What Is a Podcast and What Can It Teach Us? Great Advice
Today I’m going to be talking about podcasts, what they are and how they can teach us.
A Podcast is a digital audio file that you can download to your computer or mobile device. It’s then up to you to transfer this file into your chosen playback device.
The best part is, you can download this audio entertainment to the device of your choice and take it with you on the go.
You can listen to podcasts while commuting, working out, or taking care of household chores. It’s not just an audio file, it’s a ever-growing phenomenon and you don’t want to miss it!Today we’ll be discussing:
- What is a podcast?
- How does it work?
- The benefits of podcasts.
- Is Podcasting difficult?
Contents
What Is a Podcast and What Can It Teach Us?
Today I’m going to be talking about podcasts, what they are and how they can teach us. A Podcast is a digital audio file that you can download to your computer or mobile device.
It’s then up to you to transfer this file into your chosen playback device. The best part is, you can download this audio entertainment to the device of your choice and take it with you on the go.
You can listen to podcasts while commuting, working out, or taking care of household chores. It’s not just an audio file, it’s an ever-growing phenomenon and you don’t want to miss it!
Today we’ll be discussing:
- What is a podcast?
- How does it work?
- The benefits of podcasts.
- Is Podcasting difficult?
So What Is a Podcast?
Before I get into that, let me explain what a podcast is. A podcast, short for “iPod” and “broadcast”, is simply an episodic series of digital media files which are released online for playback on your computer or mobile device.
So move over traditional radio stations, and welcome a podcast network today!
Podcasts cover any topics from news to fiction to discussing the latest crimes and news.
Whatever subject interests you, there is probably a podcast out there for you to enjoy.
Podcast content can include topics such as:
- Fictional podcasts and stories.
- Tv show discussions created by a podcast host.
- Educational discussions in podcast form.
- Radio broadcasts from radio networks.
- And much more.
How Does It Work?
There are many ways to listen to your favorite podcasts. One way is through the use of an app known as Overcast.
This particular app allows you to subscribe to different podcast feeds and will automatically download new episodes for you whenever they become available.
When it comes time for you to take over control of the feed, simply tap on your chosen episode and it will immediately play for you.
You can also listen to apple podcasts, google podcasts, and much more on mobile devices, android phones, iphones, or any device that plays audiofiles.
Apple Podcasts
One option for listening to a podcast episode would be to use a traditional media player such as iTunes.
Here, you can simply subscribe to your chosen podcast feed and new episodes will automatically download whenever they become available.
Simply Podcasts
The third option is the best one of all. It’s called simply “podcasts.” If you’re using iOS, simply open the podcast app, tap “podcasts” at the bottom of the screen and then choose your favorite series.
You can even subscribe to a new podcast just by searching for it via the main search bar.
These are just three examples of how you can enjoy listening to audio content on your mobile device, but there are many other apps. For example Babble.
Google Podcasts
You can find plenty of podcasts on google which is both fun and interesting to listen to. All you have to do is search for the podcast you wish to listen to and select “play” or “subscribe.”
Babble Podcasts
Not only are light topics covered by podcasts, but they are also useful for education as well as entertainment.
Podcasts have the potential to become a fantastic educational tool and method for imparting entertaining and learning information.That’s why Babbel – the world’s first language-learning app – created the infographic “What can a Podcast Teach You?”, to explain this global phenomenon through lots of fun facts and data, while also offering a series of useful tips for learning languages… by listening to podcasts.
As the infographic explains, in 2021, Brits listened to almost 60 million hours of podcasts every week (+50% compared to 2019 and 17 times more than in 2015).
In 2022, even more growth: +2.9 million listeners are expected in the UK. From “Today in Focus”, a podcast by The Guardian that covers a crucial fact in 20 minutes, to “Eat Sleep Work Repeat” by Bruce Daisley (Vice President of Twitter), there are many podcasts loved by the British.
Babble and Language Learning
Babble launched numerous podcasts to help language learning. This can help those studying a language to develop speaking and listening skills as well as learn about cultures as they listen to audio episodes.
What Can a Podcast Teach Us?
Podcasts are great learning tools because they offer information in a way that is portable, accessible, and convenient.
They are not restricted by geography or access to educational institutions which can have a high price tag attached to them. The value of podcasts is that they are easily available in the modern age. If you want to start your own podcast then be sure to get a great microphone and visit https://wiredclip.com/blue-yeti-pop-filter/ for the best options. A podcast can teach us so many things, from language learning to get through difficult times, or coping with chronic health conditions.
