All about Podcasts

What is a podcast

If you go by the dictionary, a podcast is a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new instalments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.

Another view is that podcasts are all of our favourite shows, topics and blogs put together in a huge hub of audio recordings (a podcast app) that you can explore, search and download to listen to in your own time, at home, in the car, at work, while exercising or anywhere.

If you can Google it, there is no doubt a Podcast about it!

The term Podcast is a portmanteau (look it up J) of iPod and Broadcast and initially started as a way for individuals to get their message out and build a community of people with similar interests. Nowadays there are podcasts from individuals, companies, radio stations, TV stations, storytellers, celebrities, comedians, churches and more.

Podcasts are usually in a series of episodes that you can listen to, often released on a regular basis such as daily or weekly.

Benefits of podcasts

They are pre-recorded so you can listen to them at anytime and anywhere – you do need internet access to do this.
There are so many to choose from, the topics are endless, the choice is yours!
Most Podcasts are free. However, some Podcasts are on apps that require a paid subscription.
They are a convenient way to catch up on news, sports, and your special interests.
If you subscribe to your favourite podcasts you will be notified when a new episode is released.
You can learn about new special interests, hobbies and topics directly from experts.
Podcasts encourage us to use our imagination and creativity and make us better listeners.
Podcasts help us form opinions and views without the bias of mainstream media.
You can multitask. Compared to watching TV you can listen on the go and often achieve more.

How to start listening to podcasts

You need the internet and a device to start listening to podcasts, whether you use headphones is up to you, but it is advisable if you are out in public. Using your phone, tablet or computer allows you to access a world of podcasts. Podcasts are accessible through a podcast app – we have listed the best podcast apps for 2021 below. Once you have accessed your podcast app, you can search for a Podcast. A good place to start is by searching for a topic or genre that interests you, such as gardening, history, cooking, sports, fitness etc. Alternatively, your Podcast app will more than likely include suggested Podcasts, new Podcasts, subscriber favourites or most popular podcasts, which is also a good place to start.

Once you have selected a Podcast or two, depending on your app, you can add it to your library or like it and these will be saved to your profile. Download the podcast to listen later or listen straight away – it’s up to you. You can stop and start as you like, listening is very flexible.

The top three podcast apps for 2024 include:

Apple Podcasts – free, comprehensible, huge selection and for use on iOS devices (Apple IPhone products).

Spotify – free (with adverts) otherwise a subscription applies, a huge selection, and also a music streaming app, for use on web browser, iOS, Android, media players, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more.

Google Podcasts – free, huge selection, some clever search and play criteria’s and for use on web browsers (i.e. laptops), iOS and Android devices.

Mixcloud, Soundcloud, Pocket Casts, Overcast, Anchor, Castbox and Stitcher are just a few more of the MANY podcast apps to choose from. Depending on what device(s) you have, may determine what apps you use. Check them out for their range, cost, ease of access and more when choosing your listening app.

Popular podcasts to give a try

You can search for the best or popular podcasts for over 50, for baby boomers, for women over 50, for seniors, midlife and you will get a different suggested list of podcast every time. This shows just how many podcast options are out there. Some popular podcasts listened to by fellow Australians do include:

Stuff You Should Know – this podcast is all about the random things you ought to know.

TED Talks Daily – every day this podcast brings you the latest TED talks.

How to Be a Better Human – weekly podcasts hosted by comedian Chris Duffy and guests who give clear takeaways on how YOU can be a better human.

Super Soul – Just like the old days when you used to tune into The Oprah Winfrey show, you can now tune in with her podcast.

The Better Ageing Podcast – aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the ageing population, empowering women and men to live healthier, more independent lives, for longer.

The Signal – is the ABC’s daily news podcast that helps cut through the noise to cover the biggest stories, explaining not only what is happening but why.

Gardening Australia – Presented by Australia’s leading horticultural experts, a valuable resource to all gardeners.

Conversations ABC – an hour in someone else’s life. Conversations draws you deeper into the life story of someone you may have heard about, but never met.

You’re wrong about – Mike and Sarah are journalists obsessed with the past. Every week they reconsider a person or event that’s been miscast in the public imagination.

Diary of a CEO – An unfiltered journey into the remarkable stories of the people that have defined culture, achieved greatness and created stories worth studying.

The Imperfects – A variety of interesting people who bravely share their struggles and imperfections, and we all learn some valuable take-aways we can apply to our own imperfect lives.

If you love podcasts and have something you want to say and share, why not consider making your own podcast. They are relatively cheap and easy to produce and their popularity is on the increase every day.

Happy listening!

Sources:

www.podcastinsights.com/what-is-a-podcast/

evergreenpodcasts.com/blog/7-reasons-you-need-to-listen-to-podcasts

https://www.dirtydiscoradio.com/best-podcast-apps-platforms/

manofmany.com/tech/audio/best-australian-podcasts

www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/689762/australia-top-10-podcasts-2021/