I love learning and expanding my knowledge-base in a variety of topics. I do this through Twitter and communicating with others through tweets and chats, I read blog articles and books, and lately I've found another medium for growing professionally and intellectually...podcasts.
Podcasts are audio recordings of discussions around different topics. Some podcasts talk about education, history, psychology, and even...other podcasts. I access my podcasts on all of my Apple devices and listen to them when working around the house, while driving, while working, and any other time that I can. Podcasts have now become a part of my morning and afternoon commute as I've found music and talk radio to become a bit stale. Although podcasts are a form of talk radio, I can chose the topics I want to listen to so that I can maximize my time while driving by learning and growing. The amount of learning I receive from listening to podcasts has definitely impacted me in a positive way. I listen to motivating TED talks, history lessons, leadership tips and experiences, and how technology can impact education.
Here a couple of podcasts I've added to my library as I've gotten started.
TosasTalkingTech (@TosasTalkinTech) is a podcast produced by two EdTech TOSAs in Bassett Union School District in Southern California: Tom Covington (@TechTomBUSD) and Michael Jephcott (@TechMikeBUSD). To date of this post, they have 47 episodes recorded over the past two years and they talk about education related topics, and more specifically ways you can use technology in education. These two have an awesome dynamic with one another and it's like you are part of a conversation while driving down the road. What's great about this particular podcast is that I interact with Tom and Mike through Twitter and I've met them in real life a couple of times, so it another way to stay connected with the work they are doing. As an EdTech Coordinator in my district, I'm constantly learning new tips and tricks that I can apply to my role. 
This podcast has all kinds of awesome TED Talks from educators around the world. Talks center around a variety of topics from leadership to classroom teaching strategies to higher level educational philosophies and philanthropic work. One of the recent ones I listened to (and one I forgot how great it was) was Sal Khan’s talk on why mastery learning should be a larger focus in schools. Sal Khan (@salkhanacademy) is the founder of Khan Academy and he shares how mastery learning is more engaging for students and how it is a better measure of student achievement and success. There are tons of great talks in this one. Follow TED Edu on Twitter: @TED_ED
Like TED EDU, this also contains several TED Talks from a variety of topics not necessarily focused on education. This is a good channel when you want to get away from education field related topics. One of my new favorite Talks is from Tim Urban as he shares what goes on inside the mind of a procrastinator, which I am. Very humorous talk and there are many great ones on this channel. Follow TED Talks on Twitter: @TEDTalks
By now you're probably thinking, “Ok Eddie, chill with the TED Talks” but this one is different because Guy Raz (@guyraz) does a great job interviewing and asking interesting questions with the actual TED presenters. Each episode has a certain topic with multiple TED Talks centering around that topic. Each Talk and interview has its unique piece they bring to the overall conversation. 
Although I was a math teacher and not history teacher, I'm still a history buff who enjoys learning new things. This podcast is another good listen for when you're wanting to break away from the education talks. The hosts, Tracy Wilson and Holly Frey, bring unique stories about different events and figures in history. The other day I was learning about Count St, Germain and how he actually had Europe’s elite class believing that he was immortal during the 1700s. Who knew! 
Daniel Sunshine Bauer (@alienearbud) has a really good podcast about school leadership called Better Leaders, Better Schools. He brings on campus and district leaders from around the country and interviews them as they share tips and strategies that have contributed to their success. There are tons of great philosophical thoughts shared as well as best practices that can be implemented right away whether you serve in a formal leadership capacity or an informal one.
These are just some of the podcasts I listen to. Feel free to explore topics that meet your interests. These interests can be work related or non work related as it is important to have balance. You can listen to podcasts on any device whether you have Apple or Android. For Apple users, the Podcasts app can get you most everything you need. For Android, you can download podcasts from the Google Play Store or use Stitcher. There are also several podcasts on Spotify as well. 
Remember to always reflect and expand your horizons as an educator because this is what will keep us all fresh and up to date for our students. What better way to grow and learn than when sitting in the car on your commute. Check out some podcasts and start your own growth process.
Thanks for reading and until next time, enjoy the journey!
-Eddie
P.S. Share your favorite podcasts in the comments below so we can all learn together!
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