There are as many types of podcasts as there are people in the world.

Being in high school–full of all sorts of mindsets and different types of people–it’s interesting to explore what each person can relate to when their earbuds are in. Podcasts have become both popular and interesting to tune in, as they give listeners the opportunity to dive into certain subjects without having to watch a video or read an article about it. In fact, 56% of people ages 12-34  are more likely to listen to podcasts than any other age group. 

It’s interesting to see the variety of topics that are shared when listening to a podcast. It could be about anything: the nature of the world, a travel experience, the makings of new modern technology, baking, business, entertainment and even humor. The list is endless! “It might sound a little weird, but I really find True Crime so interesting,” shares sophomore Siclaly Reyes-Medrano. “It talks about all kinds of murder stories with real interviews with the suspects, etc.–like how do people get away with this stuff?” Murderers, such as the well-known “Smiley Face Killer/Theory” or the “Sunset Strip Killers,” are among her favorites.

Norman Romero describes himself as a shy and closed-in person coming back after the pandemic. Over the summer, this sophomore was recommended a podcast called Introverted Intellect, which is about an introvert who develops a stronger mindset to help him deal with life situations that normally would be hard to deal with. “After a while, listening to this podcast became an everyday thing,” Romero states. “I felt more prepared and more willing to open up to people.” He goes on, saying, “I think everyone felt awkward when we all came back from quarantine anyways.” For him, the podcast was a lifesaver.

Music is another way to “get away from the world.” Podcasts, however, create a new type of feeling when someone listens to the ideas of others–and the way they express themselves–just through a mic. Being able to relate to another on any level gives a sense of satisfaction that someone else thinks similarly. It shows that growing up in different environments–or just growing up at all–changes the outlook people have on life. Their hobbies, interests, and goals are all affected by the environment they can place each other in. Podcasts can create these environments, because what goes in one ear does not come out the other. Most teenagers rely on the comments social media offers. Whether it’s beneficial or detrimental, these remarks will determine how that person may react and respond. Thus, it’s really important to assess what someone is listening to in order to create a healthy environment for individuals today.

The best aspect about podcasts is that all it takes is the simple insertion of an earbud to listen in on all the great ideas other people want to share. It’s fascinating to explore in greater detail topics that even the podcasters themselves possibly didn’t think other people would relate to but do.

Those who have never listened to a podcast should hear what they are missing.