Why I Love Podcasts


Me and podcasts. Our love is true. Podcasts have something special about them. Whenever I meet another podcast lover, I know I have found a kindred spirit. 
Here are some reasons for you to become a podcast lover yourself!
  1. Podcasts help you learn tons and tons of stuff.
  2. They are frequently released.
  3. They make you feel part of a community around a topic.
  4. They are portable--all you need is your smartphone, no cellular/wifi required!
  5. You can listen while you do other "mindless" things. Like weeding the garden or folding the laundry. And podcasts make commuting fun! (well fun-ish anyway.)

What is a podcast anyway?

Podcasts are simply an audio format that is syndicated--and is typically a talk program. You can listen to a show here and there, or you can use an app (there are several) to organize and sync the shows you select. Without this syndication, Podcasts are really just audio files. In fact, they are just MP3 files varying from a few minutes to over an hour. 

How to find and listen to podcasts


You can always just Google for podcasts in your interest area. But in my opinion, it is much easier to sort through the iTunes Podcast tab (you need iTunes on your computer, or phone). You can listen to the podcasts right from iTunes, or, with your mobile device you can use the listening app of your choice.

3 Podcast listening tips

  1. Download a good app--this kind of app is called a "podcatcher"-- for listening on your mobile device.
    Good podcatchers include: 
    1. Pocket Casts
    2. Stitcher
    3. Overcast (iphone only)
    4. Podcast Addict (android only) 
  2. Get a connector cord thing for your car stereo, something like this (not an affiliate link), unless you have Bluetooth in your car or something. The car is the perfect place to listen to podcasts!
  3. Speed them up! You can go 2x ("Karen Matthes Style," as I like to call it) or a more reasonable 1.25x, and save yourself some time! This setting is found in most podcatchers.

Recommended podcasts

To get you started, here are some top-shelf podcasts to try. Your interests may vary, of course! Do you have favorite podcasts you could share?? Please do!

Coming up in a future Quick Byte

A behind the scenes look at our team recording our new Quick Bytes podcast, including a How To for starting a podcast!

Comments

  1. Hi Amy! I am also a podcast lover! Does Extension IT have any training on how to create a podcast?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Molly--we don't have any training but I have been wishing we did! Do you think people are interested?

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    2. I would love a training on how to create a podcast. Please let us know if anything like this comes along!

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  2. Some of my favorites:
    99% invisible (about how and why the world is designed the way it is. Hint 99% of design is invisible.)
    RadioLab (great production. Vaguely science-related explorations told by someone who doesn't like science.)
    Gastropod (The history and social science of food.)
    Moth radio Hour (personal stories told by great story tellers)

    I'm still looking for a good science podcast. Suggestions, anyone?

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Ann! I'm going to try 99% Invisible, because it looks like our podcast preferences are very similar! Nice list!!

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  3. Hi there podcast lovers!

    The Hidden Brain, an NPR program, is a science one that I'm into, Ann. Others in Extension may be curious about it as well - interesting, accessible (you don't need to be a neuroscientist), and all kinds of topics that can inform things we do/want to do through Extension are into (goal setting, motivation, persuasion...)

    Just added 99% Invisible to my list too!

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