Why do People Listen to Podcasts?

I remember I started listening to podcasts in 2018 for the storytelling aspect of it. Little did I know that it would soon become more than just a source of entertainment. Podcasts are quickly transforming into a popular medium where anyone with a story can share their KNOWLEDGE and EXPERIENCES and hundreds or thousands of people could listen. However, there are a few that stand out from the rest in measure of not just how entertaining they are, but how informative and educative they can be. They possess such innate authencity in their dialogues that they have a way of leaving you feeling somehow inspired after you’ve listened. So here are a few podcasts that I’ve found most elevating, educative, and still ultimately entertaining in this lockdown period. In no particular order…

1. HOW TO FAIL — with Elizabeth Day

How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is a podcast that “celebrates the things that haven’t gone right”. Every week, the host Elizabeth day, interviewees a new guest on the show who explore at least 3 of business or personal endeavours that they deem as failures and share with the listeners what they have learnt from them. “How to fail” encourages listeners to push forward even after their many failures, as your last FAILURE may be the path that eventually leads to your SUCCESS. You can listen to ‘How to Fail’ here: https://howtofail.podbean.com

2. LISTEN, HUNNAY! WITH Jeannie Mai

Listen, Hunnay with Jeannie Mai is a very interesting podcast to listen to especially if you’re already a fan of the co-host of the popular TV talk show (The Real) and creator of YouTube channel (Hello Hunnay). Jeannie Mai’s podcast seeks to discover through her interviews, what makes people tick. From sex therapists to divorce lawyers, doctors and relationship experts, there’s definitely something to take away no matter who you are. NO TOPIC IS OFF LIMITS as Jeannie Mai takes listeners behind-the-scenes of every guest’s career success, personal life and struggles. You can listen to ‘Hello, Hunnay’ here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-hunnay-with-jeannie-mai/id1478945784

3. ON PURPOSE with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty is definitely one of the most impactful podcasts that I’ve listened to. Every week, the host produces INSIGHTFUL COVERSATIONS with some of the most uplifting people from all around the world. From lesson in business, to self-development and pursuing your passion. Some of the biggest guests on the podcast have been Kobe Bryant (RIP), Khloe Kardashian, and Alicia Keys. Jay Shetty believes that it is his purpose to “make wisdom go viral”. It is no surprise that “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” is the #1 Health podcast in the world!. Listen to new episodes here: https://jayshetty.me/podcast/

4. SWITCHED ON POP with Nate Sloan & Charlie Harding

Switched on Pop is a podcast that breaks down the making of pop music and the meanings behind them. From popular music in the 80’s and 90’s to new generation of TikTok hits. The musical duo enlighten their listeners on how to make a hit record in today’s cultural sphere. This podcast would be particularly interesting to those who make music and want to learn about what type of songs make it to the top of the charts, or people who are just music enthusiasts like myself. They help listeners find “a-ha” moments in the world of music. Listen here: https://switchedonpop.com/episodes

5. TOSS IT OUT with Kenny & Matt

Toss it Out is a relatively new podcast with currently only 4 episodes available. However, this doesn’t take away from the creative use of cultural knowledge in breaking down some philosophical ideas and stories. Toss it out features lessons learnt from the flaws, as well as virtues of human behaviour. The new podcast aims to encourage the practice of intellectual humility. Our ideas and opinions about things may not always be the only version of the truth. Therefore, we may only learn from the experiences of others once we are open to changing our minds. You can listen to new weekly episodes here: https://introducing-toss-it-out.sounder.fm/