This is what blows my mind!
In 2024, at a time when attention spans are lower than a few seconds, 546.7 million people [that’s 15% of the world’s population!] are regularly listening to podcasts [Data Source], arguably one of the most long-form content on the internet. There are 4.36 Million Podcasts globally, and the appeal is growing year on year.
As anomalistic as that sounds, Podcasts are gaining rapid popularity for a reason very similar to why you clicked to come to this article. But let’s hold that thought.
Come January 2025, at Navguide Solutions, we are excited to announce the launch of our new maritime podcast – The Navguide Podcast! We have shot Season One, composed of ten nail-biting episodes that will be released once a month. We will delve into the latest industry trends, challenges, and innovations, featuring expert insights and real-world examples. As of now, we have no commercial interests in this endeavour; all episodes will be free to consume on our YouTube channel.
If you have not subscribed yet, please do so by clicking here!
Why should you listen to Podcasts?
What makes us invest an hour or more of our lives listening to podcasts each time?
Well, the reason is multifold, but here are a few:
- Authenticity: At a time when fake content is everywhere, podcasts bring in a fresh energy of being authentic. They are non-scripted and natural, and it is easy to get connected to the people on screen who are real and talking their hearts out.
- Relevance: They bring out real challenges and issues not discussed in forums, conferences or educational seminars. Very often, something you learn from a podcast can be easily applied in the real world.
- Connection: They create social connections, invoking laughter to empathy, making listeners feel invested in the content and offering a healthy escape from daily stress, anxiety, or boredom.
- Learning while multitasking: It could be consumed while doing other jobs and feels far more productive than doom-scrolling or giving in to Clickbaits on Facebook.
What the Navguide Podcast will entail
What can we learn about Bridge teamwork from someone who has done over 300 VDR Audits and has been up close to Bridge teams around the world for years? What can we learn about the on-board challenges from someone who has spent two decades heading HSEQ departments of several companies? How does someone who started investing as early as his cadetship and retired at 45 with his annual investment returns exceeding his Master’s salary look at financial planning for seafarers? What intricacies of cargo-operation challenges can come from a Master who has spent ten years in command and twenty-five years overall on a specific type of ship?
This would be a podcast meant for people connected to the Maritime industry, and whether you are at sea or ashore, it is meant to offer deep insights into specific topics. In its present form, it is not meant for non-maritime personnel or to offer a generic overview of sea life. We have brought in people who have been on the field, from senior masters to those who have held the highest offices in the IMO.
Why did we start a podcast?
We have always stood for practical application skills – in bringing the classroom to the field.
In doing so, we have paid close attention to the younger generation of seafarers, the Gen-Z and Young Millennials. We have had research papers and books written on this topic and have been invited to keynote speeches around the world. [Here’s one]
Now, mentorship is taking different shapes and forms, and the traditional textbook approach is rapidly losing its appeal. While we are new to this (the whole world is!!), the impact of podcasts in developing awareness and knowledge cannot be ignored. We have absolutely no problem giving in to the modern ways of learning as long as it works!
Stay Tuned for More
An exciting year is about to start. Our App is rapidly spreading into vessels that are preparing for SIRE2.0 or Rightship Inspections or by seafarers eager to upskill themselves. Our podcast will add another leaf to the Navguide Story. We will be exploring other tangents in the future, going more in-depth, featuring expert interviews, real-world case studies, and practical advice for maritime professionals. Whether you’re running an office, a seasoned master mariner or just starting your maritime journey, we invite you to join the conversation and stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving industry.
