Podcasts have indeed become a transformative medium for education and entertainment. Lutkevich (2022) describes podcasts as the distribution of audio content over the internet, providing users with on-demand access to a vast array of topics and discussions. The flexibility and accessibility of podcasts have revolutionized the way we learn and stay informed. Whether you're commuting, exercising, or simply relaxing, you can listen to podcasts simultaneously with other tasks, harnessing the power of passive learning, which Krugman et al. (1970) discussed.

Passive learning through podcasts allows individuals to absorb knowledge effortlessly, making learning more accessible and enjoyable. Listening to podcasts, especially those on topics of interest, can lead to the "catching" of information, enhancing one's understanding of various subjects. It's an engaging and interactive way to learn, as it taps into the auditory dimension and fosters an immersive experience. The concept of "effortless learning" by Krugman et al. (1970) aligns with the experience of podcast listeners. The presence of an active speaker in a podcast can make learning more engaging and dynamic compared to traditional silent reading on top of its capacity to facilitate language acquisition, articulation, and pronunciation, enhancing one’s linguistic skills. Podcasts are self-directed, enabling listeners to choose what and when to learn, reducing the resistance often associated with traditional educational settings. Furthermore, the study regarding medical education by Wolpaw et al. (2022) highlights the effectiveness of podcasts in retaining learners' attention. Asynchronous learning through podcasts not only supports knowledge acquisition but also accommodates multitasking. The ability to engage with audio content while performing physical activities enhances the efficiency of learning.

In conclusion, podcasts have revolutionized the way we learn, making education and entertainment more accessible, engaging, and flexible. The concept of passive learning through podcasts aligns with Krugman et al.'s notion of "what is caught" rather than "taught." Podcasts enable learners to effortlessly acquire knowledge, stimulate auditory senses, and encourage engagement. They are a valuable tool for self-directed learning, linguistic development, and efficient knowledge retention.

Krugman, H., & Hartley, E. (1970). PASSIVE LEARNING FROM TELEVISION. Academic.oup.com. https://academic.oup.com/poq/article-abstract/34/2/184/1843599

Lutkevich, B. (2022, March). What is Podcasting and How Does it Work? SearchUnifiedCommunications. https://www.techtarget.com/searchunifiedcommunications/definition/podcasting

Wolpaw, J., Ozsoy, S., Berenholtz, S., Wright, S., Bowen, K., Gogula, S., Lee, S., & Toy, S. (2022). A Multimodal Evaluation of Podcast Learning, Retention, and Electroencephalographically Measured Attention in Medical Trainees. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.31289