Chapter 2. Jumping In

OK, so now you know what a podcast is, where it came from, and what sorts of technologies had to come together to make it possible. What's next? Well, you may be champing at the bit to create your own audio or video podcast, but before I show you the ropes on that, I suggest that you learn a little more about the podcasting universe in general.

This chapter examines the various programs that scour the Internet for podcasts of all kinds, allowing you to get just the right podcasts for you. This section also touches on podcasting content, resources, commercial podcasting, Internet and traditional radio, television and streaming video, and computer and digital music device (MP3 players) podcast players for both audio and video podcasts. By the time you finish this chapter, the art of downloading and enjoying podcasts will be second nature.

When podcasting is mentioned from here on out, please note that video podcasting and audio podcasting are included in my definition of podcasting, so I am referring to both audio and video podcasting unless one type is specifically mentioned.