Cool Stuff You Might Not Know About: Podcasting

This is the concept: Imagine a radio program that you can listen to at any time because it is downloaded to your computer or iPod automatically. But it is better than radio because it is unregulated, anyone can have their own show and it is distributed for free all over the world.

Right now podcasting is still a relatively new concept, but even so, there are tons of shows out there already. Just like web sites, you can find an astonishing assortment of subject matter and formats: talk shows, technology reports, cooking shows, poetry, astronomy, radio dramas, bizarre experimental shows, music promos, and on and on.

To enjoy podcasting, you just need a broadband connection (or a lot of patience) and a program such as iPodder that lets you seek out shows you can subscribe to and download. iPodder.org is also a great source for info on podcasting and new shows.

Some of my favorite shows are Adam Curry’s Daily Source Code, 2600: The Hacker Quarterly, Chub Creek, Open Podcast, and American Copywriter. There’s a great ‘cast for Battlestar Galactica fans. It’s basically audio commentary from the show runners that you can listen to while you watch the broadcast of the show, sort of like realtime directory commentary.

Of course, I have some ideas about how I could use this technology… 😉