In a profession defined by billable hours, finding time for professional development—let alone personal enrichment—can feel like an impossible task. I used to think podcasts were just another distraction. I was wrong.

Podcasts have not only helped me professionally but also added some joy to my life. They offer a rare opportunity for busy lawyers: the chance to learn and grow even while doing routine tasks. It’s learning that fits into your life, not the other way around

The appeal of podcasts comes from their versatility. You can listen to advanced legal analysis during your commute, catch up on industry news while walking the dog, or pick up a new hobby while folding laundry. For me, they turned a daily exercise routine from a chore into a valued hour of learning and entertainment. Podcasts have even made battling traffic on I-395 and raking leaves almost tolerable.

Edison Research reports that 55% of Americans aged 12 and above now listen to podcasts monthly. Bar associations, innovative law firms, and legal tech entrepreneurs are producing content tailored specifically for the profession.

Why Podcasts Belong in Every Lawyer’s Toolkit

Lawyers live by words, and podcasts are words brought to life on the move. Whether you want to stay updated on legal technology trends, enhance your marketing skills, or expand your perspective, podcasts can turn idle time into valuable learning time. Many lawyers also find that they improve focus and reduce stress—an underrated benefit in such a demanding profession.

Some state bars even approve certain legal podcasts for CLE credit. Others feature expert interviews that rival live seminars in insight and depth—without the travel or expense.

Once you’re convinced of the professional benefits, the next step is equipping yourself to enjoy them to the fullest.

Gearing Up: Selecting The Right Tools

Software

Choose podcast apps that synchronize across platforms. Overcast, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts allow you to start listening on your phone and finish on your laptop or smart speaker. Download episodes ahead of time if you expect to travel through areas with poor reception.

Headphones, Earbuds, and Speakers

• Noise-canceling models work well on airplanes, trains, and in offices, but they can pose risks in outdoor environments. By blocking out background sounds, they make it harder to hear oncoming traffic, cyclists, or nearby people. Many modern versions offer a transparency or ambient sound mode that reintroduces external noise—use these features when walking or working outside.
• Open-ear and bone-conduction models let you stay aware of your surroundings. They are perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Bone-conduction headphones sit on your cheekbones, keeping your ears open and allowing ambient sounds and your audio to coexist.
• Wired options work well for some people. They are dependable and don’t need charging or Bluetooth pairing.
• Some people avoid earbuds, fearing discomfort or a poor fit. Modern designs are surprisingly secure and comfortable. Apple products may make Bluetooth pairing easier, but many non-Apple models provide excellent quality at a lower cost.

Pro Tip: Regardless of the listening device you use, avoid listening to podcasts in high-risk situations, such as biking in traffic, driving in heavy rain, or crossing busy intersections. Some jurisdictions restrict the use of headphones while driving.

Smart Speakers
If you enjoy multitasking at home, consider a smart speaker like Amazon Echo, Google Nest, or Apple HomePod. You can cue episodes by voice while cooking dinner or organizing files, creating a seamless listening experience.

Thoughtful Listening: Playback and Learning Strategies

Listening to podcasts isn’t just about pressing play. Strategic listening can dramatically increase what you learn and retain.

Playback Speed
Most podcasting apps allow you to increase playback speed while adjusting the pitch, so the speaker doesn’t sound like a chipmunk. Adjust the speed to accommodate the difficulty of what you are listening to. Some people use a higher speed for technical material, and slower speeds for things they want to savor.

Leveraging Transcripts

More podcasts are offering computer-generated transcripts. Although they’re not always perfect, they’re very helpful. You can browse a transcript to decide if an episode is worth your time or quickly find ideas for briefs and articles.

Pro Tip: Don’t let a great idea slip away. Use voice commands to record thoughts while listening. For example, if you hear a brilliant marketing tip, you can say, “Hey Siri, create a note: Ask the team about implementing the client intake strategy from the Lawyerist podcast.”

Selecting the Best Podcasts for You

With millions of podcasts out there, the choices can be overwhelming. The key is to curate, not hoard. Subscribe only to what you can realistically keep up with. Here are some of the most popular and respected shows, along with a few of my personal favorites.

Legal Podcasts

• Kennedy-Mighell Report. My go-to source for information on legal technology. Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell are podcasting pioneers, with over 400 episodes and counting.
• Lunch Hour Legal Marketing. Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam entertain while educating about the finer points of marketing a legal practice.
• Oyez. U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments. Not for me, but just right for some listeners.
• Lawyerist. Practice management and small-firm strategy in accessible, practical conversations.
• For the Innocent, legal and criminal experts analyze first-person accounts of individuals wrongfully convicted.
• LawNext. Bob Ambrogi shares his insights on the most significant legal tech business developments.
• New Solo. The ups and downs of solo legal practice.
• Talk Justice. The Legal Services Corporation’s podcast offers a valuable perspective on issues related to access to justice.
• Real Lawyers Podcast (also on YouTube). Uber blogger Kevin O’Keefe interviews a wide variety of lawyers and legal tech leaders, including Greg Siskind, Carolyn Elefant and Jack Newton.

General Interest

• Lawfare Podcasts. Multiple podcasts focused on national security issues.
• Freakonomics Radio. Unique insights into economics, negotiation, and human behavior.
• Radiolab. Storytelling that mixes science, philosophy, and wonder.
• The Daily (New York Times). Quick, digestible news briefings.
• Hidden Brain. NPR’s Shankar Vedantam explores hot topics in psychology, especially the range of influences that manipulate us without our awareness.
• The Josh Marshall Podcast. Sharp political analysis from the veteran journalist behindTalking Points Memo.
• The Great Courses. College-level lectures from leading professors. Their lectures on classical music, taught by the brilliant Robert Greenberg, finally made the genre click for me.

Off the Clock

Balance serious learning with something fun—a good rule: one “pleasure” podcast for every “professional” one.

• The Plot Thickens. Turner Classic Movies produces this masterful series on the history of Hollywood, with seasons dedicated to luminaries like Lucille Ball and Pam Grier.
• CBS Radio Mystery Theater. This classic radio drama from the 70s and 80s is a treasure trove of suspense. The quality varies, but the gems are well worth the search.
• New In Chess offers a fascinating glimpse into the drama-filled world of top-tier chess. You don’t need to be a grandmaster to enjoy the stories, especially since there’s more drama among the world’s elite players than in the typical soap opera or the TV show Succession.

Video Podcasts (Vlogs)

An increasing number of podcasts are in video format. Most of them work just as well with audio-only content. The best I know is The Lex Fridman Podcast. Renaissance man Fridman conducts long-form interviews with an extraordinary range of guests from diverse fields, including science, business, technology, sports, the arts, and politics. Who would have imagined that an MIT computer scientist could attract 4.6 million subscribers?

Pro Tip: Most of the advice above applies just as well to audiobooks available from sources like Audible.

Conclusion: Reclaim Your Time, Enrich Your Mind

So, the next time you find yourself with a few spare moments, don’t just kill time—redeem it. Pop in your earbuds, press play, and discover a world of knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. The world of audio is waiting. What will you listen to first?