So What IS This Podcast Thing, Anyway?

What is a podcast?

From a technical viewpoint, a podcast is an audio file (generally MP3) that is distributed through an RSS feed. From a non-technical viewpoint, a podcast is like an internet radio show that you can listen to whenever and wherever is convenient for you. For example, with a regular radio show, you have to remember to tune in at the same time each week to hear the new episode. If you forget or can't easily get to a radio, you've missed the show. With a podcast, you can listen to the new episode any time you like (after it's been released of course!)

How do I get the shows?

While most podcasts have a website where you can go and listen to the shows or download them individually, the magic of podcasting is that you don't have to do that. You can download one of any number of free software programs to your computer (these programs are sometimes called "aggregators" or "podcatchers"). You tell the program which podcasts you want to capture and how often you want it to check for new episodes. This is called "subscribing" to a podcast. Don't worry about the term "subscribe" – the vast majority of podcasts are free. Depending on your setting, when the program finds a new episode of one of your podcasts, it will either automatically download the show to your computer, or just capture a brief description of the episode so you can decide if you want to download it or not. By subscribing to a podcast, you don't have to remember to go to the website to check for new episodes. They're automatically gathered for you!

Don't I have to have an iPod?

Absolutely not! The majority of podcasts are simply MP3 files, which means you can listen to them on any MP3 player or on your computer. There are a few podcasts which use an enhanced format which can be only played on an iPod or through iTunes, but iTunes is free so you could listen to them on your computer without further investment.

What about video podcasts?

Video podcasts ("vidcasts") are still pretty new, but are becoming more common. You can subscribe to them in the same way you subscribe to audio podcasts, but in order to play them, you will need to use your computer or have a player that can show video, such as the video iPod.

Ok, I'm intrigued. How do I find podcasts to listen to?

There are podcasts on virtually every topic under the sun, from independent music to learning Spanish to knitting. You can browse one of the many directories available, or simply do an internet search with the word "podcast" and the topic you're interested in, such as "fly fishing podcast". (I don't know if there's a fly fishing podcast, but I wouldn't be surprised!) Once you find one that sounds interesting, add it to your aggregator and you're set. If you decide you don't like it after all, just unsubscribe through your aggregator and you'll stop getting those shows.

A word about quality…

Anyone with a computer and a microphone can make a podcast. As a result, shows vary widely in quality and content. Some podcasts are professional, some are amateur but sound professional, and some sound like the shows we made up as kids by talking into the cassette recorder we got for Christmas. If you find a show you like, but the sound is poor, be patient. Most podcasters learn how to improve the quality as they go. Just as you will find variety in sound quality, you will also find variety in quality of content. There is no FCC for podcasts, which means that podcasters can pretty much say anything they want. Some shows are safe for young children; others would make a sailor blush. You can find everything from "Godcasts" to pornographic podcasts. It's an open medium. As a result, you can find some of the most creative and innovative shows that would never find a market in mainstream radio (but should!). And you will find shows you think should never see the light of day. Fortunately, with thousands of podcasts out there, you're bound to find something you like. And if not, pick up that microphone and start your own!