The Angels Weekly

Most of you who have read my previous articles know that I recently purchased a BlackBerry.  Now I’m not here making a public service announcement for this device, but I will tell you that it has opened up my world to a lot of new technology and information.

My latest find is Podcasts.  A podcast is a radio or video show for portable devices.  You can view these on your computer or your iPhone, iPod or BlackBerry.   It’s almost like subscribing to a syndicated show, but it’s free.

I was introduced to podcasts by a friend I met through Berrytastic.com.  He kept raving about them and, honestly, I kept ignoring him.  I really didn’t think that I would find anything that I would be interested in.  I was wrong.  I have found some great content on various sites and have downloaded many podcasts to my BlackBerry.   I listen to them on my way to work.

Here is how you can get started.  If you have a BlackBerry, you should download Podtrapper, a podcast manager and player specifically designed for the BlackBerry.  You can find this app at Versatilemonkey.com.  They offer a 30 day free trial. If you like it and decide to purchase, there is a one time fee of $9.99.   One caution, check with your provider to see what your dataplan offers.  That way you won’t be hit with a bill you are not expecting.

In podtrapper, you can add podcasts by typing in a link or you can search their site for podcasts that interest you.  Once you “subscribe” they download automatically. You can also download via your computer. Once you’ve listened to an episode, more will automatically download.  You can also download only those episodes which interest you.

Here are a few of the podcasts that I’ve enjoyed recently.

Leo Laporte – The Tech Guy:  This show features discussions and listeners’ questions on anything technical.  Leo also talks about current events and how they relate to technology.  One of his recent broadcasts focused on how people in Iran were communicating with the outside world via Twitter in the face of a government shutdown of the internet and text messaging.  What I love about this podcast is that he talks in terms that are easy to understand.  You do not need to be a tech geek to enjoy this show.

Walking on Air with Betsy and Sal:  These women are hilarious.   They broadcast out of Chicago.  You will certainly relate to this podcast, especially if you have children.  A recent podcast featured discussions on how teenage kids “clean up” after themselves in the kitchen.  Right!

Help! My Business Sucks:  This podcast features unconventional marketing and business tips to improve your small business.  Let’s face it, we all know the key points; Google rankings, sharing links, blogging.  This show touches on things you may not have thought of.

Those are the ones I’ve checked out so far.  I’ve only had podtrapper for three days, so I think that’s a pretty ambitious start.  I’ll share new ones as I find them!

Karen Reese

by: Karen Reese

Tags: Blackberry, blackberry podcasts, podcast, podcasts

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