I find it surprising when I mention something about a podcast, how many people ask me what a podcast is. And I’m not talking about just old heads, there are some youngin’s too that have no clue what they are. So I thought I’d write a little something to explain it all.
What is a podcast?
Webster’s defines a podcast as “a digital audio or video file or recording, usually part of a themed series, that can be downloaded from a website to a media player or computer.”
Basically, podcasts are audio shows, or radio shows with content that you get to choose. And like your favorite television shows, they typically have a certain number of episodes per season. They can be produced as a limited, one time event (a singular season with a set number of episodes), or an ongoing series with many seasons over time.
There are podcasts about anything and everything under the sun. If you can’t find a podcast that interests you, you don’t have a pulse.
Some sources say the name “podcast” has nothing to do with a nearly extinct Apple product, but the most widely reported version of how the name came to be is that it’s a combination of the words “iPod” and “broadcast.” Regardless of the origin of the name, you can listen to a podcast on any smart phone, computer, laptop, tablet, or other electronic devices (like an Amazon Echo).
How much do podcasts cost?
*Podcasts are free. Podcasters (the people who produce podcasts) will occasionally solicit donations from their listeners to help produce the show, but the more listeners a podcast has, the more likely the show will be supported by companies willing to pay for ad space. The ads usually offer free trials or unique discount codes specifically for the podcast’s fan base (you, the listener). *There are some podcasts and podcast apps that cost money. This is the exception, not the norm. Personally, I would never pay for either, there are way too many FREE choices available.
How do I listen on my smart phone?
There are two ways to listen: direct streaming or downloaded copies. If you don’t have an unlimited data plan with your cell phone or internet carrier, you can download episodes and listen to them directly from your computer, tablet or cell phone. Not only will downloading episodes help you avoid overage charges, it also comes in handy if you’ll be in an area where you don’t get good cell phone coverage, or where Wi-Fi isn’t available (like an airplane, for example).
iPhones have a built-in podcast app, but there are other options available too. Overcast and Castro are two free iOS alternatives to the native iPhone app.
Android users can listen to podcasts through Google Play Music, or Google has a new stand alone podcast app called Google Podcasts. You can download the app and others from the Google Play store.
Here are a few podcast app icons. They all play podcasts, the only difference is the advanced options they offer. Take a good look and compare them to the icons on your smart phone or tablet. You may be surprised to find you already have a podcast app installed on your device.
Here’s what the podcast app looks like on Apple products (iPhone or iPad).
If you’re a Google Play Music fan, here’s where you can find podcasts in the Android app.
How can I listen on other devices?
Spotify, largely known as a free service for streaming music, also offers podcasts. Stitcher, SoundCloud, and podOmatic are other great resources for listening from a laptop, desktop, or tablet. You may also be able to listen to a podcast directly from the podcaster’s website. Most podcasts have websites where you can listen, as well as a social media presence where fans can hang out and learn more about the hosts, behind the scenes, see pictures and video, and arrange meet ups.
*Just a quick note, don’t get confused when going to the podcast websites I’ve listed. They do offer some paid services, but you can listen to podcasts (and music) for FREE. For example, Stitcher has a premium (pay) service that offers perks, like access to a couple exclusive podcasts. You do not have to pay to listen to non-exclusive podcasts on your laptop, computer, or tablet, nor do you have to pay to install the Stitcher app (or Spotify, or SoundCloud, or podOmatic) on your phone.
How do I get started? What should I listen to?
If you have no idea where to start, most apps have a list of their top rated podcasts. Browse through them and see if there’s anything you might find interesting. Here’s a list of the top podcasts in iTunes as of the original date of this blog post.
Here’s a snapshot of a few of the top podcasts on Stitcher, as of the original date this blog post. Understand the top podcasts are based on the number of people who listen, subscribe, or download podcasts at each individual service (Stitcher, iTunes, Google, etc).
Another way to find podcasts is to simply Google what you’re interested in. Go to Google.com and type in “top true crime podcasts” and voila, start looking for one that interests you. Love NPR? Guess what, they have podcasts too. Want to improve your golf game? Type in “golf podcasts.” Have a favorite tv show? Google it and add the word “podcast.” Favorite movie? Google it and add “podcast” and I bet there’s one for it too.
