Video may have killed the radio star, but the Internet totally revived her. Thanks to the popularity of podcasts, audio programs are back in vogue. In our highly visual world, it is refreshing to depend only on our ears to visualize stories. It’s like being a judge on “The Voice,” where you can truly listen to someone without any preconceived notions about the person or the song based on appearance. It’s like the old days of radio.
Another great thing is that you can stream or download podcasts and listen to them at home, on your way to work, at the gym or while doing chores. One of my kids listens to podcasts while studying. They are perfect for long road trips, too. With so many podcasts available, we’ve narrowed down our picks for the whole family.
For parents
“The Longest Shortest Time” shares real-life parenting stories about the anxieties and mishaps of raising children. Topics vary from tips for accepting the complicated role of motherhood to healing after childbirth and more. Created and hosted by author Hillary Frank, this podcast has a very public-radio feel. The overall message of the show is, “You are not alone.”
“Radiolab” is geared toward adult listeners, but the whole family can benefit from listening to the podcasts. It’s science meets culture and information. Podcast topics have ranged from conversations with paranormal investigations to exploring the Galapagos Islands. Parents are advised to screen the podcast episodes before sharing them with younger kids because sometimes there are tragic and unexpected turns in the narrative.
TED Radio Hour and TED Talks can be moving and inspirational. TED, which stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to “spreading ideas.” If you haven’t attended a talk in person, TED Talks, TED Education and TED Radio Hour podcasts are good ways to get started. Some episodes are also available in video. Check out Jack Andraka’s TED Talk: “A promising test for pancreatic cancer … from a teenager.”
For kids
The “Sesame Street” podcast is a weekly video podcast lasting about six minutes and featuring favorite “Sesame Street” characters like Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Elmo and more.
“Stuff You Missed in History Class” from the makers of HowStuffWorks.com is a history-packed podcast for the whole family. Hosted by Tracy Wilson and Holly Frey, it is informative and entertaining.
“Brains On!” is a science podcast for children by Minnesota Public Radio. There is a wide range of topics, from “The Mystery of Gravity” to “A Brief History of Roller Coasters.”
