The Norman Rockwell scene of a family gathering around to hear their favorite radio show was entertainment at it’s best. The Golden Age of Radio brought people together with popular shows like Abbott and Costello, and The Adventures of the Thin Man capturing their imaginations. Fast forward to today where 80 inch flat screens, smart phones, and tablets provide instant visual gratification, and a near sensory overload. For a modern alternative to the days of classic radio, podcasts have become an increasingly popular forum for providing inspiring, and educational information designed to be enjoyed on the go.
Podcasts can be streamed from your mobile device whether you’re in the car, walking the dog, at the gym, or doing chores around the house. An active alternative to being parked in front of a screen, Podcast subject matter is virtually infinite from the latest in gardening trends, to in depth health topics. In fact, the iTunes app-store currently offers more than 450,000 different podcasts, so pop in a pair of headphones on the treadmill, on a plane, or plug your phone in while driving to immerse yourself in an auditory experience anytime, anywhere.
Fortunately for baby boomers, not only is there an app for that, they can also subscribe to boomer specific podcasts that cover everything from old time radio, and movies to fads only this astute generation will appreciate. While modern day pop culture is well, and good, sometimes a dose of nostalgia amidst all the millennial noise is much appreciated. According to AARP some of most popular boomer podcasts include, “Between the Liner Notes,” “The Daily,” and “Hardcore History.”
Boomers are a tech savvy group, so the logistics of downloading a favorite podcast isn’t complicated. Entire shows can be subscribed to, and downloaded with a fresh episode showing up in the library as it’s released, or episodes of interest can be added individually. Much like a music playlist, a podcast list can be created in advance which is great for listening while on vacation, or on a long road trip as a substitute for traditional audiobooks.
Considering the copious amount of quality content, the fact that the majority of podcasts are free is surprising. They’re available all over the world, in a multitude of languages so whether you’re traveling abroad, and need to brush up on your Hungarian, or Greek or want to learn more about a specific culture, you don’t have to pay for a class or subscription. Whatever you choose to add to your playlist, you’ll walk away with new insight, and perhaps a new skill to add to your repertoire.
