Let’s talk about podcasts, people.  It will change your life — and specifically long commutes.

One of my besties and former Gals with Goals blogger, Angela Heck Mueller, raved about podcasts awhile back telling me she listens to them when she walks, cleans, and basically does anything that allows her to listen while she multi-tasks.  I was a little late to the podcast party, but I’m here now and this is your invitation to join.

I thought I was in the minority when it came to knowing about podcasts, but as I ask people if they listen to them, people are clueless on where you even access a podcast, what it is, how much it costs, etc.  So fear no more, here’s the deal (this deal will be described for those with iPhones, if you have another type of phone. . .I have no clue).  Also, this is all at your fingertips for free! (by “free” I mean after you’ve purchased the phone, pay the data plan, and all that).

Step 1:  Get your iPhone out, type your password in, and then swipe down so the search bar appears on the top of your phone (yeah, I know, I never used that search before either).

Step 2:  Type in “podcast” and you’ll see a purple app that looks like the image below.  If you have a good eye, you may be able to scroll through your apps and find that it’s been sitting there waiting for you to join the podcast party for the last couple years.

Step 3:  Click on the purple app

Step 4:  Click on the magnifying glass on the bottom that says “search” and then type in any topic you’re interested in.

Step 5:  A list of podcasts will appear on that topic.

Step 6:  A podcast is a show that a host (or multiple hosts) do and it’s just audio.  So what will pop up here will often be the name of their podcast show (similar to the name of a CD/album) and when you click on it you’ll see all their episodes.  On podcasts, people will have a show and then each show they bring in different people to interview either on the topic that relates to their overall show and branding, or it may just be random topics each time.

Step 7:  Click on the one that looks of interest to you and click on the three little dots on the right to get the “download this episode” option (do this while you’re on wifi).

Step 8:  Throw on some headphones, take a walk, and listen to the one you downloaded while you’re stress-free that you’re not using any of your data.

Step 9:  Let it change your life

Step 10:  Tell all your friends

I’ve been listening to podcasts on my drive to and from work and while taking a walk most nights.  There’s a whole world of podcasts out there and I’m still sorting through all of the options.  I have most recently listened to a lot of female Christian leaders who interview authors and bloggers.  I’ve listened to some that were personal development focused too because you know that’s up my alley.  But in any case, here’s some that have had my ear lately. . .

The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey — She’s done over 100 episodes interviewing popular authors, speakers, bloggers, mothers, etc.  This has a Christian slant but listening to these interviews normally sparks an idea of what I want to write about on my blog or gives me a good resource or two to check out.  It’s also very interesting to just generally hear other people’s stories.

The Shauna Niequist Podcast — Shauna is the author of one of my favorite books, “Present Over Perfect,” and she has an excellent way of having conversations with people and asking them personal, professional, or fun questions.  This is a new podcast so she’s only two episodes in.

Wine & Shine — This one is done by a couple of gals who I met through Angela and not only are these girls based right here in Columbus, but they interviewed Angela and I about Gals with Goals back on their 7th episode.  I enjoy listening to their show because they often have Columbus-based guests and it sparks an idea for a new place or thing to try.

These are just the niche I’m listening to right now.  But you can listen to a podcast on nearly everything:  financial advice, your favorite sport, business start-ups, hobbies, comedy, writing, music, and everything in between.

Now go listen. . . and now you have a great excuse to get some fancy headphones too!