If you haven’t heard of podcasts then you must have been living under a rock for years as they are quickly becoming the medium of choice. Podcasts are popular only behind video and are quickly gaining traction. I found podcasting back in 2014 which is only six years ago but that is considered “back in the day” now. Fast forward six years and I now have two shows of my own and are approaching over 700 episodes combined. Why are they so popular?

When podcasts started people would often say they like them because there were no commercials however now podcasts have sponsors and those that don’t have them are trying to get them. I think the most intriguing things about a podcast are the focus of the content, the relationship with the host, and the fact that you can do something else while listening to one. I remember when I started my podcast I was thinking of doing a video series like many others. My first podcast “The Lead Pedal Podcast for Truck Drivers” was meant to be a business and career show for truck drivers. Everyone was doing video at the time and I was going to follow on that path. When I thought about it I realized being a former truck driver myself that truck drivers are driving 12 hours a day and didn’t have time to stop and watch a video. This is where many of my carrier friends were having issues, drivers weren’t watching the training videos. I came across podcasts and decided that was the medium for me. To this day I listen to three podcasts per day and do this either when driving or working out at the gym.

Podcasts have boomed over the last five years and companies like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google are investing heavily into the space. The popularity for me is the fact that I can get the content I want when I want it. It’s like my own little university and trust me there is a podcast for every topic. With so many topics and ease of entry into the space people are starting their own podcasts quickly. Just because it is easy to enter the space doesn’t mean you should. It might be easy to get in but setting it up and keeping it going can be two different things. Maybe that’s why many podcasts don’t make it past twenty episodes?

If you haven’t listened to podcasts before I would invite you to have a listen. The easiest way to find your favourite show is through word of mouth, searching a podcast platform, or entering your topic and add the word podcast at the end. It will take you to their webpage and you can subscribe from there. If you have an Apple Device go to Apple Podcasts and type in your favourite topic. If you have an Android Device go to Google Podcasts and do the same. If you are a Spotify subscriber do the same on their platform. If you are an artist or creative person then you can try my podcast called the “Cashing in on Creativity Podcast” where we offer business, marketing, and inspiration for artists. If you are in the transportation industry you might like my show “The Lead Pedal Podcast for Truck Drivers” where we talk everything trucking with a heavy focus on business and careers for the industry.

If you haven’t tried a podcast give it a try. Once you find a show you like you will be hooked like everyone else and wondered why you didn’t learn about podcasting sooner. If you are already an avid listener and interested in starting your own podcast then you may be interested in my free starter course to help you get started. Either way I hope you enjoy podcasts the way I do and I look forward to listening to your show one day.

About the Author

Bruce Outridge has been a professional artist for almost two decades. Starting his visual art business in 2003 as a part time venture and then taking it full time in 2006 has helped him to learn many things about building a business.

Today Bruce is an artist, author, media consultant, and speaker. He has been a professional cartoonist for over a decade, author of five books on business and leadership, media consultant, and inspirational speaker to groups helping inspire their audience.

Bruce is the host and producer of two podcasts, the Inspiring Youth television show and has been a columnist and social media expert for companies since 2007. This all began after a 25 year driving career as a professional truck driver and fleet supervisor.

Bruce is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, the Hamilton Niagara Fleet Safety Council, Oakville Arts Council, The Barbados Arts Council, the International Society of Caricature Artists, the Association of Canadian Cartoonists, and the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. The best place to start to learn more about Bruce is at www.bruceoutridge.com