TIL: Pod Patterns
Welcome to the first post of our new “Today I Learned” series. To generalize, we’ve got formal learning, which is a structured and intentionally designed learning experience. Next there’s “non-formal” learning, typically self-directed, where the learning may be structured but the experience is often shaped by the goals and needs of the participant (think LinkedIn Learning courses or violin lessons). And then there’s your everyday informal learning, which is totally unstructured and motivated by personal curiosity and interests. How and what and why we learn informally in real life is super interesting to us at Tangram because that’s the magic we’re trying to re-create in any learning experiences we design.
In our first post I’ll share observations about three podcasts that are part of my informal learning rotation and the techniques they use that I find effective from a learning perspective. I’m not focusing on the content of these podcasts, so while I tend to like their content, this is more of a design discussion.
What A Day
What A Day is a Monday-Friday news podcast hosted by Akilah Hughes and Gideon Resnick. I listen 3-4 days a week, and it’s been on since October, so I have a fair number of episodes under my belt at this point. There are a few things that keep me coming back. First, each episode is 15-20 minutes. For me, that’s the sweet spot for a daily podcast. I know we could go deeper into the reporting but I’ve got plenty of weekly shows I’m also trying to fit into my schedule. Second, there’s a formula: three segments with just the right amount of content in each. They do the top political news, a “temperature check” (get it?) where they check in about how they’re coping, and then other headlines. The temp check adds variety, the whole thing is a sustainable mix, and I find the predictability comforting. Third, they have great writing — lots of puns — and Akilah and Gideon can be very silly, which I find necessary these days.
How To! With Charles Duhigg
In this podcast Charles Duhigg tackles a range of questions from real people. Through a series of conversations, you first hear the person describe the challenge or fear they’re facing, something they want to learn or overcome. Then Charles brings on an expert, typically someone who has not only training but personal experience with the issue. The expert shares their story and gives the person advice. It’s very real and relatable — both people are being vulnerable, and their stories are memorable and sometimes emotional. I really like it. Charles also recaps the guidance in a series of steps for the listener — that’s the extra layer that really ties it together for me from a learning perspective. Personally, I’ve learned coping strategies for problems I hope to never have!
Cooking By Ear
This podcast only had two short seasons with 9 episodes total, but I’ll share it anyway because it’s very memorable, and maybe they’re just on a Covid-related break! The host Cal Peternell was the head chef of Chez Panisse for 20 years, and he has a very chill manner and easy conversation style. There’s an interesting guest on every episode — Frances McDormand was on Episode 1! — and they cook a recipe together in the guest’s kitchen. It’s called Cooking By Ear because you can hear all the ambient cooking sounds, the chopping and bubbling and frying, throughout each episode. They talk about the recipe and food experiences, but they also talk about the guest’s life and career and current projects. I think what’s so different and effective is the homeyness of two people talking and cooking in a real kitchen. They seem to get really comfortable in their short time together, and then you really get a sense of who they are as people through the stories they tell each other. And bonus, the recipe is on the website.
Well, that’s just three good podcasts — there are so many more things out there to discover. Be thinking about topics and techniques you’re drawn to as an informal learner. We’d love to hear about them!