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How to Listen to a Podcast

by ParentCo. January 22, 2015

Everything you wanted to know about podcasting but didn't feel like Googling. Podcast was the word of the year... in 2005 (10 years ago!!) Serial was seemingly listened to by everyone on Earth. However, a few people have sheepishly asked me how to listen to podcasts. They're not alone. The question is common enough that Ira Glass made a video to help people listen to Serial (embedded below.) As Ira says in the video, Apple's Podcast app is probably the easiest way for people with iPhones and iPads to get started. In iOS 8, the Podcast app is included by default. You can also download it for free here. In my opinion, the only nice thing about this app is that it syncs podcast settings across devices. Otherwise, I've found it buggy and unreliable. I use and recommend Overcast to download and manage Podcasts on iPhone. On my Mac I simply use iTunes. You can see how to do that here. For Android phones and tablets, try the Stitcher app on Google Play (it's also in the App Store). Search for the podcast you want to listen to and click the plus sign (+), to add it to your Favorites List. Now go to the Favorites List. Tell it to download new episodes by clicking the gear in the upper right corner. The Next Web listed "8 Great Apps for Listening to Podcasts on Android and iOS" Here's that video from Ira Glass and Mary on how to listen to podcasts.