I used to be annoyed by them, but I get it now. I started listening to them at work, it's pretty nice to find a highly researched audio only format so I can focus on my work and learn something I care about
oh yea, I've highly curated my podcasts at work. At least 80% scripted, roughly 20-80 minutes long, no, few, or unimportant visuals, detailed analysis of the topic, and maintains a sense of humor. I very rarely add a new one to the rotation
Care to share some recommendations? That sounds nice. I also struggle to get into podcasts cause its like wadding through a sea of garbage to find a lost ring.
I use the term podcast loosely, the only thing available to me at work is youtube so I also tend to include video essays and other things not considered podcasts. This is a list of some of my favorites.
Some More News
Unfuck the Republic (unftr)
Behind the Bastards
Democracy at Work
the Deprogram
Philosophy Tube
Climate Town
the Michael Parenti Library (speech archive channel)
unfortunately I can't listen to audiobooks at work. I also prefer the length of podcasts for variety's sake while working. I listen to audiobooks regularly as well, and know that listening to the same speaker for several hours causes me to tune it out rather than absorb it.
To me, they are an incomplete form of entertainment. They are not engaging enough to just sit down and listen to them without doing anything else. But I also can't listen to them while doing something more complex at the same time.
But they are a perfect companion for playing a video game without story. Or caring for a baby.
I like the idea in theory, but in practice,it's always a pattering mess that I've yet to complete a single episode of. I've tried many genres and creators. Never works. I really wish it was normal for podcasts to come with subtitles
They operate as a kind of niche lifestyle thing that doesn't apply to everyone. It's a great option for those instances where you aren't actively doing any mental work but want something to listen to:
transportation
household chores
as a break between tasks
Music can also fit this niche, as well as audiobooks (I do all three).
That's when I let my inner voice organise my thoughts. I have a firm belief people are missing out on being bored. It puts my motivation through the roof.
I listened to a podcast once. I wondered how this was different than radio. I listen to NPR and it seems real similar. Except the podcast was going on and on and on about their sponsors. At last NPR just says they're sponsors names and a quick tagline only.