Finding Time For Podcasts: When Can I Listen?

I have pondered why it feels like there’s a divide between people who do, and don’t listen to podcasts. I know there are quiet podcast fans out there, and I know that others don’t even think about the fact that they are listening to a podcast. When I talk about my shows, friends have lamented that they just don’t have the time.

My main medium of entertainment is podcasts, so I know I’m a vastly different person than the average consumer. That doesn’t mean that podcasts are my only form of entertainment. I listen to music, read books, and play video games. I just prefer audio. I also don’t watch much television or movies.

So with that in mind, I’m not sitting here saying that people are wrong for not vibing with podcasts. I’m thinking about the people who think they don’t have time, or can’t focus when they try to listen. I’m going to offer some of my habits as inspiration for these people who yearn for audio, but can’t make it click.

So let’s go through a day of what I listen to when. This changes depending on what I’m doing in my life, but the spirit remains the same. I want to spark some inspiration for audio minutes for you.

Before we jump in, I want to briefly talk about where I listen. As in, I primarily prefer listening in earbuds. I can listen in cars very well, but if I have it playing off of a speaker in my home, I’m not going to be as successful in focusing. Listening to a podcast can be isolating, and some of that really informs my habits. Keep that in the back of your mind as we go through my day.

When Does A Super Listener, Listen?

Getting Ready

Typically I don’t actually listen to podcasts when Iam getting ready for my day. My husband and I maximize sleep, and so our morning routine is a well choreographed sprint to the breakfast chorus of our cats.

If I have a leisurely morning when I’m getting ready solo for something, I’m typically listening to shorter podcasts, or cha—style podcasts that are familiar to me. For me it’s podcasts like Stuff You Should Know, Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know, maybe some American Hysteria, Outside/In, or Tiny Matters.

The Commute

This is the prime-time for podcast listening, depending on your commute. It’s also a time where maybe, just maybe you have to scream sing. In podcast land, though, it’s my time for news podcast, or whatever ongoing limited series has my focus.

On a mental health note, maybe don’t listen to the news podcasts first thing in the morning. I like to warm up with a few favorite songs, and then put on a a 20-30 minute show focusing on a topic. I tend to look for topic interest rather than from a specific source, but I enjoy what Today Explained has to offer.

Work

This is going to be vastly different for everyone, but let’s think about it. Some people can, but I can’t listen to pa podcast when I’m doing emails, spreadsheets, or anything like that. However, I can when I’m tidying up a space, maybe setting up for an event, or if I have downtime and I can knit and listen to a podcast - I listen at work. Depending on the day, I can sink back into my limited series obsession, or I throw on one of those familiar chat-casts again. I like longer episodes that I can dip in and out of here, rather than the short ones that split my focus more and more.

Chores

The only reason I get excited about having a day of chores to do, alone, in my apartment, is that I get to listen to hours of podcasts. Chores and podcasts are the match made in heaven. This is when i listen to any and all podcasts. I don’t have to think much about scrubbing a counter, or folding a shirt. I can immerse myself in an audio drama, or sprint through a hard-hitting series, or even bounce from episode to episode of shorter topics and soak in the magic.

Chores are my favorite podcast listening time.

Cooking

I want to mention cooking because it’s fun, but also a little difficult. Following a recipe and also listening to a podcast may not be a great match. However, I love chopping and listening, or kneading and listening. Cooking is another great time for those chat casts that maybe you’re not missing a ton in the 30 second focus switch to see how many teaspoons of cumin you need.

The Long Drives

This is different than a commute, because there are hours of highway driving to deal with. How to fight highway hypnosis? Put on an excellent podcast to share with your co-pilot. My husband and I figured out this listening hack by starting with actual-play podcasts like Dimension 20, and now we use this time for audio dramas.

Walking (NOT hiking)

I know it’s winter, so it’s extra hard, but going on a walk around the track at your local park or school is boring. I love walking, it’s extremely healthy, but it’s also boring when you’re going around and around the same spots. Insert, podcasts. I love passing the time with a good story. It’s also a great measurement of time that isn’t as menacing as a stopwatch.

I also want to say, my gripe about not listening to a podcast on a hike has more to do with safety than the beauty of nature. You always have to be aware when you’re out walking around. In a park, or in your neighborhood, though - odds are you have more people to bounce your situational awareness off of. In the woods, with just a person or two, and you’re all focused on a podcast? That can be dangerous. Listen to the birds, they’re beautiful.

Finding Time

It’s really hard, it’s extremely hard, to find time to do the things we love. It’s even harder to add things that we’re not sure if we’re going to love. I come here to tell you it’s okay.

You don’t have to be a super listener, you don’t have to even be a podcast listener, but I hope you at least try if one catches your eye. If you’re feeling inspired, scroll through some of my reviews to find your next favorite listen.

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