What are podcasts anyhow?

 

What are podcasts anyhow? Let's start with what they're not. They're not new, they've been around since the first one appeared in 2004, and the term podcasting, became the official name of this new form of media. Fast-forward to today where there are over 2 million podcasts available. These podcasts attract over a hundred million listeners. So why have they become so popular?

1. They are available for anyone to listen to, virtually anywhere in the world, at any time of the day or night. From streaming media like, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Stitcher, iHeartRadio and the list goes on and on. You can even ask Alexa to play your favorite podcast.

2. Most podcasts are listened to on portable devices, such as smartphones and tablets. They're available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

3. You can subscribe to your favorite podcast. Average podcasts listeners tune in to at least six shows, and listen for about seven hours per week.

4. What are they listening to? Just about any topic you can think of from sports to politics, financial, comedy, entertainment, like talk shows. Then there are podcasts that are instructive, again on just about any subject you can think of. There's even podcasts that feature murder mysteries. Storytelling is very big in podcasting. And of course, our favorite are interview shows like the Thought Row Podcast, which we host.

5. Are podcasts worth your time? Yes, you bet! You can discover and find information on virtually any topic that you're interested in. You will discover like minds. They're extremely easy to listen to and available whenever it’s convenient for you to listen. They’re “evergreen” meaning the episodes are always there and if you miss one you can go back and listen to previous episodes any time you like.

6. Probably the best thing about podcasts is, you don't have to watch a screen. You're listening, which means you can do other things, like riding your bike, walking, cleaning your house, or just relaxing in bed. They’re noninvasive. Podcasters cannot hear you, nor do they know what you're doing or thinking about. Podcasts help improve your imagination. You can learn something new by selecting interesting shows. And if you happen to be feeling a little down, you can tune into a podcast that will lift your spirits and keep you company.

7. An interesting fact about podcasts is that they truly represent freedom of speech. Along with that, you have the right to turn them off if you don’t like what you’re hearing and then you can move on to topics that you personally can relate to. 

Give podcast listening a try. They’re fun to explore. You will find that there are other people that like to listen to the same podcasts you do. There are even chat groups where people discuss each episode like Clubhouse and others. Who knows? After you listen to a few podcasts you may become more interesting to chat with, and we all could use a little help in that area. 

If you have any questions, let us know. 

Rod & Inci Jones

Thought Row Podcast