What Is Podcasting?

What is podcasting? No, that’s not a silly question—especially not to those of us who have time traveled from 2003. That's when ex-Guardian columnist Ben Hammersley coined the term podcast by combining the words iPod and broadcast. Since then, podcasts have evolved to become a much more developed concept. Now, podcasts are presented in a myriad of ways through a number of mediums and digital platforms.

In this article, we're going to explore what podcasting means in today’s world and explore the different types of podcasts that are out there. We'll also answer the question: Who can be a podcaster?

What Is a Podcast?

Let’s ease into this. Most typically, you can think of a podcast as any type of radio or TV talk show. But unlike the old days, these shows are delivered as a series of digital files to your phone, iPad or computer. Even Amazon’s Alexa speaker can pull one up for you.

Depending on the podcast, new episodes are released every day, week, or month. Past epsidoes are usually available to download or stream at your own leisure. When it comes to listening to podcasts, there are a lot of options available. For Apple users, for example, the app Apple Podcasts gives you access to a virtually limitless number of podcasts. Non-Apple users can take advantage of popular music-streaming apps like Spotify to gain access to a vast library of podcasts.

Audio vs. Video Podcasts

Initially, podcasts were presented only in the form of pure audio, just like a radio broadcast, but again, available on demand and in digital format. And though podcasts have commonly remained in the audio realm, they are also often filmed. You can find a plethora of video podcasts on streaming services such as YouTube and Spotify. In fact, some audio podcasts are just audio recordings of TV shows that you will find on streaming platforms, such as HBO MAX or cable networks, such as CNN or Fox. That being said, audio podcasts are still the more popular format.

Who Talks on Podcasts?

Commonly, a podcast will have two or more hosts that will converse on a specific topic. Then again, there doesn’t necessarily need to be a specific subject driving the episode. Topics can meander. Other times, there is a single podcast host who interviews a different guest on every episode. Really, you can have as many or as few hosts as you like and as many guests as you like, depending on the format the show takes on.

Podcasts Topics and Styles

Podcasts don’t necessarily have to be just conversations. They can involve news coverage. Or they can be stories told, ranging from murder mysteries to tales of romance based on real life or fiction.

Comedy Interviews Podcasts

One of the most popular comedy interview shows is Conan Needs a Friend, hosted by the famous comedian and former late-night host Conan O’Brien. In this show, Conan teams up with his insolent assistant and producer to host interviews with famous showbiz folks, as well as fans. Dana Carvey and David Spade also run a comedy interview podcast show Fly on the Wall.

News and Opinion Podcasts

You can listen to popular audio recordings of news shows, like NBC’s Meet the Press and Fox’s Fox News Sunday.

Society and Culture Podcasts

This is another prevalent category that covers everything from self-help to discussions about society’s cultural and political climate. Popular examples include We Can Do Hard Things and This American Life, a highly regarded podcast covering cultural and political topics through stories and interviews.

True Crime Podcasts

Podcasts that focus on true crime stories have become particularly popular in recent years. Popular true crime podcasts include In the Dark and Strangeland, which focuses on criminal cases in immigrant neighborhoods.

Movies and Documentaries Podcasts

For all the film buffs, there’s an entire world of podcasts that discuss all sorts of movies and documentaries. And you can get as nerdy as you want. Check out Swordboys – Cut x Cut, for instance, which exclusively talks about sword movies. Or zone in on a podcast that revolves around just one film like Karate Kid Minute.

History Podcasts

Amongst other educational subjects, like science and philosophy, history podcasts are particularly popular. You might want to take a listen to Throughline, which is a Peabody Award winning show that brings history to life through stories.

In short, whatever interests you, whether it’s science fiction, gardening, photography, or literally anything under the sun (or beyond the stars), you can be sure there’s a podcast about it.

Can I Make a Podcast?

Yes! Thanks to advanced and user-friendly technology, anyone and their mother can start a podcast and deliver it to the public through various podcast hosting platforms. And you can do it all in one day if you’re motivated enough.

Besides a voice and a vision, you’ll need some equipment that can range from a simple microphone and computer to a more advanced setup that involves mixers, audio-interfaces, editing software and other types of technology. And, as mentioned above, you’ll need to subscribe to a podcast hosting platform that can distribute your podcast for you, which is a pretty straightforward and affordable process. But how simple or complicated/professional you want your podcast to be is entirely up to you. Your setup doesn’t have to be especially fancy to get your show heard by hundreds or even thousands of people. In fact, there are many types of software and hardware that can take much of the legwork out of the production process.

Podcasts are a wonderous and significant contribution to modern day society. They can entertain, inform, teach and inspire. And if you want to listen to a podcast, as we’ve discovered, it’s easy to do.

Should you have a desire to start your own podcast, the only thing stopping you is a little knowledge, some podcasting equipment, and a bit of practice to get your show off the ground and running. We look forward to listening.