Not sure how the whole podcast thing works? We're here to help.
If you have some form of technology in your life — a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer or a smart speaker — it's easy to podcast your favorite shows from VPR and NPR and discover new shows that you won't catch on the air.
Plus, the vast majority of podcasts are totally free, whether you want to listen to an individual episode or subscribe to a show so you never miss the latest.
Get started with our Beginner’s Guide to Podcasts, and find more information, useful links and a FAQ below. Happy listening!
Ready to get started? Head to VPR’s Podcast Directory to browse our suite of podcasts and subscribe to your favorites.
Looking for more instructions? Follow these simple steps to listen and subscribe to VPR’s flagship podcasts. The links below work for both mobile & PC navigation.
On your Apple device:
1. Tap or click the links below to open your podcast of choice right in your Apple Podcasts app:
- Vermont Edition
- Brave Little State
- But Why? A Podcast for Curious Kids
- Timeline
- JOLTED
- My Heart Still Beats
2. Once you have the show open in the app, tap the “Subscribe” button to have new episodes delivered to your device as soon as they’re available. Subscribing is totally free.
3. Or, if you’d prefer not to receive every episode automatically, simply tap the name of an episode that interests you. You can stream the episode using your WiFi/data, or tap the plus sign and then the download icon to save the episode to your device for offline listening. This post has more helpful guidance.
On your Android device
1. Tap the links below to open your podcast of choice right in your Google Podcasts app.
- Vermont Edition
- Brave Little State
- But Why? A Podcast for Curious Kids
- Timeline
- JOLTED
- My Heart Still Beats
2. Once you have the show open in the app, tap the “Subscribe” button to have new episodes delivered to your device as soon as they’re available. Subscribing is totally free.
3. Or, if you’d prefer not to receive every episode automatically, simply tap the name of an episode that interests you. You can stream the episode using your WiFi/data, or tap the download icon to save the episode to your device for offline listening. This post has more helpful guidance.
With your Alexa or Google Home
You can access a wide variety of VPR content on your smart speaker. We've got additional guidance right here.
Try NPR One
NPR One is a smartphone app that connects you to a stream of public radio news, stories — and, you guessed it, podcasts! — from around the world and your own backyard. Learn more, and download the app to your device.
Frequently asked questions
I'm an avid VPR listener. Why should I branch out to podcasts?
VPR’s program schedule is carefully crafted to be the best possible public service to our more than 200,000 weekly listeners. But no matter what we do, we’ll never find a lineup that’s perfect for every listener in every way. Podcasts are the solution. They allow you to personalize your listening experience and listen to your favorite programs "on demand" — pausing, rewinding and restarting as you please.
You could also think of podcasts as a new art medium ripe for exploration. Most podcasts combine interviews, narration, music and natural sound to create a diverse terrain of audio. The sensational soundscapes can create an enriching and intimate experience.
I still don't get the difference between subscribing, streaming and downloading.
Think of subscribing to a podcast like subscribing to a magazine, but for free: The newest episodes will be delivered right to your device when they're available.
If you prefer to listen to individual episodes of a bunch of different podcasts, you can pick and choose episodes based on your interests. If you're at home or somewhere with a good wireless connection or cell service, you can stream your episode of choice — like watching a show on Netflix.
If you're going to be commuting, traveling or just heading outside for some fresh air, it probably makes more sense for you to download the episode to your device ahead of time, like borrowing a book from the library. Once the episode is downloaded on your device, you can listen on-the-go without being connected to the internet.
Where can I find podcasts of my favorite NPR programs?
Many of the NPR shows you hear on VPR are available in NPR's Podcast Directory. If your schedule doesn't always allow you to catch Fresh Air, On Point or BBC’s Newshour on VPR, the podcasts are a great way to keep up. You can also check out Up First, NPR's daily news podcast.
Can I podcast VPR's music programs?
The music programs you hear on VPR are more challenging to adapt into podcasts, due to music streaming rights. But we do have on-demand music content available:
- VPR’s James Stewart hosts Timeline, a podcast that travels through the history of Western musical tradition.
- The Live From The Fort podcast features dynamic music from contemporary Vermont bands performed live at VPR’s Colchester studio.
- Friday Night Jazz, All The Traditions and My Place are available in the VPR Replay stream, but are not available as podcasts.
- NPR Music offers a number of podcasts with a lot of music, too, including All Songs Considered, Live In Concert and the famous Tiny Desk concerts.
What other podcasts should I listen to?
You know what public radio programs you like, but may need help finding podcasts. This can be tricky, considering there are over 250,000 podcasts to choose from! RadioPublicis an app that allows you to input your interests and receive personalized suggestions.
So why is it called a podcast?
Podcasts began gaining popularity more than 10 years ago, as iPods grew in popularity. The word "podcast" is combination of "iPod" and "broadcast," which reflects the way listeners would download these broadcasts from the web and listen to them on a mobile device.
Updated: This post was updated to include new podcasts and a new app to use on Android devices.
Questions? Suggestions? Drop us a line at VPR.org/contact.
