What is a Podcast

The concept of podcasts are not new, but they are also not mainstream either. Every time I tell a friend I do a podcast I get a blank stare, quickly followed by, what the heck is a podcast? Before I get into talking about subscribing to a podcast, as it is a foreign concept to many, lets first define what a podcast is.

What is a Podcast

Simple Description: In simple terms, a podcast is like talk radio or a TV show, but you download them rather than tuning into a station. (In fact a lot of your favorite shows record each episode and publish them as podcasts)

Technically Accurate: A podcast is a series of media files (video or audio) that are released in episodes. Each episode is downloaded, via the web, through web syndication. The syndication is called really simple syndication (RSS). (You probably have noticed the RSS Acronym all over the web and never knew what it was)

What does it mean to subscribe

It almost sounds funny, but subscribing is just saying when a new show is posted automatically download it for me. It eliminates you having to remember to check for new shows. Personally, I subscribe to 28 podcasts so this process is critical in keeping me up-to-date.

What Kind of Podcasts are out there?

Both iTunes and Zune software have an area for you to search and find new podcasts. Podcasts have been lumped into a wide variety of categories such as Art, Business, Comedy, Education, Games & Hobbies, Government & Organizations, Health, Kids & Family, Music, News & Politics, Religion & Spirituality, Science & Medicine, Society & Culture, Sports & Recreation, Technology, and TV & Film. I suspect there is a podcast out there just for you.

How Much Does a Podcast Cost

The vast majority of podcasts are free like This week in Tech, Mad Money, NPR, The Economist, Real Time with Bill Maher, or NBC Meet the Press. There are paid podcasts also MacOSKen Day6 or ScreenSteps Online. Many podcasts are ad supported so it does mean words from a sponsor, but the content is usually entertaining and informative, plus everyone needs to earn a living.

Finding a Podcast of Interest

If you use iTunes or the Zune software you can browse the online stores and find a podcast that is in your area of interest. As you might guess I search for "Podcasts" that have to do with technology, but i know Chrisâ€™ wife found some inspirational podcasts she likes.

Listening to a Podcast

There are many different ways to listen to your favorite Podcasts. The best part of listening to Podcasts is they are extremely portable. A lot of people listen to them on an iPod or a Zune. But, there are others that listen to Podcasts on their SmarPhones(Windows Mobile, iPhone, Android, Palm Pre, or BlackBerry ). The number one way to listen to a Podcast is directly on the computer. Some people subscribe with Outlook while others listen via the Podcaster's website.

Why listen to a Podcast

Letâ€™s be honest, it is very difficult to find a radio show that is geared towards niche topics like Knitting or Fire fighting. Radio shows are often 4-5 hours and need to cater to an extremely diverse audience. In contrast most podcasts tend to range anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour, and have a narrow focus for a particular audience. This not only keeps the topics on point but makes the show perfect for a morning or afternoon commute.

Hopefully, by now you are interested in subscribing to some podcasts now. We have put together some instructions on how to subscribe on mobile phones, in Outlook, iTunes, or the Zune software. This is not the only way to subscribe but it will help you get started in trying out podcasts.