By Marco Castro, @marcoindeca | Southside High School, AR
Move over influencers and TikTok trends. There is a new IT girl in town, and she is in your earbuds. Podcasts have quietly taken center stage as the fastest-growing medium for storytelling, education and inspiration.
Like DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, podcasts prepare a new generation of thinkers, doers and dreamers who are ready to take the mic.
The Rise of Podcast Culture
Podcasts have exploded in popularity over the last decade, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge. They’re flexible, portable and accessible, perfect for busy DECA members balancing school, competition prep and leadership roles. Whether you’re looking for a five-minute motivational boost or a deep dive into business strategy, there’s a podcast for it.
Why Podcasts are the IT Girl
Like the IT girl everyone admires, podcasts are relatable, versatile and always ahead of the curve. They allow students to:
- Learn on the go: Podcasts make it easy to absorb new ideas while commuting, running or getting ready for class.
- Find mentors in your ear: From CEOs to student entrepreneurs, podcast hosts bring career advice directly to listeners.
- Stay inspired: Motivational stories remind listeners that success is a journey, not a destination.
Podcasts and DECA: A Perfect Match
Just like DECA competitions push students to think critically and solve problems, podcasts spark creativity and curiosity.
Imagine listening to an episode on negotiation skills before your role-play, or tuning into a marketing breakdown to prepare for your written event. Some podcasts are even video recorded so that visual learners can enter the audience straight from home.
How to Make Podcasts Part of Your DECA Experience
With the impact that podcasts have on today’s generation, it’s important to stay caught up with trends and hop into the podcasting chair. Some of the ideas that can be used for your chapter include:
- Create a chapter listening club: Pick a weekly podcast episode to discuss with your DECA chapter. It could become a fun and educational meeting tradition.
- Use podcasts as prep tools: Choose episodes on business, leadership or finance to sharpen your competitive edge.
- Start your own podcast. DECA members are natural leaders and communicators, so why not share your insights with the world?
The Bottom Line
Podcasts are more than just background noise; they’re a powerful tool for growth, connection and leadership. Like DECA, they help students step confidently into the future with knowledge, creativity and a voice that matters. So the next time you hit play, remember: the IT girl isn’t just on your screen…she’s in your earbuds, and she might just inspire your next big win.
