How Students are Harnessing Podcasts for Self-Expression and Entertainment: Insights from The State News

Podcasts are audio files that you can stream or download. They’re available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You can listen to your favorite shows anytime, anywhere.

According to Taylor Ochoa, a podcast coordinator at The State News, podcasts offer a diverse range of entertainment. “They’re a form of audio entertainment that can be informative and artistic,” she explains.

Many podcasts feature conversations, often between co-hosts or a host with various guests. This makes them a unique medium that you can enjoy on the go.

Podcasts have grown in popularity. A recent report, The Infinite Dial 2024, shows that as of March 2024, 47% of U.S. people aged 12 and older have listened to a podcast in the past month. That’s a significant rise from the previous year.

For many, podcasting is more than just listening; it’s a way to express individual thoughts and opinions. Michigan State University student Joseph Des Vergnes, who hosts The Joe Dez Hour, loves the originality that comes with making a podcast. He sees it as a personal project, separate from the competitive job landscape.

“It’s something that’s truly yours,” Des Vergnes says. “It allows you to pursue your interests and create outside the typical corporate structure.”

Economics student Aryaman Khosla also sees value in podcasting. He believes it’s a great way for students to share knowledge about specialized topics. Khosla started his journey in podcasting to dive deeper into his interests, like music and sports. He wants to explore the behind-the-scenes details that casual fans might overlook.

“I’ve tried starting a music and a sports podcast with friends,” Khosla shares. We wanted to analyze topics and explore the business side, things that regular fans don’t always think about.

What sets podcasts apart from other media, according to Ochoa, is the focus on audio without visual distractions. She notes, “While TikTok grabs attention with visuals, podcasts rely on personality and chemistry between hosts.” This builds a connection that keeps listeners coming back for more.

Des Vergnes values the authenticity of podcasts. He believes they help listeners get to know the real people behind the mic. Unlike short videos on social media that can feel staged, podcasts allow for in-depth conversations where guests show their true selves.

The format of podcasts encourages a deeper connection. Ochoa adds that discussing personal experiences creates a profound bond with the audience. “Listeners can relate to those stories, making them feel like they really know you,” she explains.

Khosla mentions that the audio format makes it easier for people to share their thoughts without worrying about their appearance. “Podcasts create a space where you can freely express yourself without being judged on how you look,” he points out.

Though not all students start their own podcasts, many enjoy listening to them. Khosla believes this format is perfect for busy college students. “Podcasts fit seamlessly into a student’s life,” he says. “You can listen while commuting, cleaning, or just winding down.”

Ochoa emphasizes that podcasts allow listeners to focus on the content itself, removing the pressure of appearance that comes with visual platforms. “With audio, the focus is on the voice and the message being shared,” she states.