Long ago, before the advent of television, there was radio. Families would huddle around the radio and listen to shows each week. News and events were broadcast and it was how we gained information and how we were entertained. Over the decades things changed and television took over and then the internet. Now, in 2020, the podcast is the new radio. But what the heck is a podcast? How do I get them? How do I listen?
A podcast is an online show, similar to a radio show, that’s available at all times. A podcast is audio only – no video. You can listen to a podcast as soon as it’s available, or you can listen to it 5 years later. There are podcasts in all genres, from politics to sports to culture to comedy to everything in between. Typically, podcasts are structured like a typical radio show – there is a host, and that host often interviews people about a specific subject. By the end of a podcast, you generally achieve one of the following:
- Entertainment value
- Valuable insights
- Education
- A good laugh
A typical podcast is about 30 minutes in length, though there are shows that go for an hour and shows that only go for 15 minutes.
Podcasting started as mostly an independent way for individuals to get their message out there and build a community of people with similar interests.
That still exists, but today there are podcasts from:
- individuals
- companies (large and small)
- radio networks (like NPR)
- TV networks (CNN, Fox, ESPN, etc.)
- new podcast-only networks
- comedians
- storytellers
- churches
And a whole lot more…
Podcasts can be broken up into “seasons” like a TV show or be episodic and ongoing. A weekly release for new episodes is common, but there are daily podcasts, weekly podcasts, and really any cadence (or lack thereof) the creator desires.
Another great thing about podcasts is that you can subscribe to them, which makes it easy to get notified (via your favorite podcast app) when new episodes come out.
The most convenient way to listen to a podcast is through your smartphone. Practically every device on the market has at least one way to listen, and most phones have many! So, if you have a smartphone in your pocket, you already have an ideal podcast listening platform.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, you have a head-start because they already come with a podcast app built in. Just look around your apps for one called Apple Podcasts. It’s a great app for the average listener, allowing you to search the directory, find new shows and subscribe easily. Then, you just have to fire up the app each time you want to listen, and pick an episode for the day!
Podcasts are an excellent way for older adults to continue to learn, be informed, be entertained and just have fun.
TRU PACE is a unique health care model that looks at the whole person’s intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs. During this current pandemic, TRU PACE understands the importance of keeping the minds and souls of their participant’s intellectual engaged and vitalized. All participants can receive technical support from the PACE Recreational Therapy department and volunteers to help them set up systems to open the world of podcasts. Call TRU PACE at 303.926.4745 and speak to an Enrollment Specialist or visit https://www.pace.trucare.org to determine if you or a loved one can become a TRU PACE participant. TRU PACE TRUly cares about the older adults in our community.
