What is this science podcast thing?

A podcast is like a radio show you can listen to whenever you want. You can listen directly from your computer (if you have speakers or headphones), or you can transfer the files to any mp3 player, for example an iRiver or iPod. (It is a very common misconception that you need an iPod to listen to podcasts, but it's not true. More on this later.)

In a way, podcasting is like Tivo for your radio because so many radio shows now make their content available as a podcast. But the really exciting thing about podcasting is all the independent shows that are available. Sure you can get NPR's Science Friday as a podcast and listen to it any time you want (I do!), but you can also get fantastic shows like Absolute Science, and Slacker Astronomy that are available only on the Internet.

Ok. But why would I subscribe to a science podcast?

Subscribing to podcasts is free, and it makes it easier to always get the latest episode of your favorite shows.

There are many different ways to subscribe to a show, but they all have one thing in common: The newest episode is waiting for you when you open up the program you used to subscribe. You don't have to remember to go looking for Absolute Science to see if we've done something new. You'll know.

Sold! How do I subscribe?

iTUNES. If you have an iPod or just want to listen from your computer, we strongly recommend subscribing through iTunes (especially if you're already using it to get music).

Once you download the free iTunes software, you just go to the Music Store and search for the Absolute Science podcast. Hit the subscribe button. Now every time you open iTunes it will automatically check to see if there's a new episode, and if there is it will get it for you!

If you already have the software, use this link to go directly to the Absolute Science podcast page, and then just hit the subscribe button.

If you have a Macintosh computer, iTunes is also the preferred method if you have any of these MP3 players: Nomad, Rio, psa]play, or Soundspace. Apple's full list is here.

GOOGLE. If you have a personalized Google Homepage, you can subscribe to Absolute Science podcast two different ways:

One way will put our podcast player directly on your page, right next to all the news, so that you can play the latest episode right from the page when it is released!

Get the Absolute Science player for your Google page:

The other way will put links to our most recent blog entries, which you can visit to listen to the player on that page.

To set this up, you go to the Google Directory and click on the Add by URL link:

Type our address into the box, and click Add:

INSTANT MEDIA. If you think you're going to listen to A LOT of podcasts and especially video podcasts, you can subscribe through a program called Instant Media. Like iTunes, you have to download their software, but one you have it installed, it seems to make downloading a lot faster. (That's good for video podcasts because the files are so big.) Download the free Instant Media software.

Once you have the software, search for Absolute Science in the audiocast section. (Make sure you're in Audiocasts.)

Hit subscribe.

JUICE. If you have an MP3 player other than the ones that work with iTunes, you can use a podcatcher called Juice. (Link and instructions coming soon.).