i listened to podcasts way too much last year. i always had a stranger yapping in my ear, sharing their thoughts and opinions and stories. i've come to the conclusion that this isn't good for the ol' brain! i now reserve podcast listening for a) when i'm doing chores and b) when i'm on the bus and i don't feel like reading (but NOT on my walk home from the bus stop.) yes, this means i don't catch every episode of every podcast i enjoy. but you really don't need to! you'll listen to the one's that actually interest you - the rest are just background noise which prevent you from being in the moment.