#PodcastPD: What you’re missing if you’re not listening

I’ve probably said a thousand times how much podcasts have been inspiring and motivating me over this past year and a half. I know some of you are not totally sold yet on the idea of an online talk radio program that you can download and take wherever you go. With my Truth for Teachers podcast, many of you have mentioned that you prefer to read the blog post rather than listen because it’s faster.

I’m happy you’re reading. Truly! But I’m still going to keep trying to convince you to listen to podcasts rather than read transcripts, because it’s a totally different experience.

I love podcasts because:

• I don’t have to be staring at a computer or phone screen to connect with interesting people
• Boring tasks like driving, cooking, and cleaning are far more fun
• I can get inspired while exercising or going for a walk
• Hearing someone’s voice creates a more personal, informal connection than reading their words
• My brain processes the information in a completely different (and often more powerful) way

That last point is the most compelling for me. When I’m reading something online, I tend to skim over it quickly. I miss important points. My brain is already racing ahead to the next line before I have a chance to really think deeply about what I just read.

Listening to audio is a completely different experience. Your brain can’t skip ahead: it has to listen to and process every word. You hear the words being spoken to you, so the emotion and tone and emphasis really make an impression. Hearing the podcaster’s voice creates a connection, which means I often remember the content better.

So as a huge believer in the power of podcasts, I’m thrilled to see a new movement popping up on Twitter called PodcastPD. It’s run by New Jersey-based educators Stacey Lindes, A.J. Bianco, and Christopher Nesi. This passionate team leads discussions every Sunday night on Twitter, encouraging teachers to use podcasts to learn, get inspired, and connect with one another.

#PodcastPD is a great place to learn about helpful education podcasts and talk about the episodes you’ve heard. Christopher Nesi has his own podcast which is excellent–it’s called House of Ed Tech. He recently interviewed me on his podcast and we had so much fun talking professional development, Unshakeable, and of course, podcasting!

You can also check out Talks with Teachers–this is Brian Sztabnik‘s wonderful podcast. There are tons of inspiring interviews there and practical teaching ideas.

Brian interviewed me in his most recent episode. Here are some of the things I shared:

• The importance of having another teacher to mentor you
• What to do when a lesson doesn’t go as planned
• The greatest need I think teachers have right now
• How teachers can experience more freedom and autonomy in their work
• The exciting trend in education that is motivating me right now
• My favorite book I recommend to teachers
• How teachers can think outside the box while still providing benefits for their students?
• One small thing any teacher can do to create greater student success
• The #1 habit of successful teachers
• What are the habits of successful teachers
• What I’m most proud of from my career in education

Check out my episode and those of all the amazing educators Brian has interviewed.

And stay tuned–next month I’m going to publish a list of my favorite personal and professional podcasts. I’ve got some great resources to recommend and get you energized over the summer!

In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you. Do you listen to podcasts? How do you fit them into your lifestyle? Any favorites to recommend?