How 2020 changed my podcast habits

Many of us have seen a major change in our home and working habits during the Covid-19 pandemic. For me this has meant more time walking and less time commuting. This has also changed my listening habits, both the amount and type of content has been altered. I moved away from news and politics, the Corona Virus and US election coverage was fatiguing, and I wanted something more fun, more entertaining, show that are positive and uplifting.

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… with Covid19, my podcast listening habits changed alongside a new work life balance.

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Revisionist History

The tense past, history near and far, retold and updated: I decided to listen to more podcasts outside what I would class as ‘work related’. My commute was replaced with more walking and running and Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast company Puskin Industries is keeping me company, this is where the Revisionist History show popped into my feed.

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What it offers:
You never know where each episode will take you, like a movie you’ve never heard of turning out to be a gem. Malcolm’s delivery is subtly funny, and superbly engaging. I’ve often found myself walking much longer than I intended to get to the end of a show.
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Where to listen:
Long walks or a long drive, this is one of the few podcasts my wife and I can listen together in the car.

‍Favourite episode:
The hoarding or art in Museums, "Dragon Psychology 101"

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Adam Grant - Work Life

While studying a few years back, I was introduced to the work of Adam Grant via a Ted Talk on ‘Give and Take’. The talk was brilliant, humorous and full of great insights.  WorkLife is full of the same wisdom, and Adam’s delivery is fun and easy to understand.

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What it offers:
If you looking to improve the culture of your workplace, or get some ideas on the best ways to manage and motivate teams, this is a great place to start.

Where to listen:
Are a great way to wind down at the end of the day, one for the commute home.

Favourite episodes:

The introverts and extroverts, interview with author of ‘Quiet’ Susan Cain.

Understanding the phsycology of working remotely "How science can fix remote work"

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The Paul Minors Podcast

Productivity, technology and working for yourself: I think the first time I found the Paul Minors Podcast was searching for practical productivity tips for the Mac.

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What it offers:
These shows are short snappy action focused guides to being more productive and using your time better online and offline. There is a super back catalog of content hacks to help you get more done. Paul’s advice is also very much a lived experience having given up his job to do this full time. His advice is tried and tested and the products or software reviews are honest and credible.
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Where to listen:
These shows can be quite short, usually under 20mins and I often had one of these to another longer podcast when I'm commuting to work. Ideal for those short trips between stations.

Favourite episode:
Don’t be too hard on yourself, "183 - Doing less to achieve more"

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Akimbo

Forward thinking for business and development: Someone once told me that the best way to win an argument is to start by being right. In other words do your research and know what you are talking about. This is what you get from Seth Godin’s Akimbo podcast. Strong advice, well researched and delivered in a concise story format. This is valuable learning and quality entertainment at the same time.

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What it offers:
Seth’s insights are always rooted in the real world, and backed up with practical examples and advice. One of the big drawbacks with podcasting is the lack of real time engagement you get with a live broadcasts. Akimbo solves this by having the audience record questions based on the previous show which Seth answers next time out.
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Where to listen:
Seth’s podcasts seem to average around the 30min mark which for me is about ideal. One on the way to work, or two while I'm on a walk or run.

Favourite episode:
For those of working at home “Don’t go to meetings”

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Brainfluence

A few years ago, I was looking into the work of Dan Ariely, the best selling author on behavioural economics. And I came across an interview he conducted with Roger Dooley on the ‘Brainfluence’ podcast. (he has actually interviewed him twice).

The subject of humans and our many odd behaviours really got me hooked, and Brainfluence is a podcast I return to over and over. There is always something of interest to take from each episode.

What it offers:
Fascinating interviews with the those who know us best. The smartest people on how humans behave. And how this knowledge fits into the business and marketing world.
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Where to listen:
Long commute or a walk, It is in-depth stuff so I always need to finish each episode in one go.

Favourite episode:
"Dan Ariely Explains the Science of Motivation"

Recode Media

I worked in local media for many years, the endless ‘future of the media’ debate has always interested me. Peter Kafka’s podcast came up in a search for content on this topic. And I’ve listen to it for a number of years now.

What it offers:
Best insights into the issues facing media and technology, the content is always current and the interviews and guests are always in the know. Their position is definitely pro-media but they are not anti technology either.

Where to listen:
I listen to this anywhere, it’s got a super sharp delivery and very easy to consume.

Favourite episode:
‍ "Why the New York Times won’t sell itself to a billionaire"

Business Brain Food

With the Steve Fewtrell podcast I was looking into some entrepreneur stories, and happened on this show. As he is based in Sydney, and I’ve just moved here, this was also a plus. The guests have often quirky non typical stories, they are ordinary people working hard and making a difference. The show clips along at a fast pace, very well structured, with a light and easy tone.

What it offers:
Great startup and business stories with insights into to the ordinary people behind them.

Where to listen:
End of the long day, great for fun business stories and advice.

Favourite episode
Interview with Cameron Adams co-founder of Canva

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BBC Business Daily

I’m a huge fan of the BBC, I probably read something on their website most days. Yet podcasts from the BBC wasn’t something I ever thought of listening to. However the Business Daily show is great. It has short episodes, very well researched and with the top notch production quality you would expect.

What it offers:
Brief news and relevant topics, superb production values.

Where to listen:
Mornings on way to work depending on the shows content for that day.

Favourite episode:
Their coverage of Brexit has been great, also they do unusual stories on developing countries.

Second Captains

I was gutted one night listening to the radio in Ireland, to discover my favourite sports show has just lost all its presenters. Thankfully shortly after that they emerged as a podcast, which has now been going for several years.

What it offers:
Great news and insights into Irish and World sports. Superb interviews and coverage of unusual sports stories. The show tackles all this with some hilarious banter between the hosts.

Where to listen:
Usually it’s my go to in the gym or running, although sometimes I have to stop, as its difficult to laugh and run at the same time.

Favourite episode:
Interview with Eamon Dunphy.

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