Podcasts Are the Perfect Spring-Cleaning Soundtrack

Somehow, March 20—the first day of spring—has crept up on us. This means that “spring cleaning” is in full effect. To be honest, since the increase of remote work, it feels like 2020’s spring cleaning never really ended. It’s a bit cliche but having a clean and clear space has made it easier to concentrate on work during this extended work/life mashup. However, this isn’t going to be a post on tips and tricks to keep your bookshelves dust free. I’m going to be writing about podcasts! A bit random, but bear with me, I'll tie it all together soon.

Outside of picking up a few bad habits (I’m thinking of you: insomnia induced late night snacking) I’ve also had to rethink the benefits that a longer commute afforded me. Namely time to read or listen to podcasts on the way to work. At the onset of the pandemic, everything was business as usual in terms of reading and tuning in, but as time went on, I found it increasingly hard to concentrate on words...quelle horreur (for a librarian especially)! Audiobooks could sometimes hold my attention for longer, but eventually it was like listening to Charlie Brown’s teacher.  

Somehow, it was only podcasts that saw me through, and mainly ones from fellow black female podcasters. Full disclosure: I’m a co-host on Brooklyn Public Library’s flagship podcast “Borrowed.” Working virtually with my co-host Krissa Corbett Cavouras and our producer Virginia Marshall, I threw myself into our episodes after the city-wide shutdown, to feel connected to both staff and the larger city. Shout out to Krissa and Virginia for always giving great podcast suggestions! 

Perhaps you’re asking yourself, “what is a podcast”? The simplest way to explain it is as an on-demand radio program, accessible through apps and websites on your mobile devices or computer. Oftentimes, the word “podcast” can be used interchangeably to encompass a singular series or the individual episodes that make up that series.  

“Why podcasts?” you might also be asking? Well, many podcasts are accessible freely and are created by professionals, experts, or amateur enthusiasts to discuss any subject under the sun. Podcasts and public librarianship go hand in hand. Public libraries have long been a means for civic/global engagement and information sharing, and podcasts are a tool through which people are increasingly engaging civically and digesting information. Podcasts seem to be everywhere and roughly 73 million Americans listen to podcasts each month. It’s a burgeoning industry requiring small start-up or overhead investment. In fact, many libraries are also now offering resources such as technology, studio space, and classes on how to create a podcast. BPL’s own Info Commons held studio reservations pre-covid, and we also ran a virtual podcasting class during the pandemic called, “Hear me Out”.   

Personally, I’ve thought about the allure of podcasts for a while, from producing a teen podcast called BrownsvillExcerpts, to co-hosting Borrowed. But through the pandemic, my interest in listening to more podcasts has peaked. Maybe I was listening to pick up a few pointers, but I think it was  mainly to feel less alone and cooped up. Podcasts served as great background entertainment during the workday or while cleaning (I told you I'd tie it all together)! And now dear readers, I propose that if you aren’t already podcast listeners that I can perhaps turn you into “dear listeners” as well:  

This Spring, you should add podcasts to your spring cleaning playlist! I, along with BPL colleagues from across Brooklyn—Virginia Marshall, Melissa Morrone, LaCresha Neal, Katya Shapiro and Karelisa Kimmel—will be hosting a virtual program called “Listen Up: A Podcast Listening Club,” which is what it sounds like. Beginning March 9, at 6pm, we’ll have twice-a-month virtual meetings to discuss 2-3 podcast episodes around a particular theme; like a book club, but for your ears.  

Like me, I encourage you to dust off the cobwebs from your ears and tune in to a variety of podcasts as a way to get acquainted with new people and perspectives. And if you are already a podcast enthusiast, I invite you to join in and share your insight with us! 

Below is an infographic with common podcast portals. Hope you can join us for “Listen Up: A Podcast Listening Club”!