This podcast thing

Recently in class, I mentioned podcasts as a great way to practise your listening skills – they’re free, you can take them anywhere if you have an mp3 player, and you can choose any variety of English you like because they are just all over the world. The question is, of course, what exactly are podcasts and how can you find them and listen to them?

Essentially, a podcast is a piece of broadcasting that has been put online to be downloaded whenever you like and to be listened at at your leisure. Many podcasts are produced by private people – there are bound to be really good ones around, but I have to admit I’ve never come across any that kept me interested beyond a single listening. If you ever come across a stellar private podcast, do tell me.

The one I particularly recommend for your use are the podcasts issued by the big radio stations, magazines and newspapers, especially those by National Public Radio or the BBC

How to get a podcast? It is really easy with Apple’s iTunes (which you can also use if you have a Windows computer and no iPod); if that’s not an option, check out this general site about podcasts.