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Podcasts Changed My Life

And they can change yours too

By Kristi JacobsenPublished 5 years ago 4 min read
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Photo by israel palacio on Unsplash

Do you remember the days when to learn something, you either had to listen to a talk radio show or find a book on the topic? When education meant sitting through a lecture in a classroom?

I may be a millennial, but I remember the days before the Internet and smartphones, before recording music and creating your own radio show was possible, before you could earn a living from your bedroom. I remember trips to the library to take out books, and how to learn something new, you typically had to sign up for a class somewhere.

Now, as long as you have smartphone or access to the Internet, you can not only learn pretty much anything, you can create anything too. Including podcasts.

The ease of recording from your bedroom and access to quality yet inexpensive equipment brought about an abundance of DIY podcasters. Anyone can buy a cheap yet quality microphone on the Internet, download free editing software, and get to work on a podcast.

Podcasts are everywhere now, and everyone seems to either have one or is thinking about starting one (I have two myself). There are podcasts for business, comedy, life, music, movies, television, history... you name it, there's a podcast out there. We have access to endless information, and that information can be life changing.

My Podcast Story

A year and a half ago I was in limbo. I completed my Master’s degree but was still working an entry level job. I spent my days working and then came home too exhausted to even think. I was a serial blogger, yet never stuck with one longer than a hot minute. I wanted to do something else, something that could make a difference, but how? And how could I motivate myself to actually get up and do just that?

Truth be told, despite the title of this article, the game changer for me was actually a book. Yes, it wasn’t a podcast that started the whole thing, but a book that was my launchpad.

It was January 1, 2018 that I made the decision to read 52 books that year (spoiler, I didn’t come close). I stopped by Target for a few necessities and walked past the book section. I heard about Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass for a while and always meant to pick it up to read it, but something about the new year, resolutions, and my new reading challenge drew me to pick it up and plop it in my basket.

It. Changed. My. Life.

I devoured the book in mere days and wanted more. I’d heard about this podcast thing and had listened to a few music podcasts here and there, so I thought, "Heck, maybe I’ll find an interview with her." The first podcast I came across was centered around female entrepreneurs, and after listening to an incredible episode with Jen, I continued on. I was soon listening to the podcast in the morning, on breaks, during lunch, and in the evening.

All these women started businesses of their own? You can run a business entirely online?

I was blown away, and soon, I started scoping out other podcasts, but they all kept returning to the same theme: female entrepreneurship and personal development. And I wanted it for myself.

The Entrepreneurship Journey

I started a blog (serial blogger, remember?) and mapped out an entire plan on card stock taped to my closet doors. I picked up more business and personal development books, building quite a collection. I joined webinars, followed blogs, and signed up for email lists.

And then things fell into place: the hostess of the first entrepreneurship podcast I found was putting on a two-day event for female entrepreneurs in Chicago. I almost immediately laid down money for the ticket and hotel, despite only having a blog.

Those two days were life-changing. I didn’t just learn about running an online business, I made connections, became part of a community, and had the experience of a lifetime. It was so life-changing, in fact, that I went back again this year to learn even more, connect with other women in my shoes, and spend time getting to know myself even better.

My ideas for turning my blog into a business are coming to fruition this year, and it’s all because of a chance finding of one podcast.

How exactly are podcasts changing my life?

1. Education. Each day I learn something, whether it's about where my industry is headed, how to change my mindset, or a business tip. I hear from entrepreneurs who have been there, and I learn from their experiences and struggles. I listen to the experts and those who have done some serious research. And I’m often picking up book after book because the guest or host mentioned how life-changing it was for them.

2. Inspiration. And some motivation too. When I’m struggling, I know that I’m not alone. When I’m stuck figuring out something in my life or my business, I can usually glean some inspiration from an episode in my podcast library. I hear how someone made it from nothing, and know that I, too, can have that. Most of all, I hear that I belong, I have a seat at the table.

3. Personal Development. I can’t even begin to describe the difference I’ve found in myself between last year and this year. Podcasts helped me to practice shifting my mindset and perceptions, to grow as a person, a manager, and a friend, and to really think about who I am, who I want to be, and the impact I want to leave on the world.

So if you’re looking for some inspiration, motivation, or something to completely change your life—pick up that book you've always been wanting to read. Check out a podcast or two. You just might find something life-changing.

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About the Creator

Kristi Jacobsen

Podcast Manager. Entrepreneur. Writer. Digital Nomad.

Life and travel are the inspiration for my work and all that I do.

Podcast management and podcast launch consultation services:

www.brokenglassmediallc.com

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