Podcasts. And the Way I Think, Process, and Learn.

A few weekends ago, I took a quick road-trip out to Indiana for the wedding of my good friends Kate and Steve. Within a three day span, I spent about 20 hours in the car by myself, spending that entire time listening to NPR Podcasts. To be specific (and in ascending order in regards to time spent with each): This American Life, Serial, All Songs Considered, and Pop Culture Happy Hour.

Upon arrival in Indiana, the inevitable question was asked: "How was your trip?" As I was relaying the quality of my ride, I more fully realized why I love listening to Podcasts. I'm an internal processor.

With the two Podcasts to which I primarily listened (Considered and Happy Hour), the format involves professionals sitting around talking about a subject or theme. With the way I learn, I am perfectly content to listen to others (at least professionals) work out the intricacies of a particular topic while I also do the same in my own mind.

My question is this: is this a positive process for learning/processing?

Yes, a particular, albeit surface, style of learning fitted towards my mind. And the car-ride alternative is listening to music/nothing.
No, enables a passive form of learning and processing in which I should be pushing myself.