An Easy Explanation About What is a Podcast 

In today’s article we will talk about the Podcast in a didactic way. What do I mean by didactic way? Well, easy to understand, with simple terms and well broken down, so that you can have a well-informed and formed opinion, so much so that you may create your own podcast. 

To do so, we must begin by knowing what a podcast is. In a straightforward way: a podcast is an audio program, just like Talk Radio, but you subscribe to it on your smartphone and listen to it whenever you like. 

How do they work, and how do you listen to them? 

A podcast is a series of spoken word, audio episodes, all focused on a particular topic or theme. You can subscribe to the show with an app on your phone and listen to episodes whenever you like on your headphones, in the car or through speakers. (Something that you cannot do with a radio program). 

Podcasts are Far More than Repurposed Radio 

Most shows tend to be completely original content, not just repurposing the radio. 

For example:  

• They can be any length, from a 1-minute news snippet, to a 3-hour in-depth interview. 
• They can be any frequency, from daily to monthly. 
• Likewise, they can be any format, from simple solo shows up to mammoth, multi-person audio dramas. 
• They can cover ANY topic, many of which would never make it onto radio. 
• No matter what you are into, you will find a show that suits the topics you love and the time you have. 

When did podcasts begin?  

Podcasting as a medium has been around since 2000, although the term “podcasting” was first used in February 2004. And it has grown out of the need for substantive content. That is, something that can entertain, educate, or inspire you in the background of other boring or routine activities. 

Are podcasts audio or video? 

Today, most podcasts are audio-only, although there are also video podcasts.  

Similarly, podcasts are great for listening at the gym, while mowing the lawn, or on the way to work. Any time-wasting moment can be a time for audio. 

What should a podcast sound like? 

Thanks to the freedom that podcasting allows, you will find that many of the podcasts will be quite familiar to you or, conversely, you will also hear podcasts that are completely new and different from the norm. 

How do podcasts work? 

Most podcasts revolve around a specific topic. Then, each episode of that podcast will talk about something specific within that topic.  

Each episode is usually led by one or two regular hosts, who talk about that topic, and often have outside guests who contribute or are interviewed. 

On the other hand, there are amazingly simple podcasts: a few friends talking about something they are passionate about, like filmmaking, knitting or running a business. But others are really polished and super-professional, and include music tracks, sound effects, professional editing and more. 

The more professional podcasts are great to listen to, but take a lot more time and money to produce. Whereas, amateur programs, on the other hand, may have some rough edges, but that means they can come out every week and get a loyal audience. 

Chances are you will end up listening to a bit of both types. Since the most principal factor in most podcasts is the presenter, and you will gravitate more towards the topics and presenters you like than the approach they take.