Finding the Perfect Podcast to Suit Your Lifestyle and Interests
Complete with personal logrolling!
© 2024 J. Alexander Greenwood. All rights reserved.
Can I talk about podcasts?
Or more exactly, can I write about something I have done since around 2006? Well, I’m going to try.
Podcasts have become a staple for millions seeking entertainment, education, and inspiration. They can also be a problem—as in, maybe you should back away from the political and news shows (that’s a different story--click here.)
What about finding the best pods for your earbuds-in and drive times? With a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect podcasts to suit your lifestyle and interests.
Fear not: whether you're into business, creativity, entertainment, geeking out or simply someone looking for engaging content, there's a podcast (or two) out there just for you.
Here’s a guide to help you find the right podcast to enrich your daily routine.
Identify Your Interests and Goals
The first step in finding the right podcast is to identify your interests and what you hope to gain from your listening experience. Are you looking to stay updated on the latest trends in business and marketing? Or perhaps you’re a fan of mystery novels and creative storytelling? Knowing your interests will narrow down the search significantly.
What interests you? Do you want self-help, entertainment, true crime, history, pop culture?
Like the lady says, you better shop around.
A few suggestions from my own stable of shows…
For business and marketing enthusiasts, I think the soon to be five-year-old PR After Hours is a good fit. Hosted by yours truly, this podcast delves into the intricacies of the marketing, public relations and business world, offering insights and practical advice from industry experts. Each episode aims to provide valuable knowledge that you can apply to your professional life.
It seems to be working. PR After Hours podcast was recently ranked #18 in the Feedspot 70 Best PR Podcasts list, featuring the "70 Best PR Podcasts worth listening to in 2024." We are also one of the 15 Best Public Relations (PR) Podcasts, according to Rephonic.
Humble brag? Who, me? Sorry.
If you’re a lover of books and creativity, Mysterious Goings On is a must-listen. This podcast explores the realms of literature and the creative process, featuring interviews with authors and discussions on various creative endeavors. It's a haven for those who appreciate the art of storytelling and creative expression.
MGO was named an Apple Podcasts "New & Noteworthy" show when it launched in 2016, we were also a 2019 People's Choice Podcast Awards nominee. In 2022, we were a Top 5 Literature Podcast in the CrowdUltra Awards and recently named a recommended show on Matchmaker.FM.
My now one-year-old true crime show, Going to Killing City is a mash-up of true crime, cocktail culture, and Kansas City history. My co-host and creator of the show Jamie Green and I have a blast exploring the strange and truly odd historic murders and crimes from days gone by in KC.
Recorded in our home bars while sipping a killer cocktail, we strive to entertain and educate listeners on these truly bizarre happenings in Killing City. The monthly podcast is available here on this site on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Use Podcast Directories to Find New Shows
Podcast directories and apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others (rest in peace, Google Podcasts) are excellent resources for discovering new shows. These platforms often categorize podcasts by genre, making it easier to find content that aligns with your interests. Additionally, many offer personalized recommendations based on your listening habits.
Leverage Social Media and Online Communities
Social media platforms and online communities such as Reddit and Facebook groups can be goldmines for podcast recommendations. Joining groups related to your interests and asking for suggestions can yield fantastic results.
Fellow enthusiasts are often eager to share their favorite shows, and you might discover hidden gems you wouldn't find otherwise.
Read Reviews and Ratings
Before committing to a podcast, take the time to read reviews and check ratings. While personal preferences vary, high ratings and positive reviews generally indicate quality content. Reviews can also provide insights into what you can expect from the podcast, helping you decide if it aligns with your interests.
Pro tip: While a perfect 5-star rating can suggest a show is excellent, it's also wise to consider the possibility of marketing influences. Using your judgment, looking at a mix of professional and user reviews, and considering personal preferences are all good practices when evaluating a show's true quality. Just saying.
Sample a Few Episodes
Once you’ve shortlisted a few podcasts, sample a couple of episodes from each. This will give you a feel for the podcast’s style, tone, and content quality. Pay attention to whether the podcast holds your interest and meets your expectations. Remember, the first episode isn’t always indicative of the entire show, so give it a fair chance.
Consider the Hosts
The host’s personality and presentation style can significantly impact your podcast experience. Some listeners prefer a formal, structured approach, while others enjoy a more casual, conversational style. Hosts who engage with their audience and bring a unique perspective to the table can make all the difference.
For example, in PR After Hours, I aim to create a relaxed yet informative atmosphere, sharing valuable insights with a touch of personality.
Similarly, on Mysterious Goings On I do conversations—not interrogations. I strive to make each episode a delightful listen offering perspectives into creative minds.
Tired of hearing just one voice? Duo hosts can be a hoot! The chemistry between Jamie and myself on Going to Killing City is frequently cited as a reason people come back every month.
I’ve written more about what makes a good show in my book, The Podcast Option. Check it out if you want to know the ingredients of a good show, as well as tips on being a good guest and great host.
Look for Consistency and Quality
Consistency in content release and quality is crucial for an enjoyable podcast experience. A podcast that releases episodes regularly and maintains high production quality is likely to keep you engaged long-term.
Check the podcast’s archive to see how often new episodes are released and if the content remains relevant and compelling. If they have huge gaps in producing shows? Pass. Your time is valuable, and a podcaster who is not disciplined about production may not be disciplined about producing quality episodes.
Naughty Words
I’m not going to lie, I believe profanity is a crutch people lean on far too much, and I avoid that kind of language on my shows as much as possible. I do not censor my guests, and I am no choir boy, to be sure; but it is a very rare episode when I personally indulge in profanity. It just goes back to my broadcasting days, when profanity on a hot mic could get you fired. Also, my Mom may be listening.
Concerned about little pitchers while listening in the car? As a listener, you can avoid explicit content in podcasts by following a few key steps. First, read episode descriptions and tags, as platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify label explicit content. Enable filters on these platforms to exclude such content from your searches.
Check listener reviews and ratings, as they often mention explicit material. Pay attention to any content warnings given by hosts at the beginning of episodes. For a more thorough check, use transcription services to scan through the written version of a podcast before listening. These measures help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable listening experience for people who are sensitive to profanity, and the wee ones with big ears.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect podcast to suit your lifestyle and interests may take a bit of time and exploration, but the effort is well worth it. Whether you’re looking to boost your business acumen with a show like PR After Hours, immerse yourself in the stacks with Mysterious Goings On, or venture into the dark world of true crime with Going to Killing City, there’s a podcast out there that will resonate with you.
So, grab your headphones or pop in those earbuds, start exploring, and let the journey of discovery begin!
Happy listening!