Podcasts 101

New to podcasts? Need some basic information about podcasts? Welcome to PODCASTS 101

WHAT ARE PODCASTS?

Podcasts are audio programs that can be listened to on the internet. These podcasts are usually done in episode format around particular topics. There are literally thousands of podcasts out there covering every topic imaginable. Some podcasts are just people talking. Some feature news and stories. Some are non-fiction, documentary-style podcasts. Some are fictional story-telling, like Lilac Wine-The Podcast. Some are highly produced and professional; some are not.

So, in a nutshell, a podcast is a program that is released in episode format on a regular, or semi-regular basis. Think of it like old-time radio when you had people listening to stories or programs. The thing that makes podcasts different, is that you have the ability to listen whenever you want. The content is on-demand.

WHO MAKES PODCASTS?

Literally anybody. Some podcasts are produced by big media companies. Some are produced by normal, everyday people - like me.

DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO LISTEN TO A PODCAST?

No. All you need is access to the internet and you can listen to anything.

HOW DO I LISTEN TO A PODCAST?

Most people listen to podcasts on their mobile phone. But, you can also listen to podcasts online as well through the browser you usually use to access the internet. For example, each episode of Lilac Wine-The Podcast is hosted on this website. All you need to do is press play for each episode, sit back and listen. Most major podcasts have a website on which you can listen to shows.

HOW DO I LISTEN ON MY PHONE?

You need to access podcasts through an app that delivers the podcasts to your phone. Each app works basically the same.

1. In a podcast app, search for the podcast.
2. Then, once you find the podcast you want to listen to, you can "subscribe" to it so that you will never miss an episode and you will always receive notifications when a new episode has been released.

Your phone most likely has bluetooth technology, so you can connect your phone to your car speakers and listen while you drive!  That is how I listen to podcasts.

WHAT APPS DO I USE TO LISTEN TO PODCASTS?

This is a little more complicated, because there are hundreds of apps you can use.  The best place to start is with the type of phone you have.

If you have an Apple phone, that's super easy. You have the Apple Podcast App already installed on your phone.  Just open it up and search for a podcast that you want.

Or, you can browse categories and try out several podcasts.


On an Android phone, you can start with Google Podcasts. Like the Apple version, this one works in the same way. Search or browse podcasts and then "subscribe" to the ones you want to listen to.

There are other apps, too. Literally hundreds of apps to listen to podcasts. Here are the more popular apps found on BOTH Apple and Android. Some of them are free, some are paid.



Personally, since I have an Android phone, I have used PlayerFM, Stitcher and Googlepodcasts.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PODCASTS?

Good question. Click here to see a list.