I was frustrated to say the least. I thought the Podosphere had dried out and there was nothing to listen to anymore! Now, if this was a general “reviewing” thing, then it wouldn’t be so hard to write. There’s always a million attempts to Podcasting that deserve a good kick in the behind out there. But Podcast Wednesday is about finding the GOOD and WORTHY Podcasts. I don’t really care about screaming at shows that shouldn’t even be there in the first place.

And right as I was about to call it quits, I found two awesome enough Podcast shows to help me maintain my faith in human creativity. Here they are, I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Richard Vobes Radio Show

How can I describe this in words? Head over to the website and listen! Richard Vobes is not only the UK’s most prolific Podcaster, but also one of the most talented I’ve ever come across. There’s already hundreds of episodes and new shows are there on an almost daily basis.

He is an entertainer in the true sense of the word. I think I had a smile pinned on my face for the entire 30 or so minutes of the show, and when I wasn’t smiling I was laughing, or doing some constructive thinking (without loosing the smile). The VOBES show encourages listener feedback and participation, it’s quite interactive indeed. If you dare to! And it’s quite British as well, so how couldn’t there be a healthy dose of humour? Many topics discussed, special guests, fun, fun, fun! A performer to make a note of and a HIGHLY recommended show!

Website: http://www.vobes.com
Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/richardvobesradioshow

The Theater Of The Mind

Some years ago, I used to really enjoy listening to radio theater productions late at school nights. So I wondered if there was anyone out there doing Podcast theater. Yes, there is! Several are doing it actually. But who does it the best? The Theater Of The Mind (TOTM)! Don’t doubt me, I mean it!

TOTM is created by Daniel H. Foster, “an Assistant Professor of Dramatic History and Literature in Duke University’s Department of Theater Studies”, who based on his work for this Podcast project alone, I would call in one word “brilliant”.

Those of you who don’t know, I have been secretly taking acting classes over the past year. So I was very appreciative of everything I heard on the TOTM. Theatrical pieces adapted and performed by Daniel H. Foster or his students, in what I say is a very professionally produced body of work – although it started as a learning and investigating tool. Inventive, refreshing, original – go over to their website, download and listen!

Website: http://www.thetheaterofthemind.com/
Feed: http://www.thetheaterofthemind.com/thetheaterofthemind.xml

So, enjoy and don’t hesitate to contact me if you’d like to recommend a show for next week.

Lonely Planet Travelcasts

Lonely Planet has long been my favorite travel guide to the world. Be it the awesome shows / documentaries, the printed books and guides, or even their very comprehensive website. Now, they’ve made it in my A list of Podcasts as well. With the Lonely Planet Travelcasts. The title is by no means misleading. Their frequently added episodes take you everywhere you want to go or not (clothing optional).

A brilliant look at some of the best sights and destinations on this lonely planet, and refreshing travelcasts on places you’ve long wanted to visit or on others you haven’t even heard of before. You must hear to believe.

Website: Lonely Planet Travelcasts
Podcast Feed: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/podcasts/travelcast.xml

Bloodthirsty Vegetarians

The title alone had me interested when I stumbled upon the Bloodthirsty Vegetarians Podcast show. And the listening experience was far worth the initial attention. The shows are pretty long (around 40 minutes or so), but so is traffic on Thursday morning so you might as well have a good show loaded on your car audio player to listen.

The BV deliver a well produced, interesting and informative show with a healthy sense of humor and a look at current events that is a nice turn from how traditional media do it. The hosts discuss everything from politics and sports to the movies, and there’s some good musical intermissions as well. In other words, I listened through the entire show, and really liked it, and I think most of you will like it as well.

Website: Bloodthirsty Vegetarians
Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/bloodyveg

The Food Guru Video Podcast

All the way from Burlington, Iowa, Chef Peter Harman, C.E.C., brings you a Video Podcast show that will make you beg for smellyvision. Better yet, it will make you want to try his recipes right after watching the show and get a real taste of what they are like. Which is in one word “Brilliant”. Quick and easy to prepare (if you put a little effort and love to it) gourmet food, recipes that will broaden your culinary horizons.

