A guide to podcasts: What are they and where should I start?
In recent years, podcasts have had a surge in popularity, and there are now more available than ever. For those of you who don’t know exactly what all the fuss is about, or how to even join in the fun, we’re here to help.
What are podcasts?
A podcast is very much like a radio program with their format can varying from talk shows, audiobooks or news to comedy shows, television show discussion groups or call-in shows… the list goes on and on. The main difference between a podcast and a radio show is that you download the podcast directly from the internet and listen to it whenever you want to.
One of the great things about podcasts is that you can subscribe to whichever ones you like and never miss an episode. Just like subscribing to a magazine, you’ll receive the latest episode of the podcast as soon as it’s available to download, ready for you to listen when you’re ready.
How do I listen?
iTunes:
One of the easiest ways to podcasts is via iTunes. If you already have it installed on your computer, or portable device, just open the iTunes store and select the “podcast” option near the top. This will take you to the podcast homepage where you can search for podcasts by genre, category, providers, and popularity. If you have a specific podcast you want to find, you can type its name in the search bar.
You can download individual episodes, or just hit the subscribe button to have iTunes automatically download them for you when they’re available. You can then sync them with your portable device (iPod, iPhone, etc) and listen on the go.
Others:
If you don’t have iTunes, and would prefer to use a different program, there are many available to choose from. For people with a PC, Zune is a great option. People with Android devices might want to check out doubleTwist.
Where do I start?
There are so many different kinds of podcasts available that it’s sometimes difficult to figure out where you should dive in. We’ve chosen some great starting points that are sure to have you addicted to podcasts in no time.
Serial – This non-fiction podcast is the exploration of a story told over multiple episodes. It ran for 12 episodes in 2014, and grew from having a small cult following to a zealous viral phenomenon. The show investigates the facts of the murder of a high school girl in Baltimore in the 1990s, and whether the right man went to prison for murdering her. And good news, there is a second season planned for this incredibly addictive show.
This American Life – It’s hard to define exactly what This American Life is, because it is so many things at once. Broadcast as an hour-long radio program since 1995, it is primarily a journalistic non-fiction program (in fact, Serial was a spin-off show). You might also hear essays, memoirs, field recordings, found footage or short fiction.
Hardcore History – This history-made-real series is astounding. Host Dan Carlin has a gift for braiding together strands of history to create a narrative that will have you on the edge of your seat.
The Memory Place – This wonderful podcast tells stories from the past that you might not have heard before. Each episode is written beautifully and is read in a relaxing voice, which is fun when you’re listening to a podcast about the riots that started in America in 1964. Subjects are incredibly varied, so pick one that interests you and start there.
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