I have enjoyed listening to many different audio pieces throughout the class last week. Audio has a way of creating a personal experience that is often more convenient and easier to consume than traditional forms of news and literature. It’s hard to find time in college to sit down and read a book or newspaper. Having audio books, podcasts, interviews, etc. makes it easier to stay informed on the go. I got hooked on alternative forms of audio this past summer when commuting an hour and a half each way to work. Prior to this, I would only listen to music playlists I created on Spotify. It wasn’t until this summer that I discovered Spotify had more to offer than music.
First, Spotify has audio lessons in ten different languages. These resources came in handy when I decided to do research in Berlin earlier this year. Spotify’s German lessons allowed me to learn important phrases that really improved the success of my trip. Also, Spotify also has numerous audio books ranging from classics like Jane Austen to Self Help Books.
ITunes has similar audio lessons and books, however, ITunes has a broader selection of podcasts. Honestly, you can find a podcast on any topic. My favorite though is Serial. Serial is hosted by Sarah Koenig, a journalist, reporter and producer. The podcast is broken up into seasons. Each season covers a different true story – a true crime story. True crime is a non-fiction literary and film genre in which the author examines an actual crime and details the actions of real people. The plot unfolds episode by episode and is character driven. The first season covers the arrest of Adnan Syed for allegedly killing his classmate and ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee. Throughout the season, Sarah Koenig uncovers new evidence, talks to other suspects, follows Adnan’s attempt to appeal his sentence and soooo much more. The first season is an emotional roller-coaster and the listener attempts to come to a conclusion on Adnan’s guilt. It also an eye opening experience to murder trials. I highly recommend listening to the podcast. You can also listen to Serial on Soundcloud.
Emery C
I had the same experience. I love Spotify and use it so often, but until this summer I had no idea what it had to offer. I worked as a janitor (only for a week, definitely not my thing) at a gym and I had to walk around and clean equipment for 4 hours. I was so bored and I could only drown out the gym’s repetitive pop playlist with mine for so long. I decided to look through the browse tab and I found comedy reels. Amy Schumer and Aziz Ansari kept me very entertained. And the same thing with iTunes. When I went to Paris and London two summers ago, my mom made my sister and I download podcasts for walking tours. I laughed at her when she told me to do it, but it was really helpful and so interesting. I am not a fan of group tours, so this was great.
Tyler B
I remember when Spotify first added podcasts. I’m a bit of a Spotify hipster in that I’ve been using it since it first came to the US. One of my biggest complaints about it was always the lack of podcasts. As someone who enjoys podcasts but has an Android phone, it was always a pain for me to find a good way to listen to podcast’s on the go.
To expand on what else they offer beyond music, Spotify and iTunes also both have most stand-up comedy albums available.