One of my favorite podcasts is the Harvard Business Review IdeaCast – ideas for leadership, business, economics, and all-around smart and concise topics. Most episodes aren’t longer than 15 minutes.

I encourage you to look through their archives of past episodes that you can listen to right from your browser or iTunes.

The latest episode was called “The Hidden Demons of High Achievers” with Tom DeLong, Harvard Business School professor and author of “Flying Without a Net: Turn Fear of Change into Fuel for Success” about people who feel a high need to achieve and how their fear of losing their image of competence can lead them to putting too much emphasis on succeeding the first time.

I don’t consider myself a high achiever but definitely an achiever and some of the behavior he described struck some chords within me, such as:

“…no matter what they’re doing they feel like they should be doing something else, so it gets very difficult to concentrate.”

In addition there was discussion about some traits / personality of high achievers:

• success is only defined in terms of how well you’re doing when compared to others
• the same strengths that helped you achieve can become weaknesses
• over time they don’t realize their ambition and need to achieve can become an addiction
• blaming others for reasons of not achieving and avoiding looking inside to improve
• focus on a task, forgetting about relationships and the human capital / long-term goals
• how to differentiate between urgent and important.

I’m interested now in checking out this book, and definitely check out the Harvard Business Review IdeaCast.

I won’t replicate the article here (here’s Google Translate for an entertaining English translation) but one thing I will share:

Is there a reason not to buy it?

In my opinion, I don’t think it’s a perfect solution, today. But you need to think of the iPad (and the iPhone OS in general) as an organism that is continually developing and improving and therefore is becoming more interesting every day.

WhenI bought my iPad, it didn’t take long for me to get up to speed with it. If you’ve ever used an iPhone or iPod Touch you’ll be instantly familiar with its interface and special functions.

I wanted to add some quick thoughts and feedback after having an iPad in Italy for more than a month. Note that the iPad has been released in Italy only on May 28th.

• I’m still not comfortable using it on public transportation.

As a woman using public transportation every day in a city where safety is not a guarantee (a woman was raped a few hundred yards from my house), I’m hesitant to pull out the iPad on the metro unless I’m pretty much alone. Sometimes when I’m reading out in public I disguise it behind one of those free newspapers. I suspect this will ease after the iPad comes out in Italy (May 28th), and I can get a case that will make it less conspicuous.

• It’s the most interactive gadget I’ve owned, including my computer.

When I say interactive, I mean it morphs into what I need depending on where I am and especially who I’m with. It manages to involve the other person in a way no other gadget I’ve owned has done, which in part is due to the screen size, but also to the variety of features and applications available. I have yet to find a person whom I can’t excite by showing some fun things or how I’m productive using it.

• The speakers

I was expecting to have to use the device exclusively with headphones like I do with my iPod, but the speakers are pretty powerful. I watched a movie at home on it – we don’t have a television. I also listened to music in the office. It’s not a stereo system, but sharing music and giving a quick listen with friends becomes much more enjoyable.

• The screen

Yes, it gets filled with fingerprints easily, but I carry a microfiber cloth with me (to protect the screen in my purse) and in a few swipes, it’s clean once again. Summer is just now getting into full swing, so I’m curious to see how it will be at the beach. I often read with my iPod Touch at the beach by shading it. I don’t expect it to work in full sun, which is a negative, just like I don’t expect to read a paper book in the dark (whereas I can read on the iPad in the dark).

Some side effects

• I stopped pulling out my Moleskine for quick notes.

A lot of times I wrote in my Moleskine for ideas and designs, and then transferred a more organized or final version into a presentation or email. I find that I’m using the iPad more and more an enhanced note-taking device.

• I’m reading fewer books.

Since the introduction of the iPad, things have gotten worse for the ebook market. Prices have gone up, availability has been reduced across the popular ebook sites and many apps available on the iphone are still not available on the iPad which means those books I bought can’t be read on the iPad. Most iPhone apps can be enlarged for use on the iPad but text is one of the things that suffers the most. The only two apps ready for the iPad in this moment are iBooks and the Kindle app. Stanza, a popular app used to read ebooks and is owned by amazon is still only available for the iPhone. Update: Stanza was released for the iPad on June 3.

