At present, long-form reading is reserved for something you care so much about you will do it to the exclusion of other things. Podcasts are for things you only care enough to pair with another activity.

Never in my life have I seen or heard of someone who sat down to exclusively listen/watch a podcast.

I agree that long-form reading often requires undivided attention and deep engagement. However, podcasts offer a convenient way to consume content while multitasking, such as during a commute or while doing household chores. Different formats cater to different lifestyles and preferences. It's all about finding the right balance between active and passive consumption.