What Podcasts do you listen to?

[sheeny (Al)]

Podcasts are steadily becoming more popular, so what Podcasts do you listen to? For those of you who don't listen to podcasts but are podcast curious, this might give you some leads as to which ones to try.

I haven't made an exhaustive list (there are too many!) so if I missed one that you listen to, post it's name.

Thanks,

Al.

[cattikins]

Astronomy Cast is the best podcast i have found to listen to.

[iceman (Mike)]

Thanks Al, that's given me a few leads. I'm sure i'll find some time at work tomorrow to download a few

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

OK, I give up. What's a Podcast?

Whatever it is, it comes in good titles.

[acropolite (Phil)]

I downloaded a 16 part (non Astro) series called Prisoners of war, Australians under Nippon, from the ABC. I always thought I knew the story of the Australians who suffered under the Japanese during WW2 but this series by Tim Bowden with narrative by survivors puts a new perspective on that suffering.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Ahhhhh, my new 'Next G' mobile phone has payTV on it. Is that Podcast?

[astroron (Ron)]

I have never heard or seen one,or an mp3 player

[rogerg (Roger)]

Thanks for the useful list of casts! Sure helps a newbie to podcasting such as myself.

I only voted on the 3 I have watched/listenned to sofar.. sure to be more soon. I'm quite enjoying listening to and watching this stuff, but there's so much more out there than I could possibly digest....

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

Ahhhhh, my new 'Next G' mobile phone has payTV on it. Is that Podcast?

Ah...no... Ken .

A Podcast is basically an MP3 (compressed audio file) that you can listen to on an MP3 player such as an iPod (hence the name) or on your computer. It is usually similar to a radio show in format.

Videocasts are the video version (obviously) using usually the MP4 protocol to provide a compressed video show that you can watch on your computer, video iPod or MP4 viewer.

I sometimes listen to them on the way to work (OK I don't have to drive far so I listen to them for a while after I get to work too... you know... while I'm poking about the office checking emails, and doing the morning ritual stuff) and sometimes if driving in to Bathurst.

I quite like Starstuff. Astronomy 161 and 162 are actualy recordings of Astronomy lectures from university. I don't have the details with me at the moment but 1ponders may chip in there... I'm sure he's where I found out about them from!

Al.

[iceman (Mike)]

What (free) software do people recommend to "subscribe" to these podcasts so that they alert you of new files when they become available?

[Ric]

Sorry, I'm a podcast Neanderthal.
Still using my Walkman and cassettes

Cheers

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Thanks Al.

Cheryl has an MP4 player but none of us know how to use it. I'm with Ric, I'm still a cassette user. CD's and DVD's still seem space-age Jetsons stuff to me!

[rogerg (Roger)]

Originally Posted by iceman

What (free) software do people recommend to "subscribe" to these podcasts so that they alert you of new files when they become available?

Wish I could help Mike but my experience is very limited. I just use the Zencast Organizer software that came with my Zen. Interestingly, you can download Zencast Organizer free from their site, (zencast.com) and I would be surprised if it relies upon having a Zen, as it's only at the last stage (if your zen is plugged in) that you can choose to transfer the files to the player.

I did see a list of free subscription software on one of the podcast sites... but I can't find it now.

[iceman (Mike)]

I downloaded Zencast, seems ok. Nothing to compare it against, but it does what I need. I found a list of others, and you could try www.digitalpodcast.com for a list of loads of podcasts, managers, players etc.

I'm busy downloading lots now. Got enough listening data to keep me busy for weeks!

[duncan]

I watch anything on Discovery Science and the like on pay tv but thats about it. Prefer to be out looking through the scope.

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by iceman

What (free) software do people recommend to "subscribe" to these podcasts so that they alert you of new files when they become available?

Because I have an iPod I use iTunes. Apparently it's free to download from the Apple site regardless of whether you have an iPod or not (I just checked). I still use media player as my default player on my PC, but I use iTunes to keep my PODcasts up to date and interface with the iPod.

Al.

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by iceman

I'm busy downloading lots now. Got enough listening data to keep me busy for weeks!

Yes, well... there's more out there than I think one person could reasonably listen to!

Al.

[iceman (Mike)]

Thanks Al. I guess in terms of managers/organisers, they're all the same in what they can do.. subscribe, download, info etc.

Zencast will do me for now. I'm just manually copying the mp3's i've downloaded (using zencast) to my cheapo mp3 player now.. at USB1.1, so slow!

Astronomy 161/162 look great!

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

Thanks Al.

Cheryl has an MP4 player but none of us know how to use it. I'm with Ric, I'm still a cassette user. CD's and DVD's still seem space-age Jetsons stuff to me!

We've all been there, Ken! Then one day... you'll take that critical step... and it's all downhill from there! You're very close if you've already got the MP4 player!

Al.

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by iceman

Thanks Al. I guess in terms of managers/organisers, they're all the same in what they can do.. subscribe, download, info etc.

Zencast will do me for now. I'm just manually copying the mp3's i've downloaded (using zencast) to my cheapo mp3 player now.. at USB1.1, so slow!

Astronomy 161/162 look great!

USB1.1... work computer, no doubt? Mine's the same .

There's lots of stuff in the Astronomy 161/162 lectures. Good to refer to when I realise I've forgotten something or some neurons go rusty...

Al.