Podcasting is the newest craze on the internet and it continues to expand on a daily basis. Former MTV host Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer are credited with developing podcasting. Curry wrote a program called iPodder which allowed him to automatically download internet radio broadcasts to his iPod and Winer was instrumental in promoting RSS. (Really Simple Syndication).

What is RSS? RSS allows people the ability to subscribe to their favorite blog or podcast and the information can be automatically downloaded to their computer. Subsequently, Curry and Winer devised a way to send audio files through RSS feeds.

The term Podcasting comes from “iPod” and “Broadcasting”. However, you don’t need an iPod in order to record or listen to a podcast. Anyone with a computer or mp3 player can listen to a podcast.

From radio talk show hosts Al Franken to Rush Limbaugh, traditional radio is embracing podcasting. In addition, talk show host Sean Hannity and NPR (National Public Radio) are offering their shows in the form of a podcast.

Television is also welcoming podcasting. ABC News, CBS “60 Minutes”, TV Guide and Ebert/Roeper Movie Reviews are all available through podcasts.

What is Podcasting? Podcasting is an audio file that you create on your computer and then upload it to the internet so other people can hear it. All you need is a computer, microphone and voice-editing program.

Anyone can podcast. It is perfect for women, men, students, work-at-home-Moms and seniors. If you have something to say, podcasting is a great way to accomplish this goal.

Do you have a favorite hobby that you would like to share with others? Are you a business owner who would like to increase customers? Have you ever dreamed of being your own talk show host or disc jockey? With podcasting, all of the above things are possible.

You could have your very own podcast up and running today.

What do you need?

1. A Microphone

You will need a microphone for your computer so that you can record your show. You can purchase a decent microphone at any computer store or Radio Shack. (www.radioshack.com).

2. A Voice-Editing Program

Voice-editing programs allow you to record and edit your show. There are two free programs on the internet that you can use. One is called Wavepad (www.nch.com.au/wavepad) and the other one is called Audacity (audacity.sourceforge.net).

3. Upload Show to Website or Hosting Company

After your show is recorded, you will need to upload it to the internet. You can either put it on your website or you can use one of the many hosting companies. Podblaze.com (www.podblaze.com) is one company where you can host your podcast.

As you can see, podcasting is very easy to start. We are at the beginning of this roller coaster ride that will hit astronomical proportions as time goes on.

The only way to decide if podcasting is for you is to start. Take the first step and see how you like it.