Earlier this week, someone asked me about how to get started with podcasts.
If you're hoping to listen more often, for work or pleasure, here's what to do:
1. Get a podcast player app.
Depending on the type of device you have, there are plenty to choose from. I use Podcast Addict and love it.
Other options include Overcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.
These are generally free or freemium. You do not need to pay to listen to podcasts or to use a podcast player.
While you don't 100% need an app to listen to podcasts, here are some good reasons to get one:
- learn when new episodes are released when you follow a show
- download episodes to play in the car, on a walk, or while doing dishes
- organize episodes into playlists, favorites, etc.
- keep track of which episodes you've already listened to
Go ahead and create an account and add the app to your phone.
2. Pick 5 podcasts to start with. Subscribe to these.
I'll do another post soon with my top recommendations. For now, just select a handful of podcasts that seem interesting.
Usually you can browse through the most popular options on whichever app you're using to get some good recommendations that fit your preferences for content, length, etc.
Subscribe or follow these, which means you'll get notified when a new episode is posted.
3. Do not check the "automatic download" option.
When it is checked, new episodes of the podcasts you follow/subscribe to will automatically be downloaded to your phone and added to your playlist.)
Why don't you want this?
It means that your phone is essentially creating a 'to-do' list for you: listen to these podcast episodes!
Instead, pick and choose episodes that are of interest to you. Just because you follow a podcast does not mean you need to listen to every episode.
4. Add episodes to your playlist and listen away!
When you see an episode of interest, add it to your playlist.
You can either stream the episode (relies on your internet connection) or download it to listen in the car or in places where you don't have or don't want to pay for data.
Delete episodes when you're finished (or set up your player to automatically delete played episodes).
I hope that helps.
Listening to podcasts is one of my favorite ways to stimulate my mind, and i love how easy it is to listen on the go 
