Podcast Explained in Fewer than 140 Characters

Posted by Lucilla on August 7th, 2021

According to data from Podcasthosting.org, 55% of Americans have listened to at least one episode of a podcast, and about 37% say they listen to a podcast a minimum of on a monthly basis. But have you ever thought about precisely what's going on in your mind as you listen to a podcast?

" Your brain is an intricate organ," explains materials scientist and engineer Titi Shodiya, who hosts the podcast Dope Labs together with molecular biologist Zakiya Whatley. "At any given moment, numerous parts of your brain are Go here firing off different messages." Scientifically speaking, consuming information can activate your mesolimbic pathway, also called the "reward pathway," releasing dopamine throughout the brain. This "fel-good" chemical is accountable for satisfaction and lighting up your mind's reward centers.This material is imported from embed-name. You might be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more details, at their web site.

So how can listening to podcasts benefit your brain? A 2016 study out of UC Berkeley concluded that listening to narrative stories (similar to podcasts) can promote several parts of your brain-- so whether it's that adrenaline rush you obtain from true crime podcasts or a comedy podcast that enhances your endorphins, there's really something out there for everybody. We asked Titi and Zakiya to help break down, in layman's terms, exactly how listening to different kinds of podcasts can impact your brain.What happens to your brain when you're listening to a meditation podcast?

In today's turbulent times, switching on a meditation podcast can assist you power down your mind. That's due to the fact that relaxing meditation can activate your brain stem, thalamus and auditory cortex. As a result, your brain releases a chemical called oxytocin. Produced by your pituitary gland and referred to as the "love hormonal agent," it's typically connected with empathy, trust and building relationships. According to Medical News Today, research studies show that oxytocin can reduce stress and anxiety. The peaceful sounds of nature, music or white noise can help hush unwanted background sounds, making meditation podcasts ideal for unwinding, and even bedtime. "Which's not all meditation podcasts are good for," adds Titi. "Listening to calming sounds can also increase focus and productivity." Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

What takes place to your brain when you're listening to true criminal offense?

If you're seeking something more stimulating, tune into true criminal offense. There's a clinical reason why fans of the genre keep coming back for more. Your brain interprets especially suspenseful info through the medulla oblongata, which produces adrenaline. This stress-inducing chemical triggers your "fight or flight" response. The rush you may get from listening to real criminal offense also activates your pituitary gland, releasing endorphins. Endorphins affect your brain likewise to opioids, implying they can be slightly addictive. This type of podcast can likewise lead to the production of dopamine and serotonin. "Dopamine and serotonin are both feel-good chemicals, so it gives you the sensation of 'I'm frightened-- however I like it,'" discusses Titi.

What happens to your brain when you're listening to a funny podcast?

It turns out that laughter in fact is the very best medicine. When your brain consumes chuckle-worthy content, it triggers your frontal lobe and cortex. Your frontal lobe is what "decodes" the joke to determine whether it's funny or not. When you believe something is funny, your frontal lobe sends that message to your cerebral cortex, which is what activates things like laughter, surprise and pleasure. Humor also reduces levels of cortisol, suggesting that it's perfect for tension reduction.

If you're not exactly sure where to get your comedy podcast repair, Zakiya and Titi suggest tuning in to The Read; they also can't get enough of a current episode of The Michelle Obama Podcast including funnyman Conan O'Brien, where the former FLOTUS and the comic speak about the value of laughing off even the most difficult minutes-- like when Barack once drove Michelle so insane that she tossed her engagement ring throughout the room (but she threw it off in a way that she 'd understand where to find it later, of course!).

Prepared to start gaining the brain benefits of listening to podcasts? Take a look at our recommendations for the best podcasts to listen to in 2020.