[yonig]

Not a revolutionary thought but I think one reason many podcasts are so successful is that we're essentially eavesdropping on conversations we find interesting. As I started to work remote and more in a silo I found myself playing more long form podcasts in the background rather than music

[meowface]

Same here. Podcasts have really helped me stay sane since I started working remote and living alone a few years ago. And there are enough out there now that I can play different types for different moods or purposes.

When I'm doing serious work, I (maybe counter-intuitively) often put on a lighthearted/silly/dumb comedy podcast, and it serves well as background noise. I don't feel any need to pay close attention or rewind if I missed something.

When I'm doing a slow, rote, boring task, or something not too important or mental energy-consuming, or if I'm just in the mood, I put on a hard science or philosophy podcast (Lex Fridman, Sean Carroll, Eric Weinstein) and listen pretty attentively.