How I Stay Connected to the Mouse
In 2005 I had two major, life-changing events: I joined ENA and I started listening to podcasts. These two events are completely intertwined because, at ENA, I drive a lot, and podcasts immerse me into another world during that windshield time.
First, what is a podcast? At seven years old, I would hope that the world would know what a podcast is, but I am often surprised to learn people don’t get it. The typical podcast is an audio recording, often in the format of a radio talk show, that is recorded and published in a format that listeners can subscribe to in iTunes or other podcast aggregators. There are video podcasts, and there are podcasts that take different formats. At their core, podcasts are a way for people to be able to record something and share it with others who share a common interest.
For me, that interest is the Disney theme parks. I love the Disney parks and love to learn everything I can about them. There are dozens of Disney podcasts that are available. Some share the news happening at the theme parks, while others are high-quality audio recordings of time spent in the theme parks so that listeners ride the attractions and feel like they are at a Disney theme park. There is some overlap with multiple podcasts covering the same news. However, the personalities of the people who produce these podcasts keep them fresh and entertaining.
I subscribe to about 45 different podcasts right now. Each Monday morning I sync my iPhone to get the latest episodes and head-out for the week. Depending on how many customer visits I have planned and the length of the episodes I listen to, I will listen to between 10 to 30 hours of podcasts each week. Sometimes I get behind on episodes; I recently was on vacation and it will probably take me a month to get completely caught-up again. In the fall when I travel more, I am often subscribing to new podcasts just to have something to listen to while I am on the road.
I find that podcasts give me a way to stay connected to something I love. If I didn’t have podcasts, I might listen to audiobooks, but most likely I would be surfing the radio for music I like. Podcasts fill a gap in my day and keep me up-to-date.
And while I primarily subscribe to Disney-related podcasts, there are podcasts available for just about any subject you can think of. Best of all, they are free! For iPhone and iPad users, Apple recently separated podcasts into a new app in iOS that allows you to manage the podcasts you are subscribed to in iTunes, as well as find new podcasts and subscribe to them right on your device. It’s easier than ever to search and subscribe to podcasts. I hope you’ll find something that interests you.
So how about you guys? Have any particular podcasts to which you subscribe? As always, let us know below or on Facebook or Twitter!
Images courtesy of stock.xchng.
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About Brian Hubbard | Follow @ENA_BrianH
Brian joined ENA’s Indiana Sales Team in June of 2005. Technology is the foundation of Brian’s career, with sales, management, customer service and programming roles along the way. At ENA, Brian is responsible for fostering customer relationships with K-12 schools and public libraries throughout northwestern Indiana. Outside of ENA, Brian is a passionate fan of the Disney theme parks, and when he is not at Disney, he is listening to Disney Fan Podcast and reading fan sites. Brian and his wife, Sue, have two daughters who are very involved in dance, which keeps all of them on their toes.
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