Not only is this great software, but the fact that it did not ask for overreaching permissions and did not try to connect to 5 different websites on the first run made it an instant win for me.
They work for me when I walk, clean or drive. I noticed that when I do anything else while I listen, I just zone out and forget where I was and have to start over or go back.
I haven't listened to audiobooks for a long time because I don't drive much. (Don't commute.) I find for podcasts, listening in the car is about the only time they really work for me. Probably because driving requires a level of attention but usually not too much attention.
When I try to listen to podcasts at home my mind usually ends up drifting. And I can't stand having earbuds with music or anything else in my ears when walking. Separates me from my environment too much.
for podcasts, if you use a podcast app like Overcast that supports playback speed adjustments and silence skipping you might find a speed that keeps your attention while still retaining the important stuff.
I wonder if any audiobook apps support that kind of speedup feature?
Personally I have a Goldilocks zone. If I'm just lying on the sofa I start thinking about other things, if I'm doing too much I miss what is happening in the book. However things like walking around town or cleaning the house I really enjoy audiobooks or podcasts.
I think many services become popular and see wide adoption, because they are free. When the free element goes away there will not be nearly as many users willing to try it or to use it and love it so much that they will recommend it.