The Video Podcast is from the Chef’s own TV show “Food Guru Moments”, so you don’t just get a talented instructor but quality production as well.

I cannot write any more, watching this made me really hungry, I am going to take my chances and storm in the kitchen for a gourmet breakfast. Get a taste for yourself over at:

Website: The Food Guru
Video Podcast Feed: http://www.foodguru.com/podcast/xml.xml

WordPress Podcast

This is a NEW podcast, so perhaps it could use the publicity. Although it already has a dedicated listener base which it deserves, since it’s very well produced and very enlightening! Discussing news and more about the world of blogging on the WordPress platform, what’s happening in the WordPress blogosphere, new plugins and services to make your blog even more nice and comfy. It is not affiliated with WordPress.com/.org etc, but it’s all about it.

Latest show is about 20 something minutes, very easy listening, nice intro tune, great source of information. Honestly if you are running a WordPress blog, or are considering to do so – you have to listen to this podcast.

Website: http://wp-community.org/
Podcast Feed: http://wp-community.org/feed/

Guardian Unlimited: Newsdesk

Wow (2), I like this so far better than listening to the news on the radio. I can listen to it at any given time I want to be informed of stuff, pause and resume. Excellent work, on this daily news Podcast by the Guardian Unlimited Podcasts. A roundup of world news and other interesting stuff reporters and news people find out about and want to share with you.

If you are only to pick one news Podcast, pick this.

Website: http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/podcasts/
Podcast Feed: Guardian Unlimited – Newsdesk feed

FeedBurner Podcast

“Another blogging related Podcast?” You wonder in anger. Oops, sorry, I just had to, this is too good to not tell people! And yes “Podcast” is capitalized even in angry thoughts.

FeedBurner, the blogosphere’s favorite distributer / manager of news feeds, is producing a Podcast! It’s official, it’s new, and it’s good!

It’s mostly about Feeds and Podcasting, mostly I say, but that does not mean it is of no interest to “normal” people as well. Check it out – you’ll be able to “manage your feeds” much better after this!

Website: http://blogs.feedburner.com/podcast/
Podcast Feed: http://blogs.feedburner.com/podcast/index.xml

Well, that’s it for now! Don’t forget to send in your favorite podcasts, my nose only goes that far. Discovering new things is something I’d like your help with as well! Remember to use my favorite tool to subscribe / manage your Podcasts / subscriptions, the free – Juice Podcast Receiver. And if nothing in this post makes any sense to you, check out Wikipedia’s article on Podcast. Ciao

Video Podcasts, also known as “vodcasts” have increasingly been getting my attention lately. And with portable media players such as iPod video and Microsoft’s upcoming Zune player featuring video displays, they could be the next big thing to hit your download streams. Thus I decided to feature at least one Video Podcast in every Podcast Wednesday. There’s so much out there – it helps to know where the actually good stuff is.

Hawaii UP – The Hawaii Podcast

I have featured a Hawaiian podcast before, but apparently there are still more podcast goodies on the islands, waiting to be discovered. And if you cannot be there, you might as well listen about it.

Hawaii UP is an amazing, very well produced show, of particular interest to Hawaiians and of general interest to the world. The show, which averages a 45 minute play, brings you news and entertainment. Presented by Ryan, a Mililani resident, father of three, who somehow still finds time to produce Hawaii UP as you would expect a big news corporation would. All without losing the “real person speaking” feeling we’ve come to expect of podcasters. Described on site as:

“HawaiiUP isn’t about anything in particular, except (or especially) one man’s expression and exploration of his place – geographically and existentially. Though I’m still stumbling my way along the podcasting path, I’d like to think my show will be a mix of talk, music, adventures out and about, occasional audio experiments, and, inevitably, indulgent autobiographical updates.”

I enjoyed listening to the show and the local musicians segments were a brilliant touch as well. This is one island podcast you should keep an ear on!

