Looking for something new in 2017 to brighten up your commute in and around The Hague? Or want to broaden your horizons whilst out cycling in the dunes or talking a stroll on the beach or in the woods?
Then how about podcasts? They are hip and cool again. Recent research from Linked In shows that more and more professionals are turning to podcasts.
And just a few months ago the first ever international podcast festival in The Netherlands was held in Amsterdam.
But maybe you’re thinking, wait, what the hell is a podcast?
The Hague Online provides you with a quick guide to get you started. If you are already up to speed on how it all works then check the links below for some great listening tips.
And if not, don’t be ashamed, you are not alone. New research from the US shows that at least half of Americans don’t have a clue, despite the fact the US is home to the podcast revival.
Definition
People often describe podcasts as ‘Netflix for audio’ and this is a good way of thinking about them. Podcasts are indeed audio shows on demand.
The shows are usually serialised and spoken word and listened to via a smartphone app (by far the most popular way), or on a tablet or laptop. Best of all you listen whenever it suits you.
Smartphone
Step 1. Download a podcast app on your phone – just like any other app. With iPhones there is already an app installed – this one.
For Android Podcast Addict is a good one, but there are lots of good ones, just search podcast player in the Play Store.
Step 2. Use the search function to find stuff. Click the subscribe button and you are up and running – new episodes of anything you’re subscribed to will automatically appear.
Download the podcast you want to listen to when you have wifi, you can set this up in your app. Then you can play back at your leisure when you are offline whether on your commute, out for a walk, cycling or whatever.
Here’s a video walk through of the whole process, it is very simple: iPhone or iPad or via Android
Freedom
The great thing about podcasting is that it doesn’t stop you doing other things – watching a video whilst cycling to the station might be tricky but listening to a podcast, no problem.
When it comes to content there is a huge range available – from investigative journalism and storytelling professionally produced by dedicated teams to a myriad of one person shows put together in bedrooms and cupboards (I am not kidding) around the world. And everything in-between.
There are podcasts on tech, business, marketing, sport, comedy, self-improvement (in all forms), religion, dating, photography, food and just about everything else – think of something you really love and no matter how obscure chances are someone is podcasting about it.
Tips
Some best of 2016 podcast lists to get you going.
Apples best of new podcasts 2016
The Guardian’s 50 podcasts you need to hear.
One which is not on either of these lists – is the fantastic Homecoming – a thriller about a secret new experimental treatment for American war vets and the repercussions this has on all involved. It’s from Gimlet Media and stars Catherine Keener, Oscar Isaac, and David Schwimmer.
And here’s an overview of the best Dutch podcasts – great for improving your Dutch.
Listening Options
More ways to listen to podcasts – try Stitcher – a sort of Spotify for podcasts.
Apple users might like Overcast and there’s SoundCloud too which works across different platforms.
If you want to you can of course just listen whilst browsing via your tablet, laptop or desk top computer. But the real joy is the freedom to listen offline via a mobile device. Download whilst connected to the internet and enjoy later whilst offline.
Andy Clark is a journalist and podcaster and will soon be launching a podcast for expats in the Netherlands – Here in Holland
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