Podcasts in a nutshell

Earlier this week your library was asked what a podcast is. California State University Sacremento succinctly describes a podcast as "...any audio, video or digital media that is distributed to any computing device (i.e. portable media players or personal computers) on a regular or demand basis." Podcasts are increasingly popular, many can be used to enhance your studies, and they're everywhere.

Podcasts on virtually any subject - including design, health, cooking, photography - can be found on iTunes and downloaded to your iPod, iPhone, iPad or PC.

ABC Radio and a number of other stations offer a raft of podcasts that can be accessed via their websites. You can stream these directly to your PC, download them for use on a mobile player or subscribe via RSS.

So let's have a quick look at what's out there:

All In The Mind: Radio National's weekly foray into the mental universe, the mind, brain and behaviour - everything from addiction to artificial intelligence.

AWAYE! means 'listen up' in the Arrernte language of central Australia. It is produced and presented by Aboriginal broadcasters and is Australia's only national Indigenous arts and culture programme.

By Design looks at how we shape our world, from the ground up.

Business looks at the corporate world: the people and ideas that drive today's business and economics community.

Dirty Deeds: Talking all matters horticultural in unique Triple R style and giving green-fingered advice.

Eat It!: Food for thought: recipes, hints and tips, interviews and a market report.

EdPod presents a mix of education stories from early childhood to the end of secondary school. It's a jargon-free look at the experience of educators, researchers, parents and students.

First Bite explores the cultural, social, scientific, historical and sensual world of food with Michael Mackenzie.

The Health Report appeals to both specialist and mainstream audiences by applying a broad definition of health, and seeing health and medicine within social, scientific and political context.

Life Matters podcast gives you the complete program from start to finish, with Richard Aedy hosting interviews and discussions about what's affecting our daily health and wellbeing at home, work and school.

Radiotherapy: Explores the lighter, more eccentric side of medicine. A team of irreverent doctors lampoon sacred medical cows, and shed light on a range of medical and psychiatric conditions.

And that's just a start...