So, I have a confession to make…
I often hear voices in my head. Really wise and inspiring voices…and I’d like to invite you to listen to them as well.
While podcasts have been around for many years, a lot of people are just discovering them. Others, like me, have listened for years, but haven’t known how to get the most out of the experience.
So here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way…
Eight Ways to Get the Most Out of Podcasts
1. Find a good podcast player
I really like Castbox – it’s a free app available for Apple and Android products. I especially like that it allows me to play the episodes in any order I like. Learn how to download and use the app HERE.
2. Use the play bar feature to speed-up/slow-down the audio (#1 in image below)
Because I usually listen to podcasts when I have plenty of time, I rarely use this feature, but lots of people love it as it allows you to consume information in less time. But I love the 15-30 second skip-forward or skip-backward feature (#2), especially when I want to relisten to a really good point.
3. When something stands out to you, pause the player and think about it
Don’t just consume knowledge, take time to chew on it. When God uses something that’s said to prompt a deeper thought in my heart, I pause the show and talk it over with Him. I don’t want to miss a chance for transformation.
4. If it’s safe, take notes
I can’t count the times I’ve pulled over to scribble down information I don’t want to forget. I often use the “Notes” app on my phone – (way less easy to lose than scraps of paper!) Be sure to add the source and episode number so you can access it again.
5. Visit the show notes and archives
Most podcasts create companion notes to the episode where you can access links to guests, resources, and even freebies. And if you enjoy a show, be sure to “subscribe” so that you can access the archives of past shows. Click on “details” to learn more about each show.
6. Check out “Suggested Podcasts”
Most players have a built-in feature that suggests similar podcasts you might be interested in. Because the “search” feature in iTunes is pretty poor, this can be a great way to discover podcasts you may not have found any other way.
7. Ask friends for recommendations
If they enjoy a podcast, there’s a good chance you’ll like it as well. Scroll through the archives to get a sense of topics and guests. I like reading reviews to get a sense of the style and audience the podcast serves. Be sure to check out my upcoming posts on my favorite podcasts for Christian women and Christian leadership.
8. Share favorite podcast episodes
Sometimes I’ll hear an interview that is so good I want to share it with a friend – or on my social media pages. You can do it easily within most podcast apps. In Apple podcasts, you click the three dots on the right-hand bottom corner (#3 in image above), choose “Share Episode.” Options to text or email link appear as well as buttons to share on social media.
My New Podcast – The Living Room with Joanna Weaver
We are just a week away from the launch of “The Living Room with Joanna Weaver” podcast. I hope you’ll tune in to my bi-monthly broadcast where I’ll share solo shows as well as guest interviews with Christian authors and ministry leaders.
Next Wednesday, April 3rd, we’ll go live with TWO EPISODES:
- #000 – Introducing the Living Room
- #001 – Living Fully Alive with Susie Larson
Then we’ll follow-up with a couple of weekly episodes before going to our bi-monthly format. Here’s the schedule:
- April 10th – #003: The Incredible Power of Grace
- April 17th – #004: The Next Right Thing with Emily P. Freeman
For those new to this format, here’s a helpful video explaining how podcasts work:
Don’t Miss an Episode!
If you’d like to be notified when new episodes air, sign up for “The Living Room” email list – and get a FREE verse printable for the trouble!
(If you’re already a subscriber, please sign up again so that my email service knows you want the regular notifications.)
I’d love to hear from you…What tips would you add to get the most out of podcasts?