Podcasts are a great way to pass the time and learn at the same time, whenever and wherever you are. There are also many benefits of podcast for mental health. You can play a podcast episode on your desktop, smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Hence, you can listen to it while driving while getting ready in the morning, or before going to sleep. That’s why it’s a great tool that families can use for meaningful bonding time.
The platform offers a diverse category for people of all ages. Hence, you can find a show for any of your family member’s interests.
Beginner’s Guide To Streaming Podcasts
If you’re unfamiliar with how podcasts work, this is a starting a podcast guide that you may find helpful. In a nutshell, you can stream podcasts through websites and smartphone apps, and other streaming devices. You can also subscribe to a podcast, especially if it’s a series so you can quickly go back to them. To start, here are the most popular options for streaming podcasts:
- Apple Podcasts
- Stitcher
- Spotify
- iHeartRadio
- Amazon Podcasts
- Youtube
- Google Podcasts
- SoundCloud
- Pocket Casts
- Podbay.fm
- Kids Listen
Educational Podcasts
Here is a list of educational podcasts with various takeaways that you can listen to with your kids:
- But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids
This podcast answers surprising, but complex questions of children, such as “Why is the sky blue?” and other mind-boggling whys. For each episode, they feature questions submitted by kids and answer it with experts’ help.
- Brains On
Brains On is a podcast dealing with science topics that answer questions submitted by curious kids and adults. In each podcast, they feature a new kid co-host and reporters to take on the episode. The podcast tackles everything about science in a fun yet educational approach.
- Stuff You Should Know
The idea of this podcast birthed from the people behind HowStuffWorks. The podcast explains how various everyday things work. The hosts make complex topics (in hundreds of episodes!) easier to digest for listeners of all ages.
- Wow In The World
The podcast is best for both kids and adults in exploring the mysteries and wonders of the world. It explores topics in science and technology in an approach that combines scientific-backed research and entertainment.
- Tumble
Tumble explores stories of science-discovery that the whole family can enjoy. The hosts have a background in science and teaching, making it a credible source of information. Hosts Lindsay Patterson is a science journalist, while Marshal Escamilla is a teacher.
- Book Clubs For Kids
If you’re a family of bookworms, this is the perfect podcast you can enjoy with your kids. In each episode, Kitty Felde, together with a celebrity reader, talks about books and interview authors.
- Dear Hank And John
Brothers Hank Green and John Green are the hosts of Dear Hank and John, who are both authors and YouTubers. They answer questions from listeners and give meaningful advice that you can apply in your life.
Adventure And Bedtime Podcasts
“Kids who are extraordinarily active, imaginative, anxious, or curious can have a difficult time getting the sleep they need,” says developmental psychologist Dona Matthews, Ph.D. “A bedtime routine helps improve the possibility of healing regenerative sleep, and a happier, more productive day tomorrow.”
With that, here’s a list of adventure and bedtime podcasts to listen to before you go to bed:
- Welcome To Night Vale
Welcome to Night Vale is an immersive podcast with a structure of community radio. The setting is in a made-up town called Night Vale with mysterious and eerie episodes. It’s best for teens and adults since the concept may be a bit dark for kids. The smooth and deep voice of the narrator Cecil Baldwin is one of the main reasons for its success.
- The Alien Adventures Of Finn Caspian
The podcast narrates the story of 8-year-old Finn Caspian, who lives on an interplanetary space station. It tells the story of Finn and his friends’ explorations of the galaxy while solving various mysteries.
- Eleanor Amplified
This serial podcast follows the story of Eleanor, a journalist who explores adventures to get a scoop. Its concept is similar to old radio shows with its engaging sound effects.
- The Unexplainable Disappearance Of Mars Patel
This serial mystery podcast features interactive episodes with plots leaning on mystery and suspense. Voiced by middle-schoolers, the story follows an 11-year-old boy who is searching for his missing friends.
- Unspookable
Unspookable is a podcast series that explores the history behind popular scary stories, myths, and urban legends. While it tackles creepy topics such as zombies, witches, Bloody Mary, the podcast is highly family-friendly.
- Stories Podcast
Stories Podcast retells the stories of famous fairytales. It is perfect for little kids and adults who grew up listening to these classic stories.
Parenting Podcasts
For parents who need a break or guidance from parenthood, some podcasts tackle the life of being a parent. Here’s a list of the best podcasts with parenthood topics:
- The Longest Shortest Time
The podcast is a bold and daring take on parenthood in all forms. Children and teens can also learn a thing or two from listening to the podcast once they become parents themselves.
- Mighty Mommy’s Quick And Dirty Tips For Practical Parenting
Mighty Mommy provides parenting tips on handling your kids. From managing children’s tantrums to teens’ mood swings, the podcast has all the essential tips for you.
- Good Dad Project
Good Dad Project is a podcast that takes on the most common challenges of fatherhood. It helps fathers overcome these challenges by making it easy to understand plus some tips and advice.
Reap The Benefits Of Listening To Podcasts
Listening to podcasts as a family can boost learning and improve your relationship overall. The efficiency of podcasts for entertainment is doubled: it’s not only fun, they can be educational too. You can also access it for free since most podcasts don’t have subscription fees. So, what are you waiting for? Go on and choose a podcast to tune in with your whole family to, from the list!