Visual Learning - The Dyslexic Superpower

Do you ever reach the end of an audiobook or podcast and ask yourself, “What on earth did I just listen to?” You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore a simple trick to help you remember what you hear in audio content, so you can actually make use of the knowledge.

We dig into why our brains skim over details in audio content, especially if we’re busy doing other things. We also chat about real ways to engage with new information so it sticks. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by your ability to recall that bit of wisdom you heard two days ago, this episode has you covered.

Why We Tend to Forget

The human brain is skilled at filtering out unimportant details. When we’re listening to audiobooks or podcasts, our minds often label the details as background noise, especially if we’re multitasking. This means the material slips by before we’ve really noticed it.

It’s no surprise we keep forgetting. Our attention drifts. We check our phone or notice a bird outside the window, and suddenly half the story has floated away. It doesn’t mean there's something wrong with you. It’s just how our brains work.

The Simple Trick That Works

The episode reveals a specific approach: actively create your own highlights while listening. Instead of waiting until the end, jot down a quick note or a key phrase whenever something clicks for you. That might seem too obvious, but it’s a game-changer.

You don’t need a fancy journal. Keep a small notepad or use a phone app. The main point is to pause, capture the snippet, and then carry on. It’s a small pause, maybe ten seconds, but it cements the idea in your memory. As the podcast host said:

“If you can take one moment to reflect on a key insight as soon as you hear it, you’ll remember far more by the end of the day.”

It’s so simple. That moment of writing down or repeating the piece of information is like letting your brain know, “This is worth remembering.”

Breaking Down the Process

Let’s get specific on how to do this. First, choose an audiobook or podcast you’re about to start. Then, as you press play, be slightly more conscious than usual. You’re going in with the attitude that listening isn’t enough. You’ll be taking action:

• Listen for an “aha” nugget. The moment something stands out or feels relevant, pause.
• Write it down in your own words. That step of personal wording boosts retention.
• Reflect on how it might fit into your life. Can you link it to a current situation or problem?
• Continue listening. Relax, because you’ve already locked the idea in place.

It might feel strange at first. But trust me, after a few tries it becomes second nature. You’ll reach the end of the content with a surprising sense of clarity.

When and Where to Practise

Some of us love to listen while driving or doing chores. That’s perfectly fine. You can still pause mentally and create a verbal note by speaking aloud to yourself. If you’re driving, wait until you’re parked before typing anything up. Safety comes first.

When you have control over your environment, keep your phone or notebook handy. If you’re off for a walk and listening on your headphones, a quick voice note can also do the trick. The key is to let your brain know that you won’t just let the ideas float away unnoticed.

These quick habits build up. Even if you grab only three or four insights from a 30-minute podcast, you’ll gain a much better recollection. It’s more than enough to help you take real steps towards practising what you heard.

Making It Stick for the Long Haul

This trick isn’t just about writing it down once. After you’ve finished listening, pick one of the notes and talk it through with someone. Share a quick summary with a friend, or even on social media. That extra layer of engagement helps you learn on a deeper level and creates a fun conversation.

Here’s another trick to reinforce memory. Review your notes the next day. Spend a minute glancing over those highlights. It’s like giving your brain a second coat of paint. This short recap helps your memory stay vibrant and stops good ideas from fading away.

And if you really want to nail it, try applying the insight within 24 hours. Put that new knowledge to work in a small, practical way. Human brains love action, and once you connect the idea to your real life, there’s no going back. It stays with you.

• Organise your favourite takeaways. It keeps them from getting lost in a sea of notes.
• Talk about it. Conversation cements learning.
• Schedule time to revisit ideas. A calendar reminder is all you need.
• Put the knowledge into action as soon as possible.

When you see it all laid out, you realise it’s not complicated. A few small shifts can transform passive listening into real growth.

Key Takeaways

• Keep a notepad or phone app ready to capture insights.
• Pause and write down or repeat key ideas in your own words.
• Reflect on how each idea connects to your life.
• Follow up the next day and talk about the highlights with someone else.
• Put fresh knowledge into practice right away.

Don’t underestimate the power of a short pause and a quick note. This trick helps you extract real value from your listening sessions. It makes learning active rather than passive, so you actually remember the gems you discover.

Want to hear the full conversation and soak in every detail? Listen to the complete episode at the top of this page and see how this method could reshape your audiobook or podcast routine.