Podcasting FAQ

What is podcasting?

Podcasting lets users create and upload their own audio programs on the Internet which can be downloaded to iPods and other mp3 players or listened to directly through web browsers. The software applications also allow users to subscribe to their favorite podcasts and have them sent automatically to their players for listening at their convenience.

Think of podcasting as a series of audio (or video) programs from your favorite source. These programs are posted to the web in a format that is easily accessible for the general public. Whenever a new episode is available, it's available for your enjoyment. The term podcasting comes from combining the words "iPod" and "broadcasting." However, you do NOT need an iPod in order to listen to a podcast.

First and foremost a Podcast is an MP3 file and all you need to play it is an MP3 player. With the help of FREE software such as iTunes or Quicktime or Windows Media Player - You are already able to listen to a Podcast. You only need an iPod or other Mobile MP3 Player if you want to listen to a podcast while you are working out, driving to work or taking the dog for a walk...

At Family Church, we are in the process of posting our weekly messages as podcasts, so that they will be available to you at any time, day or night, free of charge. And if you subscribe to the podcast, new messages will automatically be downloaded for you as they become available.

How do I listen to a podcast?

Basically, all you need is a computer connected to the internet. Almost all computers these days have the ability to benefit from podcasts. You merely listen to the episode through a standard audio player, such as iTunes or Windows Media Player. If you have iTunes, you can click the "SUBSCRIBE via iTunes" link to the left, and iTunes will automatically subscribe you to the Family Church podcast. From there you will just choose the episode you want to listen to in your podcast subscription list. Subscribing with iTunes is the easiest method for listening to the podcasts.

What is subscribing to a podcast?

Subscribing to a podcast is the best way to insure you don't miss a single episode of your favorite podcast. By subscribing, each new podcast will be automatically downloaded for you and available for you immediately, rather than having to manually download each episode.

The orange XML button () is for advanced users who wish to use a separate RSS aggregator, and allows you to sign up for the RSS feed from the podcaster. RSS (really simple syndication) allows Podcasters to distribute the show to your computer and the Podcatching software, letting you receive it and listen to it at your convenience in a method similar to iTunes.

How do I subscribe to a Podcast?

You will need an application to use for downloading and playing the podcasts. We strongly recommend downloading iTunes, available for FREE for both Mac and PC.

With iTunes

1. Click on the "Subscribe via iTunes" link on the left. You're done.

Other Applications

1. Click the orange XML Button () to open the XML file in your browser.

2. In the browser's address bar, select the URL, and copy it to the clipboard.

3. Follow the instructions from your favorite podcatching software (iTunes, Juice, Primetime, etc.) for adding the feed (URL) to your list of Podcasts your are subscribed to.

4. Your computer will now automatically download new podcasts when they become available from the podcaster.