• I play more games in dead times.

I’ve never considered myself a gamer but with the iPad I am definitely gaming more – I play a quick game of air hockey with a colleague or 10-pin bowling by myself when I just want to let off steam. This point is a direct consequence of the above point. In the past when I might have opened up the latest book I was reading, now I might play a quick game.

• I make more playlists on the go.

One of the things I didn’t like was the On-the-Go function that small screen, and searching for a particular artist or song took forever. Scroll, scroll, scroll. Now the iPod function is almost exactly like the iTunes experience – I can do a quick search in my library to find an artist, keyword or song title, and make an instant playlist. I can edit playlists very easily with just a few taps.

• The iPod Touch screen seems really, really small.

After using the iPad for a few weeks, I sometimes go back to my iPod Touch to read some books with apps that aren’t available for the iPad yet, and it feels very small, something I never noticed before.

1. net@night (TWiT.tv) The Social Hour

Update: As of March 2011, Net at Night has been discontinued and reborn as The Social Hour. Content remains largely the same as described below, and archived episodes are still available.

The focus of this podcast is mainly on the Internet, with interesting highlights, interviews and discussions regarding sites and tools. net@night is also part of the Twit.tv group (below), but the camaraderie between Leo and Canadian co-host Amber MacArthur makes it an interesting podcast as well as the fact Amber is constantly talking about new sites and things to try out, so I recommend listening to it when you’re near a computer, so you can play, too.

• Frequency/Duration: weekly, Wednesday. Approximately one hour.

• Links: net@night website, iTunes podcast link.

2. BBC Digital Planet (BBC World Service)

“How Digital Technology affects our lives around the world” – a wide range of topics regarding events, things and people shaping our digital world. The Internet definitely plays a part but often stories are much closer to how technology is changing people, and most episodes are a few in-depth news stories rather than the latest headlines.

• Frequency/duration: weekly, approximately 26 minutes.

• Links: Digital Planet podcast site, iTunes podcast link.

3. The Guardian’s Tech Weekly (Guardian.co.uk)

Hosted by Aleks Krotoski, an avid gamer and journalist, she’s accompanied by Jemima Kiss and other Guardian.co.uk journalists, covering general topics in a conversational manner and in-depth interviews and on-location reporting.

• Frequency/duration: weekly, approximately 20-30 minutes.

• Links: Tech Weekly website, iTunes podcast link. Twitter: @guardiantw

4. TWIT – This Week in Tech (TWiT.tv)

This Week in Tech is not only a podcast, it’s a conglomerate of podcasts and a site (www.twit.tv) ranging from Windows and Mac-specific to security and gizmos, and mommy topics. This Week in Tech is a roundtable of tech talk with interesting guests like Pete Cashmore and Jason Calacanis. Don’t expect a really structured podcast, and they often go off-topic, but the conversations are very interesting and you feel like you’re sitting at the table with them. Leo Laporte has a perfect DJ voice as it was a past job for him. They often broadcast live.

• Frequency: weekly, Sunday. From 1-2 hours.

• Links: TWiT podcast website, iTunes podcast link.

5. PRI’s The World Technology Report (theworld.org)

A combined effort from Public Radio International, the BBC and WGBH, this podcast is interesting because it focuses on several stories of science and technology and their humanitarian impacts.

• Frequency: weekly, Friday. Approximately 30 minutes.

• Links: PRI podcast website, iTunes podcast link.

Honorable Mentions:

• New York Times (NYT) TEch Talk: Though I’m not really a fan of the main host’s voice, these short weekly podcasts are packed full of information linked back to NYT articles.
• CNET Buzz Out Loud (BOL) Podcast:  They call it a “podcast of indeterminate length” and this daily podcast also has corresponding blog posts with sites/articles mentioned during the podcast.
• Engadget Podcast: This weekly podcast is very chatty and focuses on Smart Phones and other gadgets. A bonus is the podcast website will provide minute/segment breakdowns of each episode so you can skip straight there.

