The Pandemic and Podcasts
The Global Pandemic of COVID-19 rocked our world. Hello, Captain Obvious. We had to pivot into new ways of doing things, and many people took advantage of stay-at-home orders to gain professional certifications. You can learn almost anything online these days without the expensive price tag of college. My husband often attends YouTube University while working on our cars. Besides traditional learning methods of getting certifications from a university, you can delve deep into a subject by listening to a podcast. We’re giving you our top picks for professional development podcasts and why we love them.
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The dictionary definition of a podcast doesn’t quite sum it up. Dictionary.com describes a podcast as “a digital audio file made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.” In my opinion, a podcast is every detail about your favorite topics or interesting things all rolled up into a beautiful pre-recorded on-demand package.
Benefits of Podcasts
There are many reasons why podcasts have dominated the media by getting our news, education, and entertainment. First, it’s time-efficient. It’s easy to press play on a podcast and listen while you’re brushing your teeth, taking a shower, or cooking dinner. Podcasts are also completely portable. You can take them anywhere as long as you have your phone. Podcasts cut costs. You can subscribe to any number of apps, get access to free podcasts, or upgrade to a monthly subscription and skip out on most of the ads.
Professional Development in the New Decade
The new decade brought trials for so many of us. But the old cliché is still relevant- when life gives you lemons, find a unique way to grow professionally. Or something along those lines. There are hundreds of professional development podcasts out there, ranging from broad umbrella shows covering all aspects of professional development to niche shows that specialize in every detail of one small topic. I’m breaking down my top favorite professional development Podcasts for you, so you don’t have to bushwhack your way through the dense jungle of the professional development genre.
#4- Being Boss with Emily Thompson
This podcast has a massive following and gears itself toward creatives and entrepreneurs. Listen to this if you’re ready to make a change now.
Best Episode to Start With #42 Brene Brown
#3- Dave Ramsey’s Entre Leadership
Created by renowned business owner Dave Ramsey and is one of the best business podcasts. Get weekly inspiration and tactical advice from the world’s top leaders. Geared toward executives and entrepreneurs who want to scale.
Best Episode to Start With: #210: Seth Godin—Change Your Mind, Change Your Life
This bite-sized podcast will give you concise information on how to nail your interview, resume tips, and launch your career.
Best Episode to Start With: #008- Tell Me About Yourself
This award-winning podcast brings the fire with entrepreneur interviews leading you to lifestyle and financial freedom.
Best Episode To Start With- How to Get What you Truly Want in Life & Business with Cliff Ravenscraft
Honorable Mentions:
The ONE Thing with Geoff Woods
The Productivity Podcast by Asian Efficiency
The Future of Podcasts and Professional Development
The podcast medium isn’t going anywhere. Podcasts have become so mainstream that you can pick up all the gear you need to get started in a pretty package from your local Best Buy store.
According to smallbizgenius.net,
- 197 million Americans have heard about podcasts.
- 32% of Americans listen to podcasts at least once a month.
- There were 750,000 active podcasts in 2019.
- Brands that advertise their products and services on business podcasts enjoy an average 14% rise in purchase intent.
As technology continues to innovate, we have high hopes for even higher quality and more exciting podcast content to continue.