PodcastsWhat is a podcast?

● An audio program that someone records and makes available on the Internet for others to download

● Combination of the words “iPod” and “broadcast”

● Use any device that plays MP3 files (such as a computer or smart phone) to listen to podcasts

● Most are free to download ● Search for podcasts on the Internet to listen from your computer: www.

npr.org/podcasts/, www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts, www.prx.org/series ● Go to the websites of your favorite local NPR-affiliates, TV networks,

magazines, and other media companies to find even more podcasts!

Below are just a few examples of the many podcasts out there!

CNN Comedy Central ESPN History of Hollywood

Music NPR Local news Shows

Get Started with the Apple Podcast App

The podcast app allows you to search for and listen to podcasts on your Apple device.

1 On the iPad or iPhone, open the Podcast app by tapping on it.

2 If it’s the first time the app If there are podcasts has been opened, you’ll see already saved in the app, this message: they may appear as a list:

3 The menu of options is located at the bottom of the screen.

● Tapping Listen Now will take you to a list of recently played and

suggested podcasts. . ● Library is where you find all your saved episodes and subscriptions.

When you subscribe to a podcast, the app will automatically download newly-released episodes.

● The Browse and Search options help you find podcasts!

Find Podcasts in the Apple Podcast App

There are podcasts on almost any topic you can imagine!

1 To browse titles, tap the Browse option in the menu at the bottom of the screen.

2 This opens up a library. New podcasts that Apple has decided to highlight are at the top.

You can also scroll down to see different categories.

3 To search for a podcast, tap the search icon and type your search terms.

Searching for podcasts from the Smithsonian gives you several results:

PracticeExplore the Browse option and search for podcasts on your own. Don’t start subscribing or listening to anything yet. Focus on the search features to learn what types of podcasts are out there.

1. Explore 2 different categories. Which categories did you choose?

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2. What are the names of 3 podcasts that interest you in those categories?

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3. Now, search for topics you’d like to hear a podcast on. It can be anything— from fishing to finances, from politics to pottery! What terms did you search?

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4. Share your results with a partner!

Subscribe to and Download Podcasts

1 From the search results, tap a specific podcast to open a new window with a description of the program and a list of episodes.

2 Scroll down and read the “Ratings & Reviews” to learn what listeners think about the show.

3 Tap Subscribe to save in Library. Episodes will download automatically as they’re released.

4 You can also download individual episodes without subscribing. Tap the plus icon + next to the episode, then tap the cloud icon to download the episode.

Now, take some time to subscribe to podcasts on your own. Then, tap the name of any episode to start listening!

Listen to Episodes

1 On the play screen, you can find the title of the episode, as well as the podcast’s logo.

2 Underneath the logo, you’ll find the audio controls, including the play button and the volume control. Slide the white dot to the right to raise the volume.

The icons on either side of the play button allow you to move backward or forward in the recording at 15-second and 30-seconds intervals.

Tip: The forward arrow is a great way to fast forward through commercials!

3 Tapping the downward arrow at the top right of the screen will minimize the play screen while the podcast continues to play. The audio controls will remain visible at the bottom of the screen. Tap on them at anytime to bring the play screen back up.

Discussion Podcasts are great entertainment on their own, but they also make doing everyday things more fun! Many people enjoy listening to podcasts while exercising, cooking, cleaning the house, gardening, and, of course, traveling!

If you’re going to listen to podcasts on your smartphone or tablet somewhere without WiFi (for example, in the car or during a flight), be sure that you first download the episodes you want to hear while connected to WiFi!

When would you like to listen to podcasts? Do you have a trip coming up? Which podcasts would you listen to while cooking? While taking a walk?

Explore your “Library” and Delete Episodes

1 In your Library, you can see shows and specific episodes that you have recently watched or downloaded. You can watch downloaded episodes when you’re offline!

2 To delete an episode you’ve downloaded, tap Downloaded Episodes.

3 Select which episode you’d like to delete, then swipe all the way to the left.