So you want to listen to a podcast? Of course you do! They are awesome. You can create an at-home university of success by getting business tips. You can laugh yourself silly in the carpool line with some hilarious comedy routines. You can educate, entertain or energize yourself on your daily run. Podcasts are everywhere and cover every topic under the sun.
With more podcasts starting everyday and the production quality of these podcasts improving dramatically, if you aren’t listening to podcasts yet, you will want to start. But, I hear you ask, “How do I listen to a podcast?” I’m glad you asked. Read on.
We are partial to our own podcast, Permission to Hustle. Give it a listen?
3 Ways to Listen to a Podcast
1. On Your Computer
Advantage: No need to have to get all fancy with things. You can listen to a podcast at home in your comfy chair on your computer. Just go to the podcast’s website, scroll to an episode you think sounds interesting and click play. You can usually download episodes for later listening on most podcast websites as well. This is helpful when traveling and Wi-Fi isn’t available. For optimal listening, plug in headphones. This is the quickest, cheapest, most reliable way to listen to a podcast.
Disadvantage: If you don’t want to be stuck in front of your computer and/or tethered to it by headphones, this option might not work for you. However, this may be a good option for those already on their computer all day, need a quick break from the daily monotony, or for those who choose to their computer’s speakers (so they aren’t tethered).
2. On Your Phone
Advantages: For those on the go, listening to podcasts on their mobile phone makes most sense. It is convenient, offers good quality sound and there are a variety of apps that enables this option easily. You would be surprised at how many podcast episodes you can listen to while walking, driving, or riding public transportation each day.
If you have an iPhone, the Apple Podcasts app is the best place to start. For those with Windows or Android phones, you can download podcasting apps like Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher. Once you have an app you like to listen to a podcast, be sure to subscribe so you are alerted when new episodes drop.
Disadvantage: You’ll need a good set of headphones for listening on the go. Take into account if you will need noise cancelling headphones, bluetooth devices or over ear vs ear bud headphones. Also, some of the apps which play podcasts have premium offerings for a monthly fee but you can listen to just about everything you want to listen to for free by listening to a few ads.
3. In the Car
Advantages: People have said ‘Podcasting is the new radio.’ I believe it. We’ve always listened to talk radio, call-in shows or disc jockeys who play much more than the latest music. It just makes sense to listen to podcasts in your car the same way. For that reason, the car is the most common place to listen to a podcast. As long as you have a Bluetooth connection and a strong Wifi or wireless signal, you can listen to your heart’s delight, starting and stopping throughout your day.
Disadvantages: Your first job in the car is to drive safely, not search for the latest episode of your favorite podcast. Be sure to keep your eyes on the road and set up your podcast listening prior to starting to drive. If you are driving in an area without a strong signal, you may not be able to stream your podcast. Downloading it to your phone prior to leaving can help alleviate this issue.
However you choose to listen to a podcast, just do it! They aren’t just for Millenials! I bet you can find a podcast you will absolutely love.
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