How Can I Use Podcasts To Develop My Professional Skills?

Blockchain, cryptocurrency, the metaverse, Elon musk vs Twitter...these are the trending business topics being discussed around us at work, school or even in public transportation. I mean its great to have the time to pick up a newspaper or watch the news to be able to participate...but, time is a luxury few of us have nowadays. So what is the solution? Podcasts!

Podcasts initially began as downloadable radio program shows that could be found on the Apple Ipod (we all had one of those!) Later on, podcasts grew to become a leading form of audio entertainment and content. Each podcast is a series created by a host and then published episode-by-episode online, where subscribers can then download and listen to each episode when it’s released.

Fun Statistics For You!

•  The most used platforms for listening to podcasts are Spotify and Apple Podcasts. (Statista)
• The number of podcast listeners worldwide has grown from 274.8 million in 2019 to 504.9 million in 2022. (Statista)
• The Joe Rogan Experience is one the top rated podcasts in the world with over 11 million listeners per episode! In the podcast, Joe interviews influential people such as Dr. Phil, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jordan Peterson. (Alltopeverything)
• The United States leads the globe in podcast listenership in all categories. (theb2b2house)

Where Can I Listen To Podcasts?

1. Deezer: Founded right here in the best city in the world (yes I am still a tourist) Paris! Deezer is a French online music streaming service. With a wide range of podcasts in French and English, It allows users to listen to music content from record labels as well as podcasts from experts on business.
2. Anghami:  Launched in November 2011 in Lebanon (aka home) this platform was the first legal music streaming platform in the Arab world. Initially, Anghami focused on offering Arabic and international music through collaborations with large labels like Sony, Universal and Melody. Now, they are a hub for countless Arabic news and business podcasts (which we need) and international ones as well.
3. Spotify: Founded in 2016 in Sweden, Spotify is one of the largest music streaming service providers, with over 456 million monthly active users, including 195 million paying subscribers, as of September 2022. Spotify is available on desktop as well and is easy to navigate. You can find a multitude of business and news podcasts...My recommendation: Anything by the The Economist .
4. Apple Podcasts: Apple Inc, founded in the US, was one of the first supporters of podcasts before developing their standalone app in 2012. Ever the innovator, Apple launched the option for podcast creators to implement paid subscriptions through podcast channels.
5. Google Podcasts: Founded in the US, and as one of the leading sources of information in the world it is natural that Google would want to hop on the rising podcast trend. Google podcasts was initially released in 2018 on Android only later becoming available on IOS in 2020.

I am Busy! When Could I Listen To A Podcast?

1. Public Transportation: Whether your work commute includes the train, the car, or walking you can put that time to good use. You won’t have time for road rage or for the crazy guy on the train if you are minding our own business…with a podcast.
2. The Gym: Instead of listening to Fergie's "fergalicious" on repeat while doing your treadmill run learn a new skill using your podcast of choice.
3. On A Walk: While your average podcast does run from 20-40 minutes there are some podcasts that are as short as 3 minutes! Plus you should go outside its good for your health so multiply your benefits with a podcast.
4. Running Errands: This is for those errands that require little brain power for you. For example: Instead of mindlessly doing your laundry put a podcast on speaker. This could be a comedic podcast as well... don't take life so seriously. To rest and listen to content you enjoy is also productive.

How Can I Tune Out Distractions?

Your time is an invaluable asset that you are either losing or putting to good use. Remember that and it should be enough motivation for you.

About Me

My name is Rawan Al Sayed and my mission is to write business stories that inspire, inform and entertain.

Currently, I am pursuing my masters in business administration at The University of Paris-Saclay and I will finish classes in March of 2023. My previous work experience includes social media account management, copywriting for social/websites/blogs/newsletters/press releases, influencer marketing, data reporting/analytics and client servicing.

Stay tuned for more business articles coming your way on my LinkedIn and feel free to share with your network! You can also follow me on medium: https://byrawan.medium.com/