What Is Podcasting?

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q: What is a Podcast?

A: A podcast is a piece of downloadable audio. For example, we may provide "best of" stuff you may have missed, or an interview with a country music star you may want to hear again. The term comes from the popularity of the Apple iPod.

Q: Do I need an iPod to enjoy podcasts?

A: Not necessarily - there are many ways to enjoy podcasts. An iPod makes it easy because the latest version of iTunes integrates podcasts and automatically downloads the latest ones to your iPod.

Q: Does it cost anything?

A: Not usually!  Most podcasts are free

Q: What other ways can I hear podcasts?

A: Free software like ipodder can check for updated podcasts. You would then either manually copy them to your MP3 player, or listen right there on your computer. If you use an MP3 player other than an iPod, you might try Podcatcher On A Stick, which works with any hard-drive-based MP3 player. If you prefer to just use your internet browser, you can join (free) Bloglines or Yahoo Podcasts and listen to podcasts using your computer's speakers.

Q: So how do I get podcasts?

A: There are multiple ways, here are a few: - If you use iTunes, you can subscribe easily. If you use ipodder, a browser-based podcast-catcher, or another podcatcher, right click on the feed image and select Copy Shortcut. Then paste the feed address into the "feeds" or "properties" field. You'll then automatically know when the feed is updated with new material!

Q: Do you prefer any of these in particular?

A: Other than iTunes, it's easy to use Bloglines or Yahoo Podcasts, because they're simple and web-based.