The Hidden Value of Podcasts

I am recording another first!  I officially listened to my first podcast on Tuesday and found a hidden value in them - more to come on that!  I had subscribed to a few and even downloaded them to iTunes (I'm not sure, but that might be the same thing), but had not taken the plunge yet to listen to them.  I mean, really, who has that kind of time?  Who can find an hour to sit and listen to something.  Although I seem to have absolutely no problem finding an hour to watch a meaningless TV show.  But, I attribute that to needing a break.  Up to now, I've labeled listening to a podcast as "work" and certainly not as much fun as a good Big Bang Theory episode.  Honestly, Sheldon just makes me giggle.

This week I found myself with a little bit of time on my hands and a nagging issue of an unresolved goal that involved listening to a podcast.  Someone I have immense respect for suggested that one might consider listening to a podcast while doing other things around the house, i.e. dishes, cleaning, yard work, exercise, etc.  Just hook up your mp3 player and you're good to go.  I think I may have even rolled my eyes, although I 'm sure I had respect enough to turn my back.  It is graduate school . . . 



Photo by Ed Yourdon



With all excuses exhausted, I remembered this suggestion and found myself heading out for a walk on a beautiful fall afternoon, nano hooked up and ready to go.  Not with the traditional Bon Jovi blaring in my ears, but with TLW: 014 PPT Doesn't Bore People; People Bore People a podcast from Today's LearningWorkplace going strong.



I have to tell you, I had such an amazing experience!  The content was spot on and I found myself not missing Jon and the boys.  Here's the hidden value I promised - I found that I had to keep walking to finish the darn podcast.  I even had to throw in a little bit of yard work!  I am not an exercise junkie, so on one hand, this did not make me happy!  I mean, seriously, how many more blocks can they keep talking!  On the other hand, I can not remember something that kept me moving to finish it.  To top it off, I was wishing that I had  pen and paper to jot notes, and was very relieved that show notes are available on the website.



The past few days have presented an opportunity to reflect on how I would have been able to learn about all the different topics that were covered in this one podcast.  It certainly would have been many articles, probably a few books and a seminar or two to be able to get ideas from three different professionals.  I was left wondering how this might be effective in an organizational setting.  What if we had the opportunity to hear our executives struggle with some of the questions the company is facing?  Would they seem more real (both the problem and the executive)?  Could this format be utilized to reinforce a learning "event"?  Maybe participants could discuss what they've implemented or tried and failed at? 

Bottom line, I was so surprised that I found it to be as engaging as I did.  I will be highlighting podcasts as a learning format for our leadership team who are on the road a lot.  Many of them listen to audio books, which is great, but the podcast may offer a shorter, more time sensitive way to gather information.  Plus, they all drive vehicles that have that little jack that makes playing our mp3 player so convenient.  (Admit it, you're a little surprised that I know about that, aren't you.)



Here's my number one tip - if you're heading out for a walk, be sure to check the length of the  podcast or you might just find yourself over exercising.  Goodness knows, we don't want to encourage that!  My second tip - give podcasts a try, you might just find a whole new world of information just waiting to make an impact in your life!