The face of audio media is changing and it’s all because of podcasts.
Audio media has always been prominent as it was the first true form of entertainment to exist before television came into being, and quite genuinely, I have to say I am beyond thankful radios have not yet fallen from the face of the earth.
Audio media is a key component of both traditional and contemporary technology. But, more personally, it is something that has been in my life since the day I became capable of retaining memories. With podcasts becoming increasingly popular, I believe radios will go out of style, and I will have to adjust accordingly.
Podcasting provides journalists, writers, storytellers and everyday individuals with a platform to share stories through audio to reach a wide audience. Podcasts are relatively simple and inexpensive to create and maintain, so the question is, why wouldn’t someone want to start a podcast? In fact, who wouldn’t want to listen to a podcast when oftentimes, hosts are diverse, vibrant, relatable and able to provide information on a wide variety of fields of interest?
In high school, I would primarily listen to music when I wore headphones. Now, I spend my time listening to podcasts in between my classes here on campus. I feel that investing in myself by listening to podcasts that keep me updated on social issues or empowers me to put my best foot forward in whatever season of life I find myself is a parallel alternative to listening to my favorite song.
Podcasters can be likened to radio personalities because they set the tone for their own show — not really upholding the norms of society for standard audio media shows. Podcasters do not always have a figurative filter when it comes to ideas or language highlighted in their respective episodes, but this is what makes podcasts so dynamic.
Being a musician, a music aficionado and a sitcom enthusiast, I was mindful of the reality that most of my time was spent listening to podcasts. But, I think it is essential to listen to podcasts nowadays as we all are working to become a better version of ourselves.
It takes a considerable amount of work to become a professional or an expert in any field. A key element of progressing professionally is to educate yourself, not only to become a well-versed individual in your chosen field of interest but also to become knowledgeable in a variety of things.
I’ve discovered podcasts that have everything to do with the entertainment industry and that line up with my interests in the arts. In order to educate myself about things that I am not too acquainted with, I have a number of podcasts in my library about things that I want to know more about and want to consider my forte in the near future.
Lately, I have developed a passion for mental health. I’ve been truly emphasizing to my friends and family, as well as my followers on social media, that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. I have a number of podcasts in my library that discuss mental health, and I look forward to diving in and learning more about the world of mental health so I can try to break the stigma that surrounds it.
Some of my favorite podcasts to listen to include those hosted by women of color who live comparable lifestyles to me such as, Hopped Off The Plane, The Thick and Small Doses with Amanda Seales.
As somebody with an interest in religion, I also enjoy listening to podcasts hosted by pastors including Elevation with Steven Furtick, VOUS Church, The House Fort Worth, and Transformation Church. I not only learn every time I hear these pastors speak, but their words also encourage me to the fullest.
Trevor Noah’s The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Ears Edition) is another one of my favorite podcasts that I enjoy when I’m seeking comedy and news combined into one show.
People who listen to podcasts have their own reasons to do so, but I choose to listen to them in hopes of improving my own speaking and listening abilities as an aspiring journalist and screenwriter. I also turn to podcasts in hopes of gaining advice and learning from people who directly identify with me or a scenario in which I find myself in at some point in my life.
It is important to know that the number of people listening to podcasts is growing and the number of people turning on the radio is decreasing. Podcasts are changing the way audio media has been set up for years, and at the very least, it isn’t traditional.
But, it’s becoming a new normal. I’m here for it.
Trinity Bland is a sophomore studying journalism. Follow her on Twitter @trinityaliciaa.
