What’s a podcast?

What’s a podcast?

From Learning How To Be Old by Rachel McAlpine

April 15, 2026 · Season 5

About this episode

Rachel McAlpine explains what a podcast is and its benefits, especially for older people.

I'm often asked this question: 'What's a podcast?' Here's a simple explanation. It's obvious that the asker has not yet ventured into the wonderful world of podcasts. You don't exactly stumble across podcasts, especially independent podcasts like mine, so I am making a few little videos that open the door. They're simplistic, because the person I've got in mind is a blank slate. Once they get it, they're into that wonderful podcast world of learning, laughing and lolling around. If you know someone who is curious but only half-interested in podcasts, and you want them to try a particular podcast (not necessarily mine) feel free to share the video or audio version of this little talk. That might help, and someone will thank you, I hope. By the way, podcasts are terrific for older people. We grew up pre-TV, with radio in our ears. Transcript of What's a podcast? Hey, I’m Rachel McAlpine and my podcast is Learning How To Be Old. Listen if you might be old one day. I said listen, not watch. People ask me, what’s a podcast? What’s the point? There’s no video, nothing to see! So. It’s like a radio programme on your phone. But you pick the programmes that you really like, and listen…

People in this episode

Host: Rachel McAlpine

Topics covered

  • podcasts
  • media
  • communication
  • technology
  • aging

Keywords

  • podcast
  • radio
  • listening
  • older adults
  • media consumption

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