Have you ever stopped to wonder where the concept of podcasts came from? How did the transition from radios to podcasts happen and how do we keep the information relevant and a world apart in image and consumption? And why are podcasts so popular today? In this post you will get answers to all these questions as well as the evolution of podcasting.
History & Evolution of Podcasting
Although podcasts have become more popular only recently, the concept has been around since the late 1900s. Before the digital age, the only audio files that were distributed were repurposed radio broadcasts, talk shows and music files. With the creation of the world wide web in the 1980s, the 1990s saw the concept of sharing and downloading audio shows on the rise. Although today’s world calls this a podcast, earlier times may have referred to these as “audiobooks.”
They started to gradually gain popularity in the early 2000s with the onset of portable MP3 players. Aside from talk shows and music, there were now ‘podcasts’ dedicated to sharing news or being a source of entertainment. Later developments saw the concept of using RSS feeds to attach audio,and later video content was implemented.Initially, podcasts had very few listeners and audio bloggers, became more or less of an unsuccessful method of content creation.The first audio blog show ran from 2003 to 2012, and podcasts slowly gained recognition and fame during that time and exponentially since then.
The first BloggerCon was held in 2003, where aside from the history of audio blogging, it taught participants how to use RSS feeds and make podcasts available as MP3 files to be listened to using iPods and other mobile devices. This sparked the interest of several content creators and those who wanted easy access to audio entertainment. The term “podcasting” only began to catch on in 2004, which was a massive factor in the rise of its recognition worldwide. In 2005, Apple added podcasting to its iTunes Music Store, and the popularity of podcast listeners and hosts has only risen ever since. So, the name ‘podcast’ came about by combining the term‘iPod’ and the term ‘broadcast.’ More recently, free podcasts online on websites such as VoiceAmerica have piqued listeners’ interest.
How Different Are Radio and Podcast Shows?
One of the main differences between podcast shows and radio shows is their varied availability and accessibility. Podcasts are available online and can be downloaded or listened to at one’s convenience. Radio shows, on the other hand, are aired live and often don’t have re-runs. Thus, one needs to tune in to a certain radio station to listen to a show at a specific scheduled time.
Podcasts are also available in various styles, formats, and themes or topics and can be picked and listened to based on the listener’s liking and preferences. Most radio shows are short and last about 30 minutes, or an hour or two. Podcast shows vary based on the host’s choice. Some shows go on for a couple of hours, and others only last about 15 to 20 minutes. Podcasts appeal to a more niche audience than radio shows significantly as they vary in style and content. Longer podcasts can be started and stopped as needed, which is a big plus if the listener doesn’t have enough time to listen to a complete show at one time. Another significant difference between radio shows and podcast shows are their target audience.
Why Listen to Health Podcasts
Podcasts can be informative, can educate, or be entertaining. One of the most popular types of podcasting is podcasts on health and wellness as they are not only something that one listens to pass the time but also have proven benefits that accompany listening to it. Some of the top health and wellness podcasts which can be found on VoiceAmerica include “Anti-Aging Unraveled” with Dr. Lori Gerber, “Functional Medicine” with Dr. Robins, “Resiliency Within” by Elaine Miller-Karas, and many more. “Good Grief” by Cheryl Jones, “Solutions and Strategies” with Dr. Sean Surfas, and “Frankly Speaking About Cancer” with Kim Thiboldeaux are also great listens.
The best wellness podcasts are highly informative about the human body and often give the listener tips on maintaining and regaining their health. The top health and wellness podcasts can change a listener’s perspectives and views on specific topics about their health. This helps them prevent diseases and adverse health issues in the long run and keeps them in tip-top shape. Changing one’s mindset is not easy when you only visit your doctor once in a blue moon or whenever a problem arises. The best wellness podcasts have helped impact the way you think about your health and body.
In short, podcasts on health and wellness have positively impacted the lives of many and could contribute to an increase in a listener’s lifespan or reduce the chance for diseases that they could potentially contract during their life. Listening to free podcasts online on health topics or other topics also improves a listener’s mental health as it relaxes them and gives them peace of mind.
