Throughout history, reading has remained the most common way knowledge is shared. But in recent decades, a new and interactive method to stay informed and entertained has emerged. Podcasts, a fairly new addition to our global zeitgeist, captivate many individuals with an alternative to standard reading, and for some, a more effective way of retaining information.
Podcasts are unique in that their format is centered around human interaction and dialogue. Many podcasts feature more than one person, creating a conversational dynamic that combines a sound and feel of casual communication with important information that is being shared. This informal structure most podcasts use to guide their episodes makes it much easier to digest and fully comprehend. Linus Hohmeyer, a Berkeley High School sophomore, appreciates the more nuanced way of learning that podcasts offer. “In the things I listen to, podcasts make current events a lot more digestible and also are usually more in depth than news articles. They’re also more memorable because sometimes they interview people and you can more directly hear the human experience,” Hohmeyer said. “It’s a pretty easy way to gain information, much less work than reading a book or the newspaper,” he added.
The relaxed and colloquial setup that many podcasts use in their scripting and content delivery provides a new way to gain insight and knowledge. While traditional reading is the clear path toward comprehension that much of the world relies on, as well as being vital to human cerebral development, podcasts open doors for new ways to pick up information. Jordan Kehat, a BHS freshman, feels that podcasts can be a helpful way to learn while going about other activities in her life. “The best thing about podcasts, at least in my opinion, is that you can do other things while listening. Whether it’s cooking, getting ready, resting your eyes, walking to school, etc., it’s very convenient,” Kehat said.
Furthermore, podcasts cover a plethora of topics and important current events. From analyzing miniscule details in TV shows to reporting on a country’s government, like reading, podcasts have a gigantic range of specialties. This allows listeners to use podcasts as a more interactive way to hone in on particular interests. Adrian Altawil, a BHS Universal Ninth Grade physics teacher, listens to podcasts in order to further his knowledge on particular activities he enjoys in his daily life. “I like listening to podcasts that focus on one topic that I’m interested in, so there’s gaming podcasts, there’s sports podcasts, science podcasts and tech podcasts that I listen to,” Altawil said. The rise in popularity of podcasts has provided an exciting way for people to express themselves, as well as an alternative to standard reading that is less daunting for individuals looking to spend more time learning about important life topics. Hohmeyer has found that listening to podcasts has allowed him to gain new knowledge, as podcasts are easier to understand due to the format. “(Podcasts)make my current awareness of what’s happening in the world a lot better,” Hohmeyer said, “I’ve gained a lot from podcasts. I think it’s made me a much better and informed person.”