Brad Mielke - Brad Mielke - Host & Managing Editor, "Start Here" Podcast - ABC News | LinkedIn.

It's that assured voice who weaves in and out of the story, stick-handles the interviews with aplomb, and who often talks directly to the audience, letting us know that we're in good hands. Sometimes the narrator is an omniscient “voice of God” talking to us, explaining all the ins and outs of the story.

A podcast host is the creator, the mediator, the reporter, and the glue that binds a show together. Hosts play a crucial role in the success of any podcast because it's not just about having quality audio; there needs to be a leading voice at the helm.

In its earliest form, it was called audio blogging. People would record their pieces and share the audio content over the internet, like auditory blog posts. In 2004, Ben Hammersly first used the term podcast to describe this content. The term was a combination of the words iPod and broadcast.

Some 88% say that they listen to podcasts in order to learn, while an almost-equal 87% say they tune in for entertainment. Close behind, 81% engage with podcasts to have something to listen to when doing something else, while 71% do so to hear other people's opinions.

Podcast hosts – also known as podcasters – are the people who create podcasts to entertain, to educate, and to connect like-minded individuals and communities. They often wear many hats, creating show content, booking guests, conducting interviews, editing the audio, and promoting the show.

The audience of podcasts is increasingly diverse. While the format is being consumed by both, female and male consumers, male listeners slightly outweighing the female counterpart with a share of 53 percent. While older generations also tune in, the main group consuming podcasts is the age group of 12 to 34 year-olds.

A podcast has the potential to inform, inspire, or engage its audience. Ultimately, a podcast is a way to share content. While some enjoy reading articles, others prefer something they can listen to. Podcasting is flexible, and podcasters can use the medium in many ways.

Podcasting is one of the best methods to talk about something you enjoy or are passionate about. You are able to talk freely and engage with your audience on a personal level. Not only is this an effective way to teach your audience or share your understanding, but it also makes the experience more enjoyable for you.

The Content is Easy to Access Not only are they easy to access, but in 99%* of the cases (*not an actual reported number), podcasts are free. Sure, you can access a premium listening app like Spotify which offers some exclusive content. But most podcasts are available at no cost, right there in an app or browser.

One of the major benefits of listening to podcasts is that it gives your eyes and brain a much-needed rest. Simply close your eyes, and let your imagination take over. Since listening to podcasts requires minimal energy, your brain is more active when listening to podcasts as opposed to watching TV or reading a book.

In its earliest form, it was called audio blogging. People would record their pieces and share the audio content over the internet, like auditory blog posts. In 2004, Ben Hammersly first used the term podcast to describe this content. The term was a combination of the words iPod and broadcast.