What is a Podcast?

A podcast is an online audio programme that you can download and listen to on your computer or mobile. It’s a bit like a public radio show, but there’s a difference. With a podcast, you can listen to episodes or a live podcast whenever you like.

Listening to podcasts is a chance to learn new things, hear different perspectives, and build a connection with your favourite creators.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how they work, the different types, and how to find a podcast that aligns with your interests.

Podcasting is a relatively new concept. The term podcast is a portmanteau of the words ‘iPod’ and ‘broadcast’ and only came into use in February 2004 . But since then, the media format has gone from strength to strength. Here’s how the process works.

1. One or more digital audio creators (known as ‘podcasters’) use recording software to create audio or video files of themselves discussing a topic.
2. The podcasters undertake audio editing to refine that recording, eliminate background noise, add sound effects as needed, and prepare it for release.
3. The podcasters release media content to their audience, usually on a platform like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
4. The audience can then listen to the recording on-demand or download it for later if they prefer.

Podcasts can be about anything, but they usually centre on one key topic, like cars, gaming, lifestyle, or fashion. They can be monologues or conversations between two or more people. They can be entirely non-fiction or entirely fictional audio dramas. Sometimes, a podcast can simply be a person telling humorous stories from their life.

The creator can also release podcasts however often they like: daily, weekly, or monthly. These podcasts can be any length, and in any format the podcaster chooses. In short, anyone can make podcasts about anything. The only challenge is convincing people to tune in.

Podcast listening is enjoyed by millions of people around the world every day. But why? What’s the point of it all? Here are six reasons listening to a podcast can benefit you:

• Learning new things: Podcasts are one of the best ways to learn about niche topics. Listening to experts boosts retention and makes it easier to understand tricky concepts.
• Convenience: In addition, podcasts let you learn whenever you like. You don’t need to find time to sit down and read a book. You’ll find most people listening to podcasts while handling other tasks.
• Mental well-being: Listening to a podcast can help you relax, laugh, and feel more positive. It engages your mind and diverts it from stress, offering some much-needed downtime.
• Listening skills: Audio podcasts have no visual cues, so they’re great for building active listening skills.
• Affordability: Podcasts are often free or cheap to access, giving you a wealth of content at little to no cost. That’s some solid value for money.
• Personal growth: Podcasts often contain real-life stories, experiences, and ideas. This makes them excellent for understanding new perspectives and supporting personal growth.

Podcasts can be about any topic, and there are no limitations to this. That said, most types of content for podcasts fall into one of these categories.

1. Interview podcasts

Whenever you think of a podcast, interviews are likely the first one that springs to mind. These podcasts often feature a consistent host who interviews or chats with a new guest each episode.

2. Conversational podcasts

Conversational podcasts are usually co-hosted. This podcast format is closer to what you’d expect from a radio show, featuring two or more podcast hosts who commentate on recent events or hold entertaining conversations.

3. Solo podcasts

Also known as monologue podcasts, this category features a single host who speaks for the entire episode. This style is particularly suited to educational and narrative podcasts, where the podcaster is an expert in their field who can talk in-depth about a specific topic.

4. Educational podcasts

Educational podcasts focus on teaching a specific topic, like history, geography, or entrepreneurship. These podcasts can be either solo, conversational, or interviews. The podcaster will often include show notes to help consolidate the lesson.

5. Narrative podcasts

Narrative (or scripted) podcasts are all about telling stories, either in one episode or an entire season. These stories can be non-fiction, as is common with true crime and documentary podcasts, or fiction podcasts, such as creating fantasy stories with voice actors.

Podcasts are known for being audio-exclusive, and many of them are. But nowadays, it’s also common for podcasts to include video clips. This could be footage of an interview taking place or graphics to support the host’s monologue.

Video is especially popular for interview and conversational podcasts, where audiences often want to see and experience the interactions between hosts and guests.

The good news is that podcasters don’t necessarily have to pick one type of podcast to create. Video and audio can both be recorded simultaneously, allowing the podcast creator to edit the same raw material for different platforms.

Audio and video podcasts both have their perks. Audio is easier to listen to on-the-go and allow the subscriber to multitask while they do so. Videos require a little more attention, but they can help podcasters reach a wider audience. Video is also a welcome accompaniment for users who struggle to process audio without visual cues.

There are dozens of different places to listen to podcasts, both on your computer and mobile phone. Below are some of the most common podcast listening apps and platforms to get you started.

• Spotify isn’t just for music. The platform also features thousands of varied podcasts. Just know that you’ll need to listen to ads unless you’re a premium subscriber on the platform.
• Apple Podcasts is the best way for iPhone users to listen. It’s a built-in app that is free to use. As a plus, the app will provide you with recommendations based on your listening habits.
• Amazon Music also offers a large variety of podcasts alongside their music streaming.
• YouTube is the easiest way to find popular video podcasts like Joe Rogan. These are accessible on any device provided you have an internet connection.
• Audible is ideal for narrative-style podcasts and documentaries. The platform also features some exclusives that are only available on the Audible platform.
• Podchaser offers an ultimate podcast directory, allowing you to find top-rated podcasts in every niche.
• Reddit's r/podcasts is a community-driven subreddit featuring podcast recommendations, reviews, and discussions.

These are just a small selection of recommendations, but the fact is that podcasts are everywhere. Search for what you’re looking for and you’ll struggle not to discover the perfect fit.

Let’s run through some of the top podcasts in the U.S. and elsewhere, with a focus on technology topics.

Vergecast

Experts from the Verge take deep dives into the week’s technology news, plus analysis on how the gadgets we use impact our daily lives in Vergecast .

Pivot

Hosts Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway talk about the business of technology, interviewing leaders across industries to make sense of where our world is headed in Pivot .

Eye on A.I.

New York Times correspondent Craig S. Smith talks with the innovators who are shaping the future of A.I. to learn what’s happening and what’s coming our way in Eye on AI .

Podcasts as a form of media may have only existed for two decades, but with more people tuning in each year on their favourite listening platforms, it’s clear the format isn’t going away anytime soon.

The best part about podcasts is that there’s always a perfect fit for your tastes. Interested in football? There’s a podcast for that. Want to find out more about music in your country? No problem. Fascinated by pens and want to learn about all things stationery? There’s a niche podcast for that, too.

And when you do find the perfect podcast, you’ll have the chance to learn new things, broaden your mind, or simply relax a bit more on your morning commute.