In the past couple of years, podcasts have become a common way for people to learn information. Top streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and ABC have even started turning popular podcasts into television series. Podcast topics vary from murder mysteries to daily lifestyle tips and can provide insight into any trend a person may be interested in. At Harding, this trend has not gone unnoticed by students.
“The Minimalists Podcast” by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus discusses living a meaningful life with less.
“In this podcast, they focus on minimalism,” sophomore Evan Morgan said. “Minimalism, defined by Joshua Fields Millburn, is ‘a tool we use to get rid of the excess stuff in our lives to make room for the essentials.’”
While many podcasts are created for listener entertainment, they can also inspire personal growth.
“This podcast has helped me find peace and contentment in the things that I truly love — people, not stuff,” Millburn said. “This podcast is amazing for anyone looking to try something new or develop new habits for the new year.” Morgan is not the only Harding student impacted by a podcast. Junior Emma Hayes said she found that her favorite podcasts were those that were educational. Hayes said podcasts
that discuss topics like Christianity and fighting racism keep her informed on how to interact with her peers.
“I listen to a bunch of podcasts about the church, self-care and racism because I want to grow, know and learn,” Hayes said.
Hayes said she enjoys listening to “Love Thy Neighborhood,” a podcast that discusses how the gospel functions alongside relevant topics and people groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community or the homeless community.
“Also, the ‘The Disruptors Podcast’ and ‘Theology Q&A’ with Earon James are podcasts about many Christian ‘hot topics,’” Hayes said. “They bring a lot of famous theologians, and there was even an episode with a woman that is currently in seminary … [who discussed] the struggle with being a woman in a predominantly male career and institution.”
Hayes said she enjoys learning about perspectives such as this.
“If we don’t let the silenced be heard, we’ll never learn, and we are extremely fortunate to have so much education right at our fingertips,” Hayes said.
Junior Olivia Dunn said she prefers podcasts that tell her about what goes on behind-the-scenes of her favorite shows.
“In the new year, I’ve started ‘The Office Ladies,’ a podcast by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey — Pam and Angela from ‘The Office,’” Dunn said. “They watch the episodes and talk about filming in the episode. I highly recommend this to any Office fan, because it is so fun and interesting to see a deeper layer to the filming process. It’s also not a podcast that you have to pay super close attention to like Crime Junkie. You can listen to it anytime.”
Podcasts in the 21st Century provide listeners with an array of entertainment and thoughtfulness, and all are easily accessible. Finding the perfect podcast can be as easy tapping on Spotify and seeing what is recommended.
