Do you devour books and magazines, but never have enough time to read to your heart’s content?
Do you crave more time to talk to your girlfriends, but find it hard with busy family schedules?
Would you love to make house cleaning, running errands, and other mundane tasks more fun?
Of course, right?
Enter, the podcast.
Listening to podcasts is something I’ve been enjoying for the past year or so.
I love it.
I feel like I’m getting some “me time” while getting other things done.
If you haven’t yet started listening to podcasts, I highly recommend it.
What Is a Podcast?
A podcast is like a radio show, except it’s on the internet instead of the radio. There are podcasts on every subject imaginable.
Happiness. Home. Mothering. Writing. Blogging. Business.
Fashion. Travel. Lifestyle.
Simplicity.
Mindfulness.
You name it, there’s a podcast about it.
So many podcasts, so little time!
In just a few minutes, you’ll be ready to listen to your first podcast.
So what are we waiting for?! Let’s get started!
How to Listen to a Podcast
Perhaps the simplest way to listen to a podcast is directly through your computer.
In that case, you simply go to the blog or webpage of the podcast and press play. You can also listen through ITunes.
I almost never do this, because I love being able to listen while doing other things.
In this tutorial, I’m going to walk you through listening using a free app on your phone.
The app I currently use is called Podcast Addict.
1. Download Podcast Addict.
Go to the Google Play Store on your phone. Click on Apps. Search for “podcast.”
When I did this, Podcast Addict was the top result. Click to download.
2. Find podcasts and subscribe.
Open Podcast Addict on your phone.
On the top right of the screen you will see a plus sign in a circle. Click that.
You can search by topic or title using the “Search Engine” or you can try using the other links to browse. Make sure to check the box that says “Search in iTunes.”
My podcast is called (surprise!) The Happiness Mama Podcast with Heather Ash. Click the search button, type in “Happiness Mama” and press Done. You will see my podcast.
You could also put in your favorite blogger or blog name, or just type in a topic you’re interested in. That way you can find podcasts about a topic or featuring a specific guest.
For example, if you search for my name, you can find other podcasts that I’ve been a guest on.
Once you find “The Happiness Mama Podcast” or another podcast you like, press Subscribe.
3. Download and play.
Go back home, and you will see the podcast listed on your home page.
Click it, and then you will see all the different episodes to choose from.
Click one that sounds good.
You can just press play, but I usually download first to avoid problems with streaming. Also if you’re leaving the house to take a walk or run errands, you’ll definitely want to download your episodes first.
At the top of the screen, you will see a downward pointing arrow over a horizontal line. Press that button to download. If your phone goes to “sleep” while downloading, wake it up so it will continue and finish the process.
After it downloads, you will see a large triangular play button at the bottom of the screen.
Press Play!
How to Listen
It is possible to just listen straight from your phone, but for more volume and flexibility, I recommend choosing from one of the options below…
Headphones
If I’m taking a walk or moving around the house, I often use my LG Tone+ Bluetooth headset. These allow freedom of movement, and they also don’t disturb sleeping babies or other people in your house.
Another option is non-bluetooth headphones. Just make sure you have a pocket to carry your phone.
A Bowl
I actually learned this clever trick from listening to Meagan’s podcast.
If you are going to be in one area, say, the kitchen, just grab a cereal bowl and put your phone in, speaker-side down.
The bowl acts as a surprisingly effective amplifier for the sound so you can load the dishwasher and still hear the podcast.
It’s pretty amazing how well it works.
Use a Speaker
This little speaker called the Etekcity Roverbeats is amazing.
All you do is turn it on, and it automatically connects with your phone via bluetooth.
The volume is really impressive given its small size. If I turn it up all the way I can hear it across the house. I love how it makes it really easy to hear in a loud kitchen or as I’m moving around the house.
It’s also a good option if you don’t like the feel of earbuds in your ears.
It comes with a soft cloth bag to store it in, which is a nice plus.
Enjoy!
That’s all there is to it!
It’s really easy.
In case you’d like some suggestions to get started, here are some of my favorite podcasts:
In my podcast, I’m talking to mindful mamas about consciously creating a happier life for ourselves and our families. By prioritizing our own happiness and nurturing ourselves, we set a powerful example for our children and partners to take good care of themselves, too. Loving others starts with loving ourselves.
The first season of The Happiness Mama Podcast is focused on creativity, so I’m talking to creative moms about their creative passions, how to find time for creativity, and happiness.
You can subscribe through Podcast Addict, through iTunes, or via RSS.
If you’d like to listen directly through the blog, you can browse the podcast episodes by clicking on Podcast in the menu bar at the top.
In The Home Hour, mother of five Meagan Francis talks with guests about all sorts of things related to family and home life. As she puts it, “everything within your four walls.” Meagan is smart and down-to-earth, and listening to her feels like chatting with a good friend. Meagan has been a big inspiration to me in my blogging and podcasting journey.
Another favorite is Bliss Beyond Naptime with Kathy Stowell. Kathy has a warm personality and a great sense of humor, and she talks to other women about their journeys toward “simplifying mamahood.” Kathy has also been a huge inspiration to me.
I’d love to hear about the podcasts you love! Let me know in the comments, and if you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends!
Sarah says
I love the tip about the bowl – how awesome! I haven’t really gotten into podcasts yet as the apps I had recommended before I couldn’t find/weren’t compatible with my phone.
I might well give them another go!
Sarah
Heather says
I know, isn’t that bowl trick so cool?
It took me a little while to take the plunge into podcasts, but once I got started I was hooked.
Let me know how it goes! Hopefully you won’t have any trouble with Podcast Addict.
Cat says
I’ve very recently got into listening to podcasts when driving, and I’m loving them. I need to branch out and find some more options though! Do you have any recommendations for mindfulness podcasts?
I love your tips for listening around the house. I’m definitely going to try the bowl tip, perhaps next time I’m cooking alone.
Heather says
Hi, Cat! I’m glad you liked the article. That’s a great question about mindfulness podcasts. I haven’t yet started listening to any related to mindfulness, but I want to.
Here are a few that I’m planning to try soon:
Tara Brach’s Podcast
Mindfulness Classes with Oli Doyle
The I Simply Am Podcast
And this one is not about mindfulness per se, but I know Carina values mindfulness and meditation: The Self-Compassionate Woman
Adrian says
I recommend…
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jazz-insights-dr.-gordon-vernick/id385045661
Heather says
That’s cool! :)
Donna says
Oh my! That bowl tip is AWESOME! Thanks for sharing this Heather – one of my gripes about listening to my favourite podcast on my phone (Creative Living with Jamie by Jamie Ridler) is that I can’t hear it if I’m crashing around in the kitchen…going to try that tip tonight! x
Heather says
You’re very welcome, Donna! :) I know exactly what you mean. The bowl helps a ton. If you decide you need it to be even louder, that little speaker is a dream, too.
I’ll have to check out that podcast, and your podcast, Dreams to Reality, too!
Sue Kearney (@MagnoliasWest) says
I guess I thought you would teach me how not to get distracted when listening. instead you shared your actual how to physically listen tips. Very awesome!
I watch tv in the bath on my ipad using a bluetooth shower speaker. And I love the cereal bowl idea. Thanks!
Heather says
That’s funny, Sue! I’m glad you liked it! I didn’t know they made bluetooth shower speakers. Neat!