If you're not familiar with podcasts, you're missing out on a lot of entertainment and information. Podcasts are audio programs that are delivered via the internet. You can listen to them on your computer, mobile devices like smartphones or tablets or even a smart TV.
For seniors of faith, podcasts that delve into spiritual or Biblical topics may be of interest. Whether you're looking to enhance your prayer life, learn more about theology or listen in on Bible stories with friends during a study time, you can find more than one podcast to meet your needs.
Find out more about podcasts below, and check out some of our recommendations for faith-based podcasts older adults might enjoy.
The great thing about podcasts is that you don't need much to enjoy them. If you have a stable internet connection and a device that streams audio from the internet, you're all set.
We love podcasts because they're a great option for older adults in any type of living situation. You can stream your favorites with a smartphone and headphones while you're sitting in the common area at an assisted living community, or you can play them through your smart television or computer speakers so you can listen with others.
Podcast networks tend to make their products available on a variety of platforms. Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts are just a few popular options.
You can listen for free on most of these platforms, though the platform may play advertisements between podcast episodes. You might also be limited as to how many podcasts you can listen to each day or whether you can skip through podcasts you don't want to hear. To upgrade your experience, you can pay for a monthly subscription to the streaming service. Costs usually range around $10-12 per month, and you get benefits like unlimited streaming and reduced ads.
Note that podcast content itself often contains ads that have nothing to do with the streaming platform. These types of ads help cover the cost of the podcast for the creator.
Larger podcasters may publish their podcasts on their own sites. When that's the case, you can often listen to some or all of the episodes on their site.
The Bible Project takes an in-depth and theological look at the content in the Bible. Tim Mackie and Jon Collins co-host this podcast, with Jon often playing the role of interviewer and digging into Tim's deep knowledge of theology and Biblical history. Other guests join at times. The Bible Project is a great option for older adults who want to dig into the Scriptures in a new way or groups looking for an audio component to add to their Bible studies.
Compelled tells the story of how the power of Jesus transforms lives throughout the world. This podcast is seasonal, with episodes typically running during or around Lent and in the months prior to Advent. Seniors that want to be inspired by real-life Christian transformation can catch up on older episodes while waiting for new content.
Like the idea of learning more about the history of the church but don't have 30 to 60 minutes a day? In this podcast, Dr. Stephen Nichols delivers 5-minutes of content about the history of the church. Topics covered on the 5 Minutes in Church History podcast range from the corruption of 1377 to a Christmas sermon preached by Charles Spurgeon more than 16 decades ago.
Follow along as J. Warner Wallace turns his investigation skills to the Bible and Christianity. This homicide detective turned apologist covers classic theology topics as well as controversial issues of contemporary times in Cold-Case Christianity.
Looking for a podcast that takes nothing off the table and delves into topics others won't? The Unbelievable? podcast digs deep and boldly. Host Justin Brinkley interviews a variety of guests about topics such as the ethics involved in paying for pregnancy, current wars and the spiritual journeys of Bob Dylon and John Lennon.
Another Christian history podcast, White Horse Inn takes more time with each topic than 5 Minutes in Church History. This is actually a radio show that dates back to 1990 that has a podcast element now. The hosts converse over theological topics pulled from Lutheran, Baptist, Reformed and Anglican traditions.
Older adults ready to hear Bible stories told in a new way may want to check out The Bible Binge. This pop-culture-riddled podcast draws comparisons between Biblical stories and new movies, finds the humor in God's handiwork and explores modern Christian trends like love languages. If you love new movies and think God has a sense of humor, this podcast may be just right for you.
