From learning new information to watching videos and listening to music, the Internet has changed the way we communicate and how we experience digital forms of entertainment. One format that is part of the online evolution of entertainment is the podcast.
So what is a podcast and how does it work? Podcasts are a great mix of new technology and an old favorite: the radio broadcast. A podcast is essentially a series of shows that is released in a downloadable or streamable format through various websites and apps, and is available anywhere you have Internet access. There are podcasts for everything you can imagine: gardening, car repair, hunting, computer programming, news, and a wide variety of genres like horror, science fiction, mythology, comedy, and romance. There are even great podcasts for children! You can read reviews of podcasts to help you choose which ones are right for you, or even give reviews and ratings on your favorite podcasts.
Do you want to sample a podcast? Listen to the St. Tammany Parish Library podcast here or try out one of NPR’s many podcasts by visiting the podcast section on their website here. You may already have an app on your device that gives you access to podcasts, such as Google Play Music on Android devices or iTunes Store on Apple devices. All you need to do is open the app and search for “podcast” to see what options are available. There is a wide variety of free podcasts, however some podcasts offer paid versions that include bonus features.
To get started searching for other podcasts, check out the app store on your smartphone, tablet, computer or other electronic device, and follow these steps to download:
- For Google and Android devices, go to “Play Store” or “Google Play” and for Apple devices, go to “App Store”.
- Search for “podcast”. You can download a podcast app like Stitcher, Overcast, TuneIn, Spotify, and many more.
- Once the app is installed or downloaded, open it to start searching for podcasts.
- When you find a podcast you want to listen to, you can either instantly listen to it or download it for later. If you enjoy the episode, you can tap on the “Subscribe” button to receive new episodes as they are published.
- If you need help, the reference librarian at your preferred branch is available, just call or email to set up an appointment and bring the device you plan to use.
Are you interested in starting your own podcast? The library has some great information on where to start. Check out the list of resources below:
What is a podcast? Simply put, it's an audio program that you can listen to on your computer or mobile device. Learn more here.
International Podcast Day will be celebrated on September 30. The celebration is a great opportunity to listen to podcasts for the first time, or connect with fellow podcast enthusiasts. You can also share your favorite podcasts on social media sites using #InternationalPodcastDay. Happy podcasting!
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