It’s hard not to see podcasts as the most anachronistic of digital technologies. Taking into account all the technological innovations over the last hundred years—television, video games, streaming services and everything else that comes with the Internet—it seems like no amount of tech can turn people away from the age-old radio format.
In fact, podcasts are only growing in popularity. In 2015, 17% of Americans said they listened to one in the past month, according to Pew Research.
“The increased reach and upward trend line of podcast consumption is evident in every available measure—the percentage of Americans who are listening to podcasts, the level of public awareness, and how many podcasts are being hosted and downloaded,” said the study’s authors.
If the continued rise of podcasts means anything, it’s that now there’s content out there for every niche, interest and topic imaginable. With this in mind—and the fact that sometimes there’s nothing better than putting in some quality brain-work while commuting—here are four podcasts that are essential listening for PR pros.
Marketing Over Coffee
Christopher Penn and John Wall team up every week to record in a local coffee shop, and what ensues is nothing short of essential listening. With each episode coming in at around 20 minutes, this is a concise way to stay up to date on SEO and social media.
Content Inc.
Content marketing guru/king/godfather Joe Pulizzi puts at least one lesson or key takeaway in each episode for listeners to take with them to work. This podcast comes from one of the foremost authorities on content marketing and is a go-to resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the practice.
Social Zoom Factor
Pam Moore, one of Forbes’ Top 10 Social Media Power Influencers, covers everything social media in this robust podcast. She supplements each podcast with a list of resources on the blog that range from worksheets to summaries of each platform. This is the place to go if you’re looking for some quick tips on using social media for business.
Inside PR
This all-encompassing weekly podcast takes a look at the biggest trends and stories affecting the discipline. Gini Dietrich, Joseph Thorley and Martin Waxman give an international approach to discussing brands' latest social media snafus, industry trends, new platforms and beyond.
Follow Mark: @MarkRenfree