Category: Podcasting

That was a rhetorical question. The answer is obviously “no.”

As many of you will know, I listen to a few podcasts. Microsoft has decided that the final version of Windows Media Player (WMP) 11 will not support podcasts. Meaning that you will not be able to subscribe to podcasts (called “podcatching”) using their software. The most popular podcatching software is iTunes.

WMP 11 will not perform this simple task. Now, there are other software packages out there that do a good job with this, but one of the advantages to having WMP handle your podcasts is that if you use WMP to manage your music on your portable media player, you could eliminate an extra software package. Also, with 2 separate packages, there are bound to be frustrations when they don’t talk to one another properly.

I don’t use WMP. I don’t even use Windows. So this is not really going to affect me. It is just that the stupidity bothers me.

Ready for more stupidity? The Zune (Microsoft’s attempt at portable media hardware) will not automatically support podcasts either. Meaning that the software used to transfer media to the device will not have the ability to subscribe to podcasts. It will still play mp3 files, which is how most audio podcasts are formatted.

I will admit that there are still people who think that podcasting is just a flash in the pan and that it won’t be around forever. I respectfully disagree. But, it is something that is the hot thing right now. To not support it in media playing software is about as stupid as building a web browser that does not support blogs.

Check out the next installment of the podcast, Missionary Talks. This is the conclusion to the interview with Gary Layne from Guadalajara, Mexico.

If you are not sure what a podcast is, I wrote a bit of an explanation of what they are and how you can get started listening to them. Also, there is a page at the Missionary Talks website that tells how you can help promote the podcast and help it to grow.

Anyone can write a review at iTunes. It is a bit early for that in that you don’t know much about the show. But if you like the format up to this point, you are welcome to review us there or on your own website/blog. Don’t forget to vote for the show at Podcast Alley.

I have to tell about some warm fuzzy feelings I have gotten from the podcast community about starting my podcast. I have received good support from several people.

Let me start with Tim Bourquin from Endurance Planet. I was out on a run one day listening to Endurance Planet when I got the idea for my show. I have been wanting to start a podcast since September of 2005, but was having trouble deciding on a format and a topic. Endurance Planet provided my format. That podcast is made up of 15 minute interviews with endurance athletes (mostly triathletes). It was the perfect format for me. The subject matter came to me just after I decided on the format. I would talk with Missionaries and share about their ministries.

I wrote Tim. While looking for his contact information I found out that he is the owner of the company that does the “Podcast Expo” more properly known as the Portable Media Expo (now changed to Podcast & New Media Expo). He was doing the Podcast Expo at the end of September when I first wrote him. He graciously answered my questions and helped me define my goals.

Then I started writing to Steve Runner at Phedippidations for some audio tips as I actually started making some recordings. He also helped me with a name for my show. How did he help? With a name like Phedippidations, I just decided that he had the worst knack for picking names. So I gave him a list of names and figured the one he hated the most was probably the best one to pick. He ranked a few and the one lowest on his list was the one I chose.

Steve also agreed to play a promo for my show. As soon as he knew I was working on a show he started saying he would make the announcement for me and let the world know. I had to hold him back a couple of weeks, but he should be giving me some air time during his next show if he has a chance.

I wrote Tim back and told him my show was up. He went and listened to the first episode and wrote me back with some encouraging words. He then offered to let me introduce his show “The Podcast Brothers” with a short commercial for my own. I sent that recording to him today. Maybe it will be out in the next few weeks.

Then there is Terry at Planet3rry. He has his own podcast called Gravity @ 1053 (linked from the blog site). He had no direct link to me getting started with the podcast, but being able to hear him go through his beginning episodes and reading his blog encouraged me to make the step. Terry and I have also shared some WordPress tips to make our blogs a bit better.

Of course, the vast number of podcasts I am currently subscribed to and the ones that have come and gone since I have started listening to podcasts, are also to be thanked. From some, I have learned what not to do. From others, I can only be envious of their studio setups and cleverness with words.

Thank you all.

I got the first episode of the podcast done and on the server. Surf on over to www.missionarytalks.com to grab a fresh copy.

I would really appreciate any input. I have listened to it a million times trying to get it going. I am concerned that there might be words missing that I edited out. Or that I put in a phrase twice. I stayed near my goal of 15 minutes. I think even I can forgive 2 seconds over.

I am pleased with it. Hopefully others will be as well. Now I really need to get the website fixed so that all the links actually point to something.