Website: http://www.hawaiiup.com/
Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/hawaiiup

Scott Sigler Podcast Novels

You may have heard of blogs turning into books (hybrid word: “blook”), here is a podcaster / author who has already published one of his podcast novels – Earthcore. If you’re a fan of sci-fi, graphic novels on horrific doomsday scenarios, you have to check them out.

I’m listening to Ancestor from the beginning and I must admit that even though I’m not a big fan of the particular genre, I’ve found the story riveting, and Mr Sigler’s reading is quite engaging. Better than an old fashioned audio-book, and not just because it’s a podcast and I am inclined to prefer anything podcast related.

Check out all the podcast novels available over at the official site.

Warning: Explicit language, graphic violence descriptions…
Website: http://scottsigler.podshow.com/
Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/scottsigler

Save Papadizi – YouTube, Video Blog

This is one YouTube persona who should have his picture next to the dictionary entry for “hilarious”. Papadizi is desperately searching for an American bride. He still hasn’t found the right woman though, perhaps it is because he inhabits a remote mountain village in the company of hundreds of goats who take up most of his time.

Watch and see if there is anything you can do to save Papadizi.

Website: http://www.youtube.com/user/papadizi

History According to Bob

History as you wish it was told. Teaching history for over 31 years, Bob Packett does not simply have the experience – he has the insight and talent of keeping an audience interested. Not to mention participating, since there are episodes of this wonderful daily Podcast which provide answers to listeners’ questions. Learn something exciting about the history of mankind every day, told in a much more interesting way than you would find in any textbook. What I found particularly enjoyable is how attention is given to the people who shaped history, not just the the events.

Very nice!

Website: History According to Bob – Website
Podcast Feed: History According to Bob – Podcast Feed

BBC Documentary Archive

The BBC’s “download trial” Podcasts keep surprising me, and keep providing some of the best produced content on a Podcast out there. Granted the terms of use are not as liberal as I would like them to be. The BBC’s disclaimer warns listeners they shouldn’t keep the audio files on their computer for more than a week or do anything else with them other than download for their personal, non-commercial use. However, the BBC Documentary Archive remains an excellent source of brilliant information.

You can browse the Archive for documentaries which might be of particular interest to you, or subscribe to the Podcast Feed so as to keep up to date as new content is added.

Website: BBC NEWS – Documentary Archive – Website
Podcast Feed: Podcast Feed

Top Of The Pods

Well, it’s only been a week since the previous time we checked Top Of The Pods, so the top 5 listings of the following, popular Podcast Directories is still pretty much the same.

Yahoo! Podcasts

1. this WEEK in TECH – MP3 Edition
2. NPR: All Songs Considered
3. Science Friday – Making Science Radioactive
4. Learn Mandarin Chinese With ChinesePod
5. Z100 Phone Taps

Odeo

1. this WEEK in TECH – MP3 Edition
2. Diggnation w/Kevin Rose & Alex Albrecht
3. The Odeo Channel
4. NPR’s Science Friday
5. MAKE Magazine Audio Show

PodcastAlley

1. Keith and The Girl
2. MuggleCast
3. Free Talk Live
4. PotterCast
5. Nobody Likes Onions

I managed to stand above all that – just because this column actually has dedicated readers, and you deserve the best podcasts and vodcasts every week. So here’s what I dug out of the zillions of shows out there for this week.

A celebrity video blog by actress Daryl Hannah – much unlike what you’d expect. Answers podcasted by Slate magazine experts, on all those embarrassing questions that come up after reading a news story. And yet another couple podcast by a couple (in Texas) which claims to be different to what you’ve grown accustomed. Enough with the waiting though, on to the good stuff.

dh love life

I never expected something like this video cast (some call them vlogs, others vodcasts) to be produced and presented by a Hollywood star. Daryl Hannah, is an environmentalist who is not all about words. She acts out her love for the environment (and thus her love for life), and is an activist for environmental issues. The “dh love life” video blog (see? there’s yet another definition for video casts…) is both produced and hosted by her.

