[Updated: August 1, 2018 | Published: January 26, 2018]
Podcasts have soared in popularity in recent years with at least 112 million Americans reporting having listened to a podcast. In case you’re unfamiliar, podcasts are pre-recorded radio-like shows, which are available for download or streaming on the internet. Podcasts cover every topic imaginable from sports to history, investigative journalism to arts and entertainment. They are a great source of entertainment that can stimulate both your mind and your emotions.
There is a podcast for everyone. If you enjoy listening to the radio and learning new things, then podcasts are for you! The right podcast for you will depend on your interest and hobbies, but here are five great recommendations to get you started:
1. Lux Radio Theater
Originally a radio show running from 1934 to 1955, Lux Radio Theater featured adaptations of Broadway plays and Hollywood films. The podcast episodes feature vintage radio ads and in most cases the original narration, similar to the radio dramas you may have heard growing up.
2. Stuff You Should Know
Produced by the website How Stuff Works, the podcast hosted by Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark focuses on major topics of cultural, historical or social importance and as the name suggests, covers subjects you should know a little something about. Taking a broad look at many different topics, you’re sure to learn something new, while enjoying a few laughs at the antics and random tangents of the loveable co-hosts.
3. This American Life
One of the most popular and famous radio programs ever, This American Life is available in podcast form for your listening pleasure whenever it is convenient for you. The stories on This American Life by Ira Glass will be sure to captivate you and cover so many different walks of life, you’re bound to enjoy their stories.
4. Serial
If you enjoy investigative journalism and true crime stories, Sarah Koenig’s Serial Podcast will be sure to captivate you. Each season of Serial follows one true crime story in a well-thought-out, narrative style.
5. Revisionist History
Fans of Malcolm Gladwell will really enjoy his podcast, Revisionist History. Each episode takes an in-depth look at the overlooked and misunderstood moments in history. Every episode re-examines something from the past and asks whether we got it right the first time.
You can download your favorite podcasts from Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Soundcloud, Stitcher and more or listen directly from a computer. If you’d like to start listening to podcasts now, watch this YouTube video with easy instructions on how to listen on your iPhone or iPad.
What podcasts do you recommend? Let us know on Facebook!
