“Podcasts…didn’t they race those in Star Wars?”

Ummm…no.

Podcasts are typically audio (but can be video) files that cover a variety of topics. Any internet connected device (i.e. computer) can be used to listen to podcasts but most frequently they are listened to by way of smart phone or similar mobile device. Apple iPhones come with a podcasts app to let you search and download. Similarly, for Android users there exists programs for navigating podcasts such as Stitcher (download from Google Play).

Why podcasts?

For me, it’s about fitting in professional development time, where and when I have time. I drive…a lot. Podcasts allow me to use my time on the road wisely by investing in myself.

What can you learn about?

These days practically anyone can produce a podcast, resulting in a vast array of topics covered in the podcast world. Some I recommend are:

Time Management and Productivity

Quick and Dirty Tips: Get It Done Guy Want to work smarter, not harder? Here’s how to do it. Join Stever Robbins, author of “Get-it-Done Guy’s 9 Steps to Work Less and Do more,” each week as he provides inventive productivity and organization tips to transform even the most overwhelmed person into an overachiever.

Beyond the To Do List  Learn how to choose the right projects, tasks, and goals in work and life.

Getting Things Done  The GTD podcasts exist to support listerners as every stage of their time management and productivity practice.

Leadership

This is Your Life with Michael Hyatt  This is Your Life is a weekly podcast dedicated to intentional leadership.

Coaching for Leaders  Leaders aren’t born, they’re made. This weekly show will give you access to the best thinkers, resources, and actions to grow your leadership skills.

Manager Tools  Tired of management theory? Want to learn specific skills to help improve your management performance? Then Manager Tools is the podcast for you!

Success and Habits

Habit Chef  The Habit Chef Podcast will guide you through designing your ideal habit recipe so you can have the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Volunteer and Nonprofit Management
Volunteer Management Hot Topics 
With Susan J. Ellis of Energize, Inc.

Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio  Big Nonprofit ideas including board relations, fundraising, volunteer management, research, accounting, and more.

Nonprofit Leaders Network Podcast Looking for inspiration and encouragement geared towards leaders of nonprofits? Look no further!

Conquering Nonprofit Chaos  Join author and host Bradley Burck each week as he talks about nonprofit management.

Positive Youth Development

Family and Youth Services’ Bureau Positive Youth
Development Young people talk about their experiences with Positive Youth Development.

Other Youth Organizations

National FFA Organization The National FFA Organization’s official podcast featuring video and audio from Convention, FFA Today, and more.

ScoutCast  ScoutCast is an audio podcast featuring a variety of how-to and informational topics for Scouting leaders and parents.

CubCast  CubCast is an audio podcast featuring a variety of how-to and informational topics for Cub Scout leaders and parents.

Extension Podcasts

Working Differently in Extension Podcast This podcast, hosted by Bob Bertsch, NDSU Agriculture Communications, is a discussion of how cooperative extension professionals can work differently to be more effective in the new communications environment.

Quick Bytes: Extension Technology  “Quick Bytes” are bite-sized introductions to a wide variety of today’s educational technology. You will finish each quick and fun unit having seen each technology with your own eyes, learned some potential uses for it, and knowing where to get more information.

Camping

CampHacker  Free audio show for summer camp leaders, featuring camp directors from across North America and from many different camping backgrounds.

Summer Camp Pro A podcast for summer camp professionals. Topics cover a wide range including programming, marketing, and staff development.

Camp Code  Leadership and staff training resources for camp.

Professional Reading for Those With Little Time to Read

Read to Lead  Key thoughts and insights from authors of professional development literature. Why read the book when you can have the author’s thoughts summed up in 30 minutes or less?

The Leaders Bookshelf  The Leaders Bookshelf is a weekly podcast featuring great books that will propel you forward in life.

Which podcasts are you listening to currently?  Have some great suggestions for your colleagues?  Be sure to share them in the comment section below!