If you haven’t looked into podcasts yet – you should start now ;) The number of podcasts has been growing steadily and there are now podcasts available on a huge number of different topics. For us digital people – there is of course a lot on offer. Though not all podcasts, of course, are good, useful or even entertaining – there are a number of high quality podcasts which are definitely worth checking out.

Assuming you do not know all this already and to get you started – I’d like to give you a few ideas – as well as taking you through subscribing to a podcast. This is by no means an in-depth look at podcasts – rather a quick intro for those who are completely new to this. If you have already found your favourite podcasts – please share a link or two :)

some background info…
The idea in essence goes back to the early days of the internet when audio files – then midi format – were distributed over the internet, used mainly by educators and researchers. The term ‘podcast’ is much more recent and merges “broadcasting” with “iPod” to describe a new form of digital distribution. A podcast is a digital media file which is distributed via feeds or direct downloads – its unique functions include the ability to automate the download of new files and their transferral onto external devices such as iPods. It can contain several different file formats but is commonly an MP3 (audio) or MP4 (video) file.

the hunt for treasure…
The most straight forward approach to starting your search for good podcasts would be to use iTunes and go to the iTunes Music Store to browse the directory. Simply open iTunes – and click on the iTunes Store link on the left. The store is well organised and allows you to browse the available podcasts in various different ways. Take some time to have a look around ;) iTunes will access the online store and you will be able to select from the various menus. To find software related podcasts, for example, you could choose from the categories: “Technology”, then choose from the options as shown below.

for more detailed information on anything ‘podcast’ – have a look at the articles on the apple site:
→ apple.com/itunes/store/podcasts

Of course this is not the only directory of podcasts available – you can search for podcast directories and find various different listings. Most podcasts can also be subscribed to via their own website – like the PhotoshopQuickTips Video Podcast – other sites might offer a list of recommended podcasts, like the PhotoshopSupport website. You should allow yourself some time to research and find sites and directory listings with podcasts suitable to your interests.

subscribe and enjoy…
Before subscribing to a podcast – I always read any available reviews. With so many options out there – I found it too time-consuming to listen to an episode of each podcast first. The reviews – though not objective or exhaustive – will at least give you a little bit of idea ;) I also always listen to a few episodes before downloading all previous ones. Podcast files can be quite heavy and quickly fill up your disk space. So the actual files sizes you download are something you should keep in mind.

To subscribe to a podcast – simply look for the ‘subscribe’ button. Within iTunes – this button appears right next to any available podcast’s title and on click, it will begin your subscription immediately by downloading the most recent episode. On a website – you should also see a button – offering either an RSS feed to subscribe to and/or a link to subscribe via iTunes.
Once you have confirmed your subscription – your podcasts will be saved within the ‘Podcasts’ section in iTunes. You can then listen to the downloaded episode – and download any previous episodes as well as setting up your preferences to sync with your external device.

well, I think that’s it ;)
… and here are a few you might like to check out ;)

webdesign

• rissington podcast – Messrs Oxton and Hicks, broadcasting from the ex-RAF base in Upper Rissington, UK
  “Think of this as a geek version of Gardeners Question Time. We take your questions, be they concerning semantic HTML, CSS, cheese, cookery or whatever is on your minds. We are your expert panellists, agony aunts and general life-gurus.” John Hicks & John Oxton
• boagworld – advice on managing and building websites
  “Hopefully it has something for everybody, whether you design, develop or run websites on a daily basis…” Paul Boag
• .net – fortnightly podcast accompanying the magazine
  “Every fortnight, some of the brightest minds in web design (at least that’s what they like to think) gather to discuss the latest developments in the world of technology and the web.” Dan from .net

animation

• Frames per Second – feeding your animation fixation
  “the thinking fan’s animation magazine”
• The Animation Podcast – the voices of animation
  “My goal in making The Animation Podcast is to present today’s voices in animation in their own words to create an audible record that is hopefully a source of knowledge, insight, and inspiration for me as well as you.” Clay Kaytis
• Channel Frederator – central hub for hot, hip, upstart animators
  “A constantly flowing festival of great cartoons—a new film festival every week! A place that will present all animation styles (Claymation, Stop motion, 2D, 3D – 4D if you’ve got it!)…” editor Channel Frederator

…have fun exploring ;)