There’s a whole new world waiting to be discovered, and it’s called podcasts. You may have heard of them without really knowing what they are. When they first appeared on the scene, they were referred to as ‘the future of radio’, which is actually a very handy description. Podcasts are basically an evolutionary step for the old wireless.

What are podcasts?

Before we get into the details, the quickest way to wrap your head around podcasts is to think of them as radio programmes that, instead of being live, are recorded and available to listen to whenever you want.

They come as a series of episodes, like television shows, and they centre on a particular theme or topic. Usually they involve one or two people (sometimes more) having a discussion, just like on radio. You can find podcasts on sport, politics, movies, books, gardening, true crime… the list is nigh on inexhaustible.

There are also fiction podcasts, which are basically just like old radio plays. They can involve a cast of actors, each voicing a different character, with sound effects like wind and rain, doors opening and closing, footsteps, and so on.

Whatever tickles your fancy, there’s a podcast (or two) out there for you.

How do I listen to podcasts?

Podcasts are available through a number of websites or applications. The most popular are Spotify, Apple Podcasts (on an iPhone) and Google Podcasts (on an Android phone). You simply need to download one of these apps (applications) on to your device and use their search function to find the podcasts you want to listen to.

These applications can be downloaded onto a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or computer.

It’s worth noting that the one podcast can be available across many applications. For instance, you could find the same podcast on Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts. It will be the same podcast on each application. It’s similar to a television show being aired on channels 7, 10 and SBS. You can choose which application you find more user-friendly.

You can also listen to podcasts on websites. For example, you can visit https://www.abc.net.au/radio/podcasts/ to find all the podcasts that the ABC offers. ABC Podcasts includes shows that aren’t played live; in other words, you won’t find them on the radio – you have to stream them via the internet.

Once you’ve found a podcast you enjoy, you can easily subscribe to it so you’ll be notified when a new episode is available. Usually, a ‘subscribe’ button will be easy to spot on the podcast’s page.

The Benefit of podcasts

Podcasts are just like the radio, which means you can listen to them while doing other activities. This is one of their big appeals; tasks that once seemed like chores pass by in a blur as we become absorbed in a fascinating conversation or engrossing storyline.

With podcasts, we find ourselves heading out for more walks through the leafy streets, spending more time pottering in the garden, and even volunteering to do the dishes (okay – that may be a stretch). They also connect us to a wider world and introduce us to concepts and characters we never would have encountered otherwise.

Podcasts represent the best attributes of modern technology and social media, offering the perfect blend of education and entertainment.

Check out some of the podcasts our staff are listening to

The sheer number of podcasts out there can lead to decision paralysis. Where to begin? With our list of awesome recommendations of course! So here it is.

Mark Pesce – The Next Billion Seconds

Tech news, social sciences

If the internet and all things techy are your thing, then you’ll love this podcast. Mark Pesce is an inventor, writer, entrepreneur, teacher and broadcaster, and in this podcast he talks to the brightest minds at the bleeding edge of artificial intelligence and all things tech-related as they peer into the future.

Available on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts

Making Sense with Sam Harris

Science

Join neuroscientist, philosopher, and best-selling author Sam Harris as he explores important and controversial questions about the human mind, society, and current events.

Available on: iTunes, Spotify, Google Play

The Howie Games

Sport

Where the biggest names in the world of sport go one-on-one with sports journalist Mark Howard. From ultimate highs to tear-jerking lows, Howie lifts the lid on the real stories behind the headlines. He sits down with the biggest names in Australian & world sport, finding out how they started out, what makes them tick, how they deal with the big wins and the big losses, and how they take on sport and life from here.

Available on: Apple Podcasts, PodcastOne

Passenger List

Fiction – Mystery Thriller

A plane has disappeared mid-flight, somewhere between London and New York. Kaitlin Le, whose twin brother was on the flight, assumes the role of investigator, determined to uncover the truth and spurred on by guilt over her final interaction with her twin. Tense and gripping, you’ll be hooked by the end of the first episode.

Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

David Tennant Does a Podcast With…

Interviews

David Tennant, surly detective from Broadchurch and one-time Doctor Who, sits down to interview a range of entertainers from TV, movies and the stage. His genuine interest leads to revealing conversation, surprising stories and lots of laughs.

Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts

We hope you enjoy!