I love to listen to a podcast while exercising, doing chores or driving. I’ve become an enthusiast of a number. (See the ones I recommend below.)  A friend who is new to the technology asked me how to go about subscribing to one. For those of you who are also new to it, here goes:

Podcasts are like radio broadcasts that you can listen to any time you wish.

Most podcasts are free. Think of them as the new radio. You can listen to them on any device that has apps (i.e. a smart phone or tablet) or on your computer.

To listen on your computer:

  • Download the iTunes application and go to the iTunes store.
  • Google “podcasts”—a number of sites will come up.

To listen on your cell phone or tablet:

First, get the Podcasts app:

  • Go to the App Store app.
  • Click “Explore” at the bottom.
  • Type “Podcasts” in the search box (upper right).
  • Download.

Open the Podcasts app and search (upper right) for the podcast you are looking for.

  • Click on it.
  • Click “Subscribe.”

And that’s it. Once subscribed, when you go to the Podcasts app, click on “My Podcasts” bottom left, and there you go.

I highly recommend:

Recommended podcasts

WTF  Edgy, X-rated. Marc Maron is a no-holds-bar comedian, often interviewing comedians in his garage. Fun! Be sure to check out episode #613, his interview of Barack Obama (which is not X-rated). Another great one is the #604 interview of NPR interviewer Terry Gross.

Recommended podcasts

BOOK REVIEW (THE NEW YORK TIMES) Fantastic interviews with authors and reviewers. It’s a wonderful way to keep up-to-date on new publications.

WRITERS & COMPANY (CBC RADIO) Eleanor Wachtel is an amazing interviewer of literary authors from around the world.

Recommended podcasts.

THIS AMERICAN LIFE  Great journalism, both thought-provoking and entertaining.

SERIAL  Investigative journalism which took the world by storm. So compelling! Be sure to start at the beginning.

Are you already a podcast subscriber? Which ones do you enjoy?