If you’re like me, you stay so busy that you have a difficult time fitting in all the reading you’d like to do.  Novels, non-fiction books, magazines, blogs– that’s a lot of reading to fit into a full life with only so many hours in a day!  I’ve finally found a solution: podcasts.  A podcast is basically an audio recording, usually between 5 minutes and an hour long, performed radio-style on a number of topics that you download to play on your iPod or other portable listening device.  I have managed to squeeze podcast listening into parts of my life that were already occupying inevitable time during my day:  my 30-minute commute to and from work; cleaning and housework; lunch; the gym.   You can find podcasts on a limitless number of topics, including various professions, world news, books, music, health and nutrition and even popular television shows and movies.  They are usually free, such as ones released by Public Radio International.  Others I download are free due to a small amount of sponsored advertising.  I subscribe to and download my podcasts through iTunes, but you can download podcasts from various places on the Internet.

The most valuable podcasts I have listened to pertain to my career and professional life.  You may have seen me make reference to The Digital Marketer at quickanddirtytips.com.  I am a huge fan of all the podcasters on this site, particularly Grammar Girl, who discusses common grammar mistakes and controversies.  There is also Money Girl and the Get-it-Done Guy, who provides tips on how to “work less and do more.”  I’m sure the Get-it-Done Guy would approve of my decision to listen to podcasts.  I’m now more informed, I don’t feel guilty for not keeping up with my reading, and I haven’t sacrificed any additional time to feel that way!

P.S. If you prefer to actually read your professional news, but you wouldn’t mind listening to a full length book on audio, I highly recommend audible.com.

About The Author: Anna Howland

Anna Howland is the Associate Director of Marketing at the American Biographical Institute. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003 with a degree in English Literature. Anna enjoys using the power of the written word to reach people in meaningful ways. Through her knowledge of language, her skill of communicating important messages through writing, and her ability to connect with people on a personal level, she has played an integral role in developing the content of Women That Network. Her insight on communicating effectively helps WTN members to make the important connections that are so vital to reaching their career potential. Anna can be reached at ahowland@abiworldwide.com.

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