Do you listen to any podcasts for our industry?
Working in L&D can be a bit lonely and frustrating at times.
No one really cares like we do. If they even understand what we do.
And how much fun is it to answer “So what do you do…?” at social gatherings? Yeah, you know how it is.
Sometimes I just want to hear how others in Learning and Development are solving the problems they face. I want to be inspired by new technology, new science, and new approaches. Or even to simply be reminded of all the little things I already know — but often forget to put into practice.
Podcasts are great for this. I listen while driving, and often during mind-numbing tasks like filtering through spreadsheets or running reports or repetitive LMS administration duties.
I’ve been listening to podcasts for well over a decade now — basically since this was the latest in revolutionary technology. Back then there weren’t so many choices!
I even had my own podcast for a little while. Though it never really took off, it was very fun and I learned a ton from it. These days I prefer to be a guest on podcasts. I like to contribute to the grassroots 5 Trainers in a Car podcast and occasionally get interviewed on more upscale shows. Though it’s still a bit awkward hearing myself talk, it helps me feel connected to the rest of us who are doing the work every day — especially when these folks reach back.
But listening? That always works.
Conferences are a great way to connect too, and while I’ve been able to attend a bunch in the last year or so, I went for 15 years without getting this in the annual budget. Conferences don’t work for everyone. Most of us can’t show up to events to have those all-important conversations in the hallway or shy-but-worthwhile connections over lunch.
Podcasts aren’t the same as meeting people in person, but I find they’re good enough to tide me over. And they’re way more convenient.