Still don’t know what a podcast is? Don’t worry, no judgement here.
I often find myself chatting with people who want to know "What is a podcast, anyway?"
A lot of people have never heard a podcast before, so here is some helpful information, and some videos (courtesy of Wondery, a podcast network that puts out some awesome shows).
What is a podcast?
I like to describe podcasts as being like radio programs. Many podcasts are like talk radio shows, although only some are news- or politically-focused.
Other podcasts tell stories; sometimes fiction, sometimes very real. They might have a host who interviews guests or have actors who perform a story.
Podcasts are broken out into episodes, which are usually released weekly (or on some defined schedule). Episodes vary in length; some are 15 minutes and others are an hour or more.
Why should I listen to podcasts?
Podcasts can be educational, entertaining, or inspirational. You should listen to podcasts for the same reasons you watch TV or movies, listen to music, or read a book or blog.
There are podcasts about religion, business, pop culture (like shows for Harry Potter fans or about the royal wedding).
There are also podcasts for learning Spanish, saving money...you name it, and there’s probably a podcast about it!
Who has time for listening to podcasts?
Pretty much everyone! Seriously, it’s so easy to find time to squeeze in a podcast (or 7) every day. This video pretty much says it all:
If you want to start out with something easy, try this list of short podcasts (the episodes are all under 20 minutes).
Who makes podcasts?
The podcast industry has exploded since 2011, and podcasts are being produced and recorded by people from all walks of life.
Some podcasts are super professional; they’re recorded in a studio, edited by skilled technicians, and include advertisements or corporate sponsorships.
The folks at National Public Radio (NPR) produce dozens of podcasts, some of which are born out of the organization’s existing radio programs, and others that they created because they had interesting stories to tell.
Other podcasts are made by "amateurs", recorded and edited by people who have a story to tell and who do all the recording and editing out of their homes. Some of the best podcasts are by "non-professional" podcasters, so definitely give them a chance.
Big podcast creation companies and networks include Gimlet, Wondery, Radiotopia, and WNYC Studios, all of which are constantly rolling out new podcasts on a variety of topics.
But Wait, There’s More!
I hope that the information on this page has helped you learn what all the podcast “fuss” is about. Just like checking my inbox or Facebook feed every morning, I truly enjoy opening my podcast apps to see what new episodes await me.
Now that you know what a podcast is, click the link below to find out how to listen to podcasts.