This is the real me, but you won't be hearing from me often I'm afraid, as pen and paper are STILL my priority at the momentWhich just so happens to be almost identical to her last tweet but we can forgive her ;) And after her recent interview at the BAFTAs revealing she was "writing hard" (see previous post), a fresh reminder of this is no bad thing!
Now on to what I intented this blog to be focussed on ;)
The Power of Podcasts
With the increasing popularity of downloadable media and devices on which to watch and listen to it, it is easier than ever to join the world of podcasting. With iTunes catergorising podcasts by genre, it's simple enough to find something which appeals to you, whether it be news, comedy or a specialist interest or hobby. These downloadable radio shows appeal to those on the go; they are something to listen to on the bus, at the gym, on a run or simply whilst doing the housework. Getting an audio fix as opposed to watching TV is something designed for the multi-tasker. For most people, this is purely entertainment, something to make those mundane tasks slightly more bearable or make the hours sat at the desk less tedious. But can a podcast really be more than that? Well, yes.
For those people who have ever been housebound through illness, one of the hardest things to deal with is the sheer isolation. Not just from the world but from friends too. When you spend weeks and months with only the same few people for company it can be enough to drive anybody insane. The type of conversation you get from friends is something completely different from that of a family member, much as family and the support they give is appreciated. This is where podcasts can make all the difference. With regular episodes and familiar hosts, that friendly conversation can break that isolation and be the conact with the world that's been missing.
For me personally, there was one podcast that made all the difference for me. It was last year that I first started listening to Mugglecast, the Harry Potter podcast (yes, this is Harry Potter related too, shock horror!). I had checked Harry Potter websites in the past and continue to do so, for news and opinions on the books and films, but there's nothing quite the same as hearing a conversation on something you love. Over the months I got to know the hosts through their opinions and their familiar voices made for that connection with the world I'd been looking for. Finding a podcast on something you, and you alone in your household, have such a passion for is almost a relief when your social contact with people is so limited.
Not only does the friendly banter provide entertainment, laughter and thought provoking discussion to fill the boredom of a limited social life, but knowing the release of a new podcast is iminant gives you something to look forward to, something which can be difficult when you have no idea how you will feel one day to the next.
So yes, podcasts can be more than pure entertainment. They can provide a friendly voice to those unable to see their friends. They can break the isolation and be a lifeline to the outside world. Plus they're funny! Laughter really can be the best medicine.
Here are my favourite podcast, each of which I would highly recommend!
And for this week's "thing worth sharing" I wanted to help publicise Eating Disorder Awareness Week, having seen friends go through eating disorders it's something I feel passionately about and so if you can, please visit http://www.b-eat.co.uk/ thank you!
And until next time!
Sarah x
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