LISTEN AND LEARN FROM PODCASTS

Podcasts have soared in popularity in recent years. Besides video, they have become one of the most used storytelling mediums of our age.

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Whether you have a keen interest in history, science, languages, general knowledge, education, entertainment or humour, there’s a podcast for you.

WHAT ARE PODCASTS?
Podcasts are audio tracks or video recordings in a compressed digital format, shared over the internet and designed for playback on computers or cellphones via specific apps. They are usually conversations between two or more people, or sometimes just one person speaking.

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WHERE TO FIND THEM
If you have access to the internet, all you need to do is to find a podcast platform or app that is supported by your device. Some include:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Google

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HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
Most are free. Here’s a list of interesting and educational podcasts everyone will love.



8 PODCASTS WE LOVE

1. TED TALKS DAILY
Probably one of the best known and loved educational podcasts, TED Talks Daily provides diverse weekly content, presented by experts, on every educational topic from space to biology. So if you are a fan of TED Talk in video form, you will surely love TED Talks Daily.

2. STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW
This podcast is still going strong after 10 years. Hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant cover the ins and outs of everyday things from the momentous (‘How Free Speech Works’) to the mundane (‘How mosquitoes survive’). Longer episodes and occasional adult topics such as alcohol, war, and politics make this a better choice for older listeners. Students, parents and teachers can choose their favourite intriguing subjects.

3. AMABOOKABOOKA
Bookworms will love hearing South African authors talk about their books. ‘I like to think that Amabookabooka plays a role in encouraging people to think, debate, argue, pursue knowledge and buy books,’ says co-founder Jonathan Ancer. ‘The more knowledge people have, the more informed choices they can make.’

4. LIFE KIT
Host Allison Aubrey uses her informed perspectives for an exciting take on critical everyday issues. Students will love ‘How to focus while reading’.

5. HARDCORE HISTORY
High school and university students will love Hardcore History. In each episode, producer Dan Carlin covers those odd yet fascinating topics that are rarely discussed in textbooks but add interest and entertainment to help open students’ minds.

6. THE AFRIKAANSPOD101
Everything you need to know about Afrikaans – from grammar to culture to vocabulary. This podcast provides jam-packed episodes for everyone from beginners to the more advanced.

For the kids:

7. KIDNUZ
Kids like to be informed and engaged, but chatting with them about the news can be a challenge. KiDNuz to the rescue! This podcast, created by moms who are broadcast journalists, offers young listeners five minutes of kid-friendly news, followed by a quick quiz daily. Perfectly timed for waking up, KiDNuz lets them start the day off on
a knowledgeable note.

8. BRAINS ON
For science lovers, young and old. Kids submit their science-related questions which get answered by experts. They also have a weekly kid co-host, who adds a fun and educational element.

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