The beginner’s guide to podcasts

Just getting into podcasts? No matter what you’re into, there’s a podcast out there for you. We’re going to give you a breakdown of everything you need to know, from where to listen, to what to listen to. 

Where to Find Podcasts Online  

Online podcast streaming is seriously popular these days and everyone’s getting in on the hype. There’s plenty of options when it comes to podcast streaming services, and we’ve made a list of where and how. You can listen to podcasts on an app through your phone or even direct from a website. 

Here’s a list of the most popular podcast streaming services to use: 

Podcast app

If you own an Apple device, you already have a built-in podcast streaming app. The app itself is incredibly user-friendly and has every podcast you could possibly need at your fingertips ready to stream or download for free. 

Google Podcasts

Android phones and iPhones have access to Google Podcasts, but it’s mainly seen as the Android equivalent of the Podcasts app. Newer Android phones will have this app already built-in, and it’s a simple and clean app to download for your listening pleasure. 

Spotify

Spotify have a large range of podcasts to enjoy, and they’re spending a lot of money to get exclusive access to some seriously big names in order to dominate online podcast streaming.  

Overcast

There is a strong fan base for the Overcast app, as it’s a simple and smart streaming service made for podcast lovers. It has great features such as Smart Speed, Voice Boost and Smart Playlists, making your podcast experience feel complete. 

Stitcher

Stitcher prides itself on the fact it’s made for podcasts and nothing else, with an intuitive interface that helps you to listen as much as possible with as little searching as possible (or so it claims). 

Podcast Addict

The Podcast Addict app is very intuitive. Try searching in other languages, or using the car listening feature, which is great if you want to listen to podcasts on the go. 

Acast

Acast is widely used with podcast fans for its layout and features. With over 8.5k reviews and five stars on the Apple App Store, this podcast player is worth having a look at. 

BBC Sounds

The BBC makes a wide range of podcasts across many genres which are hosted on their BBC Sounds app. Plus, you can listen to live radio, and save your favourite playlists and shows to listen to later. 

What Podcast Should I Listen to? 

So, now you know where to listen to podcasts, what podcast is right for you? There’s quite literally a podcast for every topic imaginable, so finding something you can enjoy listening to won’t be hard! 

You could listen to a podcast for many reasons: maybe you want to listen to something related to your work to improve your knowledge or skills (‘Business Daily’), or maybe you want to dive in to a podcast connected to your hobbies (‘Talk Art’). Perhaps you’re about to have a baby and want to listen to some parenting podcasts (‘Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled’). For every topic, there are usually many different podcasts! So, a little research around the podcasts you’re thinking of listening to would make sure you’ve chosen the right one. 

Looking for a good starting point? We recommend going onto the top charts of your chosen app and simply picking out an episode of something that immediately piques your interest. Once you’ve listened to your first podcast there will be no going back!  

The Most Popular Podcasts

What is the most popular podcast out there and who are people enjoying listening to the most? Here are some of the top streamed podcasts right now: 

The Joe Rogan Experience

Joe Rogan’s podcast was a huge acquisition for Spotify recently, mainly because he pulls in a huge audience thanks to his wide range of guests and celebrities that are encouraged to speak their mind. Considered the world’s most popular podcast, people like that the host (Joe), fact checks and or researches as the show is being recorded. If you want to learn something new every time you listen to a podcast, this is a great place to go. 

Grounded with Louis Theroux

Who doesn’t love Louis Theroux, right? If you’re a big follower of Louis’ documentaries, then you’ll really enjoy listening to his podcast where he talks to celebrities in his typical ‘Louis style’ interviewing. From Oliver Stone to Frankie Boyle, you’ll be fascinated with how the celebs open up telling Louis their life stories. 

Happy Place

Self-help and mental wellness is on everyone’s minds these days, and Fearne Cotton is the perfect host to speak on it. This is a weekly podcast that sees interviews with big name stars like Russell Brand and Gareth Southgate talking about their own battles with mental health and what they do to keep on top of it. 

My Favorite Murder

Hosted by Karen Kilgariff, a comedian, and Georgia Hardstark, a former Cooking Channel TV personality, these two lifelong fans of true crime stories team up to hear crime stories from their friends and fans. 

Sh**ged Married Annoyed

Celeb couple Chris and Rosie Ramsey talk about everything from relationships, arguments and annoyances to parenting and growing up. A funny, light-hearted podcast that will make you feel better about…well, everything!  

Happy Mum Happy Baby

This one is for the parents, with author and 2020’s Queen of the Jungle Giovanna Fletcher delving into frank and warm conversations with high-profile mums and dads. You’ll hear about everything parenthood, with Gi hoping to make parents feel good, knowing there is no such thing as the perfect parent.

Now you’re a podcast expert, you’ll be streaming and downloading like no tomorrow! Just make sure your wifi can keep up. Check out our full fibre broadband and go hyperfast today!