episodes that inspire or entertain you.
There are podcasts that walk you through exercising routines, meditations, nutrition, and relaxation and sleeping techniques. Many even offer video podcasts if you are not an auditory learner.
For me? I need podcast episodes that PUMP. ME. UP!
I will start listening to one as I am driving for 7 minutes to the gym. Then, I usually dedicate the rest of the episode to the cardio part of my gym routine. Especially since many of the women I listen to have a go-getter attitude and talk to the listener throughout the episode.
I feel like they are my personal coach as I am pushing through my incline exercise on the treadmill.
6. Podcasts can help you realize you’re not alone
Feeling alone is a sucky feeling. All of us have been there before. You are going through some sort of experience.
The problem is, you don’t feel like anyone you know in your life can relate. Sympathy is not what you need at the moment. You crave EMPATHY! Someone who has walked in your shoes before and has insight that they can offer.
One of the great gifts of podcasts is that you can search for almost any topic and someone is talking about it.
No, you most likely will not know the host. So, there is not a direct connection. But, many times we don’t need that. Just to know that we are not alone in a type of experience is a relief, even if the person is a stranger.
It is the human experience to long for connection and empathy from others. Especially in order to find resolutions or insights that can help better you through your own unique experience.
I have found a lot of solace in times of need when I turned to podcasts. Whether I was feeling defeated in my job, going through turmoil with a friend, or just personally questioning my own feelings. There has always been a podcast that addresses my needs.
Most time I don’t even search for an episode, but I begin binge listening to a series and didn’t realize words I needed to hear and topics I needed addressed.
7. Podcasts can make you a happier person
If the six reasons I listen above did not inspire you to begin listening to podcasts as a daily habit, then this one should.
Overall, podcasts can welcome so much happiness into your life.
Think about it. If you are gaining knowledge, getting through your to-do list with more joy, feeling motivated, becoming more open-minded, are getting inspired to become healthier, and are making connections with others… that all leads you closer to a happy, fulfilling life.
My blog is dedicated helping others find happiness in their own lives each day, as I am also going through the process.
People don’t always simply wake up happy in the morning. That is something you need to seek out in your life and cultivate each day. It cannot be fabricated and there is hard work behind feeling true joy through your experiences.
Podcasts have helped me improve my confidence, be more productive, navigate my feelings, worry less, let go of other people’s opinions, have more energy, and meet my goals in life.
I am surprised almost every time I listen to a new episode.
My thinking is challenged and I am force to reflect on my own opinions. Overall, podcasts have helped me become a better, happier person.
It can do the same for you!
You May Also Like:
- WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE FEELING OVERWHELMED
- MOVE MORE BY MAKING EXCUSES EVERY DAY
- 10 STEPS TO SETTING & ACCOMPLISHING MAJOR GOALS
- PERSONAL GROWTH PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS
What are your thoughts on podcasts?
If you already listen, what are your favorite podcasts?
I recently started listening to podcasts and I have been loving them!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Yay!!! What is your fav?? I always look for new ones xx
I’ve never listened to a podcast before but I may need to as this post is so convincing!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
You do!!! Try out The Joy Junkie. She is THE BEST. I feel like I know her xx
Ive heard so many great things about podcast and I haven’t started one yet! I really should.
They are amazing, Bella!!! I wish I listened years ago. Please take my advice!! xx
I love podcasts! They make me feel like I’m a great multitasker haha!
Yasssss haha I totally get you xx
I’m a huge podcast fan. I feel like after listening to them I feel super inspired.
Awesome! What are your favorite ones?
I have yet to listen to a podcast. I need to start listening while I’m doing busywork around the house or in my office!
You NEED to!! They’re so incredible & it allows you to learn & connect while doing everyday things xx
Love this! I’ve never listened to a podcast, but this may have convinced me to start!
You have to! If you do, let me know what you think xx
I absolutely love podcasts. I actually have a few that I’ve listened to over and over because I listen from the time that I wake up until the time I fall asleep. I love having the background noise. I enjoy listening to true crime podcasts because I’m interested in the psychology of crime, but I also like to listen to entrepreneurial podcasts or woo woo podcasts.
I love the woo woo ones too, Samantha haha I have never listened to the crimes ones, but everyone keeps telling me to!! xx Which do you recommend?
I love podcasts! I just started listening to the earlier this year but there are so many great ones!
Which are your favorite?? I’d love to know xx
It took me a long time to get on the podcast train, but now I have a few that I really enjoy!!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Awesome!! Which do you like?
I just started looking into podcasts this past weekend! I downloaded a few for a long car ride!
-Nicholle
http://www.nichollesophia.com
Which ones??
Podcasts are amazing! I listen to them all the time!
Ash // http://www.theashtreejournal.com
Which are your favorite, Ash? I always look for new ones to try xx
Podcasts are so great! I really should start listening to them more instead of watching TV! My favorite is This American Life…a classic. I also was listening to Guys We F*cked for a little while. And while it sounds pretty raunchy it actually discussed a lot of issues surrounding sex and sex health issues and was sex positive and I thought it was very enlightening!
I really just need to start looking for one that works for me. These are all such great reasons to do that!
I take the subway to work every week & I’ve started incororating podcasts into my trip and not only does it make the squished ride more enjoyable, but I’m learning at the same time…and as someone whose out of school, it’s nice to keep my brain feeling as fresh as possible, and who would’ve know I could easily do that w/ podcasts!? x. nicole // http://www.nicoleeigh.com
I don’t keep up on any podcasts but I love listening to them on long drives. They make the time go by so much faster
This is such a great list! I’ve recently started listening to more and more podcasts. I love catching up on them when I’m taking a long walk, getting ready in the morning, or taking a bath! I’ve been loving She Explores, Coffee Break French, The minimalists, Magic Lessons, Make It Happen, and the Mindful Creative! They all keep me inspired in different ways.
Great post! I love podcasts! So glad Serial turned me on to them!
I love love love listening to podcasts! I learn so much and I used them as entertainment while I workout or commute!
yes!!! I just started listening to podcasts and LOVE them!! I really feel so inspired and happy!
I LOVE listening to podcasts during my commute! I’ve been listening to My Favorite Murder and Serial – they’re my favorites!
We’re going on a beach vacation next month and I think that’ll be the perfect time to start listening to one!
I’ve started to listen to podcasts more and more, my favorites are Strong Opinions, Loosely Held, and The Morning Breath!
Chrissey
http://unabridgedsass.com
Listening to Podcasts would be great while doing housework to pass the time!
I totally need to get more into podcasts. I’ve been meaning to listen to some on my drive home from work. I think listening to a podcast would definitely pass the time and make my commute go by quicker.
Again, another great post! I just started listening to podcasts a couple weeks ago. First, they made me realize how much time I spend driving since I listen to them in the car, but they have also increased my happiness and motivation for so many things! I listen to some on creativity, blogging and personal development. I love them all!
Oh yes! I really enjoy and LOVE podcasts 🙂 I started to listen to Podcasts since 2015 and never looked back. Some are my favourite that you should definitely check are: Skincare Talk Radio, Cieloscent Talk Radio, Cieloscent Rosary. If you haven’t gathered by the name it is the same person 😛 She has 3. I really enjoy her podcasts a lot! Modern Love is good too. The Art of love and Mom’s night out. I’m not a mom, but I still find it interesting 🙂
I am going to check these out (for real!). I am always looking for new podcasts because I binge listen and it’s so hard to wait for new episodes! They’re so informative & informational, while also filling up my day with entertainment. So glad I found someone else who loves podcasts! I feel like many people are not convinced that they should try them, but I will keep trying to get them to try. Life changing xx