podcast information and mindmap

What is a podcast?

Podcasts are commonly described as on-demand internet radio talks, either filmed with footage to watch or just audio only.

A digital audio file made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, you can subscribe to receive them as most come weekly. They are free and there are no time constraints, you can watch on demand.

The word “podcast” is a portmanteau, a combination of the words pod and broadcast

Any particular podcast will be themed around a particular topic, which they might talk about every week - e.g sports or movies. Then during the podcast they will talk about something specific within that topic, it's also good to remember that some podcasts are just questions towards the guest, about anything in life.

Each episode is normally run by one or two regular presenters, talking about those subjects, and almost every podcast will include a new outside guest to contribute to the cast.

A lot of podcasts are simple,  just a few friends chatting about something that's close to them, for example Mike Tyson's Hotboxin podcast usually revolves around talking about marijuana, this podcast is quite laid back, on the other hand you can get very professional podcasts, which are great to listen to, just not as frequent with the uploads.

You will notice that in podcasts there is usually a reoccurring topic which comes up.

^ Most people listen to a bit of both but it depends more on what presenters you like and the approach they take.

POD CAST - (P)ersonal (O)n (D)emand

They are very accessible, you can listen to them on a variety of things, including Mobile Phones, MP3's and Computers.

Styles of Podcasts:

1. The Interview Show, A classic in the podcasting world, interview shows generally feature a consistent host (or hosts) and a new guest each episode. They give the audience a chance to be introduced to a lot of interesting people.

2. The Solo Podcast, Solo - casts feature monologues that's important to the creator, episodes tend to be based on the creators own experience, your audience can really feel like they are getting to know you.

3. The Panel Show, This usually consists of a host and then a number of rotating guests and it can be an excellent way to bring new perspectives.

4. Conversational /Co-Hosted Podcast, A common podcast usually with another presenter to add chemistry and overall improve it.

5. Non - Fiction Storytelling, It's in the name!

6. Fiction Storytelling.

7. Repurposed Content, Some television shows do this where they'll repurpose their Tv show into a podcast.

8. Hybrid, This is a mix of all the previous styles and is usually a very creative podcast.

This is a mind map I created in class, that I may do for my podcast production. See below