I am, admittedly, a podcast junkie. I think I have a library of 120 that I listen to. Depending on my mood, my whereabouts and my interests, I tune in to hear what other people are apt to put on the airwaves for the rest of us to absorb. Though I approach listening to podcasts with a sincere desire to learn and to be inspired, I sometimes can't help but feel thoroughly unaccomplished by the end. I have been a professional for over 30 years; I have been an athlete across a number of sports; I've fostered a loving marriage for over 22 years and I have a lovely teenage daughter who is thriving. What is my problem?
Something about ready access to an abundance of media compresses experiences; compresses lives. What may have taken someone 5 years to build; 10 years to realize is reported out in 27 minutes (or so). I know I am responsible for the way I feel so I am trying to put in perspective the life stories - lengthy, surely tumultuous, triumphant and chaotic - in relation to the podcast format.
I've not figured out the balance of inspiration and motivation, or reflection vs regret that I feel when absorbed in my podcast world. It does not stop me from listening at all; it does however, stop me from stopping.