Are You A Podfaster?

​Recently I interviewed speed reading expert Abby Marks Beale, and during the interview, I mentioned that I was experimenting with listening to podcasts at 1.5 times the normal speed. I asked Abby what data existed on listening to podcasts at faster speeds and whether speed listening has the same impact as speed reading? Abby suggested that although there is no research at this point, it could well be more beneficial because at quicker speeds you have to listen more intently to stay with the conversation. I certainly have found it very helpful. It turns out that listening to podcasts at faster speeds is a thing - it’s called podfasting, and those that do it are podfasters. Neuroscientist Uri Hassan, whose Hassan Lab at Princeton studies brain responses to real-life events, examined how the brain processes sped-up speech. He points out that even at a normal speed, most people don’t catch every single word, but “if you make it one-third faster, it's almost perfect - they don't lose a lot." According to Hassan, brain responses become slower when we speak slowly and faster when we speak fast. Comprehension starts to break down around two times the normal speed, and at three times it really breaks down. There are those that can listen at ten times the normal speed, but I've never been a fan of the Chipmunks. If you are into podcasting, it may be worthwhile to experiment with podfasting. It allows you to get through more episodes and by doing so, increases your learning capacity. There are occasions, however, when immersing yourself in a wonderful conversation at the normal speed is just what the doctor ordered.