Podcasts: Why Everyone (and Their Dog) is Starting One - and Why You Should Tune In

It seems like every time you scroll through your social media these days, there’s someone new jumping on the podcast bandwagon. You’ve got celebrities with million-pound production budgets, your mate Steve who “just thought it’d be fun,” and even your neighbour’s dog (well, not quite - yet). But in all seriousness, why has the podcast taken off like a reality star in a questionable dating show? And more importantly, should you bother listening to any of them?

Let’s start with the obvious. Podcasts are everywhere. Once a niche hobby for true audio enthusiasts (who probably wore chunky headphones and had ‘cool’ opinions on vinyl), podcasts have now exploded. Even the royals have their say on the airwaves, with new podcasts emerging all the time to give listeners a more personal look into the lives of public figures. Why? Because podcasts have become the go-to platform for storytelling, news, and, let’s face it, casual gossip about Love Island.

Celebrities, it seems, have realised that there’s a whole new way to win our hearts - and, importantly, our attention spans - by talking to us directly, unfiltered, and in a much more personal way than on TV or film. Forget the glitzy red carpets; it’s all about unpretentious audio content. So, whether it’s a famous actor dissecting their roles, a popstar giving us the behind-the-scenes lowdown on their latest album, or an influencer sharing their “journey,” podcasts have become the new, must-listen medium for everything from true crime (hello, Serial!) to wellness advice (because who doesn’t need a bit of zen in between the chaos of life?)

But here's the thing: it’s not just the celebs getting in on the action. The beauty of podcasts is that literally anyone can have a go. In fact, if you’ve got a microphone, an opinion, and maybe an out-of-control pet that likes to ‘contribute’ to your recording sessions, you too can start your own podcast. You don’t even need to be a professional broadcaster - just ask any number of amateurs out there who have hit the “record” button in their bedrooms, hoping to become the next Joe Rogan or Chris D’Elia.

Now, you might be thinking, “Hold on, isn’t this all just a passing fad?” Good question. But let’s consider this: podcasts have been around for more than a decade now and show no signs of slowing down. In fact, over the past few years, they’ve only gotten bigger. According to recent stats, over 2 million podcasts are currently available, covering every topic imaginable. So no, this isn’t a trend that’s about to vanish quicker than that one season of The Circle.

What’s particularly compelling about podcasts is that they’re accessible and flexible. You can listen while commuting, cooking, working out, or, let’s face it, scrolling through Netflix and wondering why nothing ever seems to match your mood. It’s the perfect multitasking medium, which - if you’re like me - means you can get through several episodes while pretending to ‘deep clean’ your flat.

So, is the podcast explosion just a blip in the entertainment landscape? Hardly. It’s becoming a mainstay of the media world. And while you might not have the celebrity backing (or the dog’s Instagram following), that doesn’t mean you can’t jump in. Who knows? You could be the next big thing in the podcasting world, leaving the world of influencers and TikTok behind. Or at the very least, you’ll have something fun to listen to while pretending to work.

Podcasts are here to stay, and with the endless variety on offer, there’s something for everyone. So, plug in, press play, and discover the podcast universe you never knew you needed. Who knows? You might even find your next favourite show - or at least a good one to listen to while you clean your flat.