THE GETTING-INTO-PODCASTS COMMUTE JOANNA FORTNAM

Every morning, I sit on a District line tube train for a 40-minute crawl from Mile End to the Telegraph offices in Victoria. Thirteen stops. Occasionally, I lecture myself about what a waste of time this is and how I should spend the time reading an “improving book”. I’ve tried this, usually when up against a book club deadline, but the fact is – I like sitting and parking my brain in neutral for 40 minutes.

However, in the interest of modernity, I agreed to try a podcast. I was briefed by the Telegraph’s expert, Pete Naughton, who taught me some basics. Podcasts – they’re exactly like radio programmes (some are, in fact, also radio programmes), except you play them on your phone or computer. Millions, grouped by subject, are waiting for me on apps I never use, such as Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, and the best, Pocket Casts (£3.99, a one-off fee, apparently well worth it).

I told Peter that I didn’t want anything shouty or stressful, so no Brexit and no personal journeys with cancer, thanks. We used Stitcher to choose three: Peter recommended The Daily, by The New York Times (well-mannered analysis of current events), Soul Music by Radio 4 (discussion of music), and Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review from Radio 5 Live (blokey chat).

As ever with anything phone-based (for me at least), the faff factor was huge, because you have to download a podcast before you lose signal going underground – adding to the list of morning prep.

Anyway, armed with podcasts, I sallied forth to the Tube. Background noise meant that I had to set the volume me well past health-warning ing level. If I make a habit t of listening to podcasts I can an see a very expensive ive set of headphones nes in my future. I began to appreciate the he tangle management t skills of fellow ow commuters – by Victoria my headphone lead ead was wrapped d firmly around my handbag and a pocket t was out of action.

But once settled down, I enjoyed soothing waspish voices talking about Facebook in scandalised tones (The Daily); and on the return trip insights on Debussy’s L’après Midi d’un Faune also held my attention (Soul Music). Both were well crafted, entertaining and informative.

My conclusion – I’d definitely consider podcasts for long journeys (although would be anxious about headphone volume annoying other passengers). There is a whole world of entertainment out there.

But on the other hand, I always enjoy just looking out of the

window.