The first time I heard a podcast, I knew something fundamental had shifted in how I could learn and connect with ideas.
It was 2008, and I’d just started working at an ad agency in São Paulo. Fresh from my time in London and eager for the energy of a megacity, I discovered podcasts almost by accident. Since then, they’ve become the most consistent companions in my daily life.
More Than Background Noise
Podcasts fill the spaces between everything else—morning commutes, evening dishes, mindless work tasks, and long runs. But they’ve become far more than ambient company. After years away from formal education, they rekindled my curiosity and brought me back to active learning.
Sometimes I want mental breathing room, letting politics or football analysis run while my body handles automatic tasks. Other times, I focus fully when exploring history, philosophy, or literature. These deeper listens, more than just audio consumption, challenge my assumptions and prepare me for future discoveries.
Shows That Stuck
Certain episodes linger long after they’ve ended, creating small but meaningful shifts in perspective.
🎧 Design Matters with Debbie Millman: Massimo Vignelli
🎙️ Bill Gates and Rashida Jones Ask Big Questions: Is inequality inevitable?
🔉 Distributed by Default: Matt Mullenweg on The Knowledge Project
🎵 BBC Radio 4 “In Our Time”: Seneca
The Other Side of the Mic
I’ve also appeared as a guest on several podcasts, primarily speaking in 🇧🇷 Portuguese. Exchanging headphones for a microphone taught me to appreciate the craft from a completely different angle.
It’s more challenging than it seems. You gather your thoughts, listen carefully, and strive to create something meaningful for listeners you’ll probably never meet but still feel close to. Here are some shows I joined in and covers I created:
Why Intentional Listening Matters
Today, September 30, marks International Podcast Day. It’s the perfect time to think about the countless voices that have gone through my headphones over the years.
Podcasts demonstrate something both simple and profound: intentional listening remains one of our most powerful tools for connection, learning, and growth. In a world of constant noise, choosing what we listen to and how we engage with it becomes increasingly valuable.
What’s the last podcast that changed how you think about something?
If you’re looking to start your own listening journey, I recommend Pocket Casts. It offers a free web player and remains the most versatile podcast platform I’ve encountered.