Once you find a podcast you like, you should subscribe to it. To do this, there’s a little button somewhere on the main page of the podcast. If you’ve ever had a subscription to a magazine, subscribing to a podcast works the same way. Here’s an example of what a Subscribe button may look like (disclaimer: I don’t listen to this podcast, it’s just a random example from the Google Podcasts app).
Be aware that depending on the content, you may want to start with the first episode of the first season of a podcast. Some podcasts, however, are not sequential, and allow you to pick the ones you want to listen to based on the individual episode content.
Something else to keep in mind; not all podcasts are created equally. You may find a podcast with content you enjoy, but you find the host’s voice annoying. Or maybe they go off on a tangent too often. Or maybe you just don’t care for the format of the show. If that’s the case, once you’ve subscribed to a few podcasts, most apps have a feed that shows you other podcasts you might like. These suggested podcasts will have the same topics or subject matter. When you find a suitable replacement, don’t forget to unsubscribe to the podcasts you don’t care for.
Depending on the app you’re using, you can choose to receive a notification on your device when a new episode is available. Some services also have email notifications. Regardless of the app, there’s typically an option that ensures you’ll never miss a new show.
The rate at which new episodes are posted is strictly dependent upon the individual podcasters. Uploads can vary from once or twice a week, once a month, or completely randomly, based on when new information or content becomes available.
Podcasts can have many formats.
- Interviews
- Conversational
- Panel (discussion or question based)
- Educational
- Commentary (single or multiple host)
- Story telling (fictional or non-fictional)
- Re-purposed content (taking existing recordings and “stitching” them together, for example sermons, seminars, or workshops)
- hybrid (a combination of any listed above)
Two of the main reasons I like podcasts are:
- The ones I listen to are usually just long enough that I can finish one during each leg of my daily commute (morning and afternoon).
- I can always find one to fit my current attention span, unlike trying to listen to audio books. Nothing against audio books, but I’m good for spacing out sometimes and missing a lot of necessary information.
My favorite podcasts
Here are just a few random picks of my favorite podcasts, to demonstrate how different they can be.| Podcast | Format | Average Length | Why I enjoy it |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Moth | Snippets from many live recorded shows strung together into one singular theme based show. | Varies from as short as 17 minutes or a little over an hour, but usually 50 minutes. | Celebrates the art of storytelling. The recordings are of people from all walks of life on stage, live, telling a personal story in 15 minutes or less, with no notes or props. This can have me crying laughing or literally crying like a baby at any given moment, which can be hazardous while driving. Check out themoth.org for more. If there's ever a show in your area, GO! |
| My Favorite Murder | Dual hosts each recount the story of a murder. | Varies. Recorded shows can go an hour to 90 minutes, live shows can go up to two hours. Minisodes (emails from listeners): typically 20-30 minutes. | I love true crime, and I've been listening to this one almost from day 1. These two women have such a rapport, you'll find yourself laughing at the most random stuff. Although it's listed as a comedy podcast, they cover these stories with respect and honor for the dead and their families, as well as victims and survivors. The only downfall is one of the women has vocal fry (and likes to use the word f*cking A LOT). However, the content is so good I'm able to get past that most days. Apparently so are many others because it's very popular and has a cult following (listeners are called 'murderinos'). |
| The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe | Single host narrating a story. | Anywhere from 6-11 minutes. | Mike Rowe, duh. You know, the guy from Dirty Jobs? I also like these because they're short enough to hold my attention on any given day, and I love the format. He begins by telling an interesting story about something or someone, but you usually won't be able to guess who or what he's referencing until the end. |
| Ear Hustle | Dual hosts with storytelling, interviews. | 30-40 minutes | This show is recorded in a prison. One host is a free civilian, the other is resident of San Quentin State Prison. Together they bring you stories of what life is like in prison. It is NOT what you see or hear or tv. I blew through the first two seasons of this so fast, I can't wait until season three starts next month. I like this one so much I ordered a shirt. |
And that’s all you ever really needed to know about what a podcast is, and then some. You could consider this a primer, because I’m considering starting my own podcast. I’ve got everything in place with the exception of a co-host. I want to make sure when I start this thing that those involved are in it for the long haul and will see it through. Could I do it solo? Yes. However, I think it’ll be much more interesting to have two people who can vibe off one another. Besides, who wants to go on tour and do live shows by themselves? Yes y’all, I dream big. Stay tuned.
Angela