A writer has shared their experience of a 'mental reboot' and a surge of new ideas after reducing their podcast listening by an estimated 80%. For decades, podcasts, particularly those featuring comedy duos, had been a constant soundtrack to their life, serving as both entertainment and a source of comfort.
The writer noted that their consumption ramped up to the point where they used podcasts for most daily tasks, from walking and shopping to cleaning and preparing food. They realised this habit was drowning out their internal monologue, preventing them from having their own thoughts.
An epiphany occurred during a silent train journey, leading them to stop pressing play on podcasts. This change allowed them to re-engage with music and silence, diminishing the urge to escape daily reality and making mundane tasks an opportunity for mental digestion.
While still listening to podcasts for exercise, the writer now tolerates boredom more easily and sees waiting times as opportunities for reflection, rather than needing external stimuli.