A podcast is an audio program anyone can make, post to a website, and make available for download onto a computer or portable device, such as an iPod (hence the term “podcast”). Listeners can subscribe to a podcast and get future episodes downloaded automatically as they become available. You probably already subscribe to podcasts of various kinds, but have you ever considered making your own?

Come on! You could garner a great following and become the next (insert favorite radio personality here). Or you could simply be a podcast nerd who broadcasts for family and friends for fun and a sense of personal satisfaction. What I love about podcasting is that anyone can opine or inform on any topic on a regular basis, educating and entertaining for fun and perhaps even profit.

Of course, the hard part, especially for someone like me, is choosing a podcast topic. That brainstorming session could take months.

Nevertheless, if you’re interested in learning more about podcasting or trying it out for yourself, here are some great books on the topic:

• Podcasting: The Do-it-yourself Guide
• How To Get Your Message Out Fast and Free Using Podcasting
• A Quick Start Guide to Podcasting
• Absolute Beginner's Guide to Podcasting

And here are a few of my favorite podcasts to try:

• Coffee Break Spanish :15 minute audio lessons for beginning to intermediate Spanish speakers with teacher, Mark, and student, Kara.
• NPR Books consists of book reviews, author interviews, and book news.
• This American Life is a weekly collection of unusual audio documentaries, real stories, and personal essays arranged around a theme.

What are your experiences with creating or listening to podcasts? Let me know, and happy podcasting!