Keeping up with the volume of podcasting

[Surf's Up, as published in the St. John's Telegram on Thursday, June 29, 2006. Click here to read other columns.]

It's summer time, and this gentleman's attention turns to podcasts - a bit more so than usual. I've been subscribing to podcasts for a while now, but with the warmer weather - and the greater likelihood I'll be out for a walk - I'm more likely to get around to actually listening to some of the hours of stuff I've been downloading.

As that implies, I don't and can't listen to all of the podcasts on my computer, let alone what I choose to put on my iPod. Who could? There are untold hours of audio - both home-crafted and professionally rendered - out there, and there are, after all, only so many hours in the day.

However, I'm a curious type, and willing to give something a try. Believe me, my patience has been tested by podcasts that are as long as they are dull. On the whole, though, I can't get over how much stuff I can collect from around the world on so many topics.

One thing we're learning is that many podcasts are succeeding because they serve audiences in a way that radio doesn't - and that applies for podcasts based on radio programming. CBC Radio's Ideas program, for instance, is a venerable institution, but it doesn't draw anywhere close to big audiences. It is, after all, a bit dry.

Curiously, the Ideas podcast ranked No. 2 this week on the iTunes subscription list. Which makes sense, when you think about it; the program specializes in high-quality programming that rewards those who pay attention; with a podcast, the user inherently is more tuned-in than the more passive radio audience at large.

Beyond the top-downloads lists, there are thousands of podcasts on pretty much anything: politics, tennis, genealogy, cancer care, gardening, religion … the list goes on. Quite a few are about, to be frank, the minutiae of the podcasters themselves, but as long as a few people are subscribing, I guess they're willing to ramble on about themselves.

This week, we look at how to tune in to the wealth of sound waiting to be heard.

Canada Podcasts
Canadian Podcast Buffet
If you'd like to start with some home-grown content this Canada Day weekend, start here. Watch for new adds to Canada Podcasts on the left-hand side; sort through thematic arrangements on the right. Canadian Podcast Buffet is a podcast in itself, and a good way to find out about the variety of material you can sample.

Podcast Bunker
Podcast Alley
Indiepodder
As the quality and certainly the quantity of podcasting expands, it's hard to keep up with the volume - in both senses of the word.

Public Radio Podcasts 
CBC Podcasts 
BBC Radio podcasts 
NPR podcasts 
Documentary on One
Virgin Radio Podcasts
Yes, yes, yes … some of the most interesting podcasts are done at people's kitchen tables. But there's value in picking up programming done by the pros, especially when it's from around the world. Public Radio Podcasts is a directory worth bookmarking, and checking from time to time; I've picked up several subscriptions to short, sweet shows that make for great listening. Following that are links to programs available from the CBC, the BBC and National Public Radio - NPR offering dozens of options from across the U.S. (KCRW's music podcasts are favourites.) Documentary on One is from Ireland, and features sporadic but excellent transmissions of documentary features. From the U.K., Virgin Radio offers plenty for music fans.

iTunes
You don't need an iPod to run iTunes (though it probably helps). Apart from making a mint by selling legal downloaded music, iTunes offers a large selection of usually free podcasts. Subscriptions are a total breeze to maintain.

Republic of Avalon Radio
Here's another mention for Jim Fidler's popular podcast from St. John's, which I follow (although I feel it could stand a good bit of editing).

Matt's Today in History
Most days, Matt Datillo sends out a short essay on an episode of world history. As I sip my first coffee of the day and sort out how I'll organize the day, this essay has become part of my morning routine. Perhaps you'll like it too.

Slate's Explainer
One of my favourite podcasts is Slate's Explainer, which consists of a short essay explaining questions arising from current affairs, from the weird sample sizes of approval-rating polls to the sprays used at the World Cup. Sure, you can read it online … but hearing it is better, particularly with the warm tones of narrator June Thomas.

John Gushue is a news writer for CBC.ca in St. John's. E-mail: surf at thetelegram.com.