Podcast Primer

Below is all the key information you need—especially if you’re new to podcasts and curious about subscribing. Everything from understanding podcasts to how and why to subscribe is included here.

If you’re new to podcasts but have enjoyed staying informed through email newsletters, you might be curious about how to access content more conveniently. Podcasts are an excellent medium for consuming news, opinions, and discussions, and subscribing to platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or YouTube can significantly enhance your listening experience.

What Is a Podcast?

A podcast is a series of audio episodes you can listen to on-demand. It’s similar to a radio show but can be accessed at any time and from any device with an internet connection. Put simply, podcasts are audio files. Podcasts cover a wide range of topics—from news and politics to entertainment and education—making it easy to find content that matches your interests.

Benefits of Subscribing to Podcasts

Subscribing to a podcast provides several advantages over just visiting a website to listen:

Automatically Receive New Episodes
Once you subscribe, new episodes will appear in your podcast app without needing to search for them manually.
Get Instant Notifications
Most apps can alert you as soon as a new episode is published, so you never need to check the app and can listen to podcasts "hot off the press"
No Need for Email Reminders
Subscribing means you’ll see new episodes in your app the moment they go live—no more waiting for announcement emails that can get buried in your inbox.
Keep Track of Your Listening History
The podcast app remembers where you left off, so you can resume exactly where you stopped listening.
Download Episodes for Offline Listening
This is useful when traveling, commuting, or in areas with poor internet connectivity.

Does It Cost Anything?

Most podcasts, including Idaho Pulse, are free. Some platforms offer premium or ad-free subscription plans, but you can listen to Idaho Pulse without paying a dime. If you enjoy the show, leaving a rating, reviewing it, or sharing it with friends is the best way to show your support.

How to Subscribe

Subscribing is straightforward on all major podcast apps:

Download a Podcast App
(Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, etc.) Scroll down to see the full list of apps.
Search for the Podcast
Type Idaho Pulse in the search bar.
Subscribe/Follow
Click or tap Subscribe (or Follow) to Idaho Pulse so new episodes appear automatically in your library.
Enable Notifications (Optional)
Allow the app to send you alerts as soon as a new episode is published on Idaho Pulse so you can listen right away.

If you don't want to install a Podcast App on your phone, you can subscribe by clicking on one of these links and then clicking on "Follow" when you get to our podcast page.

Understanding Show Notes and Links

What are Show Notes?
- Brief summaries or outlines of the episode, often with links to resources mentioned by the host(s).
- Usually located in the podcast app or on the podcaster’s website.

Why They’re Helpful
- You can quickly revisit key points or follow links to additional reading.
- Great for fact-checking or exploring topics in greater depth.

Connecting to Your Car Stereo

CarPlay / Android Auto
- Most modern vehicles support CarPlay (iOS) or Android Auto, making controlling podcasts from the car’s display easy.
- Alternatively, use Bluetooth or an AUX cable if your vehicle doesn’t have a built-in system.

Understanding Basic Podcast Terminology

RSS Feed
- The underlying technology that allows apps to receive new episodes automatically.
- You generally don’t need to fuss with it if you’re using a major podcast platform, but you might see this term mentioned.

Episode vs. Show
- Show (or “Podcast Series”): The entire program (e.g., Idaho Pulse).
- Episode: An individual audio file within that show.

Popular Ways to Listen

Top Podcast Apps for your Phone

Apple Podcasts

- Availability: Pre-installed on all Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, Macs).
- Cost: Free to listen, but some premium content may require a subscription.
- Features: Easy to use, good analytics for creators, and a large user base.

Spotify

- Availability: Available on both iOS and Android devices, as well as desktops.
- Cost: Free to listen, with optional premium features like ad-free listening.
- Features: Offers a large music library alongside podcasts, with features like playlist creation and social sharing.

Amazon Music

- Availability: Available on iOS, Android, and desktops.
- Cost: Offers free listening with ads, or ad-free with an Amazon Music subscription.
- Features: Integrates well with Alexa devices for voice control.

YouTube Podcasts

Availability: Available on YouTube platform across various devices (web, mobile, smart TVs).
Cost: Free to listen, with monetization options for creators through the YouTube Partner Program.
Features: Offers video and audio content, with features like live streaming, community engagement, and monetization options for creators.

Pocket Casts

Availability: Available on iOS, Android, web, macOS, and Windows.
Cost: Free to download with optional Pocket Casts Plus subscription for additional features like cloud storage and exclusive themes.
Features: Offers customizable filters, playback speed control, and sync capabilities across devices.

iHeart Podcasts

Availability: Available on iOS, Android, and web platforms.
Cost: Free to listen to podcasts, with optional iHeartRadio Plus membership ($4.99/month) for additional features like commercial-free radio.
Features: Integrates live radio and podcasts, with features like personalized radio stations and unlimited skips.

Listen Notes

Availability: Primarily a podcast search engine and hosting platform, accessible via web.
Cost: Offers free podcast hosting with unlimited storage, funded by commercial offerings.
Features: Provides podcast search capabilities and free hosting services for creators.

Deezer

Availability: Available on iOS, Android, and desktop platforms.
Cost: Offers a free ad-supported option, with Deezer Premium ($12/month) for ad-free listening and offline downloads.
Features: Integrates music and podcasts, with features like playlist creation and high-fidelity sound.

Podcast Addict

Availability: Available on Android devices.
Cost: Free to use with optional Podcast Addict Premium subscription ($0.99/month or $9.99/year) for additional features.
Features: Offers customizable themes, automatic updates, and a wide range of podcast management features.

Pandora

Availability: Available on iOS, Android, and web platforms.
Cost: Offers a free ad-supported option, with Pandora Plus ($4.99/month) and Pandora Premium ($9.99/month) for additional features like ad-free listening and offline playback.
Features: Focuses on personalized radio stations, with features like on-demand music and playlist creation.

Player.FM

Availability: Available on Android and web platforms.
Cost: Offers a free version, with optional Player.FM Gold ($9.99/year) and Patron ($99.99/year) subscriptions for additional features like ad-free listening and cloud syncing.
Features: Provides customizable playlists and multi-device syncing capabilities.