PODCASTS 101
TABLE of CONTENTS
Podcast Definition
Definition Explained
How it Works
A Little Podcast History
Get Started
PODCAST DEFINITION
Wikipedia Says…
A Podcast is a digital medium that consists of a episodic series of audio, video, digital radio, PDF, or ePub files subscribed to and downloaded through web syndication or streamed on-line to a computer or mobile device. The word is a neologism and portmanteau derived from “broadcast” and “pod” from the success of the iPod, as audio podcasts are often listened to on portable media players.
DEFINITION EXPLAINED
If that some what technical wikipedia definition is a little over your head, allow us to explain. Essentially, a podcast is a ” radio show” made available for streaming or download via the internet (90%* of the time, when we mention podcasts we are only referring to audio podcast). A person or group of people record themselves and distribute the audio file via services such as iTunes and Stitcher. That means you go on your smart phone, tablet, or computer and stream or download a file, but instead of a song it’s a talk show.
Pretty simple, but I wanted to make sure we are all on the same page.
BROWSE
SUBSCRIBE
LISTEN
HOW IT WORKS.
As you can see, getting into podcasts is really simple… and free. First thing you need to do is decide how you are going to listen to your podcasts.
iTUNES
If you have Apple gadgets then iTunes is the way to go. Podcast are built into iTunes and finding something you might like is as easy as searching the iTunes store for a topic
For iPhones and iPads, use the Podcasts app. You get it from the App Store (it actually comes installed on newer devices). In the Podcasts app you search for Serial and then hit subscribe.
STITCHER
If you are listening on a PC and do not want to use iTunes. You still have a few options. Stitcher
For Android phones and tablets, try the Stitcher app. The Stitcher app is available through Google Play. In Stitcher, search for [Favorite Topic] Podcast. click the plus sign (+), to add it to your Favorites List. Now go to the Favorites List. Click the gear icon in the upper right corner to begin downloading new episodes.
If there is a topic you are interested in, there is probably a podcast for it.
The great thing about podcasts is that anyone can make one. Typically, when you here that line, “anyone can do it”, it’s nothing but lies. But in this case, it’s true. Hit record on a voice recorder whether it’s on your phone, your computer, or an old school stand alone device and you are more than half way there.
A LITTLE HISTORY
I began listening to podcasts in 2005 with Leo Laportes This Week in Tech (TWiT). Some of you may remember Leo Laporte from a fantastic show on TechTv called Screen Savers. Another name you might recognize from ScreenSavers is Kevin Rose, creator of Digg.com & co-host of a long dead but still fantastic video podcast, Diggnation.
*Statistically 76% of all statics are made up to prove a point.
SHAMELESS PLUG!
Interested in listening to some podcasts, but don’t know where to start? Since you are already here, why don’t you try the 8 Bit Soul Podcast on for size? Listen to the boys discuss all things geek culture.
SHAMELESS PLUG!
Interested in listening to some podcasts, but don’t know where to start? Since you are already here, why don’t you try the 8 Bit Soul Podcast on for size? Listen to the boys discuss all things geek culture.
SHAMELESS PLUG!
Interested in listening to some podcasts, but don’t know where to start? Since you are already here, why don’t you try the 8 Bit Soul Podcast on for size? Listen to the boys discuss all things geek culture.