Ranking updated
How to get into podcasts
Everyone seems to have a podcast they swear by, yet opening a podcast app for the first time feels like walking into a library with no catalogue. The trick is to start small, pick shows around something you already care about, and give listening a fixed place in your day.
A simple way in, then podcast apps.
Start from what you care about
Pick one interest, a sport, a period of history, your industry, a hobby, and search for shows on it. Ask friends what they listen to; a recommendation from someone who knows you beats any chart.
Keep the queue short
Follow a few shows in one podcast app rather than dozens. A short queue feels like a treat; a long one feels like homework.
Give it a slot
Attach listening to something you already do: the commute, a walk, cooking, the gym. Use speed and skip controls to fit episodes to the time you have. For more walking, see walking apps.
Prune without guilt
If you skip a show three times in a row, unfollow it and try another. Download episodes on Wi-Fi for flights and patchy signal. Compare apps in podcast apps.
| Step | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Start from interest | one topic you already love | easy to stay curious |
| 2. Pick a few shows | follow them in one app | a short, clean queue |
| 3. Try a standalone | an episode that needs no backstory | quick verdict |
| 4. Attach a routine | commute, walk, chores | listening becomes a habit |
| 5. Prune freely | unfollow what you skip | queue stays worth it |
Frequently asked questions
How do I start listening to podcasts?
Install a podcast app, follow a few shows about something you already like, and listen during a routine such as a commute or walk.
Do I have to start a podcast from the first episode?
Usually not for interview and news shows. Story-driven series usually make more sense from the start.
Can I listen to podcasts offline?
Yes. Many podcast apps let you download episodes in advance.