One Simple Habit that Changed My Life

TL;DR

Speed listening to podcasts and audiobooks allows for consuming more content in less time, reducing the time cost of listening.

Transcript

• I don't really have very many strong beliefs in life but if there's one hill I'm gonna die on, it's that speed listening to podcasts and audiobooks is the best way forward. I've been listening to podcast at double speed for the last few years, and recently I started listening to audiobooks that run about 2.5x speed and I'm slowly working to bump ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👻 Speed listening allows for consuming more content, doubling or tripling what can be listened to.
• 👂 It reduces the time cost of listening to a book or podcast, making it easier to finish within a shorter period.
• 👾 Some people find that they actually enjoy content more when listening at a faster pace.
• 🐎 Speed listening can be beneficial for non-native English speakers as they can practice and improve their listening skills.
• 🐎 Apps like Audible, Castro, and Overcast offer speed settings to adjust playback speeds.
• 🐎 Speed listening does not necessarily detract from the enjoyment of content.
• ☠️ Our brains are evolving to consume information at a faster rate in the modern world.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the two main benefits of speed listening?

The first benefit is that it allows for consuming more content, doubling or tripling the amount of books or podcasts that can be listened to. The second benefit is that it reduces the time cost of listening, making it easier to finish a book or episode within a shorter period of time.

Q: Does speed listening detract from the enjoyment of the content?

Some people believe that speed listening might detract from the enjoyment, but others find that they actually enjoy content more when listening at a faster pace. It ultimately depends on personal preference.

Q: What are some drawbacks of speed listening?

One common drawback is the belief that you won't enjoy something as much if you speed listen to it. However, many speed listeners find that they still enjoy the content and may even enjoy it more. Another drawback is the philosophical argument that life should be enjoyed at a slower pace, but this can be countered by the fact that our brains have evolved to consume information faster in the modern world.

Q: How can one start improving and increasing their listening speed?

The key is to slowly and mindfully practice listening at faster speeds. Start by challenging yourself to listen at the fastest speed you can comprehend while still being slightly uncomfortable. Podcast and audiobook apps like Audible, Castro, and Overcast allow users to adjust the playback speed to their preference.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Speed listening allows for consuming more podcasts and audiobooks, doubling or tripling the amount of content that can be consumed.

• It reduces the time cost of listening to a book or podcast, making it easier to finish a book or episode within a shorter period of time.

• Some people argue that speed listening might detract from the enjoyment, but others find that they actually enjoy content more when listening at a faster pace.