With so many different podcasts on offer, there is surely something for all of us to enjoy as well as enrich our lives with additional information.
5 Benefits of Podcasts
The future could see hundreds of thousands of new podcast fans signing up to listen to what’s hot around the world.
Podcasts are truly an international medium that is enjoyed by people of all ages. 5 benefits of podcasts include:
Learning in Your Own Time, When It’s Convenient for You.
Most people who learn a language will tell you that they wish they had started when they were younger.
Once you reach adulthood, the window of opportunity to develop new skills is much smaller than when taking your first steps in life. You can easily fit learning into even the busiest schedule.
Building Key Skills While Commuting
Build key skills by using the time you spend commuting to catch up on the news, current affairs, or language learning.
Podcasts are excellent for passing the time when traveling by train or bus.
They are even better if you are driving because there is no chance of getting distracted while listening to them. You can enjoy your journey while learning at the same time.
Enjoying Learning in Your Leisure Time
The best way to learn is by having fun, which means you can improve your language skills while enjoying yourself.
Podcasts are so entertaining that they will help you progress faster than if you spent all of your free time studying or doing homework!
Listening in the Dark
Listening to podcasts is a great way to pass the evening. You can enjoy them while enjoying your favorite music or just relaxing before heading off to bed.
You don’t have to have the light on to read each word, you can listen in the dark, even when outdoors camping!
Organizing Your Audio Files
Finally, the sheer volume of on-demand audio on offer can be overwhelming. This is why many people will organize their files using playlists on apps such as Spotify or music streaming services.
The podcast medium has exploded in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. With an estimated 8 million active listeners in 2021, it is clear that podcasts are set to become increasingly popular.
You can organize your audio files so you only listen to what interests you most. If you want to learn a language, why not start with the latest episodes featuring your chosen topic?
If you need another reason to get started with podcasts today, here is one: they can even help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
This is because they allow you people who are far away to feel as if they are close by.
Podcasts and Best Time to Listen
The best time for listening to podcasts is during long trips, on public transport, or when exercising.
It’s even better if you have earphones with noise cancellation technology that will allow you to focus on your podcast without being distracted by outside noises.
As well as learning languages, listening to podcasts offers so many benefits including improving memory, reducing stress levels, and keeping fit.
British Podcast Awards founder Steve Ackerman says “This ground-breaking research demonstrates how the UK’s ever-growing appetite for podcasts is not just a trend but a genuine cultural shift that shows no sign of slowing”.
How Do I Create a Podcast?
Want to become a podcast producer? Creating a podcast may sound complicated but it’s very easy.
All you need is a computer with internet access, an audio recording device (such as a smartphone or mp3 recorder), and some basic editing software.
Record Your Podcast Episode
You can record your podcasts directly onto the computer, download them from your device to the computer, or even use online voice recorders if you don’t have access to a computer.
Edit Your Podcast Recording
The next step is to edit your recording. That can be done by playing it back and editing out any mistakes or dead space.
Add Music and Audio to Your First Episode
You might want to add some music, audio or intro/outro sounds, which can also be found online for free use.
You can then upload the finished podcast onto your website or share it with others via your social media platforms.
There is a lot to think about when you produce podcast episodes, including how often to upload new episodes and which software program will be best for editing.
You might choose to add other features such as comments from listeners or quizzes that people can take online.
You can create an interview podcast and do multiple episodes or a podcast series interviewing experts in your field of interest.
Podcast Creators
You can even do a podcast series interviewing yourself with questions about your new language learning methods!
Make Your Own Podcast
Podcasts are the perfect way to have fun while learning languages.
The more you learn, the more you can share with others around the world. It’s easy to produce them on your computer, which means you can.The possibilities are endless!
So What Are the Best Podcasts?
Language Learning Podcasts
The reviews on this page are based on podcasts that teach languages.
There are other podcasts about language learning but they tend to be produced by industry experts rather than language learners themselves.
Best Crime Podcasts
Crime podcasts are a very popular genre which is why there are so many podcast websites that review, recommend and list them.
It’s hard to know where to start when there are so many good ones available.
Best Music Podcasts
There is also a wide range of music-related podcasts from music news shows, to interviews with musicians, to music festivals.
It’s often the best audio content you can choose. Podcasts are everywhere these days and finding the best ones can be time-consuming but worthwhile…especially when you find an audio recording you love Podcasts are both entertaining and information-rich, which is why more of us are choosing them over TV.
They’re also great for listening to while you’re walking the dog, commuting to work on public transport.
So what are you waiting for, grab your device, turn on the listening app and enjoy a new episode of a particular topic you are interested in learning more about.
