It took me some time, but I can finally say I’m hooked on podcasts and I think they are a great way for fitness and rehab specialists to learn. I’ve spent the last few months slowly developing this opinion and must admit, up until recently, I simply didn’t “get it” with podcasts.
I thought podcasts weren’t for me or my preferred style of learning. But what I didn’t realize is that I was doing it all wrong! I wanted to share with you some tips that I picked up to really get the most out of podcasts because I really do think they are a great way to learn.
Step 1: Podcast Player
To get the most out of podcasts, step 1 is to find a great podcast player. I think the primary reason why I originally hated podcasts was iTunes. Wow, iTunes stinks for podcasts! The software is bloated, slow, and glitchy. (I don’t get why I click the “subscribe” button and nothing happens 50% of the time!). I’m not even sure if this is a function, but I could also never get my podcasts in iTunes on my Mac to sync well with my iPhone.
I tried multiple times the last few years to get into podcasts and I really do think iTunes is the reason I always stopped.
So I started to search for better apps. My criteria was simple, I wanted an app that was easy to find, listen, and sync podcasts on my laptop and phone.
There are a bunch out there, and I tried a few. By far my favorite podcast app is Pocket Casts, and it’s the one I recommend to everyone. It’s not free. That was probably why I kept trying to use iTunes as I just didn’t see the rationale to pay for a podcast player when there is a built in app.
But trust me, the app is so pleasant to use, it makes learning from podcasts so much better. I believe using Pocket Casts over iTunes was the primary reason I started enjoying podcasts! It is easy to find podcasts, sync with my laptop, play at faster speeds, star podcasts to come back to later, and even download for when I am away from wifi.
It has a web app and mobile apps:
- Download Pocket Casts for iOS
- Download Pocket Casts for Google
- Download Pocket Casts for Windows
- Go to the Pocket Casts website for the web app
Step 2: Audio System to Play
The next step that I found to get the most out of podcasts is to figure where and how I was going to listen to them.
Another big reason why I think I couldn’t get into podcasts in the past was because I was trying to listen to them off my laptop at my desk. This is fine, but when I’m at my desk, I’m working. My brain is thinking about something and the podcast becomes background noise.
So I started listening to podcasts in the car. If you don’t have a cable or bluetooth to connect your phone to your car audio, find one now! For those that commute with public transportation, this seems like a no brainer, I just don’t so I can’t comment.
But you’ll never guess where my favorite place is to listen to podcasts??? The shower! Now when I am getting ready for the day, I listen to a podcast or two. It’s been great as I love to think in the shower.
I got this really cheap but awesome bluetooth and waterproof speaker for the shower from Amazon, It has a suction cup and a clip that you can use:
My next favorite place to listen to podcasts is during my morning conditioning. I still need loud music to lift weights, but podcasts during my conditioning have been a great way to learn and pass the time during intervals!
Step 3: Subscribe to the Right Podcasts
Ok, great. We have a podcast player and we bought our waterproof speaker… What podcasts should you try?
This was another big reason why I stopped listening to podcasts – I kept trying the wrong types of podcasts for me. Everyone has different tastes and interests, but formatting of a show was also important to me.
The podcasts that are 60+ minutes are just way too much for me. I don’t have the time for this long of a podcast. I much prefer quick 10-15 minute podcasts that give me a burst of knowledge or tips that make me think. Listening to a 60-90 minute conversation is great if you have time, but more entertainment in my mind than educational. I’m also not as much of a fan of interview-based podcasts. I listen to many like this, but much prefer an educational podcast from someone I want to learn more from instead.
That’s why when we started our podcast, I wanted it to be short and filled with knowledge. That’s why we chose the format of answering your questions instead of telling you what I want to say. I want to hear what you want to learn!
I recommend you start off with a small group of podcasts and see which ones you like and what types of formats you prefer. Here is just a small group of podcasts that I subscribe to and I would recommend (comment and let me know your 1-3 top picks too, I’m always looking for more). There are so many that I could recommend but want you to start small. Search for these in Pocket Casts (or whatever podcast player you try):
My Favorite Rehab Podcasts
- The Ask Mike Reinold Show – How could I not recommend my own show! I join my team at Champion to answer your questions.
- Therapy Insiders – A nice podcast led by Gene Shirokobrod, Joe Palmer and Erson Religioso. They feature a lot of great interviews and provide of ton of insight themselves.
- Healthy, Wealthy, and Smart – A podcast from Karen Litzy featuring a variety of interviews.
- PT Inquest – A weekly podcast from Erik Meira and J.W. Matheson that reviews recent journal articles.
My Favorite Strength and Fitness Podcasts
- Strength Coach Podcast – Mike Boyle’s StrengthCoach.com podcast. Has great interviews with Mike but also content from the Cosgrove’s and EXOS, so always top notch, though I think the episodes are often too long.
- The Movement Fix – Ryan DeBell’s podcast discussing, well… How to fix movement.
- The Physical Preparation Podcast – Mike Robertson’s podcast featuring awesome interviews.
- The Industrial Strength Show – Joe DeFranco’s podcast and one of my favorites as it combines great interviews with excellent content.
- The Fitcast – Kevin Larrabee’s long running fitness and nutrition podcast.
My Favorite Personal Development Podcasts
- Asian Efficiency – I’m a productivity enthusiast, these guys have really influenced my workflow and systems.
- The Ask Gary Vee Show – Not many better than Gary Vaynerchuk. He shares his business advice with us by answering questions. The model for what we built with the Ask Mike Reinold Show.
- The Owner’s Mind – Chris Brogan helps you build your business and personal leadership skills.
I know I am a bit behind to the party but I am happy that I finally made it! Learn from my mistakes and follow these three steps to start exploring the world of podcasts.
I wanted to keep my recommendations of podcasts short, there are many more. I want to hear from you, though, comment below and let me know your 1-3 favorite podcasts!
