If I tell someone I listen to podcasts they will immediately bombard me with a list of shows that I should listen to. Each title is clearly unrelentingly great, interesting and funny. Often all three.
The problem with this assault of titles is a lack of connection. The recommender is pushing their preferences on the assumption mine are identical. I try to keep to an approach of:
- Asking what podcasts they like and why
- Asking if they would like any similar recommendations
- Offering something different with a why I think they would like it
The same goes for books, movies, music, tv shows and video-games. Always make recommendations with a contextual why.
On the flip-side people are often swamped with indiscriminate recommendations because their request is too broad. Reddit and other forums are filled with people asking “What game should I play?”, “What computer should I buy?” etc. Most people take the podcast path above, try to be helpful, and give a direct answer. A few will ask what type of games they like, what is the computer for, and make a more useful recommendation from there. It’s not always the fault of the person asking. Sometimes they don’t know where to start so their question has to be high-level.
On a related note, remember that Should is a very dangerous word. I know someone who makes every suggestion a commitment. “You should listen to …” is answered with, “Yes, I must listen to that”. Don’t let your lack of seeking a why for your answer burden someone who can’t say no.