Podcasting is a blanket term used to describe a collection of technologies for automatically distributing audio and video programs over the internet via a publish and subscribe model. Podcasting enables independent producers to create self-published, syndicated “radio shows,” and gives broadcast radio or television programs a new distribution method.

In the podcasting model, the publisher publishes a list of programs in a special format, known as a “feed”, on the web. A user who wants to see or hear the podcast subscribes to the feed in special “podcatching” software (a type of aggregator), which periodically checks the feed and automatically downloads new programs as they become available. Typically, the podcatching software also transfers the program to a desktop or portable media player.

The Short Version: A Podcast is a time shifted audio or video program. You subscribe to what you like and listen when you want. Like TiVo for radio. The file is automatically downloaded to your computer (iTunes or similar) and then, if instructed, loaded onto an mp3 player (iPod or similar) for later listening.

A Video Version:
Commoncraft Podcasting in Plain English video