Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Stephanie. Stephanie Wonders, “What is podcasting?” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Stephanie!

Do you have a favorite show? If you like to watch TV, a cartoon or sitcom may pop into your head. But many people might think of another type of show. It’s not something they usually watch. Instead, people enjoy these shows by listening. What are we talking about? Podcasts, of course!

What are podcasts? They’re similar to radio shows. However, to hear a radio show, you have to tune in to the right station at the right time. Podcasts, on the other hand, can be downloaded to listen to anytime. People listen to podcasts on smartphones, computers, and smart speakers.  

Podcasting has existed since 2004. That year, a video jockey named Adam Curry teamed up with a software developer named Dave Winer. They worked together to create a program that could download online radio broadcasts. The name “podcast” came from the combination of two other words—”iPod” and “broadcast.”

Today, podcasts are one of the most popular forms of entertainment. What makes them so great? Many people enjoy being able to listen to podcasts while they do other activities, like driving or riding in the car. They find a good show can make yard work, chores, and even homework more fun!

Podcast creators enjoy freedom from the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). That means they have a lot of control over their shows. As a result, podcasts cover a wide range of topics. Some of the most popular podcasting genres today are music, TV and movies, comedy, technology, and family.

Have you ever listened to a podcast with your family? If so, you know it can be a lot of fun. Many kids enjoy laughing or learning something new during episodes of their favorite podcasts. Some like it so much they start their own.

How do you start a podcast? The first step is to come up with an idea for a show. What do you want to talk about? Everyone has a great message to share—start by finding yours. Once you’ve chosen a topic, write a script for your first episode. Some podcasters find they work best with a full script, while others prefer to use just an outline.

You’ll also need some equipment to make a podcast. Some podcasters use high-quality microphones and software. However, you don’t need too much advanced technology to get started. You can make a podcast by simply recording your first episode on a smartphone or computer. There are plenty of audio editing programs you can use to give your podcast a polished sound.

Not ready to start recording just yet? That’s okay! Podcasts can be fun to listen to, whether you’re interested in making your own or not. Ask a family member to help you explore some new shows today. You never know when you might find your new favorite!

Standards: CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.SL.1

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