Podcasts have rapidly become a popular form of media and entertainment, and they are only growing in popularity. With a vast variety of podcasts available, covering almost every topic imaginable, it’s no wonder that so many people have turned to podcasts for information, entertainment, and education.
We love podcasts, and listen to a lot of them, ranging from author content about writing and book marketing to pure entertainment, like audio dramas.
This post aims to provide a comprehensive guide to both beginners and experienced podcast listeners.
For those who are new to podcasts, this guide will explain how to find and listen to podcasts easily using popular podcast apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. We’ll cover everything from subscribing to podcasts and downloading episodes, to customizing playback speed and organizing your podcast library.
However, this post is not just for beginners. Even experienced podcast listeners can benefit from this guide by learning how to find the newest podcasts in an easy and efficient manner. This can be challenging as the podcast apps are only showing the most popular shows in their news feed or list so you could be missing out on some great shows.
We’ll therefore share the trick we use for how to discover new podcasts. It is as easy and quick as it is effective.
In addition, we’ll discuss the benefits of subscribing to podcasts, including receiving notifications for new episodes, and creating a customized playlist for your favorite podcasts. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge and tools you need to make the most out of your podcast listening experience. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned podcast listener, this guide has something for everyone.
Before diving into the benefits of listening to podcasts and how to listen to them, let’s start with the basics: What is a podcast?
What You'll Learn
What is a Podcast? A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding On-Demand Audio
In simple terms, a podcast is an audio program you can listen to on your computer, phone, or other digital device. Podcasts are usually in the form of a series, with each episode focusing on a specific topic or theme.
Podcasts can cover a wide range of topics, from news and current events to comedy, sports, personal development, and more. They are usually hosted by individuals or groups who share their opinions, experiences, and expertise on a particular subject.
What sets podcasts apart from other forms of audio content is that they are on-demand and can be accessed anytime, anywhere. You can listen to a podcast while commuting to work, doing chores around the house, or working out at the gym.
Furthermore, podcasts are often free, which makes them an affordable and accessible form of entertainment and education. With thousands of podcasts available, covering almost every topic imaginable, there’s always something new to discover and learn from.
In summary, a podcast is an audio program that covers a particular topic or theme, which can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and is often free. With so many options available, podcasts have become a popular form of entertainment and education, and they are only growing in popularity.
The Benefits of Listening to Podcasts
One reason podcasts have become so popular is because they offer an on-demand and personalized listening experience. Unlike traditional radio shows, you can listen to a podcast whenever you want, wherever you want. With the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward, you can control the pace and listen to what interests you.
Furthermore, podcasts can be an excellent source of inspiration and motivation. You can find podcasts that feature interviews with successful people from various industries, giving you insights into their journeys and how they achieved success. You can also find podcasts that cover topics like personal development and productivity, helping you to become the best version of yourself.
Another reason podcasts are so popular is that they are accessible to everyone. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or working out, you can listen to a podcast. With so many podcast apps available for free, you can easily find and listen to your favorite podcasts on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Why You Should Listen to Podcasts
Learn Something New
Podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge and information that you might not get elsewhere. Whether you’re interested in history, science, or politics, there’s a podcast out there that can help you learn more about it. You can listen to experts and professionals discuss their areas of expertise, giving you insights that you might get nowhere else such as the two podcasts we currently have here at Am Writing Fantasy!
Stay Informed
Podcasts are an excellent source of news and current events. Many podcasts focus on specific topics, such as politics or economics, and offer in-depth coverage of the latest developments in these areas. You can keep up with the news while you’re driving, walking, or working out, making it a convenient way to stay informed.
Expand Your Horizons
Podcasts can introduce you to new ideas, perspectives, and cultures. You can listen to podcasts from all over the world and hear stories from people who have different experiences and backgrounds. This can broaden your understanding of the world and help you see things from different angles.
Be Entertained
Podcasts can be fun and entertaining, just like any other form of media. You can listen to comedy podcasts, true crime podcasts, or celebrity interviews. The options are endless, and you can find something that suits your interests.
Overall, podcasts are a convenient, entertaining, and informative way to learn something new, stay informed, and be entertained. With a wide range of topics and formats, there is something for everyone. If you haven’t started listening to podcasts yet, now is the perfect time to give it a try and experience all the benefits they offer.
How to Find and Listen to Podcasts
Now that you have a better understanding of what a podcast is, let’s dive into how to find and listen to them.
One of the easiest ways to get started with podcasts is by using a popular podcast app, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. Each app has its own unique features, so it’s worth trying a few to see which one you like best. Alternatively, search for podcast apps in App store (for Apple users) or Google Play (for Android users) and find one that you like.
These apps allow you to browse and discover new podcasts, subscribe to your favorites, and download episodes for offline listening.
Popular Podcast Apps to Get Started With
One of the easiest ways to listen to podcasts is to use a podcast app. Here are some of the most popular podcast apps:
Apple Podcasts: Pre-installed on iPhones, iPads, and Macs—this app has a vast collection of podcasts in almost every genre.
Spotify: Known for its music streaming service, Spotify also has a great collection of podcasts that you can listen to for free.
Google Podcasts: Available for Android devices, this app allows you to discover and listen to podcasts, as well as subscribe to your favorite shows.
Stitcher: Another popular app, Stitcher offers a personalized listening experience with a variety of podcasts, news, and radio shows.
Subscribing to Podcasts and Downloading Episodes
Once you’ve downloaded a podcast app, you can search for podcasts by name or topic. When you find a podcast you like, you can subscribe to it to receive notifications when new episodes are released. You can also download episodes to listen to them offline, which is great for long commutes or when you’re traveling.
Since you are reading our blog, you are likely a writer. You could, for instance, start out by searching for “Write The Story” in your chosen podcast app.
