Podcasts have been around for over a decade now, yet people are still discovering them!
Podcasts are a great way to listen to topics you’re into – you can find one on just about any subject you can think of. They’ve been around for ages, but even today, people are still discovering them. Thanks to the popular NPR show “Serial,” the audio (or video!) programs are seeing a boost in popularity.
I talked to veteran podcaster Tom Merritt about the genre. “They’ve been declared dead several times until someone else comes along and discovers them,” said Merritt, who hosts several shows including the popular “Daily Tech News Show” from his home based studio in Los Angeles.
“Anyone can start a podcast you really only need a computer, internet connection and a mic,” explained Merritt.
Podcasts can be audio or video, and once you subscribe, new episodes are delivered right to your device – usually a smartphone. The name comes from the days when iPods made it possible to download audio shows to listen to later.
“I can find exactly the kinds of shows I want to hear and I can listen to them on my own schedule. I don’t have to wait for them to come on,” said Brian Brushwood, a fellow podcaster who also co-hosts a show with Merritt called Cordkillers.
To get them, you need an app. Apple devices have an app called “Podcasts” pre-installed. You can subscribe to show using it or download another podcast app. There are lots of them. Merritt recommends Downcast or Pocketcast, I like the app named Overcast.
So how do podcasters make money? Generally shows are supported by fans or advertising. Merritt uses crowdfunding site called Patreon where subscribers “pledge” a certain amount each month to help him produce the show. This can be as little as a dollar.
“Nobody’s figured out exactly how to make money on podcasts quite yet, but there are a lot of different ways to try,” said Merritt.
I’m happy to announce my new podcast created with KTLA. It’s called Tech Smart: America On Demand and in each episode I will be featuring a startup that’s taking the Uber approach to something – flowers, massages, car washes, dog walking, food delivery and more. Give it a listen and subscribe!
I also do a (semi) daily podcast called Rich On Tech where I share tech news, tips, new apps and tricks in about 3 minutes or less. You subscribe by both of my podcasts by searching “demuro” in your favorite podcasting app.