I thought I might add a new installment to my blog this week. It is the tip of the week. I borrowed this idea from the Ray Edwards Podcast that I often listen to. Each week, he features a tip of the week that is designed to make aspects of life faster, cheaper, more convenient, or more enjoyable.
The tip of the week may not be something that is earth-shattering, but it is always something useful. I want to share some of the things that help me so that they might be of help to you. This might be a fun way to do it. If you have any fun tips of the week, feel free to let me know that I might consider.
Since this idea developed from listening to a podcast, my first tip of the week is “PODCASTS.” Are you familiar with podcasts? I have been listening to podcasts for the last decade. They have come a long way from the days when they required you to download them to a computer and then sync them to an iPod or an Mp3 player. Today, most of us have phones from which we can easily subscribe to podcasts.
Why Podcasts
The reason I love podcasts so much is that you can find podcasts on almost any subject. If you are into collecting pens, you can find a podcast on collecting pens. If you are into raising chickens in your backyard, you can find a podcast on raising chickens in your backyard. Or maybe you missed church on Sunday morning. There is a good chance your church has a podcast of the weekly sermons available.
The other thing I love about podcasts is that you can listen to them anywhere. I will listen while I am washing dishes, driving in the car, working in the garden, or going for a run. You can use these times to stimulate your mind and learn something new. All you need is a smartphone and earbuds.
A third thing I like about podcasts is that they are free. There is no cost to the listeners. Some of the more successful podcasts will feature advertisements. And if your church has a podcast, you might be asked to donate to help cover the costs. But I have never been directly charged for listening to a podcast. However, I have often supported some of my favorite podcasts by purchasing products they advertised or by signing up for courses or conferences they promoted.
Getting Started with Podcasts
To get started with podcasts you can download the Podcasts App on your iPhone. Although, my podcast app of choice is an app called Overcast. Overcast has a few advanced features that are not available on the basic podcast app. But there is nothing wrong with the basic Podcasts app. If you don’t own an iPhone, no worries. Android phone owners can download Google Podcasts.
Once you download a podcast app, you can start searching for podcasts related to topics of interest. Many of the podcasts that I listen to, I discovered through listening to other podcasts. But start by searching in the directory. You will soon find yourself gravitating toward certain shows.
My Favorites
Some of my favorite podcasts include:
- MacPowerUsers – This is the one podcast I never miss an episode. I am somewhat of a Mac Geek. There are not many people who like to go this deep into the weeds with me here, so this is a place where I can geek out.
- Bookworm – This is a new podcast I have started to listen to. It is a great way that I have found book recommendations. Keep in mind that most of the books on this podcast are focused on personal development, time management, and productivity.
- Ray Edwards Podcast – I mentioned this one above. Following this Podcast help me out a lot in publishing my first book, 40 Things to Give up for Lent.
- Michael Hyatt: Lead to Win Podcast – I have been following Michael Hyatt’s blog for the longest time. I have been following him since he began podcasting. He has changed his format several times, but always has relevant topics for leaders.
- Sermons, sermons, and more sermons. I don’t listen to any one particular pastor. But I have several churches to which I subscribe. Some are Lutheran, and others are not. Of course, you could always subscribe to my podcast which is Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Do you listen to podcasts? If so, what podcasts do you listen to? What are your favorites? How have you benefited from podcasts? Are there any hang-ups you have with getting started with podcasts? Feel free to share in the comments section below.
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