What a great show! New episode every week, in which Daryl shows the world how simple things, readily available can improve the quality of life on the planet. From using bio-diesel in cars, to riding a bike to work. The show is wonderfully produced, and there is no forcing any eco-friendly opinion on viewers. Very informative and very refreshing to watch. Even if you’re a conscious polluter extraordinare, who circles around the block 24/7 so you can burn more gas, you’re gonna LIKE this show. Perhaps it’ll even turn you into a fan of recycling. Or not.

Website: http://www.dhlovelife.com/
Vodcast Feed: http://www.dhlovelife.com/feed.xml

Slate Explainer Podcasts

A series of short podcast episodes truly explaining what you would simply pretend to understand in that news story. All issues are touched here, there simply is no question not worth an answer. And you would be surprised at how credible these answers really are. Without missing out on the fun part of course. Slate Explainers give it their best, and there’s nothing shy about their expert opinions – as they demystify questions ranging from some such as “How Deadly Are Stingrays?” to some more such as “How Much Can A Prisoner Hide in His Butt?”.

You get a lot of “insight” for such a quick download.

Website: http://www.slate.com
Podcast Feed: http://www.slate.com/podcast/id/2129874/

This And That Podcast

Well, when they produce Podcasts in Texas, they make them big. And I’m talking broadband connections recommended, since some of their episodes can be hour long. Still though, time is relevant when Jeff and Gretchen roll out the issues they discuss. Important or less important issues are given equal opportunity, and the humor factor is prominent. As they say on site:

“If you enjoy thinking AND laughing, you will certainly want your weekly dose of Jeff and Gretchen.”

You never know what This or That are going to be, so if you enjoy surprises you’re going to like this show ever better.

Website: http://www.thisandthatpodcast.com/show.htm
Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ThisAndThatPodcast

Top Of The Pods

Well, starting NOW, with every Podcast Wednesday – Top Of The Pods will present you with the top 5 most popular Podcasts on the most popular Podcast Directories out there. So, here’s what’s hot this week.

Yahoo! Podcasts

1. this WEEK in TECH – MP3 Edition
2. NPR: All Songs Considered
3. Science Friday – Making Science Radioactive
4. Learn Mandarin Chinese With ChinesePod
5. Z100 Phone Taps

Odeo

1. this WEEK in TECH – MP3 Edition
2. Diggnation w/Kevin Rose & Alex Albrecht
3. The Odeo Channel
4. NPR’s Science Friday
5. MAKE Magazine Audio Show

PodcastAlley

1. Keith and The Girl
2. MuggleCast
3. Free Talk Live
4. PotterCast
5. Nobody Likes Onions

That’s all for now folks, happy watching – listening! Click here for the Podcast Wednesday Archives, and remember to use the free Juice podcast receiver to download and manage your favorite Podcasts.

BBC – The World Today Select

The World Today examines news, developments and interesting stories around the world on a daily basis. BBC’s celebrated program now comes with a dedicated Podcast, called “The World Today Select”. 15 minutes of concentrated goodness, just so you know what is happening in this planet we call home.

Podcast Feed: The World Today Select feed
Website: BBC – The World Today

The Delta Park Project – The Big Show

This couple may just have discovered the secret in keeping your marriage a happy one. Co-host a Podcast show, and then some! Jason and Anna’s Big Show is described on site as:

A great weekly show with comedy clips, pop culture reviews, the small town police blotter and funny songs.

Well, they deliver what they promise and The Big Show, is the first in a series of interesting Podcast and Vodcast shows of the Delta Park Project.

Podcast Feed: http://www.deltaparkproject.com/feed.cfm
Website: http://www.deltaparkproject.com

And this concludes this week’s recommendations, view past Podcast Wednesday posts here, and stay tuned because next time you will not believe your ears!

This week the podcasts which caught my ear are completely unrelated. Thus, my recommendations are not on any particular theme. I think you’re going to enjoy them anyhow.

