While podcasts have been around for a while, over the past few years they've gained more popularity, with news outlets, journalists and small business owners delving into the audio-blogging world. Podcasts make it easier to get your news on the go, and since you can download them straight to your phone, you can listen whenever you have time.

Because of the DIY nature of podcasts, they can actually flourish in places other than media hubs like Los Angeles and New York—and Cincinnati is no exception! Our amazing city has seen an abundance of local podcasts popping up as of late, which is why we decided to round up some of our favorites. No matter what you're interested in, there's a podcast for you on this list.

The 90 Second Naturalist

The 90 Second Naturalist is just that—a podcast where Thane Maynard, president of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, gives a 90-second, daily glimpse into the natural world. If you're new to podcasts and an hour-and-a-half-long audio-blog seems intimidating, the 90 Second Naturalist may be the perfect, bite-sized podcast to help you get into the media and appreciate nature a little bit more along the way.

Around Cincinnati

It's no secret that Cincinnati has a vibrant and thriving arts scene, so much so that it can be hard to keep up with everything that's going on in the city. Each week, host Lee Hay is joined by prominent local contributors that will introduce you to the cultural and arts organizations and events that make our city so special.

Art Palace

Russell Ihrig, host of Cincinnati Art Museum's Art Palace podcast | Photo courtesy of Hailey Bollinger, CityBeat via the Cincinnati Art Museum

Carefully curated by the Cincinnati Art Museum, Art Palace is a podcast where interesting people talk about art. In their biweekly episodes, host Russell Ihrig, who is the Associate Director of Interpretive Programming at the museum, interviews different guests from all walks of life from local artists to famous television chefs.

April Eight Songs & Stories 

Who says podcasts are just for adults? April Eight is a charming fairytale podcast series focused on the whole family that features heartfelt tales and magical songs for you to sing along to. This lovely pod is hosted by April Combs Mann, who has been an alt-rock musician and a college professor at a design school and now spends her time crafting original fairytale stories for children of all ages, all over the world.

Cincinnati Edition

For those who love getting their news in podcast form, make sure to check out Cincinnati Edition, an NPR podcast that covers a wide range of topics from regional government to technology. This podcast is hosted by journalist and newscaster, Michael Monks, and updates every weekday so you can stay informed on what is going on in Cincinnati while you're on the go.

The Cinema Guys

Graphic courtesy of The Cinema Guys

Wanting to see that new, hyped-up movie at the theater, but aren't sure if it's worth your time? Listen to The Cinema Guys—a podcast that reviews sequels, prequels, summer movie blockbusters and old favorite films from their past. From time to time they'll also doll out recommendations, top lists and the occasional trailer talk.

Communication Junkie

If you're fascinated by the way humans communicate or are just looking to become a more powerful communicator, you've found the right place. Using research, humor and personal stories, host Professor Steven Fuller from the University of Cincinnati shares practical communication skills that will help you improve your interpersonal relationships.

Craft Brewed Sports

Craft Brewed Sports is the #1 followed independent podcast in Cincinnati for a good reason—it combines some of Cincinnatians' favorite things: beer and sports. Every week, hosts Scott Kyser and Mike Berlon sit down and drink a new craft beer as they discuss the most recent sports news, focusing on obscure headlines and stories from the sports world that will make you laugh.

Fanfare Cincinnati Podcast

Brought to you from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Fanfare Cincinnati Podcast provides an opportunity for you to explore our region's vibrant art scene through conversations with performers, conductors and the people behind the scenes who make the music possible. The podcast is hosted by Chris Pinelo, the Vice President of Communications for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra who is an avid music lover. You can catch episodes every couple of weeks on Sound Cloud.

Looking Up

This out-of-this-world podcast follows Cincinnati Observatory's Dean Regas and Anna Hehman as they bring you the latest astronomical discoveries in a fun, quick-paced conversation. They upload episodes about twice a month that focus on space and technology with a bit of pop culture. Plus, Dean and Anna also answer questions from kindergartners and interview experts in the field of astronomy—including William Shatner, Scott Kelly and James Hansen.

Person of Interest with Jeff Thomas

Behind every good story is a person of interest, and that's exactly what makes Person of Interest with Jeff Thomas a great podcast. Every episode you'll get to hear Jeff Thomas of Q102 talk to some of greater Cincinnati's most fascinating people—from Lindsay DeWalkd of the City Flea to Jake Rouse of Braxton Brewery.

Redleg Nation Radio

In a sea of Reds-focused podcasts here in Cincinnati, one of our favorites is Redleg Nation Radio. This podcast features Cincinnati Magazine writers, Jason Linden and Chad Dotson, as they discuss the most recent Cincinnati Reds news, key players and plenty of other Reds related topics.

That's So Cincinnati

This podcast is all about you: the Cincinnatian. Each week, hosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge of The Enquirer fame will make complicated local issues that affect you on a daily basis a little easier to understand—and throw in a little humor while they're at it.

What Up, Cuz?

What Up, Cuz? is a podcast that "dissects the minutiae of the mundane and the triviality of the extraordinary." The popular pod follows cousins Tyler and Kasey Williams as they discuss their respective past, present and future and interview special guests with plenty of humor, music and interesting banter.

Happy Listening!

Did we miss your favorite local podcast? Let us know in the comments!