Podcasts
Since the release of iTunes 4.9, I've really gotten into podcasting, probably more than I ever expected to. It's hard to believe, but I've hardly used my iPod for music in the last few weeks. After the iTunes update, I subsequently checked out Podcast Alley, Podcast Pickle and Odeo. Of these, Odeo has probably had the most buzz surrounding it, and while it's a combination of a website and application, I still don't think it quite lives up to the full experience of iTunes.
That's not to say iTunes hasn't had it's own share of trouble, with feeds being delayed and missing and just generally feeling a little half-assed. But as I think Adam Curry mentioned recently, Apple is a major player trying to get in near the ground floor, which most giant companies don't risk doing. Remember when Microsoft underestimated the web browser market and they had to play catch-up for three versions of Internet Explorer? With Apple being the catalyst themselves for "pod"casting, how could they sit back and not jump on the wagon? I can forgive them for the setbacks.
Naturally, with this most recent boom in podcasting, I've found some great shows and some not-so-great shows. One thing I've always hated about talk radio is that it often finds a way to be boring without even trying, so that was my main concern. On the flipside, I didn't expect to find Adam Curry's Source Code so damn annoying either, with all of the sound effects and overproduction. Yet, I still listen, mostly because I know he's going to have at least a couple of interesting things to say.
Here are some of my new favorites:
- Keith and the Girl [FEED] - Absolutely the most honest, most raw and funniest show I've heard in a long time. The daily rantings and tales of comedian Keith Malley and his girlfriend Chemda. In the course of their run, they've challenged just about all other podcasts to bring it hardcore like they do.
- DVD Weekly Podcast [FEED] - Brothers Don and Jarrod share their DVD picks and reviews each week with their own twang. Since Don is an animation fan and Jarrod likes him some horror, there's usually a nice balance of amusing opinion and commentary.
- CineCast [FEED] - This other reviewer duo from Chicago sound off on current releases, analyze some overlooked releases and have some fun with Massacre Theatre. Oh, and Top 5 lists aplenty!
- GamerTag Radio [FEED] - Gaming news and commentary from gamers themselves. As the name implies, the focus is on Xbox and Xbox Live releases, including interviews and opinion on what's hot.
- HDTV Podcast [FEED] - A little something for newcomers to HDTV, a little something for early adopters. Hosts Ara and Braden provide plenty of knowledge and information about HDTV, home theater and even audio setups.
- MommyCast [FEED] - This one is a little out of my territory, but since I'm a dad, I decided to give it a listen and found some really great stuff. As a parent, it's interesting to hear just how much we all have in common, and it's good to know that others can relate and even provide some insight on how to handle the pressures of parenthood.
- Battlestar Galactica [FEED] - Intended as running commentary, Ron Moore lays down his thoughts on each particular episode and even gives some insight to the story.
- Engadget [FEED] - I like gadgets, and yet, this podcast frequently goes over my head. Why? Because these guys LOVE gadgets. I've never heard anyone rattle brand names and model numbers so quickly and easily. It's a little intimidating at times, but if you're into electronics and cool stuff, check it out.
- Major Nelson [FEED] - If it weren't for this dork insisting on calling his show a "blogcast" instead of a podcast, I'd probably have more respect for him and his show. But since it revolves around Xbox Live! and the gaming platform as a whole, I still give it an occassional listen. Plus, I know he's at the mercy of Microsoft, which apparently doesn't acknowledge true innovation like the iPod and its cultural impact.
- Podtacular [FEED]. Hosted by Foo Mo Jive and SpelChek, this show covers all that there is about Halo 2, especially tips and strategy for playing online. The great thing about it is that they're taking advantage of the Xbox Live community through friend requests and even starting a clan. If they can keep it up and continue to improve as time goes on, I see a bright future for these guys.
- Darrin Dishong's Drive Home [FEED] - Listen to Darrin as he talks about news, movies, Apple and everything else under the sun on his way home from work. Surprisingly, one of the great things about this show is hearing the progression of his recording process and resulting audio quality, considering he's recording in a car speeding down the road. To my surprise, I found this show while exploring my own idea of doing this very sort of podcast. Damn, Darrin, you beat me to it!
I was going to make a top 10 list, but these are really the only shows that I listen to regularly and have a consistent quality. Any suggestions for number 10? **UPDATE** - Since I'm finding more every week it seems, I've decided to just make this a running list of what I'm listening to and give props to those putting together what I consider great content.
Do you have any favorites to share?
Hi Robert-
Thanks for the vote of confidence in our show. We love doing it and are glad to have you as a listener!
Gretchen
Mommycast.com
Hey Robert-
We really appreciate the mention. Gretchen and I get excited whenever the guys in the podcasting world say they enjoy our chit chat. Thanks for listening.
Thanks for the (mostly) nice comments. :) I'll call it what ever you'd like. For the record, I own an iPod...and the iPod works very nicely with the Xbox 360, so I have no problem with the iPod! Feel free to send me any other feedback you have about my show.
Thanks for saying nice things about our show! You are so getting a shout in episode 4!