What is a podcast?

You’ve probably heard the term ‘podcast’ mentioned at some point over the past few years. In the United States, it’s been hugely popular for a long time, but in the UK it’s still a bit behind. That’s a shame, because it’s a fantastic medium that’s well on its way to replacing radio (and, to a lesser extent, TV). Guest blogger Dick Hoebée – from The Polarizer Podcast – explains what a podcast is, where you can find and download podcasts, and which ones you should absolutely give a listen!

A podcast: what is it?

Let’s start at the beginning: what does the word ‘podcast’ mean, and what is it exactly? A podcast is an audio show that you can listen to on demand. The word itself is a blend of ‘iPod’ and ‘Broadcast’. That came about because podcasts became popular during the hype around Apple’s MP3 player at the time, which could play podcasts. These days, every smartphone and computer can stream and download podcasts. It works like Netflix, but for audio. Most podcasts are funded through advertising—usually read out by the hosts at the start or end of the episode—and some rely on donations. Most podcasts are audio-only, but some shows also upload a version with video, almost always on YouTube. Technically, that would be called a webcast or a vodcast, but those terms are hardly ever used.

Popularity

Why is podcasting so popular? There are several reasons, but a big part of it comes down to how accessible it is: it doesn’t cost anything to subscribe to shows, and anyone is free to start a podcast (I’d be happy to explain how in a future piece on the Bax Music Blog). There are no rules, regulations or limits for producing and publishing podcasts; anything goes. It’s a great example of the freedom only the internet can offer—and the main reason it’s such an interesting medium. Most podcasts were started by enthusiastic hobbyists who simply wanted to talk about their favourite topic. There’s a huge variety of formats: some shows last five minutes, some four hours; some come out every day, some once a week; some have seasons, etc. Everyone can make their own rules.

Where can you find, listen to and download podcasts?

By definition, every podcast has its own website where you can listen to the show. You’ll often find additional background information there too. On a computer, you’ll usually listen in a web browser; on a smartphone or tablet, you’ll use a podcast app. My favourite podcast app is Pocket Casts, available for iPhone, Android and Windows 10. This app isn’t free, but for serious listeners, the one-off cost of a few quid is more than worth it thanks to the huge number of features. There are also excellent free podcast apps. Overcast for iPhone and Podcast Republic for Android both have solid basic functionality and are great to start with. Spotify also has a podcast catalogue, but unfortunately it offers a limited selection compared to what’s available overall.

Which podcasts should you listen to?

The great thing about this medium is that there’s something for everyone; right now there are more than half a million different podcasts available on virtually every topic. Comedy, history, science, music, sport, news, politics, psychology, philosophy, entrepreneurship, technology, video games, fitness, travel, barbecuing, model railways, didgeridoos, baking cakes, brewing beer—you name it, it exists. The Stitcher website and the podcast apps mentioned above have lists of shows sorted by topic. It’s also worth Googling a personal interest along with the word ‘podcast’.

To get you started, here are a few shows that I, along with millions of others, love listening to. Try a couple—after all, listening to podcasts is free!

• The Way I heard it with Mike Rowe – Great, strong stories of five minutes, read by the brilliant voice of Mike Rowe.
• The Adam & Dr. Drew Show – Presented by radio veterans comedian Adam Carolla and Dr Drew Pinsky. The two talk about the news of the day and answer listeners’ medical and personal questions. Each episode is about half an hour long. Perfect for your commute. Good humour and sometimes educational too.
• The Joe Rogan Experience – Probably the best-known podcast. Joe Rogan interviews a huge range of people, sometimes for over four hours. Scientists, top athletes, writers, philosophers, musicians, flat-earthers… just about everyone has been on by now. The recent interview with Elon Musk is a must: Episode #1069. Episode #1028 with survivalist Adam Greentree also gives a great impression of the show. Any episode featuring Joey Diaz or Tom Papa is always a good laugh. Also available on YouTube.
• JOCKO Podcast – Incredibly inspiring stories and Q&A with ex-Navy SEAL Jocko Willink. Every episode inspires you to get on with it—no excuses. Start this podcast at episode 1. Also available on YouTube.
• The Tim Ferriss Show – Tim Ferriss, author of The Four Hour Work Week, interviews top performers in business, sport, science and more. An educational show for the entrepreneurs among us.
• Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History – World history discussed in a gripping way. The series about the First World War is called Blueprint for Armageddon and is not to be missed. Set some time aside, because it’s six parts of more than four hours each. Another brilliant series is Wrath of the Khans, about Genghis Khan. You do have to pay for that one; only the newest few series of this podcast are free to listen to.
• The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast – In-depth philosophy, presented by one of the most important thinkers of our generation. Also available on YouTube.
• Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast – A podcast about classic films, presented by the extremely foul-mouthed and genuinely unhinged comedian Gilbert Gottfried.
• The Polarizer Podcast – Relaxed interviews with big personalities who approach life in a unique way. Musicians, world travellers, artists, and even a nuclear physicist have been guests here. Disclaimer: this one’s mine.

Millions of hours of information and entertainment

I sincerely hope this is a good general introduction to this fantastic medium. There’s something for everyone in this incredible source of millions of hours of information and entertainment. For most people who truly discover podcasts, a whole new world opens up. Hopefully for you too.

Do you know any podcasts you’d recommend to others? Leave your podcast tips in the comments!

Want to learn everything about podcasting? Also check out our general podcast blog!

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