Benefits of listening to podcasts

By Mary Nugent, 2024

Published 1/3/2024

In the modern media world, content is being shared at all times through a variety of platforms across the internet. Many people, especially younger generations, turn to TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube for information and entertainment, but a source of entertainment that has always been around yet became increasingly popular in 2023 is podcasts. Podcasts are similar to radio shows or late night talk shows but in a more casual setting, often discussing personal topics, stories, and experiences. Healthcare professionals, therapists, social media influencers, and average working people have started to create podcasts to not only entertain but to assisting in enhancing the lives of their audiences. 

Podcasts can be a great resource for those struggling with mental health. Streaming services such as Spotify, Amazon, Apple, and more all provide podcasts of many genres, and a largely discussed podcast topic this past year has been mental health. Young influencers who can relate to average teenage experiences and the awkwardness of growing up share experiences from their youth and can help other young people feel less alone. On a more serious level, licensed professionals and therapists have also started podcasts surrounding mental health and overall wellbeing and it can be very beneficial for listeners to be able to identify with the content and find possible solutions to problems or to be able to seek additional help after gaining knowledge through podcasts. 

Going along with the health topic, podcasts are a great alternative way to find insight or entertainment while staying away from negativity of social media and “doom scrolling” which can cause stress, anxiety, and overall social pressure. Podcasts are structured similar to regular conversations so they can be played while working on homework, cleaning, walking or running, and many more activities. 

Finally, podcasts are ultimately a great way to find entertainment. The list of podcast genres is endless and there is a podcast for everyone, ranging from true crime to comedy and everything in between. Podcasts are easy to find and can help listeners find a community sharing their own interests which can boost self esteem and create new connections through the internet. So, while scouring the internet for entertainment, mental help, or simply a good story, check out a podcast or two and you never know what interests you may find.