Podcasting hits the Man!!

78% of podcast listeners are male by ZDNet's ZDNet Research -- Taylor Nelson Sofres says that roughly a third of the Web users have heard of the term podcasting. Among that group, just 32% have actually listened to a podcast. Of those who have listened to podcasts, 78% were men.

Hot Stuff for your Ipod!

Okay, there are some really cool gifts at the Apple Store this year. Being mobile is the key to podcasting and loading down your choice of podcasts and music. So my choice of a great holiday gift this year is definitely the new Ipod, the Nano (personalized) and the accessories for the Ipod. Have you seen the Ipod Dog? Take a look! Apple is sure to make a killing this holiday season!

What is Podcasting?

It occurred to me, that many people do not know what podcasting is. So when I get all excited on my blog and say, I can't wait till my podcast is ready, their response-What is a podcast? Interesting! I assumed that bloggers knew what podcasts are, but that is not the case. Actually until my friend introduced me to them, I had no idea what podcasting or blogging was. And now, I am addicted and I am trying to get him excited about it like he once was. Hey, I need a partner in crime here!

So, my definition (you can go to Wikopedia for a full in depth version) is that is it like a radio show. The difference is most of the shows are done by every day people on very specific topics. There are podcasts on wines, movie reviews, computer technology, music shows, Independent artist shows, learning languages, couples just BSing about their life, transvestites, Violet Blue sex specialist has one and the most famous is Adam Curry, Daily Source Code. Whatever turns you on, there is a podcast for (or one in the works or you can start it).

It can be as simple as turning on your microphone and ranting. A funny one is some guys who during their podcast, they incorporate the tasting of different beers. Some are bizarre, some are funny, some are serious and some are just so damn boring. But what ever floats your boat.

Now the broadcast actually is in MP3 form so what does that mean? You can listen to it on your computer, Ipod, handheld, MP3 player. So if you are a mobile person, this is great. No more looking for a radio station, no more looking for something you like on the radio, now you can get entertainment (what you enjoy) right on your Ipod. You subscribe to the show and then when you plug in your Ipod, it automatically loads down any new shows. Is it cool? Absolutely. If you go through blogs you will see some podcasts. Usually a podcast has a blog to go along with it to list what is on it.

So if you want more information, I am going to list some podcast directories for you to take a look. Guaranteed, you'll find something you love. Of course, once my promo is ready, I hope you will subscribe to mine! If anything, I should entertain you with my warped outlook on the world. So do you get it? Did I explain the basics of podcasting? Okay, back to producing my promo. It's almost ready.

I'm trying to get my friend Chris to help me with the mixing. The music sounds like crap on my podcast so I want him to make the changes. I did something that most people in podcasting don't do...I did the promo without editing. Not because I am so good mind you, because I don't know how to edit so I did 30 takes. I lost my voice that day but hey this Inept Podcaster got her promo done. See where there is a will, there is a way!!

What to podcast on?!?

As I was doing research, I got so caught up in this podcasting that it became a real obsession. My podcast topic alone, is truly exciting and I am learning tons from it. What am I working on for a podcast?! We'll get to that. Hey, I'm trying to give you info here!
Here are the steps that I did:
1) TOPIC- Find a topic that you either know a lot about, is something that you enjoy and want to learn more about or a void that seems to be existing with other podcasts.
2) Research- Research your topic to see if you can find stuff to talk about that other people will be interested in. Also, listen to other podcasts, see what other podcasts exist.
3) You must love the topic- For the most part, podcasting is a hobby. So it can't be a chore or you will never want to keep doing it. You have to be really into it!

So what is my podcast about? It's about my mid life crisis in a nut shell. It's about me waking up one day and finding that I wanted so much more in life and I couldn't get it from my marriage. So I started to go to the online personals and met men there. So, the podcast is called Rendezvous Radio - Friends with hot fringe benefits. Basically how to have an extramarital affair and not get caught.

while the website and blog are still under construction. You can take a peak if you want: www.rendezvousradio.com and my personal blog is www.secretloverslane.blogspot.com . The blog is just so much fun! The website is where my serious research comes in. As you can see, its a lot of work but I am certainly having fun!

The Inept Podcaster

Yes, that is me! Totally incompetent when it comes to learning the technology end of podcasting. Yet, I so badly want to podcast.

A friend introduced me to podcasting six months ago. With my broadcasting and media background, he was surprised that I had never heard about it. The concept sounded intriguing and as soon as I did a little research, I was hooked on podcasting! Those squeaky wheels in my head started to turn and my imagination started soaring. I had to podcast! Now there was one problem, I am technically inept. I am not a computer expert, my expertise falls more in the marketing arena. I love technology but I'm not into how the units work. I love their capabilities and get excited about new advances and product releases but I couldn't give a crap on what makes things run. So if doing a podcast requires any technical knowledge, I was going to be facing quite a challenge. But, when I am determined to do something, there is no stopping me. A fanatic? Obssessive compulsive? Probably a little of both! I like to think of it as relentless determination--and that will only benefit you as I research, search and discover the easy way to podcast for beginners.