I’m a huge podcast fan. It’s one of the core things I use my smartphone for (along with taking photos, sending messages, satellite navigation, and wasting time on social media including youtube) but I’m going to do an experiment this week.

I'm not listening to any podcast while commuting.
As I listened to Jocelyn Glei's interview of Cal Newport in the hurry slowly podcast, I heard Cal describe a digital detox and how the people who got the most out of it were hoping to do things differently afterward (not just take a break). It made me wonder what it would be like to not use my smartphone for 30 days, what issues would I face.

The thought of not being able to listen to a podcast on my train ride home made me nervous. Which is almost certainly a sign that I should continue along that path.

After my initial discomfort, I realised that there were some great possibilities and options from not listening to any podcasts on my commute.

  • I could read a book
  • I could write (well that's more difficult when the train is crammed full)
  • I could think and reflect
  • I could plan
  • I could call my family in the UK (yes I could be that guy)
Of course, not listening to podcasts on the train doesn't mean I won't listen to any podcasts at all. I can still listen at home, or while walking. But by not listening on the train, I create an even greater buffer before I need to look at my smartphone. I can simply not use it before work.

And so for this week, I’m taking the commute less travelled (by me at least) and eschew podcasts while commuting.