Or, here are direct links:
Write The Story podcast is a limited series where we plot a story from scratch in order to help you understand Story Structure better.
Customizing Playback Speed and Organizing Your Library
Most podcast apps allow you to customize your listening experience by adjusting the playback speed. You can listen to podcasts at a faster or slower speed, depending on your preference. Additionally, you can organize your podcast library by creating playlists, marking episodes as played or unplayed, and deleting episodes you’ve already listened to.
In summary, finding and listening to podcasts is easy when you use popular podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher. You can subscribe to podcasts, download episodes, customize playback speed, and organize your podcast library to make the most out of your listening experience. So, start exploring and listening to podcasts today!
Discovering New Podcasts
Once you’ve found a few podcasts you enjoy, it’s time to start exploring and discovering new ones.
In this section, we’ll share some tips on how to discover new podcasts that you’ll love.
Using Podcast Directories and Search Tools
One of the easiest ways to find new podcasts is by using podcast directories and search tools. Here are some popular directories and tools to try:
- Apple Podcasts: The app has a “Top Charts” section that showcases the most popular podcasts in different genres, as well as a “Search” feature that allows you to find specific podcasts.
- Spotify: The app has a “Browse” section that lets you discover new podcasts by category, as well as a “Search” feature that helps you find specific podcasts.
- Google Podcasts: The app has a “Search” feature that lets you search for podcasts by name or topic, and it also suggests new podcasts based on your listening history.
- Podchaser: A website and app that allows you to search for podcasts by topic or creator, as well as browse popular podcasts and top charts. This one is our favorite and here is why:
If you click the filter at the top,
You will then get some options. First, tick the boxes related to the types of podcasts you are looking for.
There are loads of options,
Then, set the language you want to listen in,
And, here comes the trick. Use the ‘Date of First Episode’ filter.
You can then set the date range to the previous month, for instance, and up to the current day. Voila!
Podchaser will now display only brand-new podcasts, and solely within the genres you’re interested in.
Pick your favorites, search for them in your podcast app, don’t forget to subscribe to each one, and you are good to go.
Recommendations from Other Listeners and Social Media
Another great way to discover new podcasts is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or coworkers who are also podcast enthusiasts.
You can also ask for recommendations on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Reddit.
There are also online communities and forums dedicated to discussing and recommending podcasts, such as r/podcasts on Reddit.
Tips for Finding the Newest and Most Popular Podcasts
If you’re interested in finding the newest or most popular podcasts, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Check out podcast charts and rankings on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify to see what’s currently popular.
- Follow podcast newsletters or blogs that curate and recommend new shows, such as The Bello Collective or Podnews.
- Look for podcasts that have won awards or have been featured in media outlets or podcast festivals.
That said, we still prefer Podchaser as described above, but acknowledge how there are many ways to discover new podcasts, including using podcast directories and search tools, asking for recommendations from others, and following tips to find the newest and most popular shows. With these resources and strategies, you can continue to expand your podcast library and explore new topics and genres.
The Importance of Subscribing to Podcasts
Once you’ve found a podcast that you enjoy, it’s important to subscribe to it. Subscribing to a podcast means that new episodes will automatically download to your device, so you won’t have to manually search for and download each episode.
Here are the steps to subscribe to a podcast:
Step 1: Choose Your Podcast App
Choose the podcast app that you prefer to use. Some popular podcast apps include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
Step 2: Find Your Podcast
Search for the podcast that you want to subscribe to in the app’s directory or search bar. You can also paste the RSS feed URL for the podcast into the app’s search bar.
Step 3: Click Subscribe
Once you’ve found the podcast, click the “subscribe” button. This will ensure that new episodes will automatically download to your device when they become available.
Step 4: Manage Your Subscriptions
You can manage your podcast subscriptions by going to your app’s settings or subscriptions page. From there, you can adjust settings such as how often new episodes are downloaded, which episodes to download automatically, and how long to keep downloaded episodes.
Bonus Tip: Leave Ratings and Reviews
If you enjoy a podcast, consider leaving a rating and review on the app’s platform. This can help other listeners discover the podcast and give the creators feedback on their content.
Once you’ve subscribed, you can manage your subscriptions by adjusting settings such as how often new episodes are downloaded, which episodes to download automatically, and how long to keep downloaded episodes.
In summary, subscribing to a podcast is a simple process that can save you time and ensure that you never miss an episode. By following these steps and managing your subscriptions, you can streamline your podcast listening experience and continue to enjoy your favorite shows.
Receiving Notifications for New Episodes
When you subscribe to a podcast, you’ll receive notifications for new episodes. This means that you’ll never miss an episode and can keep up with your favorite podcasts more easily.
Creating Customized Playlists for Your Favorite Podcasts
Many podcast apps allow you to create customized playlists for your favorite podcasts. This can be helpful if you have multiple podcasts that you enjoy and want to listen to them in a specific order.
You can also create playlists for different moods or activities, such as a workout playlist or a relaxing playlist for bedtime.
Conclusion: Start Listening to Podcasts Today!
Podcasts are a fantastic way to learn something new, stay entertained, and make the most of your time.
With so many options available, there’s a podcast for everyone. Whether you’re interested in news, politics, sports, true crime, or just want to listen to some interesting conversations, there’s a podcast out there that’s perfect for you.
By following the steps we’ve outlined in this guide, you can easily find and listen to podcasts that interest you. Start by exploring popular podcast apps, searching for podcasts by topic or name, and subscribing to your favorites.
So what are you waiting for? Start listening to podcasts today!
And if you’re looking for a great podcast to get started with, be sure to check out our “Write the Story” podcast, where we offer a unique look at the creative writing process. Happy listening!
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