Most people think of podcasting as the various independent audio shows that can be downloaded from websites. Podcast topics cover every subject you can think of — from marketing to gardening.

Musings on the Podcasting PhenomenonListening to podcasts is often referred to as radio on demand, similar to on demand television. There are endless options of content and programming. Listeners can decide when to listen, and where to listen, by downloading podcasts to a portable player such as an iPod.

Podcasting is having far-reaching effects on how we get our web content and is being used in new, creative ways. Web audio no longer represents downloading and sharing music files with your friends — as made popular earlier this century. Everyone from politicians to web marketers are now using podcasts to reach their target audience. Families are using podcasts to stay connected with each other while traveling for business or vacation.

Amateurs create podcasts on the fly as local, national, and global events unfold. Listeners are getting first-hand information from people who are in the midst of major events — often before the information hits the traditional media.