Podcast Guide: How to Listen, Find & Top Picks

At Twigby Mobile, we’re all about helping you get the most out of your smartphone, and one of the best ways to do that is by diving into the world of podcasts. Podcasts have become an incredible source of entertainment and education, perfect for filling your day with engaging stories, thought-provoking questions, insightful lessons, or simply some good laughs. Whether you’re on your morning commute, working out, doing chores, or winding down at night, podcasts offer something for everyone.

Podcast Topics are Diverse

With podcasts, you’ll discover an unmatched variety of content. From true crime to comedy, self-improvement to tech trends, series rewatches to celebrity guest stars, there’s always something new to explore. Podcasts fit seamlessly into busy schedules; you can listen while driving, cooking, or even tackling household tasks. Best of all, most podcasts are completely free, and even premium services are budget friendly. They’re not just entertaining; they’re also a great way to learn. Whether you want to stay informed on current events or hear from industry experts, podcasts are a powerful tool for personal growth. Plus, their conversational tone often feels personal, like you’re part of the discussion.

Listening is Easy

Listening to podcasts on your phone is simple. If you’re an Android user, start by downloading a podcast app like Podcast Player App by Podbean, iHeart Radio, or YouTube Music. Once installed, search for shows that match your interests and hit the “Follow” button to stay updated on new episodes. You can stream episodes directly or download them for offline listening. Customize your settings to adjust playback speed, enable auto-downloads, or create playlists for easy access to your favorite episodes.

For iPhone users, the Apple Podcasts app comes pre-installed, making it incredibly easy to jump in. Simply open the app, search for your favorite topics, and tap “+ Follow” to subscribe. Like Android apps, Apple Podcasts lets you download episodes for offline listening and offers features like sleep timers and episode queuing for a personalized experience. Plus, you can enable push notifications, so you’re always aware when a new episode of your favorite podcast is released.

If you prefer using specific services so that your listening data is shared across all your devices, there are many options. Spotify allows you to browse its vast library of podcasts, follow your favorite shows, and even create custom playlists. Audible and Castbox also provide excellent options for podcast fans, with unique features like ad-free listening and exclusive content.

You’re Not Tied to Your Phone

One of the great things about podcasts is how they adapt to your lifestyle. Need a quick burst of motivation? A short 10-minute episode can provide the spark you need to start your day. Have more time on your hands? Dive into long-form content like investigative journalism series or in-depth interviews with inspiring figures. Podcasts also allow you to consume content on your terms. Unlike video or live content, you’re not tied to a screen or a schedule, so you can move away from your phone making podcasts one of the most flexible forms of media available.

Helpful Tips

To make your podcast experience even better, consider using some helpful tips. Create playlists tailored to specific activities, such as morning routines or workout sessions. Investing in high-quality earbuds or wireless headphones can elevate your listening experience by delivering crisp and clear audio. If you’re unsure where to start, many podcast apps offer curated recommendations based on your interests, so you can discover new favorites with ease.

You can also use a search engine dedicated to podcasts. A podcast search engine is a specialized platform that helps you find podcasts based on topics, keywords, or specific creators. Unlike general search engines, these tools focus solely on podcasts, offering advanced filtering options like episode duration, genre, or popularity. Using a search engine can help you find podcasts that are currently trending, currently releasing new episodes, or curated lists that have already been created by users, and more.  A podcast search engine saves time and ensures you discover content that aligns with your interests, whether you’re seeking educational insights, entertainment, or niche discussions. It’s an invaluable resource for finding new shows or episodes tailored to your preferences. Here are a few podcast search engines you can use: Listen Notes, PodSearch, Podchaser, and Goodpods.

Great Podcasts to Get you Started

Wired released a list of the best podcasts for everyone sorted by interest sections, so you can find the top picks for the genres you want to listen to. You can find that list here. Some podcasts include Ologies a comedic scientific podcast where the host Alie Ward asks “smart people stupid questions”. Smartless is a conversational podcast starring Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett with lots of guest stars. If you’re a fan of the tv show Succession, you can go back and listen to HBO’s podcast that serves as a companion podcast for the final season of the show with episode breakdowns hosted by Kara Swisher. If you want a list of the top podcasts to listen to for 2024, The New York Times released a list with their top 10 picks here.

At Twigby Mobile we want to keep you connected to everything you love, and that includes your favorite podcasts. Whether you’re a seasoned listener or just starting to explore, there’s a whole world of podcasts waiting for you to discover. Take advantage of features like offline downloads to ensure you’re never without something great to listen to. This feature comes in handy in areas with limited connectivity. Plus, with Twigby’s affordable plans, you can stream or download as many episodes as you like without worrying about breaking the bank.

We’re committed to making technology work for you. Podcasts are an incredible example of one of the many ways smartphones can help you explore more content than ever before. From finding the perfect phone to providing reliable service, Twigby is your partner in keeping informed, entertained, and connected. So grab your Twigby phone, pick a podcast, and start listening today. Happy podcasting!