How to Listen to a Podcast Easily
on Any Device
Here’s how to listen to a podcast, in really simple steps. We cover computer, smartphone, car and more!
Are you here because someone recommended you listen to the inspiring conversations we’re having on the HERE.together Podcast, but you don’t really know how to access them? We can help! [Please, don’t be embarrassed! Kelly had to help Charles learn how to listen to podcasts just a couple of years ago… and now he’s a podcast expert!]
Here are the different ways that you can listen to a podcast, on your desktop, laptop, phone, or even through your smart speaker.
Before we get to how, though, we'd like to address WHEN to listen to podcasts. This is just a starter list. Let us know if you come up with more ideas! We listen to podcasts when we are:
(If you would like some basic information about what a podcast really is, take a look at this Listener's Guide to Podcasting.)
Are you here because someone recommended you listen to the inspiring conversations we’re having on the HERE.together Podcast, but you don’t really know how to access them? We can help! [Please, don’t be embarrassed! Kelly had to help Charles learn how to listen to podcasts just a couple of years ago… and now he’s a podcast expert!]
Here are the different ways that you can listen to a podcast, on your desktop, laptop, phone, or even through your smart speaker.
Before we get to how, though, we'd like to address WHEN to listen to podcasts. This is just a starter list. Let us know if you come up with more ideas! We listen to podcasts when we are:
- cleaning the kitchen, folding laundry, cooking,
- working in the yard, going for walks,
- driving around town or on road trips,
- relaxing in the bath, doing computer work that doesn't require certain kinds of thinking,
- while trying to wake up (Kelly can't get out of bed in the morning without a bit of friendly audio).
(If you would like some basic information about what a podcast really is, take a look at this Listener's Guide to Podcasting.)
|
How to Listen to a Podcast on Your Computer
|
The EASIEST way to listen to a podcast is to play it directly through your desktop or laptop computer.
Nearly every podcast has a play function directly on its episode pages. Navigate to the podcast page like you would any page on the internet, click the play button, and listen. It's that simple.
For example, you can start listening to episode 56 of the HERE.together Podcast just by clicking the play button below.
Nearly every podcast has a play function directly on its episode pages. Navigate to the podcast page like you would any page on the internet, click the play button, and listen. It's that simple.
For example, you can start listening to episode 56 of the HERE.together Podcast just by clicking the play button below.
To find more HTP episodes, go to www.here-together.us/library. Each entry there has its own play button.
You can also play podcasts on your computer through apps like iTunes and Spotify. If you have either app on your computer, then navigate to the podcast section, browse around and hit play.
As long as you have speakers or headphones connected, this method of listening to a podcast works great.
Of course, using your computer to play a long podcast means you’re not very mobile. If it's a short episode, that can work or you can play the podcast through your PC speakers while doing something else. Kelly and I like listening to podcasts while we’re doing something that requires a different kind of attention, like creating graphics or doing data entry.
You can also play podcasts on your computer through apps like iTunes and Spotify. If you have either app on your computer, then navigate to the podcast section, browse around and hit play.
As long as you have speakers or headphones connected, this method of listening to a podcast works great.
Of course, using your computer to play a long podcast means you’re not very mobile. If it's a short episode, that can work or you can play the podcast through your PC speakers while doing something else. Kelly and I like listening to podcasts while we’re doing something that requires a different kind of attention, like creating graphics or doing data entry.
|
How to Listen to a Podcast on your Smartphone |
The most CONVENIENT way to listen to a podcast is on your smartphone.
Every smart phone on the market has at least one way to listen. So, if you have one in your pocket, you have an ideal podcast listening device already.
iPhone Podcast Apps
If you've got an iPhone, then you have a head start, because iOS comes with a podcast app built in. Just look around your apps for one called Apple Podcasts (or swipe down and search for it). It's a great app for the average listener, allowing you to search the directory, find new shows and subscribe easily. Just click the app each time you want to listen, and pick an episode for the day!
Android Podcast Apps
Android users have their own podcasting app built in – Google Podcasts – but it's got some limitations. Instead, download Pocket Casts, (that’s the app we use) and start listening right away. Use the search box to find the podcast you want to listen and just press play. Pocket Casts lets you make a playlist so you get the next episode automatically. You can also set a sleep timer, adjust the playback speed, share episodes, and more. The free version works great, but there is a paid version with extra perks.
Android users have their own podcasting app built in – Google Podcasts – but it's got some limitations. Instead, download Pocket Casts, (that’s the app we use) and start listening right away. Use the search box to find the podcast you want to listen and just press play. Pocket Casts lets you make a playlist so you get the next episode automatically. You can also set a sleep timer, adjust the playback speed, share episodes, and more. The free version works great, but there is a paid version with extra perks.
