What is a podcast?
If you love listening while driving, cooking, walking or relaxing, give podcasts a try. Podcasts are the new radio, only they offer even more choices when it comes to topics discussed, languages spoken and people represented. Some podcasts are created by radio networks and other organizations and some are made by individuals in their homes or in the library's audio recording studio. Podcasts are digital audio files so you must have a computer, tablet or smartphone to listen.
How Do I Get Started?
There are so many options that let you find and listen to great podcasts for free. Here is a list that will help you decide how to listen, based on what kind of device you are using and your personal preferences.
1. Listen on your Android phone using Google Play Music. Find "Podcasts" in your menu bar.
2. Listen on your iOS device on the Apple Podcasts app or iTunes.
3. Download a podcast catcher on your device. Popular ones include Podcast Addict, Overcast, and RadioPublic, among others. Find them in your Playstore (Android) or Appstore (iOS)
4. If you are already using Spotify to listen to music, enjoy podcasts on the same app. Just click on "library" then "podcasts" to get started.
5. If you have a podcast or a network in mind, visit their website and listen there. This is an easy option if you are using a PC.
6. Okay, so we had to sneak in a 6th option. If you want to listen but aren't sure about podcasts, give audiobooks a try. You can listen to audiobooks for free using your Brampton Library card and the Libby app.
Beginner's Tip:
Most apps offer two ways of listening. Either you can stream the podcast episodes, which requires a constant connection to the internet, or you can download episodes, which allows you to listen internet-free at a later time. If you like listening on the go, download the episodes while you are connected to wifi so you don't use up your data plan while you are out and about.
Do you still have questions or you would like recommendations?
Okay, so now you are in love with postcasts and you are dying to discuss them with fellow podcast listeners. Or, you need a little hands-on help to get started. Why not join us for our monthly Podcast Club? Click on the following links to register and get a curated listening menu:
Springdale Branch, Tuesday nights 6:30-8:30pm
Happy listening!
905-793-4636