My Thoughts on Podcasting!

    For my presentation readings, I have learned a bit about the history and mechanics of podcasting. I find the history of podcasting, it developing from talk radio, very interesting because the first internet radio broadcast highly resembles modern podcasts to me. They are both pre-recorded, downloadable, on demand, and shareable. While I enjoy music radio, talk radio has never really caught my interest and seemed boring to me. Though this was probably mainly because I was encountering it as a child, the themes and discussion was not interesting or entertaining to me and I always skipped those stations to get to the ones playing music. Lately though, unless I'm in the car, or I’m walking somewhere, I usually opt for podcasts or youtube video essays when I want to listen to something. I think the difference for me is the ability to choose what I want to listen to based on my interests. I enjoy topics like specific histories of things, mystery and crime, or psychology and theories. These are more long winded conversations and niche topics that I could only find on youtube and spotify. I also appreciate the on demand aspect of podcasting. I like that I can turn it on when I want, as well as rewind and skip over parts I missed or don't care about (like ads). If I find a podcast that I like, I can also choose which episode I want to listen to at the moment, rather than only listen to the one they most recently put out. The aspect of liveness is still present as well, because there is discussion between the hosts, or often conversation from a single host to the viewers about current events in their lives or in the world. My favourite creator to watch always gives little life updates before getting into her content so which creates a more personal connection between her and her viewers. Overall, while I never really listened to talk radio, online or on air, I appreciate its role in developing podcasting, which is one of my favourite forms of auditory entertainment to listen to daily!