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?

Yes! So much waffle. Prefer a transcript for eg a ted talk or Spotify or an audiobook if I can't read

We all have different preferences in terms of how we prefer to receive information.

It may just be that you're more of a visual person than an auditory person.

I love them personally. There's so many out there, different topics, different styles. There are some I've tried and then deleted as I haven't clicked with them but tonnes that I like...

I love podcasts, some of my favourites are All Killa No Fills, Off Menu, The Guilty Feminist and some true crime ones.
I also listen to one's relating to my work.

The range available is so broad as mentioned, I would be surprised if someone couldn't find one they liked. They help me switch off from work on my commute.

I love a good podcast, especially crime related.

Try Criminal with Phoebe Judge, They Walk Amongst Us, or Murder Squad with Jensen and Holes.

Smart Less with Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman and Will Arnett is great. Especially their Maya Rudolph interview.

Er... that's like making a broad statement about television based on a couple of programs you've seen on channel 5.

There's THOUSANDS of podcasts on literally any subject you could think of. Some are dull but many are not. I spend most of my time listening to podcasts or audible and rarely watch television anymore. You just need to spend a little bit of time finding some that suit you. Fwiw british podcasts are not up to the standard of the American ones. Most of my favourites are from across the pond. They are generally a lot better at story telling and building suspense. I'm sure we'll catch up though!

I'd rather read whatever they have to say if it's something I'm interested in. Listening is too passive for me. I'll have music on if it's for background 'noise'.

Same with audio books. The pleasure for me is in the reading, words on a page, use of language.

I saw an ad last night for a monthly subscription to an Alan Partridge podcast - £7.99 per month! No way I'd shell that out. That said, I think it's fair enough that entertainers charge for their work.

I think you are listening the wrong podcasts. They are one of my favourite things.

I really enjoyed listening to let's talk about myths baby but I love anything to do with Greek mythology. Maybe you've just not found the right ones yet. Do you enjoy audiobooks? I listen to 2/3 a week just from driving

Love either podcasts or audible books while I cook and clean in the kitchen. Or on the commute. I never thought I'd convert from being a book addict but now I barely read a book but listen to many.

They are the only things that keep my sane whilst doing housework. It is no longer available but Stephen Fry did Leap Years about jumps in innovation and technology which I listened to whilst painting all the woodwork upstairs in the house.

You clearly haven't found the right ones for you yet. I agree with others it is such a sweeping generalisation like saying books are boring.

For the muderinos @LucilleBluth @honeygirlz have you listened to My Favourite Murder? Fascinating true crime stories but also survivor stories too.

@TellingBone but most people can't read when walking, cleaning, driving, exercising, commuting, gardening or doing DIY.

YANBU. I faithfully listen to two podcasts, one is about a niche sport I follow, the other about about infertility. There’s been a few other gems like the hilarious My Dad Wrote a Porno and Dolly Parton’s America but otherwise I generally find them a bit dull.

Beyond that, the vast majority of UK podcasts seem to be a cheap & easy way for posh and vaguely successful/C grade influencers/public figures to boost their own PR and monetise (through ads) their dull conversations with self-congratulatory mates. See Esther Coren, Pandora Sykes, etc.

Perhaps try telling us what what you have listened to @everythingisginandroses I've been listening to podcasts for around 14 years. So I'd hope I have a bit of experience to help guide you.

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...

What's that got to do with class prejudice?
Saying that all podcasts are dull is like saying that all films, all books or all plays are dull. And surely it's a bit weird to judge them for sounding as if people will be interested in what they have to say... I mean a) why would anyone make a podcast if they didn't think anyone would be interested in it and b) you chose their podcast to listen to - why would you choose one that didn't sound interesting?

I mostly only listen to podcasts (and audiobooks) in foreign languages. Not because I find other podcasts boring, just because it's a really really useful way to improve the language I'm learning and maintain my level in the others I speak. I've listened to othersl podcasts too though. I agree that some presenters are really annoying, but that goes for radio and tv presenters too - it's not specific to podcasts!

