I need to make a confession. I’m a self-proclaimed podcast junkie and have subscribed to at least two dozen podcasts. I listen to podcasts when riding in my minivan, while doing household chores, while showering, or during exercise. In fact, I love podcasts so much I sing the praises of podcasts to anyone willing to listen. And that now includes you!

Podcasts offer valuable content to listeners, so if you’ve not yet tuned in to a podcast, I encourage you to do so. Podcast providers such as iTunes or Stitcher are home to tens of thousands of podcasts. All you need to do is find a genre that interests you, select an appealing podcast, download it, and start listening. I suspect you’ll find at least two or three podcasts of interest, but be careful! You may end up like me: binge listening to hours and hours of podcasts!

So what makes podcasts such a big deal? I’m so glad you asked.

What is a podcast?

Simply put, a podcast is an audio broadcast or show made available to listeners online. Listeners can tune in by downloading podcast episodes and then listening to the episodes using a cell phone or a computer. When listeners choose to subscribe to a podcast, new episodes are automatically delivered to their devices by way of a podcast feed.

Why listen to podcasts?

People listen to podcasts for a variety of reasons. My favorite podcasts teach me new skills or show me how to improve an area of my life. However, I also listen to podcasts to receive spiritual encouragement, gain inspiration, or simply for the purpose of being entertained.

How can someone find an interesting podcast?

One way to find podcasts is by searching iTunes, Stitcher, or SoundCloud. Once you find a podcast you like, similar podcasts you may enjoy are listed. You can also find podcasts by asking friends or family members. Podcasts are popular, so these loved ones are likely to have a suggestion or two. Finally, search for podcasts online. A topical based Google search such as “podcasts about homeschooling” will yield multiple results.

How can I listen to podcasts?

Listening to podcasts is easy. You can listen to directly from your cell phone or computer. If you’re an iPhone user, you can download the Podcast App. There are many free podcast app floating around, but the one I use is Overcast. Once the podcast app is downloaded, subscribe to the podcasts of your choice and new episodes of your favorite shows will be sent straight to the app.

So now that you have a basic understanding of podcasts, let me share some of my own personal podcast suggestions.

Great Podcasts for Moms

Brown Ambition Podcast: If you’re looking to learn about careers, business, financial planning, real estate, and wealth building, check out this weekly podcast that caters to African-Americans. Hosts Mandy Woodruff and Tiffany Aliche (also known as The Budgetnista) are personable, entertaining, and knowledgable.

In Black America: John L. Hanson Jr is the host of In Black America a podcast dedicated to the African American experience. Listen in for great interviews with African-American leaders and visionaries.

The Productive Woman: Each week lawyer Laura McClellan shares tips for productivity, routines, project management, and planning. Her informational interviews with women entrepreneurs are always helpful.

Organize 365: Need to get your household in order? Need tips for time management? Lisa Woodruff’s weekly podcast offers tips and tricks to help families keep their homes and lives running smoothly.

Great Podcasts for Kids

Dream Big: Eva Karpman and her mother Olga interview amazing people doing amazing things. In each episode, they interview inspirational people from all walks of life, who are pursuing their dreams. My current favorite episode is the one in which they interview with Nicholas McCarthy, a talented one handed pianist. I love the cute printable downloads offered with each episode.

Levar Burton Reads: If you’re a Gen Xer like me, you’re likely familiar with the television show, Reading Rainbow. (I know I wasn’t the only one sitting in front of the television competing with Chahka Khan to sing, “Butterfly in the sky, I can twice as high. Take look, it’s in a book, a Reading Rainbow! I can go anywhere…) Well, the show’s host, Levar Burton is back behind the microphone with his very own podcast, Levar Burton Reads. In this brand new podcast, Burton reads a variety of stories from many different genres. This new podcast launches today, June 13, 2017!

StoryNory: Many homeschool moms and their kids have listened to books and stories featured on the StoryNory website. StoryNory has made the leap into the world of podcasting and now offers another place for us to mine literary gems. The current podcast library offers fifty episodes.

Story Pirates: This podcast’s unique premise has made it one of my favorite podcasts! In each episode, the hosts read an original story written by a child. The real fun begins when the Story Pirates reenact the written tale accompanied by sound effects and music. Each episode also includes an interview with the story’s young author. This podcast is highly entertaining and provides fabulous inspiration for aspiring writers!

Tumble: This is a science podcast designed for kids, but is a great choice for family listening as well. If you’ve got a child who is intrigued by bugs, bacteria, black holes, or batteries (or a host of other amazing science topics), you’ll want to subscribe to the Tumble podcast.

Podcasting is one of the latest and greatest offerings in the world of technology. Don’t miss out on the action. Grab your phone and start listening to some amazing podcasts today.