Consuming vs. Creating

I owe quite a lot to podcasts. Pretty much all of any perceived wisdom I have came from listening to godly men talk about the Bible, right from the comfort of my phone. I learned about exegesis, hermeneutics, science, economics, fathering, being a husband, apologetics; you get the ideas. I owe so much to the men who take the time to regularly create content for people they may never meet to edify and shape them.

I’ve developed an unpopular opinion though. I think you should outgrow podcasts.

Let me explain: I do still listen to a podcast or two from time to time. I search for something I’m trying to understand, then maybe listen to some different perspectives on it. I may also listen to a podcast I used to listen to because I’d like to hear what they have to say. I did this after the Charlie Kirk memorial, for instance.

What I don’t do anymore is this: fill every quiet moment I have with a podcast. There was a time I needed the teaching; I didn’t grow up in the church, and I had basically no real life models to look to for how to live. Odds are, you have those things already if you are reading this.

What I do now: create. I take time to write these posts every week. I started a PE Club at Veritas Scholars Academy (where I work). I’ve also taken on more responsibilities at VSA (mentor teacher, summer school, student connections advisor, and course coordinator). I write handwritten notes to my family. I do work on the house. I teach Sunday School.

I find that my consumption of podcasts (especially political podcasts) takes away from my availability to be creative. Why are the best ideas the ones you get in the shower? Because you actually give yourself time to think in there! You aren’t distracting yourself with noise or videos.

So, take some time away from all the noise. Sit in silence without a screen. Go on a walk without your device. Harder yet, go to the restroom without a device. Let your mind wander – you just may be a happier person…