🎧 How to Listen to Podcasts: A Beginner's Guide to Apps, Episodes, and Finding Shows You'll Love

Frank Bravo 0:08
Hi. Welcome to your Tech Makeover, the podcast that gives you tips and tricks to simplify and get more out of technology in your life. I'm your host, Frank Bravo. Today's topics is podcasts, actually what they are and where to listen. Plus, I'll share some of my personal favorites and some that might be worthwhile adding to your playlist. I'm guessing that since you're listening to this episode, you know something about podcasts. Maybe somebody send you a link to this podcast, or you were introduced to them somewhere along the way. But it's also possible that you found a website or a link to my social media. And this is your first one. Well, if it is welcome and thanks for listening. Either way, I'd appreciate it if you listen to some of my other episodes, and if you like it, make sure you follow so you don't miss any. If you don't know how to do that, stick around and keep listening. I'll make sure that you know how to like this episode and show at the end. In terms of what the podcast means, it goes all the way back to 2004. It's a mashup of iPod, Apple's early MP3 player, and broadcast. The podcast format gained popularity because people were subscribing to audio shows for on demand access. Fast forward to today, and podcasts are cultural staples, covering everything from true crime to comedy to news and even education. Typically, podcasts come in two formats, either audio or video. Audio podcasts are traditionally more common. These are, like many radio shows, kind of like what you're listening here, actually. Exactly like what you're listening here, but are delivered straight to your phone, computer, smart speaker or other device. Today there are also lots of video podcasts, which are usually videos of people recording their audio podcasts. I'm not sure what the real value of that is, but the combination of being able to see the host and the guest with visuals is attractive to some people, and they get also taught and other things that are really great about seeing a visual element. The beauty of podcasts are their versatility. Whether it's a true crime, technology, comedy, self-improvement or deep dives into random niche topics, or you just want to expand your knowledge. There is something out there for everyone. Because it's traditionally audio nature, podcasts fit perfectly into the in-between moments of your day. If you could be listening when you're commuting, doing chores, or taking a walk, which is where I usually do my listening. Unlike video versions or books, you don't need your eyes. So really all you need is your ears, which you have with you all the time, and a set of headphones. They're like having an on demand radio station tailored to your interest. Plus, podcasts are often more intimate, featuring real conversation or unscripted moments that connect you to the host or the guests. Or they're like this podcast where it's just informational. So maybe on a morning walk, you tune in to listen to a quick news podcast, or if you have a long commute, maybe it's a comedy show or a gripping true crime series. If you need some inspiration listening to interviews about your favorite authors, entrepreneurs, artists you know there's lots of different options out there. A quick shout out to listeners like you who help make your tech make over possible. Your support helps keep this podcast going and I truly appreciate it. Want to contribute? Just click the link in the show notes or visit your Tech makeover.com plus as a special thank you, supporters who give $25 or more will get $25 off a one time consultation with me to help simplify your tech. Thanks for being part of the Your Tech Makeover community. Now back to what I was saying. One of the coolest things about podcasts is their accessibility. Most are free to listen to and you don't need anything you don't already have. A lot of podcasters will ask you to subscribe. But that doesn't mean sending you money or sending them money. It means that it allows you to be reminded of a episode coming up so you don't have to remember, I wonder when that podcast is getting released. I'll actually remind you at the end of this episode that if you like it, you should follow to get updates of new episodes when they are released. Now, if you know what podcasts are, let's talk about where to find them. The good news is, like I said, you probably already have access to podcasts, even if you've never searched for one. For instance, if you have an iOS device or an Apple device, you are using Apple Podcast. Most likely this is built into every single iPhone or iPad and actually on your computer around. So just look for the purple podcast icon in your app store. You might also use Spotify. Even though it's known for music, they've become a huge hub for podcasts to. YouTube is also gotten into podcasts, both audio and video, although the video versions are probably more prevalent there. Then again, there are also specialty apps like overcast, Stitcher, Pocket Cast. So those are just for podcasts, and they are not nearly as common, but they are out there as well. If you're ready to dive in, the applications I just mentioned are a great starting point. They have the ability to search and also have recommendations for you to try out with millions of podcasts out there. There's actually more than 3.5 million podcasts as of this recording. How do you pick the ones that you want to listen to? Well, first think about your interest. Are you into tech? True crime. Fitness. Enter some keywords into the podcast app search bar and see what it comes up with. Further, once you've listened to a few shows, you can check the recommendations in the app. There's also curated lists. There's top charts and trending, which might have shows that kind of speak to you and you can actually follow at that point. Finding creators or hosts that you enjoy is another way to find shows that you might like. For instance, if you like my podcast, you might also look for tech or gadget podcasts, or if there's an actor or personality that you might watch or listen. They may have a podcast too, or at the very least, be a guest on a different show. Finally, if you're interested in some ideas, ask a friend. Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find those hidden gem podcasts out there. Now, let me tell you a few of my favorites to get started. So, in no particular order, I have on my follow list 9 to 5 Mac Daily. It's great for Mac enthusiasts. It's relatively short, and it updates everything that happens in the Apple ecosystem every day. Another podcast I like is the way I Heard it with Mike Rowe. If you love short, captivating stories, Mike's delivers them with his booming voice and his signature wit and charm. Definitely a good listen. Another one that I've listened to recently is literally with Rob Lowe. He takes his connections and creates a wide ranging, freewheeling conversation with his guests. Finally, there's the podcast really? No, really, with Jason Alexander and Peter Tilden. This one is purely entertainment. It. It explores surprising and fascinating stories, and the two guys are great together. And of course, there's always this podcast, Your Tech Makeover, where I help you navigate the tech world with ease. If you've been feeling stuck in your daily routine part, podcasts can help spark that curiosity and help you learn something new there, like having your own library of knowledge, humor, or stories in your pocket and available wherever you are. Let me know what podcasts you're excited to try and share your favorites with me. And as always, if you have ideas for topics you'd like me to cover, please feel free to contact me via email at Frank at your Tech Makeover. Com. That's it for now. Thanks for listening to your tech makeover. Don't forget to subscribe! Remember I told you to do that at the beginning of the episode. Just find that follow button on your favorite podcast platform so that you never miss an episode. You can also visit your tech makeover. Com for more detailed. And if you want to know more about me, check out Bravo. It's com. Until next time, I'm Frank Bravo, and this has been your technique over.