HOW TO LISTEN TO A PODCAST ON YOUR PHONE. (YES. DO IT.)
I know, I know. It’s hard – technology is a pain. You like technology, you respect it, you admire its power…but man… how many rabbit holes does one have time for? So there you are, reading this and that on the Jacke blog… and he keeps talking about podcast this and podcast that and author interviews and all these things that sound SO INTERESTING but require YET ANOTHER technological skill… And maybe you click on a link or two, and you like what you hear and can see some attraction to the whole thing, but frankly, candidly, honestly…listening to something on your computer isn’t exactly what you want to do. Why be tethered? If only you could listen on your way to work, or while you’re washing dishes, or…
Stop there! Because you CAN be untethered! You probably have this amazing portable thing in your bag or your pocket or your hand right now… your phone! And they are the perfect podcast-listening device.
Here’s how to do it, courtesy of the folks at Life, Listened:
1. Download a (free) podcast app to your mobile device
iPhone users can start with iOS’s Podcasts app (free); Android users might try Stitcher (free) or Pocket Casts ($3.99). When you’re just starting out, it won’t make a huge difference which one you try. You can always switch later if you’re not happy with the functionality.
2. Search for shows
If you know which show you want to listen to, type the name into the app’s search feature. It’s that simple!
If you like to browse from available shows and episodes, try typing in a topic, a book, or a personality into the search field. You’ll probably see individual episodes as well as show titles appear in search results, giving you plenty to browse through and try out.
3. Subscribe
Finding shows to listen to using the search feature is pretty simple, but if you want to stay informed when a new episode of your favorite show airs, subscribing is best.
Most podcast apps will have a “Subscribe” option on the main screen for that particular show (see below for iTunes and Stitcher examples).
Once you’ve subscribed, new episodes will appear automatically wherever your subscribed shows are listed. You may also want to tinker with settings for offline listening, which will make sure shows are downloaded to your device (best if you’re doing to be listening when there’s no phone or wifi service available).
4. Listen!
Now that your favorite podcasts are mobile, listen to them in the car, on the treadmill, or wherever you and your phone find yourselves.
So what should you listen to? You might try the podcasts at Life, Listened, who put together such an awesome how-to guide. I also like Marc Maron’s WTF program and Melvyn Bragg’s In Our Time from the BBC.
Or you can [lowers eyes modestly] subscribe to The History of Literature podcast with [kicks dirt with toe] yours truly. Jacke Wilson. Your old pal.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE HISTORY OF LITERATURE PODCAST ON ITUNES
SUBSCRIBE TO THE HISTORY OF LITERATURE PODCAST ON ANDROID
SUBSCRIBE TO THE HISTORY OF LITERATURE PODCAST ON STITCHER
Okay, onward and upward! Happy listening!
Jacke Wilson 
Thank you for this post! I got so much from it. What you started with about respecting technology, but all of the rabbit holes, is so true. Meanwhile, anxiety provoking as it may be at times we need it to survive or get ahead in these days. I didn’t even know I had the podcast on my iPhone. Easy as pie! Fear of the new surely keeps us blinded sometimes lol. Now, I’m going to get into listening to these podcasts, and what’s more I eventually will try to have my own! 🙂
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I love this comment! I look forward to having you as a fellow podcast listener…and someday soon a podcaster too!
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Ps: I subscribed to your, History of Literature, and to LifeWork.
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Excellent! Thanks – and I hope you enjoy!
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