War News Radio

War News Radio from Swarthmore College, is a wonderful project which is described on site as:

“We at War News Radio are trying to rediscover the voices of real people. Our show fills the gaps in the media’s coverage by airing new perspectives, both personal and historical, in a balanced and in-depth manner. We hope our broadcasts will engage our listeners and inspire them to engage critically with the rest of the world.”

Swarthmore students are those often involved in the production of the show, which is an insider’s look at our planet’s war zones, with a focus on Iraq. As the world’s attention has sifted to the middle east, this is a reminder of a country which is still affected by the remnants of war as it struggles to stand back on it’s feet. A very well produced approach to the socio-political and cultural realities of the region from an international, journalistic point of view.

Website: http://warnewsradio.org/
Podcast Feed: http://warnewsradio.org/show/index.xml

808 Talk

Subtitled “Hawaii’s Premier Podcast”, it can very well be that and then some! I voted for them at the Podcast Awards, where they’re nominated as best travel podcast, and I’m sure they’d appreciate your vote as well.

Call me prejudiced – I LOVE Hawaii, and 808 Talk is a podcast show all about it – so it’s natural it would take a place among my favorites.

Issues discussed on 808 include traveling to the island, as well as raising concerns over environmental protection. Other issues such as society, culture and current events are not left untouched as well. This is a must get podcast, whether you live in Hawaii, plan to visit or just want a taste of what it is! Very nice!

Website: http://www.808talk.com/
Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/808Talk

Enjoy! And remember it’s a lot more fun when you use Juice to subscribe to your favorite Podcasts!

So here’s one of the best Video Podcasts and one of the best Audio Podcasts on the subject out there.

TPN :: Martial Arts Explorer

Martial Arts Explorer, which you can view on a blog or download in video formats, is described on site as:

A video podcast exploring the functional, practical martial arts technique as displayed in classical form.

Offers a closer, explanatory look to the history and evolution of martial arts techniques. Nicely produced and mighty interesting.

Title: TPN :: Martial Arts Explorer
Website: http://martialarts.thepodcastnetwork.com/
Podcast Feed: http://martialarts.thepodcastnetwork.com/feed/

Karate Cafe

Karate Cafe is a growing yet quite active online community dedicated to Karate and the martial arts. It features a Podcast with episodes discussing everything from life in the Dojo and how to avoid injuries, to traditional martial arts, interviews, training, and much more. Very nice, and obviously a labor of love for the topic in question.

Title: Karate Cafe
Website: http://www.karatecafe.com/
Podcast Feed: http://karatecafe.com/index.xml
FeedBurner: http://feeds.feedburner.com/KarateCafe

Enjoy!

The Amateur Traveler Podcast

Described on site as:

“The Amateur Traveler Podcast is a travel podcast for people who love to travel. It focues on travel stories with a dash of travel news, travel tips and travel resources. Season with humor and serve weekly.”

Chris Christensen, takes you on a round the world journey which includes destinations such as Argentina, Morocco, Europe and the US in a quite comprehensive list of 50 episodes, which keeps growing along with my appetite to listen to them.

Website: http://amateurtraveler.com/
Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AmateurTravelerPodcast

Josh in Japan

Josh is a foreigner in Japan and he tells you all about the country and life there. The Josh in Japan Podcast, is part of his blog with the same name which I’ve also enjoyed reading through. His podcast episodes are very interesting and informative on traveling in Japan, as well as providing tips on staying in sync with the age old traditions of the country.

Website: http://www.joshinjapan.com/
Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/JoshInJapan

Podcast Awards in voting!

Nominations for the 2006 Podcast Awards are in, and according to the official site “Voting will open at 0001 on July 28th with voting completing at 2359 on August 11th.”.

So, if you have a minute to spare, go ahead and vote for your favorite podcasts!! It doesn’t cost you a thing, and it can make someone’s day much brighter. The least we should be able to do for the people who produce the great podcasts we love listening to is show our appreciation with our voting power.

Tools

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