The Benefits of Listening to Podcasts

I never used to be one for listening to podcasts. Purely because I didn't know anyone who had a podcast. Nowadays, they are the 'in' thing and it seems like a lot of blogger's are going down the path of creating a podcast, not just a YouTube channel.



One thing I do like about podcasts is that the people who speak through the microphone provide a more honest and open opinion. To me, they are more personal and engaging. With YouTube, you have to showcase a lot of good videography and creativity to keep your subscribers interested and entertained. I don't watch many blogger's YouTube channels, mainly Victoria (Inthefrow) because her videos are always absolutely banging and so creative.



I've grown to like podcasts over the months because they are so, in a way, versatile. You can listen to them anywhere, they don't eat at your data and you can pick so much advice and still be just as entertained as watching a YouTube video.



Here are the benefits of listening to podcasts on a daily basis -




1) IT  MAKES  COMMUTING  EASIER
I'm imagining all those commuters on the busy tube in London on a Monday morning getting to the office, with their coffee in one hand and phone in the other. Now, if I was one of those people, I would want to block the world out on the tube, purely because it's so packed on them and I wouldn't fancy making small talk about the weather or Brexit. I think listening to somebody else speaking about something you like can really make the commute a lot easier and you can totally go into your own little zone and relax.
 
 
2) YOU  LEARN  SOMETHING  NEW
From listening to podcasts, I always learn something new. I tend to listen to ones that can help me improve my blog but also ones that talk about current issues eg mental health. Listening to people express their opinion or help give advice can give you more insightful knowledge. I've learnt so much from listening to podcasts and taken on such valuable knowledge and advice.
3) PODCASTS  ARE  FREE
What's stopping you from going on the Podcasts app on your phone and downloading the ones that take your fancy? They can then be accessed anytime directly from your phone.
 
 
4) IT'S  AN  ALTERNATIVE  TO  READING
People who know me well enough will know that I adore reading. There's nothing better than curling up with a good book with a cuppa by your side. I do like holding a book to read rather than listening to an audio book. But sometimes if you haven't got enough bag space to carry a book, listening to a podcast is the way to go. It's already downloaded on your phone, all you need is the headphones.
 
 
5) IMPROVES  LISTENING SKILLS
Podcasts are more focused on the spoken word, so sitting down and listening to someone talk about something that is passionate to them can really improve your hearing skills. This could then really help when you improve your listening and communication skills in your job. Every cloud eh?

So there you have it, the benefits of listening to podcasts. I'd love to start one of my own but I have absolutely no bat shit idea what I could talk about that would be so entertaining! Could I talk about CF, Liverpool FC or what crazy things cats can do? Hmm, that is up for debate.
 
 
What are your favourite podcasts? Let me know!
 
 
Lucy
26 comments
  1. I love love love podcasts, I listen to a new one every commute. My favourite are true crime podcasts such as My Favourite Murder, Murder Squad and Crime Junkie. Although I do need to find ones that aren't as intense! As you have said there are so many benefits to them and yet I think they are so underrated!

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    1. Those podcasts do sound quite intense Evie! However, they are ones I'd want to listen to once just to see what they're like!

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  2. This year I've started listening to podcasts and I love listening to them, particularly when I'm walking somewhere! It makes my journey go so much quicker, and like you said, they're free which is a bonus.

    - Charlotte / myownblogofthoughts.blogspot.com

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    1. I find they make my journeys move faster too Charlotte! Anything that helps make a train journey or walk go faster I am all for!

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  3. I have been meaning to start my podcasts lately, but I haven't had a chance!

    Love, Amie ❤
    The Curvaceous Vegan

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    1. Please start them Amie! I'd definitely listen to yours!

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  4. Have to admit I've never listened to a podcast although they do seem to be the 'in' thing right now, as you say! I am definitely much more of a visual person so I adore vlogs & similar, though I'm not opposed to trying a podcast :)

    MB | http://www.meaghan-bethany.blogspot.com

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    1. I do like watching vlogs, but I don't watch loads of vlogs so sometimes a podcast is much easier to listen to!

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  5. We started listening to Podcasts on the beach on holiday to break up the day a little and loved it! Since then I've not really listened to many but really should start to on the way to work. I'd love your recommendations for good Podcasts!
    Soph - https://sophhearts.com x

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    1. I love The Joy of Winging It and I used to love Exciting Emails podcast too! x

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  6. I don't listen to nowhere near enough podcasts! My boyfriend and I listen to a lot of Formula 1 podcasts though - we put some on disks and listened to them on a long car journey recently and it was a great idea cos it made the journey go so much quicker!

    Jenny
    http://www.jennyinneverland.com

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    1. They definitely do make journeys fly by Jenny!

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  7. Love a good podcast on the way too work! defo starts your morning on a positive note!

    https://www.dxsired.co.uk

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  8. My husband and I have really gotten into podcasts this past year and I'm gutted we didn't start sooner! They really make our commute into work easier and where we listen to comedy podcasts in the car they often brighten our mood on crappy work mornings! I've got so many queued up on my phone but it's finding the time to listen to them all!

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    1. I'm sure you'll listen to them all very soon Amy!

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  9. I don’t think I’ve ever actually sat down and listened to a whole podcast but I least hear really good things about them. I also never really know which ones to listen to. This post was really helpful, I bet it would be great for travelling! X

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    1. It’s worth a go Aaliyah, I never thought I’d be one to listen to podcasts but I love them now! x

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  10. I love listening to podcasts but it takes me a while to find ones I really love and would listen to again and again. I usually put them on when I'm running hoping I'd be too engaged in what they're talking about to notice that I want to give up x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

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    1. I’m the same Sophie, it takes me a while to find ones that are really worthwhile listening to x

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  11. I used to listen to podcast a lot especially when I was using the bus and the subway. I really would like to get back to it. Great post.

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    1. I hope you can find the time to listen to them again Tammy!

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  12. I have a few podcasts that I listen to but I'm definitely more of a music person! My absolute favourite is That Peter Crouch Podcast - as a football fan I'd definitely recommend it if you haven't listened to it yet! x

    https://www.femaleoriginal.com

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    1. I love Peter Crouch’s podcast! It’s so good! x

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  13. Just read this on House 21 and loved it! Do you have any recommendations for blogging podcasts? I would also recommend How I Built This, it's about how people started their businesses. So interesting!

    Christy x

    StyleRarebit.com

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    1. Ooh, I would definitely say Vix Meldrew's Exciting Emails podcast is brilliant for blogging advice, I've learnt so much from her x

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