“Podcasting is a method of publishing files via the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed to receive new files automatically. It became popular in late 2004, largely for downloading audio files onto a portable audio player or personal computer.” (Wikipedia)

How Podcasting works?

Podcast uses RSS protocols in order to transfer files over the web. Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is an internet protocol which allows web syndication between varied websites – the retrieval of small files which correspond to a section of a website every time that section is updated. Thus, a podcast is quite simply a media file which is syndicated through RSS protocols.

In practical terms, each time a new podcast (such as a radio show) is published over the web, thousands, if not millions of feed aggregators “pull” that media file. This process ensures the content is constantly up-to-date. It is like having a personal research assistant who spends the whole day checking for updates over the web, downloading that information, and putting it together in one central stage.

How can coaches benefit from Podcasting?

There are many benefits for Coaches in using podcasting, particularly when it comes to education and professional development. Coaches can benefit from publishing podcasts if they currently host a radio show, conduct regular teleconferences, or provide information through media over the web (audio, video, etc). Using podcast, they can have access to a global audience (and if they are able to provide quality content, receive top listings on search directories).

Coaches will also derive benefit from learning through podcasts. In a nutshell, podcasting provides the opportunity of accessing compiled, up-to-date and relevant content with little or no effort. Using an mp3 player such as an iPod, coaches can receive regular podcasts on selected topics and listen to it while driving, running, going for a walk or riding a bike. For busy individuals, it creates an unprecedented opportunity to learn and develop coaching knowledge.

How do I start?

It is a simple process, which can be depicted in the following steps:

1. Get an mp3 player: an iPod or any similar player will do the job. Preferably focus on the memory requirements, such as 20 GB or more. This way, you can subscribe to as many podcasts as you want, without worrying about space (and also keep all your songs in the same device).

Note: Alternatively to an mp3 player, you may want to listen to your podcast from your PC or laptop. However, it gives you less flexibility in terms of where and when you will be able to access the content.

2. Download a feed aggregator: Feed aggregators are computer programs which ‘pull’ the feeds directly from its source and organise them on an easy-to-navigate interface. In other words, it is the software which will grab the content you choose from a variety of sites on the web, as soon as the content is published. Aggregators save your time to research and check for updates on the web.

Note: Most aggregators can be downloaded for free over the web. They can also be web-based or computer-based. For more information, visit the Wikipedia page on Aggregators.

3. Select your podcasts: Once you have your aggregator, you may begin to search for appropriate podcasts. Podcast directories such as http://www.podcast.net/ are an option for online access to free resources. iTunes (for iPod users) also has a database of thousands of podcasts, some which are paid and some which are not.

Note: Because podcast feeds are updated automatically, you may subscribe to as many podcasts as you want and, if you don’t find the time to keep up with the updates, you can listen to it later. You can also pause and re-play podcasts anytime.

Now that you have your system set-up, you only have to listen and learn. When you’re listening to your mp3, alternate your music tracks with your selected podcasts. It makes learning (and being up-to-date with the industry) an easy, practical and enjoyable task (and you will become the cool, technology savvy person too).