There are just too many of them.

Ten years ago, everyone was a yoga teacher.

Twenty years ago, everyone was a DJ.

Now, everyone "has a podcast". Most are utter shite.

If you like comedy try:
Adam Buxton
Off Menu
Evil Genius
Gossipmongers
Do the right thing
Dear Joan and Jericha
The Birthday Game
Mr Gameshow
Pappys Flatshare slamdown
My dad wrote a porno

If you like a History try:
Dan snow's history hit
You're dead to me
Dan Carlin's hardcore history

If you like Esoterica try
This American Life
99% Invisible
Looks unfamiliar
Beautiful anonymous
Stuff they don't want you to know
Stuff you should know

If you like true crime try
All killa no filla
They walk among us
Lore
Serial
S Town
Crimetown

If you like conspiracy theories try
Mile Higher podcast
Lizard people
Those Conspiracy guys

If you like interview style chats, try
An hour or so with Sue Perkins
Grounded with Louis Theroux
Full disclosure with James O’Brien
Two shot podcast
Walking the dog
Griefcast
Hip hop saved my life

For feminism:
The guilty feminist
Standard issue
Sex power money

There is literally something for everyone. I agree that a lot are self indulgent wank, but that's the same with tv, films, books and theatre.

You have to put in some work to find what works for you (some US vocal fry I just find I can't get past!) but it's so rewarding when you do.

My current recommendation is You're Wong About, which addresses misconceptions about modern and historical cultural events.

I'm late to the podcast party, but I listen mainly to R4 podcasts- Thinking Aloud, In Our Time etc
There are literally hundreds to choose from so I can flit from topic to topic.

I agree with pp that it's quite a generalisation - there are so many podcasts about different things. I listen to lots of different ones and do find them interesting. The thing that makes it a podcast is its format rather than its content.

I've been listening to David Tennant does a podcast and I've enjoyed most of them.
My favourite has been with Jim Parsons (sheldon in BB theory).
I don't much like how season 2 has advertising in the middle (no I don't want 60% off hello fresh!) But I'm willing to put up with it because the actual podcasts are interesting/funny/moving.

I also really really enjoyed Welcome to nightvale.
It's very hard to explain. It's a bit stupid to be honest but it's weirdness thoroughly entertained me.
My dad wrote a porno is also very funny!

[quote Plussizejumpsuit]@TellingBone but most people can't read when walking, cleaning, driving, exercising, commuting, gardening or doing DIY.[/quote]
I know. That's why I said I'd have music on if I needed background.

I agree with those who wrote that saying you don't like podcasts is like saying you don't like books or music or tv or films. It's just a case of finding ones that suit you.

You need a subject that you're interested in and a host whose style suits you and whose voice you don't find annoying.

I listen to them so much: walking to work, out for a run, gardening, doing housework, on the bus or train (in pre-covid days). Basically pretty much any time that I'm not talking to anyone, reading, watching tv or doing anything where I have to really listen or focus.

I subscribe to hundreds: podcasts about books, films, history, politics and science; comedy podcasts; dramas. There are ones that I learn things from, ones that inspire me to read a book or watch a film that I wouldn't have even heard of otherwise, ones that entertain me, ones that scare me and ones that make me laugh out loud (embarrassing when I'm listening in public).

Podcast Radio Hour is a radio programme and podcast from Radio 4 that's a great way to discover new shows.

You just need to find the right one. I like comedy ones. The Beef and Dairy Network Podcast has me in absolute stitches, it's so funny.

I don’t have time to listen to as many podcasts as I’d like, but ones I’ve really enjoyed have been Serial from This American Life, The Guilty Feminist, My Dad Wrote a porno, Reasons to be Cheerful, FiveThirtyEight.
The ones o ltend to listen to most weeks now are Shagged, Married, Annoyed, and Pod Save America.