# Are there any (useful) things I can learn by podcast?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-useful-things-i-can-learn-by-podcast/629276>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [July 24, 2012, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-useful-things-i-can-learn-by-podcast/629276 "2012-07-24T20:16:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![typoink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@typoink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/typoink)\
**Post date:** [July 24, 2012, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-useful-things-i-can-learn-by-podcast/629276/1 "2012-07-24T20:16:45Z")

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I have two hours of commuting five days a week. I currently spend that time listening to news and history podcasts. Not exactly a waste because it keeps me entertained and informed, but also not very useful.

Does anybody know any podcasts or (preferably free) audiobooks that actually teach usable skills? I DO retain heard information well, for what that’s worth.

I’m wording this as broadly as possible intentionally; I’m open to any sort of suggestion as long as it’s 1) audio-only and 2) teaches an actual skill.

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**Author:** ![Yarster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/7c8e57/32.png) [@Yarster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yarster)\
**Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-useful-things-i-can-learn-by-podcast/629276/2 "2012-07-25T22:10:32Z")

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Learning a language comes to mind, and that can be free if you get the audio from the library.

I have a Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate which allows you to get continuing education units by listening to free podcasts. I suspect you could take some of a prep course for the test that way as well.