Podcasts

What is a podcast?

A podcast is a broad term used to describe a type of “internet radio show” or a single
episode from such a program. A podcast is generally serialized and can be video or
audio.

Editor’s Note: For the most part, audio podcasts make up the majority of what’s
available. Audio podcasts are like a radio show that you can consume passively; I tend
to listen to my podcasts while getting ready in the morning, while cooking or doing
chores, and as I’m driving.

There are several ways to watch or listen to podcasts. The most straight forward way
would be to use Apple’s Podcasts app.

How to Download the Podcast app

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone (or click here and skip step 2)
2. Tap on the Search button (magnifying glass) located in the bottom right corner; search
for “Podcasts”
3. Tap on the search result named “Podcasts” by Apple featuring a purple logo
4. Tap Get and enter necessary Apple ID password and/or biometric (Touch or Face ID)
5. Tap Open to launch the Podcasts app

How to Subscribe and Listen on the Podcasts app

Inside the Podcasts app, there are four buttons on the bottom:
Listen Now — This tab will list the latest episodes of shows you’re subscribed to. Note
that this list is not comprehensive (see “Episodes” list below).
Library — This tab will contain your subscriptions and list individual episodes of each.
Tap “Shows” to view each show and its episodes individually. Tap “Episodes” to view a
combined list of your subscription episodes.
Browse — This tab acts as a hub to find and subscribe to new podcasts. It includes
“Featured” and “Top Charts” sections to see what’s popular and relevant.
Search — This tab will allow you to search for a specific show or episode by title or
topic. Your results will display both shows and individual episodes.

When you find a show you want to subscribe to, tap to display the info page where you
can tap Subscribe. This will place new episodes for this show in your Listen Now and
Library automatically.

Where are Podcasts Stored?

It depends on your settings!

Primarily, you’ll be streaming podcasts using the internet (whether cellular data or
WiFi). By default, the Podcasts app will download new episodes to the shows you’ve
subscribed to. This will store a small audio file on your iPhone, allowing you to listen to
the episode regardless your internet connection.

For example, before traveling on an airplane, you can download several podcast
episodes so that they can be listened to despite your phone being on Airplane Mode
and without data.

Recommended Podcasts

Sleep With Me Podcast — The Podcast That Puts You To Sleep

This has been invaluable to establishing healthy sleep habits. While white-noise and
other apps to distract my mind have helped lull me into sleep, none have worked as
well or as consistently as this podcast. The host Scooter creates modern bedtime
stories by boring you to sleep as he rambles on. After I get into bed, I plug in my
phone, put on this podcast and a sleep timer for an hour, and I’ll be out within 10
minutes. Try it; I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

Planet Money by NPR

An economics podcast (NO KEEP READING) that’s not boring! The hosts unpack quirky
stories like a lawsuit about how a Santa Suit gets taxed, how bankruptcy is valuable in
our economy, and how the government deals with registering offensive trademarks.
Planet Money tells fun stories as a playful way to understand current events.
TED Radio Hour by NPR

The TED Radio Hour sifts through the enormous catalog of TED lectures and connects
big picture ideas together through clips and interviews conducted by the host Guy Raz.
One episode may cover a scientific topic like “Peering into Space” or a more
philosophical examination of the human condition in “Getting Better.” This is a great
podcast to encourage thinking and creating!

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily is the first podcast I listen to every weekday morning. This show hosted by
reporter Michael Barbaro who focuses on one or two new stories of note each episode
and ends with a quick “here’s what else you need to know for the day” to wrap things
up. One part morning news, another part emotional storytelling, the Daily has become
the show I most look forward to. During the Christmas week, they will be airing their
favorite past episodes with updates since it ran.

Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day

A bite-size podcast I listen to after my morning news. It’s like listening to someone read
a dictionary entry. Exciting? Not really. Informative? Most definitely. It’s a simple podcast
that breaks up my queue and improves my vocabulary.

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

If you like history, you will love this podcast. Dan Carlin is a journalist obsessed with
history, employing a team to comb through records and accounts in order to build a
compelling several-hour-multi-part survey of fascinating eras. World War I, Genghis
Khan, Napoleon, and more. They are long, but wonderful to listen to!

Relevant Links
Podcasts App on the App Store = Podcasts on the App Store
Subscribe and listen to podcasts = Subscribe and listen to podcasts - Apple Support