Do I need to subscribe? Do I need to download?
This is a good time to demystify a couple of the big, scary words that have kept people (like Charles, circa 2019) from enjoying podcasts.
Subscribing to a podcast sounds like a big commitment, but it’s not. For one, subscribing to almost all podcasts is FREE. Second, subscribing (or “following” as Spotify calls it) just means your podcast app bookmarks that podcast so that you don’t have to search for it each time you want to listen. Unsubscribing is as easy as un-checking a box, so you can feel free to try any podcast and change your mind later.
Downloading a podcast is as easy as clicking a button on your app to add the audio file of that episode to your device. This audio file does take up room in your phone’s storage, BUT the file goes away after you listen to the whole episode. No muss, no fuss.
You don’t need to download an app, if you’re listening at home or where there’s good wi-fi or mobile data, but you should download an episode if you want to listen to it on the go. One of our cherished road trip rituals is choosing which pod episodes to download for the trip.
|
|
Speaking of road trips! The car is the most common place to listen to a podcast, but, how does that work?
- First is via Bluetooth connection. Most modern cars are set up to connect to your phone so that you can make hands-free calls. That same connection can also play audio from your phone. So, connect via Bluetooth as normal, and then play something from your Podcast app. Does it play over the speakers? Great!
- No Bluetooth? Go Old-School-Cable. If your car is new-ish but not Bluetooth New, it should have a feature called an ‘aux in’ or a ‘line in’ port. It looks just like a headphone jack and all you need is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable to connect your phone to your car.
- If your vehicle is of a certain vintage and doesn't have blue tooth or a cable port, you can get a plug-in Bluetooth device for under $20. Plug it into the cigarette lighter, tune it to an un-used radio channel, pair it with your phone, and you're ready to roll. After you've paired it the first time, it will pair automatically. We have them in both our cars and they work great.
|
|
You can't have missed the smart speaker craze, powered by some of the biggest companies in the world. Google has the Google Home, Amazon has the Echo, and more are being announced every month.
Any Bluetooth speaker will allow you to play from your smartphone [or from whatever service you subscribe to, like iTunes], so both the Home and the Echo can play podcasts that way. But, the Echo in particular is great in that it connects with TuneIn Radio and Spotify.
Tell your Echo, “Alexa, play Sidedoor podcast on TuneIn” or “Alexa, play My Favorite Murder on Spotify” and the Echo will automatically play the latest episode. It's the easiest!
Any Bluetooth speaker will allow you to play from your smartphone [or from whatever service you subscribe to, like iTunes], so both the Home and the Echo can play podcasts that way. But, the Echo in particular is great in that it connects with TuneIn Radio and Spotify.
Tell your Echo, “Alexa, play Sidedoor podcast on TuneIn” or “Alexa, play My Favorite Murder on Spotify” and the Echo will automatically play the latest episode. It's the easiest!
“Hey, Alexa, play the latest HERE.together Podcast episode!”
How to Find Podcasts to Listen To
There are over a million podcasts out there today. So where do you even start when you're looking for something new?
It turns out, the most common way for finding new shows is to search your listening app of choice for topics you find interesting. Just type in a keyword or two. For example “how to build muscle”, “learn Spanish”, or “gardening”.
You can also find podcasts to listen to by asking others for recommendations – people who you know have similar tastes or interests. This might be friends you know in real life, or people in online communities. Or just Google "best podcasts on ___" and see what comes up. There is literally a podcast on every subject you enjoy.
It turns out, the most common way for finding new shows is to search your listening app of choice for topics you find interesting. Just type in a keyword or two. For example “how to build muscle”, “learn Spanish”, or “gardening”.
You can also find podcasts to listen to by asking others for recommendations – people who you know have similar tastes or interests. This might be friends you know in real life, or people in online communities. Or just Google "best podcasts on ___" and see what comes up. There is literally a podcast on every subject you enjoy.
Some of Our Favorite Podcasts
Charles's Faves
Politics and Current Events Pod Save America Stay Tuned with Preet Majority 54 Activism & Social Change Inclusive Activism Podcast Pod Save the People Spirituality and Depth Living Myth On Being |
Kelly's Top Picks
Science & History Sidedoor Throughline You're Dead to Me Science Vs Ologies The Infinite Monkey Cage Cautionary Tales Revisionist History Popular CultureArmchair Expert WTF with Marc Maron True CrimeMy Favorite Murder Criminal |
