A podcast is an MP3 audio file that you listen to in a variety of ways, such as on your computer, or on a portable MP3 audio player. People use the term to refer to content and the method of delivery.
To make a podcast, you can simply upload an MP3 file to your web page or blog, and then allow people to download it.
But there's another popular way to share and experience podcasts, through a podcast feed.
Sharing Podcasts - Podcast Feeds - Syndication
A podcast feed is basically like an online bookmark that allows someone with the right software to find your podcast. And there's a growing number of podcast "shows", where people regularly put up new material. So the podcast feed allows you to have your computer automatically download the latest file, so you can listen to it whenever you like.
Syndication is simply the process of making your podcast available to others, through a podcast feed. Syndication can be thought of as making a podcast into a show--that is, making it available to anyone who is interested in listening to it. For example, when a radio show in a particular city becomes popular, it is often syndicated, which means that the same show is made available through other radio stations in other cities. So basically a podcast feed puts the power of syndication in your hands.
Again, it is possible to make an mp3 file available as a download right from your web page; and many people call this a podcast. But the most popular way to experience a podcast is through a feed, because it allows someone to automatically receive the latest file.
NOTE: A podcast feed is also referred to as a syndication feed.
For example, if you wanted to have a weekly podcast show, you would
basically set up a single podcast feed, and then you would add a new audio
file to that feed. The feed is like your own radio station, and you make
a new file and upload it. Then anyone who has subscribed to the feed can
automatically get the latest podcast when it comes out. (Ex: when they
click the Update button
in iTunes.)
Working with Podcasts
The podcast "file" can be any audio file that has been converted into MP3 format. SiteControl's Podcast tool allows you to upload the MP3 file, and then generate a link that people can use to get the podcast.
The way the podcast is delivered is through the "feed". In order to access the feed, a person needs to download free podcast-friendly software such as iTunes (available for free from http://www.apple.com/itunes/download), or iPodder (http://www.ipodder.org).
You can copy and paste that link, and share it however you like, through email, a web page, etc., so that people can subscribe to the podcast--but again, a person needs to have software like iTunes or iPodder installed to correctly "get" the podcast.
Getting Started
One of the best ways to get started is to download free software like iTunes, and try exploring the podcast directory, and listening to a podcast. Then you can try making your own podcast.
You can find additional helpful information at the following links:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/
http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/tips.html
http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/faq.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast