What is a FamilyLife Podcast?

If you're ready to subscribe to a FamilyLife podcast, go to the Podcast sign-up page.

What is a podcast or podcasting?
Podcasting makes an audio file, typically an MP3 file, available online for downloading via an automatic "feed." You can then hear the podcast whenever you want from your computer or a portable media player.

What do I need to hear a podcast?
The first thing you need is podcast subscription software. Your options include the latest version of Apple's iTunes (which has the software built in), Juice, or other software to manage your podcast subscriptions. FamilyLife also recommends Zubeo for a more personalized service in listening to podcasts. (NOTE: these links take you away from FamilyLife.com) At this point, you will already be able to listen to podcast audio from your computer (provided your computer has a sound card and can play MP3 audio files). If you want to make your podcasts portable, you will need to transfer them from your computer to a portable media device.

How much does it cost to listen to FamilyLife's podcasts?
FamilyLife's podcasts are free for you to use, but expensive to produce and serve. If you find our podcasts helpful, we encourage you to make a donation to our ministry so that we can continue to make them available to you.

How do I subscribe to a Podcast?
For those new to podcasting, we've provided the following detailed instructions for Zubeo and iTunes to help you.

Zubeo Instructions

Zubeo is a Personalized Audio Internet service that helps people discover and listen to great radio programs and podcasts.

Step 1: Download Zubeo.
Step 2: Add other shows you want to listen to.
Step 3: Hit Play.

iTunes Instructions

1. Download iTunes to your computer (PC or Mac).

2. Install iTunes on your computer.

3. Open the iTunes application.

iTunes screen shot #1

4. In the horizontal menu appearing at the top, click "Advanced" and then "Subscribe to Podcast."

iTunes screen shot #2

5. After a dialogue box pops up, enter the podcast URL into the text area.

iTunes screen shot #3

Please sign-up for our podcasts to get the URLs for FamilyLife podcasts.

6. In the podcast directory on the right-hand side, you will find the title of the podcast. By default, the latest program should be downloading to your computer. At the far left of the podcast title, an orange circle with a rotating arrow should display. This means a program is in the process of being downloaded.

iTunes screen capture #4

7. Preceding the podcast title, click the filled-in triangle. This will display more FamilyLife programs available for download (typically the last two weeks). The program being downloaded will have an orange circle with a rotating arrow too. Any other programs not downloaded will have a button labeled "GET" next to it. You can click on "GET" to download the other programs.

iTunes screen capture #5

8. Once the program is finished downloading, select the program you'd like to listen to. Then, you can either double-click the program title and it will begin playing or click the play button at the top of the application window.

9. The next time you open iTunes, the application will automatically check to see if the latest FamilyLife podcast is available for download.

10. For instructions on transferring audio (including podcasts) to your Apple iPod, visit this article on the Apple website. Your instructions will vary if you have an MP3 player from another manufacturer.