Podcasts are a great resource for learning new skills and staying up to date on matters of interest. Finding good podcasts can be a challenge. Below I have listed what I think is the best podcasts about productivity and being a gentleman.
What is a podcast
a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or portable media player, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.
(Source: Wikipedia)
The first podcasts started to appear in 2005. Apple iTunes added support for podcasts later that year. Today a wide variety of podcasts can be found. Most podcasts now have their own websites and are available in multiple podcast apps and directories.
Show notes
Show notes are a thing that should not be overlooked. It is basically a summary of the show with links to sites and resources mentioned in the podcast. This can provide more in-depth information about the subject discussed in the podcast.
Podcast players
You can stream podcasts on your computer, download to your MP3 player, or to your smartphone using a dedicated app. The smartphone option is, in my opinion, the best option unless you want to listen using your loudspeakers on your computer.
I find that podcasts and audiobooks are a great way to turn my commuter time into productive time.
Pocket Casts is my player of choice. It is available for both Android and iOS. This app combines a stylish design with excellent functionality and sorting functions.
Here is what Android Central has to say:
Pocket Casts offers not only an amazing discovery and listening experience, but its synchronization system lets you listen to your favorite shows on iOS, Windows, and the web.
Finding the best podcasts
Finding good podcasts is all about taking the time to search, find, listen, and repeat the process. In addition to the podcast app itself, dedicated podcast directories is a good place to start. Below you will find a list of what I think is the best podcasts about productivity and everything a gentleman need to know.
Podcast directories
LearnOutLoud.com has more than 7000 audio and video podcast you can learn from. http://www.learnoutloud.com/Podcast-Directory
The British television company BBC offers a variety of topics of podcasts covering all kinds of topics.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts
The best podcasts about productivity
1. The Productivity Show
http://www.asianefficiency.com/podcast/
Asian Efficiency is a treasure chest of resources. Their podcast covers GTD, general productivity, lean methodology and a lot of other related subjects.
2. Beyond The To-Do List
http://beyondthetodolist.com/
Erick Fisher hosts what I will call the world’s best productivity podcast. The combination of great guests and great topics encompassing every aspect of productivity makes this a truly unique resource.
3. GTD Virtual Study Group
http://www.gtdvsg.com/
GTD Virtual Study Group is a bi-monthly podcast concentrated around a specific theme in the Getting Things Done methodology. This is a good place if you want to go in-depth about a particular subject.
4. GTD Podcasts
http://gettingthingsdone.com/podcasts/
You cannot make a list of the best podcasts about productivity without mentioning David Allen and Getting Things Done. In this podcast, people from the David Allen Company interview guests from all walks of life about how the are practicing GTD. Sometimes even David Allen himself participates in the show.
The best podcasts about gentlemanship
1. The Skilled Gentlemen Podcast
http://skilledgentlemen.com/
The Skilled Gentlemen Podcast is about everything from beer and dating to grooming and survival. In short; everything a gentleman need to know.
2. The Sharp Gentleman
http://thesharpgentleman.com/
I let the words of the host speak for itself: “The Sharp Gentleman is about showing up ready to be taken seriously. It’s about character and style, attitude and engagement, and confidence and wisdom. As a Sharp Gentleman, you are in charge of your appearance, prosperity, and influence.”
My other favorite podcasts
1. Freakonomics Radio
http://freakonomics.com/archive/
This is the podcasts from the same people that gave us the book called Freakonomics. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, you have really missed out on something. These guys provide a fresh look at what’s going on around us.
2. Grammar Girl
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl
Mignon Fogarty tells you everything you need to know to master the English language. Period.