Try working on a spatial problem. I can't listen to podcasts while writing code, but I can while laying out a PCB.

Drawing or doing a jigsaw puzzle might work too.

Or cleaning. On the rare occasion when I clean the house, I find a podcast lets me drift right off.

Podcasts make cooking and cleaning and yardwork so much more bearable for me. Sometimes I get completely engrossed and wind up doing a far deeper clean than necessary just to have an excuse to continue listening.

But I absolutely can't code while listening to people speaking, my brain is just too old for that.

Agree especially on the drawing. I've been working on improving my drawing/design skills and find it works extremely well to listen to podcasts and sketch at the same time.

Audiobooks & podcasts are my most used mode of learning. I generally take a walk while listening to the talk. Its a little exercise and learning at the same time. - Maintaining a regular route helps you focus. - make sure the entire route is safer

Try speeding it up. For information-centric podcasts where comic timing isn't central, I find speeding up actually increases my retention, even when doing something else (I like to walk and do chores). Works like a charm for audiobooks too.