What Is Podcasting?Courtesy of the folks over at Wikipedia (click to read more): Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet using either the RSS or Atom syndication formats, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. The term podcast like ‘radio‘, can mean both the content and the method of delivery. The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster. Podcasters’ web sites may also offer direct download or streaming of their files; a podcast however is distinguished by its ability to be downloaded automatically using software capable of reading RSS or Atom feeds.Usually a podcast features one type of ’show’, with new episodes released either sporadically or at planned intervals such as daily or weekly. In addition, there are podcast networks that feature multiple shows on the same feed.

You do not need an iPod to listen to nearly any podcast. In fact, most people who listen to podcasts do so from their desktops. Most podcasts are simple MP3 files and therefore can be played on nearly any device that supports them, including nearly any home and car CD and DVD drives and now even TiVo!

You also do not need iTunes to subscribe or listen to podcasts. iTunes serves its purpose, but there are several great programs that will schedule and automatically download podcasts for you. You’ll find several choices by typing in the term podcatcher into your favorite search engine.

Podcasts

High Orbit: It’s no secret I’m a very large Matthew Ebel fan, and I really enjoy his show. Where else can a guy yell at a droid, make enough bad decisions to make red-shirted Enterprise ensigns jealous, and still showcase great independent music? I will admit I steal a lot of my own song/show ideas from Matthew, but somehow I don’t think he really minds.

NPR’s All Songs Considered: I wouldn’t be a proper card-carrying liberal if I didn’t listen to NPR, right? The folks over at NPR have really dived into podcasting, making many of their radio programs available as podcasts. ASC is great about picking out and showcasing that eclectic artist from the middle-of-nowhere you’ve never heard of and never would otherwise.

KarmynKast: Karmyn Tyler just might be the nicest and most honest person ever in the podcasting sphere. She’s that rare creature that is nice to everyone without lobbing over a brick full of the pretentious crap that you find in most fake-bubbly personalities. She can also change subjects faster than a runway model changes outfits.