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Parenting

01st Jan 2015

Hands-free entertainment – the allure of podcasts. One mum tells all

Podcasts are a must-have for any multi-tasking mum

HerFamily

If there’s one thing I miss about my pre-baby days (aside from the lie-ins), it’s having time to read.

The pile of dusty books beside my bed has been growing steadily over the past 18 months and this upsets me. I can’t seem to find the time to sit down and read because there’s always something that needs to be done. I miss getting lost in a story – the escapism and relaxation – but had resigned myself to the fact that my days as a bookworm were over for now. And then I discovered the allure of the podcast.

What is a podcast? some of you podcast virgins may ask, according to apple “Podcasts are episodes of a program available on the Internet. Podcasts are usually original audio or video recordings, but can also be recorded broadcasts of a television or radio program, a lecture, a performance, or other event.”

So, what are the podcast positives?

You can download a podcast online for free

Listen in the car or out for a walk with the baby

There’s something for everyone and every mood

You can wash, clean, cook, while you listen

Get through a lot of story in a little time

They are transferrable to different devices

There’s no sitting required

They’re super-easy to access

 

The HerFamily.ie recommended podcasts

Serial is a Podcast phenomenon that has become one of those cult series akin to the best box sets of-the-moment. It’s a true story of a high school murder that took place in Baltimore in 1999. It’s hosted by journalist, Sarah Koenig and is currently at the top of the podcasts chart.

This American Life will make you laugh and cry and is a must-have in any podcast collection. Host, Ira Glass explores first-person stories and short fiction pieces from around the world.

The Moth takes on a slightly different approach of storytelling, with each storyteller sharing their true experiences with a live audience.

The Bugle is a satirical ‘audio newspaper’ that takes a look at global news and stars former Daily Show correspondent John Oliver and comedian Andy Zaltzman.

TEDTalks provides insightful and intriguing discussions from professionals around the globe. Each talk is condensed into a short audio segment.