Another Reason I Adore Podcasts: Focus and Deep Thinking
I realized my reliance on podcasts isn’t just to learn and satiate my constant curiosity. It’s also an opportunity to practice focusing on one thing. This realization came while I was listening to the science behind mediation when I had this epiphany.
A wandering mind is an unhappy mind. When I’m listening to something educational it has my attention. I’m therefore focused and likely happy. Very few tasks, even work, can keep my full attention because unless there is a good balance between challenge and interest so I can enter flow state I like to focus and I like deep thinking.
Most of the podcasts I curate are inspirational or educational. They make me think. That’s the point. Even though some are background to a physical task, it’s the physical task that is enough to enable access to my default mode network.
Some Podcast Recommendations if You’re Interested
All links use the overcast.fm directory and need a login to view the description and episodes. I highly recommend the Overcast app on iOS to get your podcasts.
Product Management
The Product Experience by Mind the Product
The Rework Podcast by Basecamp
Tech
Accidental Tech Podcast by Casey Liss, Marco Arment, and John Siracusa
Dithering by Ben Thompson and John Gruber
Productivity
Deep Work: Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
Cortex by Myke Hurley and CGP Grey
Focused by David Sparks and Mike Schmitz
Business and Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Design
99% Invisibile by Roman Mars
What is Wrong with UX by Laura Klein
Cognitive Bias and Neuroscience
Pens and Stationary
The Pen Addict by Brad Dowdy and Myke Hurley
Great Storytelling
Revisionist History by Malcolm Gladwell