WHAT ARE PODCASTS? WHY I AM ADDICTED TO THEM!

With modern technology comes change. In the past people looked forward to waiting for their favorite radio shows to come on the air. When television was first introduced to the regular home person, many thought that tv would never be able to replace the radio because the programs were actually not that very good. Despite the growth of tv, the radio never ended, and because of that two types of broadcasters were born, the radio jock and the tv caster.

Radio hasn’t really changed that much for the past 30 years, but we don’t hear as much drama as the old timers did. The problem with radio, as with tv, is the schedule of their programs. Listeners have to “tune-in” at the specified day and time, and if you miss your favorite program, tough luck, unless you record it in advance with a tape recorder or similar device.

Today, YouTube has been slowly replacing the tv, in fact YouTube users increased 66% since the writers strike last 2007. I believe that the podcast is changing the face and future of the radio, and thus the podcaster is born.

A few years after Apple introduced the iPod, the Podcast era started. Podcasts are essentially pre-recorded radio shows that you download with the free iTunes software, but there are other programs available that can manage podcasts for you, if you search for them on the internet. You need to sync iTunes with your iPod first, then you can listen to the podcasts at your convenience. Podcast programs available for download are in the thousands, so if you’re new to this you can first check out the yearly podcast awards, at http://podcastawards.com, for tips on which are the top rated or best ones.

You can use iTunes to search for podcasts, go to “iTunes Store”, then click on “Podcasts”, and on the search bar at the upper right of iTunes type in the name of the podcast you want to subscribe to. Most of the podcasts are free, but not all. I personally don’t believe in paying for podcasts, it’s like saying that you need to pay to listen to the radio. Anyway, after you see the title of the podcast you want, press the “Subscribe” button and that’s it, you can continue searching for more if you want. You can later CHECK and MANAGE the podcasts you subscribed to by clicking on the “Podcast” button at the left sidebar of iTunes, under the “LIBRARY” menu. Notice I mentioned that I’m not willing to pay for podcasts, but I’m willing to “donate” to podcasters who do podcasts. It’s up to your discretion actually if you want to donate or not, but if you love the podcasts you’re listening to and think it’s a worthy cause, then I encourage you to donate some money to help support it. Unlike radio, most podcast’s expenses are paid by the podcaster’s personal finances, and if you want them to continue their program it’s just right to support them, usually through a donation or advertise button in their website.

Searching for podcasts are like searching the internet, you might want to be interested in carpentry so just type in “carpentry”, or baking cakes so type “cake baking”, etc. Chances are there may be a podcast out there waiting for you to listen to. You can then download all their episodes if you want to start from the beginning.

Here are the podcasts I subscribe to, and a brief description of them, which you may want to check out yourself:
60-Second Science – Assorted scientific facts and knowledge
CNN News Update – Hourly newscasts from CNN
Comedy Central: Stand-Up (Video) – Samplers of what you can find at http://www.comedycentral.com
Comic Strip Live: Stand Up Comedy – Great comedians
Digital Photography Tips from the Top Floor (Audio/Video) – Best podcast for amateur and professional photographers
French Maid TV – Funny sexy internet tips
GuildCast – Most comprehensive Guild Wars podcast for new and experienced players
Hometown Tales Podcast – Urban legends and true stories in and around America
NASACast: Universe Video – Stunning videos and facts about space
National Geographic Minutes – Great 1 minutes stories
The Onion Radio News – Comical fake satirical news
PC Gamer podcast – My third favorite podcast. Podcast of the PC Gamer magazine
PC Gamer Video podcast – Awesome pc gaming video clips and news
RD Out Loud – Assorted short stories, news, facts, and knowledge
Science Channel Video – Short video’s about technology and science facts
Science Channel Features – Short news about scientific facts
Tiki Bar TV – My 5th favorite podcast. Great short comedy video clips, in a series, and with assorted alcohol recipes

LEO LAPORT’S podcasts – complete details available at http://twit.tv:
Daily Giz Wiz – My favorite of all podcasts, daily learn about zany and wacky gadgets
The Tech Guy – Twice a week call for help radio show
Security Now! – My 4th favorite podcast. Best weekly tech Security podcast of the year
Floss Weekly – Almost monthly Open Source information
Windows Weekly – For Windows users who want to get more from their pc’s weekly
This Week In Tech – Listen to guys enjoying themselves and talking tech weekly
My wife listens to: (among others)
Jumping Monkeys – Great entertainment and tips for parents who have children
Munchcast – For the household food lover in you

QUICK AND DIRTY TIPS podcasts – details at http://www.quickanddirtytips.com:
Grammar Girl – For grammar geeks and non-geeks, my second favorite podcast
Money Girl – Need financial tips and advice
Modern Manners Guy – Need tips on how to be a polite gentleman
Get-It-Done Guy – Need to make your life more efficient
Sales Guy – Great tips on how to improve your business abilities
Small Biz Tech Girl – Need tips on how to make money on the internet
Make-It-Green Girl (coming soon to iTunes) – Think green and energy saving tips

I know, it may seem a lot because it is, but I started with less than 3, and after a while my selection slowly increased to more than double of what I placed up there, and I continue to check out new podcasts that I haven’t heard yet. You can never listen to them all so just pick out the ones that really interest you. You can always add new podcasts if you finish with your older ones, or if you decide to remove some.

I can’t get enough from podcasts! I listen to them morning through night, and love them. Now it’s your turn to find the best podcast that suits you. Give podcasting a chance and I am sure it will change your life. Good luck and have fun!