Post by Vic Elizabeth Turnbull, MIC Founder
“I don’t even know how to listen to a podcast!” Oh my, if we had a quid for every time we hear that – we’d certainly be typing this from a tropical beach, whilst sipping pina coladas.
This is the number 1 reason people don’t listen to podcasts – they don’t know how!
So, here’s a dead simple guide – no jargon, just simple instructions for busy humans.
First things first…what is a podcast?
A ‘Podcast’ is a nugget of audio, that anyone can make, that anyone can listen to, anytime that they want – over the internet.
These nuggets of audio live on the internet and can be heard using ‘Podcast Players’ (also known as ‘podcast catchers’, ‘podcast apps’…) and sometimes they also live on the websites of the people who have made that podcast.
There’s lots of different Podcast Players, but for the purposes of keeping it totally simple and straightforward, we’re going to focus on the big boys. It’s then up to you if you fancy exploring more.
Most podcasts will be on all Podcast Players, so don’t feel like you’re missing out by choosing one over another!
Importantly, all of these COST NOTHING – PODCASTS ARE FREE TO LISTEN TO – REPEAT ALL OF THESE ARE FREE
Whilst there’s starting to be more ‘paid for’ content in podcast land, for the most part, podcasts cost nothing to listen to.
First, choose what you’ll be listening on
iPhone, iPad, mac
Search your device’s app for an app called ‘Podcasts’ – many IOS devices already have this built-in. If not, head to the apple store and download it (for free!)
Android phone / tablet
If your device is a Google Pixel, Samsung, HTC, Moto, Huawei, Sony, odds are your operating system is Android. This means you’ll need to download an App to listen to podcasts like Spotify, Pocket Casts, or Castbox .
Alexa
There’s an article here on how to listen to podcasts on your Amazon Smart Speaker. It’s dead, dead easy.
Google Home
It’s as easy as asking it to play a podcast. Detailed instruction here. Again, super simple.
Smart TV
Most smart TVs let you listen to podcasts just like you would on your phone. Open an app such as YouTube, YouTube Music, Spotify, or BBC Sounds and search for the podcast you want.
PC Desktop / Laptop
You can listen to podcasts straight from your web browser — no downloads needed. Just head to a podcast platform that has a web player, such as Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, or TuneIn. Search for the show you want, hit play, and you’re off.
You can listen via the podcast’s website if they have that option too.
Mac Desktop / Laptop
Listen via itunes
Spotify
Ok, so not strictly a device, but if you have Spotify on any of the above, you can listen to podcasts on there too
Now you have a Podcast Player lined up, you now have the means to listen to podcasts
HOW EXCITING! You have at your fingertips a WEALTH of amazingness. Literally, thousands of podcasts.
To discover podcasts, take advantage of the search function that the Podcast Players have, most also have suggested podcasts and lists of categories too for you to target your exploration.
Why not start by searching for some MIC media podcasts such as Strong Manchester Women or Tourist podcast?
As this is a quick and dirty guide, we’ve more than likely left stuff out, so if you have any other podcast player suggestions or tips for listening, please leave them in the comments, it’d be great to hear from you.
Enjoy!