Four Reasons Why I Dislike Listening to Podcasts

They say that knowledge is power and that's the truth, in most cases. Podcasts are accessible everywhere: from YouTube to apps such as iHeart and Spotify, either in video or audio form. Almost 55% of Americans listen to podcasts, while 619 million individuals listen to them worldwide. They can be influential and insightful to people. However, that's not the case for me. Netflix is now airing podcasts on their platform. I'll highlight four reasons why I don't like podcasts. If they're your personal cup of tea, I won't judge you.

Reason #1: The Constant Mentioning of Sponsors

First and foremost, do I really need to know which companies or brands sponsor their podcasts? The answer to that question is no. I don't care at all and a host or hosts who constantly mentions that screams entitlement and are most likely to act like they're so much better than everyone. Plus, they're most likely to have inflated egos. It's all from the Book of Who Cares. To me, they're a complete turn off. Just introduce yourself to your audience, explain the topic of the episode of your podcast, and move on from there. In order for me to listen to podcasts again, nix the sponsorships and get to the point of the podcast episode. I'm not going to listen to an episode of a podcast and listen to anyone constantly mentioning their sponsors or partnerships with a brand crammed down my throat. Just stop it! Them doing that feel like a smorgasbord of advertisements that aren't relative to me.

Reason #2: They're Not Insightful or Educational

I'm not implying that all podcasts aren't insightful or educational. Some of them actually are. I would prefer listening to intellectual and enjoyable podcasts that revolve around my interests, such as sports or video games. A majority of them aren't my cup of tea. One of the most popular podcasts today is The Joe Rogan Experience. Everyone knows who Joe Rogan is, but in case you don't, he hosted a competition show in the 2000s called Fear Factor. He's also a stand-up comedian and a commentator for UFC matches. I used to be a fan of his, watching and listening to his podcasts and stand-up specials, in addition to watching Fear Factor. I've since unfollowed him on social media, due to his excessive use of ableist slurs directed at those with developmental disabilities. Another comedian, Tom Segura, has also been under fire for making ableist jokes towards people with Down Syndrome in one of his comedy specials. Another issue I have with many of these podcasts is that hosts don't educate us on things we never knew before. Enlighten me with some unknown facts. Teach me something. Finally, hosts talk about themselves, while it isn't a bad thing, but if they do it too often and not sticking to the topic of the podcast, it makes me give them the major side-eye. I want to be able to take away some things I've learned from listening to a podcast.

Reason #3: The Lack of Speaking Properly and Manners

I've noticed on a few of these podcasts, most likely through video compilations on YouTube, that the guests these hosts invite on their podcasts and the hosts themselves talk over each other. What ever happened to talking one at a time and letting others speak? I find it rude and not appeasing. The next point I want to make is these hosts and guests can't speak properly. An example of this is the overuse of the words like and bro every other sentence are automatic turn-offs for me. I believe that after a certain age, you should be able to speak properly and not excessively use slang words. Also, someone saying blah, blah, blah when explaining something is unattractive in my opinion and a bad habit. It doesn't get your point or points across and make less sense. I would prefer people to use the terms et cetera and so on if they're explaining people, places, events, or things. If you've already graduated from high school and/or college, then I expect them to use proper grammar, verbalize and enunciate their words correctly. Finally, I don't need people to yell over one another while talking. I can hear you perfectly fine. If you're sitting next to someone or a few feet away from them for a podcast episode, there's no need for you to raise your voice. I consider people who do podcasts as bootleg, low grade radio hosts. However, if you love doing or listening to podcasts, go for it.

Reason #4: Podcasters Giving Terrible Advice to Other People

One thing that I'll never understand is why people tell their own personal business to podcasters that don't know anything about their lives. If I want to seek advice about something, I'll ask my friends or someone close to me. Podcasters need to understand that everyone's situations are different and giving people not so great advice isn't helpful. People who need advice on relationships or mental health, they should seek a professional, not relying on a podcast. Those details should be private, not revealed to a podcast host who doesn't know anything about you or know you personally.

What is everyone's personal opinions about podcasts? Do you find them enjoyable or boring? Sound off in the comments below. If you enjoyed this story, please give it a like. Make sure you follow me on my socials. Finally, please leave a generous one-off tip. It'll be found at the end of this story. Big or small, your tips will support creators like me so we can keep publishing new stories and share them with everyone.