Do you have one to suggest?

image by rutty

• What is a Podcast?
• Why are Podcasts better than Radio or Websites?
• What Do I Need to Listen to Podcasts?
• Start Listening to Podcasts Now!

What is a Podcast?

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need an Apple iPod to listen to podcasts. Of course, the name “podcast” definitely recalls the Apple ipod, but podcasts can be played directly on the internet, downloaded to your computer or mp3 player. Some also call podcasts “netcasts” so as to further distance themselves from the misconception you need an mp3 player to listen to them.

At the heart of a podcast is the notion that you can subscribe to the series and your access to the information can even be automated through automatic downloads of new episodes.

Podcasts are not only audio. They can include video, too, and video podcasts are quickly gaining popularity as mp3 players are including high-quality screens that can display video.

Why are Podcasts better than Radio or Websites?

The spoken word will never go out of style, and to hear the inflection and the passion of some of these podcasters and their guests will invigorate you as you listen.

• Podcasts are Great Learning Tools

The great thing about podcast creation and distribution costs is that since they can go further for the money specialized podcasts are readily available and interesting. Want to learn about cooking? There’s a podcast for that. What about renewable energy? There’s a podcast for that, too. Combine the possibility of using video as well, and you have a visual and audio tool that can’t be beat and gives complete control to the listener.

Single subject podcasts can deepen your knowledge quickly. The great thing about reviewing podcast episode summaries or archives is that you can choose which subjects and topics are most important to you. You’re not limited to downloading just the latest episode, nor do you have to subscribe to every podcast you find – you can just access the information that interests you.

• Control the Information Flow to Maximize Comprehension
  

Start and Stop when you Want. Go back, Listen better the second time. How many times have you been listening to something when the phone rang, a noisy car goes by, or a friend stops by to ask a question? With a traditional radio program, that information is lost forever. With a podcast, you can pause, go back, even save the episode for another time when you’re in a quieter environment.

Just like the experience of recording TV shows has given the power to the viewer to pause, stop or fast-forward, podcasts give you the same control and most importantly, give you the opportunity to make sure you really understand something or listen to it twice!

• Portable – Listen Online, Offline, or Inline…skating!
  

The great thing about podcasts is that you completely control when and where you listen to them. In the car, on the bus, while you’re cleaning the bathroom, you can have your podcasts mobile and and accessible. Even around the house, if you have to run around cleaning or doing errands, turn on your mp3 player and stick it in your pocket as you move around. They can give you energy and keep you informed at the same time! Listen to podcasts while working on the computer, too!

• Subscribing can Save You Time

Being able to subscribe to podcasts means that when new episodes are ready, it will be pushed to you. You will be notified, or simply hitting “Refresh” in your podcast manager may download any new episodes of podcasts you’re subscribed to.

• An Integrated Experience: from Podcast to Website, and Back
  

Most popular podcasts will have their own websites or pages with further information and relevant links for each of their podcasts. So don’t think of podcasts as an isolated listening experience: it’s a fully integrated experience that can peak your interest and take you from subject to subject with links for further informario

What Do I Need to Listen to Podcasts?

You need a mp3 player, a media player software, and/or a computer. The computer can function as just a means of transferring the podcasts to your player, or it can also serve as a playing device using a media player software on your computer, or through streaming the podcast directly from your web browser. When you’re at home or in the office, use the computer to play all of your downloaded podcasts and to keep them organized between the mp3 player and the computer.

Apple iPod. If you have an Apple ipod, you’ve got both the mp3 player as well as the software iTunes to find, download and manage your podcasts. I’ve had a good experience with the Apple iTunes podcast directory, as it’s easy to navigate and understand, though it’s quite slow (the entire Apple iTunes Store is, really). You can also filter out video podcasts by looking just at the audio podcast section. There are more details how it works on the podcast section on the Apple website.

Listening on an Mp3 Player. A mp3 player can play both audio and video podcasts, depending on its capabilities. The basic mechanism is downloading the podcast files, and transferring them to your mp3 player. To transfer the files to your mp3 player you may have to use the player’s software or it may be as simple as dragging and dropping the files onto the player. Consult your manual for your mp3 player for more details.

