The world of podcasting is exploding. Every day, smart people put up excellent material  that informs and, if we’re lucky, entertains. Interviews with the best and the brightest are available on practically any subject, in any field. Whatever your interest, there is a podcast out there to engage and enlighten you.

But if you’ve never listened to a podcast, getting started can be daunting. We don’t want you to be daunted! Take a couple of minutes to check out this quick tutorial on listening to a podcast:”Breaking down your Business“

How to listen to a podcast on your computer

One of the most common ways to listen to a podcast is by using your computer. There are two easy ways to do it.

1. Visit the page for the podcast you want to listen to.
2. Push the play button.

It’s that easy.

You can also use iTunes as a player. To do that you need to subscribe to the podcast in the iTunes store.

1. Open iTunes and go to the iTunes Store. Navigate to the Podcast section.
2. Search for the podcast you want to listen to and press the “Subscribe” button. (Note: Absolutely nothing will happen when you push that button. It’s a weird UI bug, but don’t fret. It’s working. I’ll show you in a minute.)
3. Return to your iTunes library. Navigate to the Podcast section.
4. You should see that podcast downloading. Press play and you will be able to listen to it through your speakers or headphones.

When you subscribe in iTunes, the most current episodes of your podcast will automatically download  as they become available. They ‘ll just show up in your iTunes library under Podcasts.

How to listen to a podcast on your phone (iPhone or Android)

The magic of podcasts is that they are portable. You can have something interesting to listen to in the gym, while commuting– basically any where or any time you would reach for some headphones! In truth, setting up your smartphone for listening to podcasts is even easier than listening on your computer! But you do need an app.

There are several good “pod catcher” apps on each of the major smartphone platforms. On iPhone I recommend Apple’s Podcasts App (Free), Downcast($2.99), or Pocket Casts ($3.99) which works on both Android and iPhone (if you want the option).

Stitcher Radio is another brilliant pod catcher app that’s free, and available for both iPhone and Android. Stitcher attempts to create the experience of listening to talk radio by “stitching” together your podcasts into one playlist. It will also help you to find new podcasts. You can set up your interests and then it will select podcasts for you (a Pandora for podcasts?)

Regardless of which app you choose, listening to podcasts on your smartphone is simple. Find the “search” feature in the app and search for the podcast you want to listen to. Press the subscribe button and your phone will automatically download new episodes as they become available. To listen, just open the app and select the episode you want to hear and press play. Presto! Smarts in your ears.

The world of podcasts is fascinating. There’s so much wit and wisdom out there; take advantage of the easy access to it! And while you’re at it, check out Breaking Down Your Business. (I hear the hosts are really funny.)

What’s your favorite podcast right now?