Podcasts are good
Original author Marie-Claire Camp
I’m a big podcast fan. I currently subscribe to and actively enjoy 31 podcasts. Because I travel between connectivity hotspots and black-holes in my life, I download a bunch of shows, lectures, and presentations when I have a connection, and then listen to/watch them later when I’m off the grid.
Julie is also another big listener, I think she’s subscribed and actively listening to about 40 or more podcasts. But then, she has a long commute.
So, what is a podcast?
A podcast is a program that is made available on the web. When you “subscribe” to an active podcast, the audio/video file is downloaded onto your computer (automatically if you’d like) when it becomes available.
Wikipedia says “The term “podcast” is a portmanteau of the acronym “Pod” standing for “Portable on Demand” and “broadcast”
Many radio and tv shows are available as podcasts, and many new kinds of programs are available only as podcasts. “Using iTunes, or other podcast players, you can find podcasts, subscribe to them for free, receive new episodes as they are released, and enjoy them anytime, and anywhere.” iTunes FAQ.
Why listen to or watch podcasts?
Podcasts allow you to obtain information very effectively during down time or anytime you want to listen or watch something new.
Why should I care about podcasts as a company?
- Listening to or watching podcasts allows your most loyal partners, customers or employees to obtain information very effectively during down time.
- You and your people can’t afford all the conferences you’d like to attend. But you can afford to listen to them. Podcasts keep an organization learning.
- Creating company podcasts can be a good tool for gaining visibility, kudos, and gaining the reputation as the expert in your field.
- It’s a brilliant new medium for storytelling. And you’ve got a story to tell, right?
Why should I care about podcasts as an individual?
- Listening or watching can be a source of great entertainment, you can learn new stuff, and be the most “in” person around the water cooler.
- Create one if you have something (you think is) great to share with the world.
- Listening or watching anything can be a much better experience when you can stop the broadcast to answer your phone, talk to your kid, let the dog out, and then resume on your time.
Not convinced? Get a second opinion here.
iTunes is a major provider and distributor of podcasts. Subscribing and downloading podcasts are free! Some links to get a rough idea about iTunes’ offering of podcasts:
Most popular podcasts on iTunes
Odeo is another source for podcasts too.
Feeling inspired to make one for yourself?
Foxbright created the studio for professionals who want to use podcasts to personally communicate with clients, potential clients, or employees. In Grand Rapids, MI!
Create podcasts with Garage Band
Technical specifications for podcasts on iTunes
Getting your message it out there and accessible to the world
How to submit a podcast to iTunes
A newer source for distribution (non iTunes), Odeo Studio
Other links that may be of interest:
Podcast transcripts, .75¢ a minute
iTunes podcast spotlight eNewsletter
How do I make an enhanced podcast?
Media rich podcasts
My personal favorite audio podcasts
My personal favorite video podcasts
Craft (patterns in pdf form…so cool)
And for kicks… Radiohead’s ‘In Rainbows’ Video Podcast.
Education is fun and free, check out iTunesU, hundred of lectures and guest speakers from major Colleges and Universities.
I’m sure I haven’t even scraped the surface of the best podcasts available today… So that brings be to the question of the hour. What are some of your favorite podcasts?
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