Family Caregivers of BC is very excited to introduce a new platform of education for family and friend’s caregiving. In April 2020 we are launching our Podcast, Caregivers Out Loud! And as our podcast title implies, we are highlighting and sharing the voices of caregivers. In April and May, we will release four episodes that discuss themes of caregiver wellness, including support networks, communication, relationships and self-care. Our host, Jodie McDonald, a local therapist specializing in boundary-setting, self-care and education for caregivers, has insightful and authentic conversations with caregivers about their joys, trials and self-discoveries.
If you’re wondering, what exactly is a podcast? This article is for you! Our aim is to let you know what it is and how you can access podcasts, so that you can listen to Caregivers Out Loud and many other educational topics!
What
A podcast is an episodic series, similar to a regular radio or television show, that people can listen to for free online or download onto their preferred listening device, e.g. smartphone, iPad, etc. There are an estimated 850,000+ podcasts airing in the world right now
Podcasts typically feature one or more reoccurring hosts who discuss a particular topic, theme or current event. They range from largely scripted to completely improvised and are created by everyone from your next-door neighbour to your favourite celebrity. Comedy is currently the most popular genre, followed by education and news, but there is something for everyone. For example, do you love to hear about real-life crime dramas? Tune in to In the Dark, a Peabody award-winning podcast that follows sketchy court cases. Have a secret passion for all things Dolly Parton? You might like Dolly Parton’s America.
How
The easiest way to listen to podcasts is using a web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) on your computer or phone. A quick Internet search can help you find podcasts you might like (e.g. “best podcasts for cat lovers” or “Caregivers Out Loud”). Go to the respective website, find the player on the page and click play to listen. Find FCBC podcast on our website: www.familycaregiversbc.com, under find resources for family caregivers and click on FCBC Podcasts. You can listen to our episodes here.
If you have an iPhone or other Apple device, you can listen to, download, and subscribe to podcasts using the Apple podcasts app. It comes installed on many Apple devices. Just search your apps for “Podcasts”. For more detailed information about the app and how to use it search “How to use Apple podcasts” or click here.
For those with Android devices, Google Podcasts is the app to use. If it is not already on your phone or device, you can download and install it from the Google play store. For more information search “How to use Google podcasts” or click here.
For either device, Spotify, a popular music-streaming app, could offer some good options. Look up Spotify online or follow this link here.
These apps are simple and free to download to your cellular device. There are many other apps that you can use too, such as Podcast Addict, Podcast Casts, Stitcher and Deezer.
Why
With the majority of podcasts free to listen to and download, they are a great way to catch up on things that entertain and interest you whenever and wherever you can: waiting in doctor offices, commuting to appointments, or just grabbing a moment for yourself.
Family Caregivers of BC look forward to launching our first podcast season, Caregivers Out Loud in April! You can listen to our podcast on FCBC website and on these applications: Apple podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Deezer, Pocket Casts and Podcast Addict.