If not, take a look at these five areas in which podcasts can help you. Who knows? You might just start wondering what you had been doing all this time...
1. Productivity
There are numerous podcasts out there on how to be successful, increase your productivity, etc. but if there is one podcaster whose talks I would recommend that you listen, it’d be Robin Sharma. Robin Sharma is famously known as the author of the bestselling book, “The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari.” Besides that and the fact that he is already a well-established speaker on leadership, what makes his podcasts stand out are their duration (they are usually four to ten minutes long and rarely longer than that), their content (which usually revolves around productivity, leadership, creativity, and inspiration), and the crisp but energetic way in which they are delivered.2. Academics
Writing from experience, not many students seem to make use of podcasts to improve their academics. For a student, commuting to and from school, college, classes, etc. takes up a considerable amount of time. Students can use that time productively by downloading relevant podcasts and listening to them during their commute. Take the ICAI, for example, which provides downloadable podcasts on its website for its students. Even students who are not pursuing the Chartered Accountancy course can use the podcasts which are based on the topics taught in all levels of CA and listen to them for their own educational benefit. One can also search for relevant podcasts for other subjects, courses, and even competitive exams such as the GRE, SAT, etc.3. Language Learning
Whether you feel the need to brush up the nuances of your English grammar, pronunciation, or speech; or if you are starting out on learning a new language such as French, you will surely find innumerable helpful podcast channels which will guide you on your language learning journey and assist you to quickly learn the language through audio and video lessons. If you look at the 'All Ears English' podcast run by Americans Lindsay, Michelle and Jessica, you will notice how their style of teaching is suited to fit the needs of non-native English speakers. Their podcasts are both amusing and informative! On the other hand, you have 'French Your Way Podcast' where Jessica teaches you French by addressing common errors and important topics of the French language and culture.
4. Current Affairs and General Knowledge
These days, there seems to be a need to remain updated constantly with the latest affairs. However, we are often pressed for time. Rarely do we get time to sit back and peacefully read a newspaper or watch the news on television. Instead, what we can do is listen to podcasts run by news channels or those such as TEDTalks (audio) and TED Radio Hour while on the move or while lying in bed at night. They are not only educational but also enlightening and you will gather knowledge while keeping yourself updated with the latest happenings in the realms of politics, innovation, and whatnot!5. Hobbies
If you are a photography enthusiast or a music learner, then search for podcasts which are based on your area of interest. Look for those podcasters who offer tips and tricks to improve your art, or engage in interviews with people who have established themselves in the field of your choice. Listening to such conversations during a ten-minute break will not only motivate you to keep pursuing your hobby but may also provide you with suggestions to improve your game.What better way to utilize your time than to listen to podcasts!
Written by Priyanshi Sheth
"Namaste!" from a creative, Indian soul who aims to keep herself motivated as she writes, travels, photographs, and thereby, shares her knowledge.