A podcast is an audio or video file that is distributed over the Internet using RSS feeds for playback on portable media players and personal computers. The host or author of a podcast (podcaster) may offer direct downloads or streaming of their content. An individual can subscribe to a certain podcast and automatically receive the audio or video content of that subject.

You can think of podcasting like radio on demand; you just subscribe to a channel that you like and the information is sent to you. The big difference between radio and podcasting is that you have the ability to determine what topics you want to receive and when you want to receive it.

Initially podcasting was primarily used to send audio content; users could basically create their own radio shows. Now video podcastng (vodcast) is becoming more popular and has created even more uses for podcasting.
Podcasting can be used for:

Talk Shows – Current affairs, industry or organizational news, investor news, sportscasts, news coverage and commentaries
TV Shows – Show clips, outtakes, behind the scenes, full length episodes, and more.
Schooling – Access to lessons and communicate curriculum and assignments with students and parents.
Music – Promo clips, interviews, and music videos

Other uses include: Instructional training, storytelling and self-guided walking tours.

In order to receive podcasts you need to download and install the software. There are several different types of podcast clients out there; a couple of these include iTunes and Juice (both free to download). After you install the software you just add the podcast feed you like and you’ll start getting the content automatically.

Click here for information on RSS feeds