Photo Source: ‘Podcasts’, by Pixabay
Are your morning walks to lectures lacking excitement, or do your playlists feel dull and repetitive? If so, there’s an easy solution…why not give podcasts a try?
Podcasts are entertaining, episodic discussions that cover a huge range of topics and genres, and they’re perfect for listeners of all ages.
Let’s explore the new era of podcasts!
The Pros of Podcasts
Accessibility: Podcasts can be listened to anywhere and anytime. Some apps where you can listen to podcasts include Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. You can also tune into LSU Media’s LCR, where you can enjoy both live radio and podcast episodes from your university.
Variety: Whether you are a murder mystery fan, a political enthusiast, or a lover of self-help tips, there is a perfect podcast for you.
Multitasking: Podcasts serve exactly the same function as music. You can listen to them while completing any task. This includes cooking, Sunday reset cleans or travelling. (Tip: Make sure you have downloaded your episodes before travelling)
Relaxing: Podcasts are highly captivating, they connect you to the speaker, creating the same feeling you get when reading a book by your favourite author. Podcasts are an effective method for calming yourself while potentially learning something new.
From Niche to Mainstream
Reflecting on the pandemic, podcasts became a source of connection, particularly for those living independently. They offered a sense of sanity and comfort, allowing listeners to engage with their favourite speakers since in-person interaction was limited. Even though the lockdown has ended, podcasts continue to be widely utilised, they offer stimulation and excitement into our daily routines, spicing up everyday norms.
Many listeners enjoy listening to their favourite influencers and streamers’ podcast shows. This has allowed fans to learn more about their idols and also learn something new. Podcast fanatics enjoy the conversational approach offered in podcasts, rather than heavily edited video formats. Hosts and shows can vary across influencers, depending on their interests. From daily life lessons to childhood stories and even true crime shows, there is a pick for everyone.
How to find the Perfect Podcast to listen to
What are your interests?
Are you a true-crime fanatic, comedic enthusiast or historical romanticist? If you need help with what you want to listen to, look at your daily routines, academics or hobbies. For example, why not try out a politics podcast if you’re a politics student? If you are a gaming fan, why not try out a game discussion podcast or see if your favourite gamer has their own podcast? This is the perfect start to guide you in finding the ideal personalised podcast.
Check the Top-Charts
If you’re not a fan of politics or gaming podcasts, why not check out Spotify’s Top Charts or recommendations? You can even ask a friend or family member what podcast they listen to or start listening to a show together.
Check out Hosts You Know
Radio Presenters, YouTubers, and TikTok Influencers have started creating their own podcasts. Have a look and see who is out there. Who knows, your favourite influencer could have a podcast waiting for you.
Spotify Recommendations:
University Essentials: ‘The Psychology of Your 20s’ – iHeartPodcasts, ‘FT News Briefings’ – Financial Times, ‘TED Talks Daily’ – TED
Comedy and Giggles: ‘JaackMaate’s Happy Hour’ – Sportify Studios, ‘Bad Friends’ – Bobby Lee & Andrew Santino
News and Politics: ‘Newscast’ – BBC News, ‘The News Agents’ – Global, ‘The Rest is Politics’ – Goalhanger
True Crime: ‘Rotten Mango’ – Stephanie Soo & Ramble, ‘Criminal Attorney’ – Wondery, ‘Talking True Cases’ – Newsquest
Sports: ‘F1: ‘Beyond the Grid’ – Formula 1, ‘Football Weekly’ – The Guardian, ‘Full Time Europe; A show about women’s football’ – The Athletic
Self-Care: ‘Feel Better, Live More’ – Dr Ragan Chatterjee, ‘Begin Again with Davina McCall’ – Flight Studio, ‘Happy Place’ – Fearne Cotton
How to Start Your Very Own Podcast
After reading this article, some of you may contemplate starting your own podcast. LSU Media can help you with this wish. Look out for LCR on radio.lsu.co.uk!
Below are some general tips to consider when starting your podcast
What are you passionate about?
This is a huge question, and many people are put off starting a podcast because they are unsure what to talk about. To overcome this, think about your interests and hobbies. For example, if you enjoy rugby or tennis, let’s say, why not start your own show discussing tips on how to perform better, your personal experiences and growth or discuss your favourite players. Podcasts are open discussion and can be on any topic that interests you.
Who is your audience?
Focus on who the audience of your show is; this could be university students, psychology students, sports fanatics and so on. Finding the audience will help create a scope for your podcast.
Brainstorm, Brainstorm, Brainstorm.
Writing ideas and creating a plan will do wonders in guiding your show to come alive.
Sign Up to LSU Media’s, LCR
Want access to the best equipment for your podcast? Sign up to LSU Media and launch your show. Don’t worry; LCR members will guide you in using the equipment.
Most importantly, enjoy yourself. It is your show, after all.
Have fun listening to podcasts!
Edited by Sophia Tilbury
