Podcast #1

A podcast is a series of media files, either audio or video, that are usually downloaded through web syndication. Web syndication is when website material is made available to multiple sites. Basically this has to do with web feeds. Many use the internet to view or listen to podcasts and even use webstreaming. It is kind of like a broadcast through out the internet.
How to Create a Podcast:
1. Choose a subject matter that you are very passionate about. Make sure you have a lot to say and can bring to the table.
-Listen to existing podcasts in order to get a feel of how they work/do not work.
2. Try to come up with some sort of schedule for when you are going to maintain your podcast, when you are going to come up with new parts for you podcast, and how long it will be.
3. Choose which site you are going to use in order to create your podcast. Some websites offer different things such as either being free, or the length you can upload, etc.
4. Make sure you have your equipment readily available. You need a computer of some sort, internet connection, microphone (whether your computer has a built in one or you go ahead and purchase one), and lastly the correct kind of recording software needed to be able to upload the file(s) you create.
5. Make sure you set up your microphone correctly, select the correct input source for Audacity. Next, check the sound input levels. Changing this could be the difference between the recording sounding distorted or too low.
1. Make sure that "Enable Meter Toolbar" under the "Interface" tab in the application preferences is checked.
2. Choose "Monitor Input" from the pull-down menu next to the microphone icon under the right-hand meters.
3. Speak or play music at the loudest volume you think you'll use while recording.
4. Watch the sound levels (the red meters on the right). Make sure that the little gray slit ("clipping indicator") on the far right doesn't light up red at any point.
5. Adjust the input volume using the Mixer Toolbar's right-hand slide control -- the one next to the little microphone icon. You want the input to be as high as possible without lighting up that bar. If the indicator lights up at any point, you'll need to lower the input volume, click on the bar to clear it, and test again.
Information gathered from http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-make-a-podcast
6.Edit your recording to your liking. Make sure you are saying what you want to say, the message is clear and concise, and that it is easily understandable.
7. You could save the file(s) as mp3(s) in order to make it easier later on for you to post.
8.Create an RSS file (You'll need an RSS file in order to deliver your podcast to your audience, unless you choose to use a hosting site that automatically generates a blog or feed for you.) This is also only if needed. Not entirely necessary.
9.Find a host for your files. You could either host your podcast on your website server, internet archive, or podbean. All are great solutions. You either need to log in or sign up in order to use any of the three.
10. Publish. You could either publish to your blog, or a website, iTunes.
Here is how you would do it if you want to publish to iTunes.

1. Sign up for an iTunes account. Though you will need to enter credit card information, you won't be charged unless you make a purchase in future.
2. Make sure to include the optional iTunes tags in your RSS file. You can find the coding for those tags in red in this article by Podcast411.com.
3. Validate your RSS file.
1. Open the iTunes application on your computer.
2. Pull down the "Advanced" menu and select "Subscribe to Podcast...."
3. Paste the URL for your RSS file in the dialogue box.
4. iTunes should begin downloading the most recent episodes of your podcast.
5. Open the latest episode of your podcast once it becomes available by double-clicking on its title.
6. If you can hear your podcast, the RSS is fine, and you can continue. Otherwise, you'll need to check for mistakes in your RSS file.
4. Go to the iTunes Store in iTunes.
5. Follow the link for "Podcasts."
6. At the very bottom, on the left side of the page, follow the link for "Submit a Podcast."
7. Enter the URL for your feed and click "Continue."
8. Complete the requested information and follow any instructions to complete your submission.
9. Wait several days, then search for your podcast in iTunes. Eventually, it should also show up in the iTunes category you provided.
10. iTunes has further instructions on updating and troubleshooting your feed.

11. List Your Podcast in Directories so it can be viewed.


I chose to blog about Nicolette Hahn Niman: Champions Siesmic Change of Our Industrial Food System podcast. The entire podcast was less than 10 minutes and talked about local food economies and the health of the animals we normally ingest. I actually really enjoyed it because it was both audio and video. It mostly talked about how people today are more interested in getting their food from local food economies due to the well being of the live stock and the condition most of the live stock is in. Many people are hoping for change and trying to find it in their diets. Everything seems to be industrialized and her ideas of change toward local markets and food sources fight to be healthier to the United States.
Some strengths would involve that it was both audio and visual(video), that it was a lengthy amount of time for the subject; not too long or too short. Also, she had strong support with details, facts, and even images regarding the live stock she produces. The use of examples was really powerful in getting her points across because being able to hear and see something speaks stronger to myself than just listening about it. Some weaknesses would include that it was kind of repetative even though it had strong points, the vocabulary needed to be learned; it wasn't just common sense. Also, there are boys playing frisbee in the background which to me seems kind of inappropriate and ridiculous for the podcast. Other than those reasons though, the podcast was interesting, exciting, and seemed rather well made.

Food Podcast