I made an assumption. I thought by now everyone knows what a Podcast is. But why should they? I also only learned about Podcasts by accident.

Listen to the audio here. Or just keep reading. Audio and text are not quite the same though. So you might as well do both.

I discovered Podcasts around 2011/2012.

A lonely lunch break in smoggy Beijing. Me playing around with my recently acquired Iphone — yep, late adopter right there. I had my first email address in the late 90ies and my first laptop sometime around 2005. But that’s another story. Let’s not get into that now.

So there I was, with the fork in my right hand working on the salad in front of me while with the left hand scrolling through the Apps on my new phone. One of them was called Podcasts.

PodWHAT? I opened the App, and my life changed. Instantly.

I discovered all these great shows. There were so many topics to choose from. I browsed through the Podcast store and thought to myself:

Did I accidently pay for an expensive membership to use this App?

I could not believe it was free. But it was. And it still is.

I quickly became addicted. Addicted looking for Podcasts I loved. From that moment on, Podcasts kept me company when I was on the commute and on those lonely lunch breaks.

Nowadays I enjoy my favorite shows while pushing our toddler in the stroller on yet another (hopeless!) attempt to get her to nap. I also love listening on flights and the rare occasions when I have difficulty falling asleep. Yes, there are even shows for that. Einschlafen Podcast, a German show, actually one of the most popular ones in the German iTunes store.

Whenever I listen to episodes I instantly make connections, thinking of someone in my circle that could enjoy and learn from that episode as well. There is another reason why I am so passionate about Podcasts.

Podcasts keep me sane.

Especially in the moments when I feel a bit overwhelmed, be it with work, be it with living abroad or being a Mum.It is comforting to know my favourite Podcasts are just a click away.

These are a few of my favourite shows

For work: Entrepreneurial stories

For relaxation: Culture and Philosophy

  • Desert Island Discs presented by Kirsty Young, another fabulous host
  • On Being with the wonderful Krista Tippett. Women are just rocking as radio hosts!!

For parenting: All about Motherhood 

For keeping up to date with what’s happening in the world 

Last but not least, the very first radio show I fell in love with a bit over 20 years ago

My audio connection to my beautiful home in Austria and pretty much the inspiration why I wanted to be a radio/podcast host as well

I actually dedicated a special recording to one of my biggest role models, Claudia here. And guess what? I got to interview Claudia! The episode will air next week and we will discuss her impactful work with an organisation supporting street children in India.

If you are new to Podcasts you might want to give it a try.

I guarantee you there is a show out there for you that you end up loving and that will change your life, just the way so many Podcasts out there have changed mine.

Want to start browsing for your favourite shows?

You can do so on the iTunes Podcast App for Iphone and Apps like Podcast Addict on Android.

If you are interested in social impact topics, you can subscribe to #impact Podcast on your iPhone or Android. You can also listen on the website. You find all episodes here.

I’m a huge believer in the Power of Audio. Listen to the audio version of this story here.

Your #impact host
Regina