To find podcasts excruciatingly dull?

[everythingisginandroses]

Just that, really. Am I just listening to the wrong ones? I have tried podcasts about stuff I am interested in (books, fashion, popular culture) but within minutes I am thinking "Why am I listening to these people? I am not learning anything here, what is the point?"

I don't think I have a terrible attention span (I have to listen to people for a living, or is that part of my problem?) Full disclosure: there may be an element of class prejudice in some of my reactions. I have just tried an apparently popular podcast by two writers whose essays I generally enjoy, but there's something about their effortless assurance that people will want to listen to their commentaries that I just find really off-putting...

I should just move on and accept that podcasts are not for me, right?

Oh goodness, Yanbu. They bore me to tears. I don’t think I have a poor attention span either, I love reading etc but just can’t get into podcasts at all.

I'm not interested in any podcast that's trying to teach me anything. I only listen to comedy ones.

I only get real enjoyment out of podcasts if I’m doing something anyway, like going for a walk or doing the washing up

I find there is A LOT of filler which is mostly the presenter patting themselves on the back about how clever and funny they are when I just want them to get on with talking about the subject

Crime junkies is good

I don't like interview or discussion type podcasts. But I do like lecture-type podcasts, where I learn something. For example:

Hope Through History
Ted Talks Daily

I only like comedy ones. The rest I find dull. Too much filler, as someone said.

I've recently started listening to podcasts and really enjoyed Crypto Queen on the BBC Sounds app, and also their 20 minute Enquiry documentaries.
Addmitedly they don't hold my full attention but are a nice option when ironing / driving etc.

I would switch to long form documentary podcasts like Dolly Partons America.

Or anything where the presenters are genuine experts in a field.

I have the same feelings as you about The Highlow and a lot of those similar ones where the same vacuous guests keep popping up to massage each others egos.

Well it's a bit odd - like saying 'I don't like books, they're boring'. There are books about everything so it's not books you don't like, it's reading.

Similarly if you don't enjoy listening to things (I do, radio 4 is my constant companion and I've found some podcasts I love), maybe you won't enjoy podcasts.

I only listen to BBC sounds stuff really, but I have enjoyed:
You're dead to me
Evil Genius
The boring talks

Some quizzes and comedy stuff.

But that's like saying books are dull, music is dull, theatre is dull, TV is dull, it's nonsense.

A podcast is a method of delivering content/information if you find the ones you've listened to dull the problem is your choices not the way you're accessing it.

Either find ones you like or dont listen why would you do something you don't enjoy?

YABU
That's like saying 'telly is boring /cinema is dull /books are boring'.

Podcasts are the method of information sharing, not the content.

You haven't found the right one. I quite enjoy Answer Me This. Just loads of random stuff and quite funny.

Well it's a bit odd - like saying 'I don't like books, they're boring'. There are books about everything so it's not books you don't like, it's reading.

This

I love podcasts when I’m driving or cleaning or cooking/baking. I’d rather read otherwise.

I'm just starting podcasts. I found a good history one, it was a topic I'm very interested in and I learnt a lot. I also started listening to The Body Protest, I thought I would like it, I got a few episodes in and realised I was really bored and didnt feel like I was engaging.

I changed my think of them like books to, I can give it a shot, if I'm not keen listen for a little longer to make sure and then turn off and find something new

I couldnt just listen though, I've got to be running or crafting at the same time

@LolaSmiles

YABU That's like saying 'telly is boring /cinema is dull /books are boring'.

Podcasts are the method of information sharing, not the content.

How funny @LolaSmiles that we said almost word for word the same thing at the same time

YANBU. they tend to be extremely self indulgent.

DH and DD listen to them on their daily walks. Great fans. Have never tried one myself

@ShamPayne

YANBU. they tend to be extremely self indulgent.

Self indulgent??

You've clearly only listened to a small number of similar ones. There are podcasts about pretty much anything you can think of, how could a factual series on say Ancient Rome be self indulgent, it's no different to watching the same thing on the TV or in a linear weekly series on live radio

TBH I only just found out what a podcast is! (not very techno savvy you see!) Dont think I will bother !

I've never listened to one. It doesn't appeal to me at all, would rather listen to music.

Casefiles (true crimes podcasts) are fascinating. I would recommend them.

Also The Teacher’s Pet (murder of Lynn Dawson).

@ShamPayne

YANBU. they tend to be extremely self indulgent.

What does this even mean?

Oh I'm the opposite, they've changed my listening habits forever, never listen to music unless in a group now.
I'm listening right now to the off menu podcast, it's hilarious and you learn loads about food.
Crypto queen was fab.
Adam Buxton podcast is brilliant.
So informative.
I think you need to find something you like.

Try "there's no such thing as a fish" Only good one I've found.