Let’s paint a familiar picture:
You’re commuting, folding laundry, or just taking a walk—and in your ears is a deep dive into cybersecurity careers, cloud architecture, or Python tricks. You’re not zoning out. You’re levelling up.
In 2025, podcasts have gone from entertainment filler to full-blown learning engines. Especially in tech education, audio-first formats are transforming how people study, upskill, and stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.
So the real question is: Are podcasts becoming the new classroom for IT learners?
Short answer: Yes. But here’s the longer—and more exciting—story.
Why Audio Learning Is Booming Right Now
In a world of Zoom lectures, online courses, and endless browser tabs, learners are tired. Gen Z in particular is rethinking how they absorb information. And audio has quietly emerged as the most flexible, brain-friendly format.
Here’s why:
- Multitasking: You can learn while driving, exercising, or taking screen breaks
- Low pressure: No need to “sit down” and study—just press play
- Better for neurodiverse learners: Audio helps those with ADHD, dyslexia, or visual fatigue focus and absorb information differently
- Storytelling works: Podcasts use narrative, which boosts memory and retention
According to Spotify’s 2025 trends report, over 35% of Gen Z listeners say they’ve used podcasts for educational purposes—and tech is one of the fastest-growing categories.
What IT Learners Are Saying
For many learners, podcasts aren’t replacing structured courses—they’re supplementing them.
“I listen to a 15-minute Python podcast during my commute, then build on it when I get home,” says Liam, a 23-year-old bootcamp grad.
“It keeps the concepts fresh, but I don’t feel overwhelmed.”
Maria, a cybersecurity student, added:
“I struggle with reading dense material. But when I hear a concept broken down in plain English, with real-world examples, it sticks.”
And that’s the key: Podcasts feel human. Less jargon. More real talk. Often from people who’ve been there, done that.
The Science: Why We Retain More With Audio
Audio learning taps into a different part of the brain than reading. It activates auditory processing and working memory, which:
- Enhances focus when multitasking
- Reduces eye strain
- Improves long-term memory when paired with mental imagery
In fact, a study by the University of California found that audio learners retain up to 15% more when content is paired with storytelling or conversational tone—which is exactly what most tech podcasts use.
Top Tech Training Podcasts Learners Are Tuning Into
Looking to plug in? Here are a few learner-loved podcasts making waves in 2025:
1. CodeNewbie
- Perfect for beginners navigating their way into development
- Features career stories, practical advice, and confidence-building chats
2. Darknet Diaries
- Engaging, true-crime-style storytelling for cybersecurity learners
- Real-world hacks, social engineering, and ethical dilemmas
3. Cloud Skills Weekly
- Straight talk on DevOps, cloud careers, and AWS certification paths
- Hosted by experts who’ve worked across Google Cloud and Azure
4. Soft Skills Engineering
- A humorous but insightful take on communication, teamwork, and growth in tech
- Great for rounding out those “non-tech” skills that matter most
5. Women in Tech Show
- Interviews with developers, engineers, and leaders breaking ground
- Empowering content for learners looking for representation and relatability
Pro tip: Most of these also come with transcripts—so you can listen and revisit highlights later.
How to Use Podcasts to Learn (Not Just Listen)
Let’s be honest—passively listening while scrolling TikTok won’t move the needle. But here’s how savvy learners are turning audio into action:
1. Create an Audio Study Schedule
Build a playlist of episodes for each week—by topic, skill, or goal. Treat it like a syllabus.
2. Pair Podcasts with Active Tasks
Try listening while:
- Taking notes in Notion
- Sketching mind maps
- Repeating key terms aloud
- Creating flashcards based on what you heard
3. Reflect After Listening
Use a simple journaling prompt:
- What did I learn?
- What stood out?
- What’s one thing I want to explore deeper?
This reinforces memory and builds confidence.
Audio Learning Is a Game-Changer for Accessibility
For learners with reading fatigue, executive functioning challenges, or anxiety around formal coursework, audio is a game-changer.
Imagine this:
- You can “attend” class from anywhere
- You don’t need perfect focus to start
- You feel like someone’s talking to you, not at you
That emotional safety? It matters.
As one learner put it:
“Podcasts feel like a mentor in your pocket.”
Are Podcasts Replacing Instructors? Not Quite
Let’s be clear: Podcasts won’t replace interactive labs, 1:1 coaching, or peer projects. But they are becoming a powerful piece of the learning puzzle.
- Instructors are now recommending podcasts in course syllabi
- Platforms like Ascend Education are exploring audio-first modules
- Podcasts are being used in group discussions and project inspiration
The classroom is becoming a playlist—and that’s not a bad thing.
Final Thoughts: Press Play on Your Career
Whether you’re stuck in traffic, cooking dinner, or just need a break from the screen, podcasts offer a powerful way to keep learning without burning out.
They’re not a shortcut. They’re a supplement—one that respects your time, brain, and life outside the browser.
So, next time you’re scrolling for a new show?
Try a podcast that builds your career—not just your playlist.
