Podcasts

Let me be the first to say that I'm not really a big fan of podcasts, but I think it's because I was using the wrong podcast site.  Also, and I am not ashamed to say this, I had no idea how to do a podcast.  I didn't know that I had to record myself first and then upload the recording - I honestly thought that there was a link on the websites that would record me.  I now realize how silly that is.  However, if you felt like this at first, you're not alone!

PodBean was the first podcast that I had used, and it was also the one that gave me trouble.  I also felt like I had to go around in circles for a bit until I finally found the link that would allow me to upload my recording (though I think this is because I kept double-clicking, which kept taking me away from the 'upload' page).  However, now that I know how to navigate through the creating and publishing process of a podcast, the site has become easier to use.  The site allows you to upload an image to go along with your podcast, and it even allows you to adjust the color settings of the podcast widget, such as adding green for the background instead of just the 'custom' color.  The only downside to this site is that once you upload/publish your podcast, you end up using the little bit of storage that you're given for free.  Now, you could pay either $3.00 a month to deal with some restrictions, or pay $9.00 a month to deal with zero restrictions.  However, if you're not too big in saving your podcasts, then you can totally get away with the free version.  To keep using the free version, you'll just have to go through the never-ending process of uploading and deleting your podcasts.

To listen to the book appetizer I created using PodBean, just click on the link - Book Appetizer - Laurie Anderson

The next podcast site that I experimented with was PodOmatic, which I felt was quite a bit easier to use.  I didn't feel like I was going around in circles like I felt with PodBean, and all I had to do was click and drag my audio file (and image) into the their upload box, which was provided on a simple one-page step-by-step visual.  I overall enjoyed the process of this site.  However, what I did struggle with once I was done publishing my podcast is locating the link that would allow me to share it.  For example, when I used PodBean, I was given a separate link to share my podcast compared to PodOmatic that only provided me with the link in the address bar.  However, not a deal-breaker.  Unfortunately, what could make this site a deal-breaker is that you are only given a specific amount of memory, which is very similar to PodBean.  Yet, if you're willing to pay $8.32 (which will only grant you 2GB) of memory, then this site could be a perfect match for you.  Keep in mind though, PodBean offers unlimited storage for just $9.00 a month.  Choose wisely.

To listen to my podcast that I created using PodOmatic, just click on the link - Class Objective

The last podcast that I took a look at was SoundCloud.  Out of the three that I used, I really enjoyed SoundCloud, even though it appears to be meant to allow listeners to listen to music more than creating podcasts.  I felt that SoundCloud allowed me to be a bit more creative with my podcast as I was given the option to provide music to my podcast.  I was also able to easily upload my podcast and image.  Furthermore, and very much unlike PodOmatic, I was provided with a link immediately after my podcast was published.  One thing though that puts a damper on SoundCloud is that its options for 'upgrading' its services fit only with music and soundtracks, so it's difficult to pinpoint how SoundCloud will benefit a podcast user in the long run.  However, the upgrades for the site are very affordable, with the most expensive plan being $9.99.

To listen to my podcast that I created using SoundCloud, just click on the link - Good luck!


Overall, each of these podcast sites were fairly easy to use.  The one I strongly recommend to use is PodOmatic, but only because SoundCloud seems more for music than podcasts.