Listening on Your Computer. If you don’t have an mp3 player, or you just prefer to listen to the podcasts directly on your computer, you can do it several ways. Many podcasts have a dedicated website and will allow you to stream (listen) to the podcasts directly through the web browser. So, you don’t need to install anything!

If you’d prefer a slightly more sophisticated and efficient way to track and listen to your podcast subscriptions, download software and install it on your computer.

Some free podcast playback software:

• iTunes by Apple – the most well-known music player for Mac and PCs, you can browse their podcast directory and subscribe all from within iTunes.
• Juice, the cross-platform podcast receiver, is a free download from Sourceforge.net (a wonderful and huge repository of open source software). The FAQ explain how to subscribe to podcasts with Juice.
• Miro, free, open source internet tv and video player.
• VLC: a free, open source media player. It is not able to manage your podcast subscriptions and download new episodes automatically, but it can play downloaded podcasts or stream podcast episodes.
• Other podcast software: for Windows: Nimiq,  iPodder.NET, Doppler, jPodder; for Mac: iPodderX

Start Listening to Podcasts Now!

Here’s a quick introduction to {5 Free Podcasts I can’t Live Without}, but there are also many Podcast Directories worth noting:

• BBC Podcast directory
• National Public Radio (NPR) Podcast directory
• CNN Podcasts
• New York Times podcasts
• PBS Podcasts (including NOVA science podcast!)
• NASA Podcasts
• Podcast.com

Further Podcast Resources

• Wikipedia’s History of Podcasting

Image by: saimens

1. APM: The Splendid Table

From the same network that brings you A Prarie Home Companion, Lynne Rossetto Kasper is the host for this weekly culinary show for “People who love to eat.” Much more than that, it delves into single subjects and trends mixed with recipes. Lynne is an excellent host who takes calls from listeners in the latter part of the podcast.

• Frequency/Duration: weekly, around 45-50 mins
  
• Links: Splendid Table website, Apple iTunes podcast link.

2. KCRW Good Food

Evan Kleiman is such a great host and it’s hard to remember that she’s also a cook! And it’s this expertise that shines through the podcast, as it is organized very well and has a mix of new and regularly-occurring features like visiting the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market and learning how to use in-season fruits and vegetables. Her guests are a mix of experts (chefs and scientists) and bloggers who are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the subject.

• Frequency / Duration: weekly, around 45-50 minutes.
• Links: Good Food website, iTunes podcast link, Good Food blog.

3. NPR Food Podcast

Not a podcast program per se, NPR picks a selection of health/food-related stories from various NPR shows: “Recipes, interviews and the story behind your favorite foods from Morning Edition, All Things Considered and other award-winning NPR programs.”

• Frequency / Duration: weekly, 15-50 minutes.
• Links: NPR Food Podcast website, iTunes podcast link.

4. ReMARKable Palate

A mixture of video and audio podcasts by personal chef Mark Tafoya, a “Food and Culture Podcast” including on-location and guest interviews with other chefs, farmers and suppliers in the food chain.

• Frequency / Duration: weekly, various durations.
• Links: Remarkable Palate website,  iTunes podcast link.

5. NPR Kitchen Window

As a complement to their written articles, NPR Kitchen Window speaks with their authors (who are often bloggers) about particular topics and issues they have covered online.

• Frequency / Duration: bi-weekly, 10-30 minutes
• Links: NPR Kitchen Window Podcast website, iTunes podcast link.

Honorable Mention:

Bon Apetit Podcast

Though it had a lot of potential, Bon Apetit’s podcast hasn’t been updated since mid-2008. But, you can get access to their archives online. Link to BA Podcast site.

Is there an audio podcast that should have made this list? Have your say in the comments!

Image by Steve Wampler

But you don’t have to be a public transportation commuter to love and listen to podcasts! Read {WHT: A Guide to Podcasts}

1. Fresh Air (NPR)

The strong point of this podcast is really the host, Terry Gross. She has such an easygoing demeanor that during her interviews she almost certainly puts the guest at ease and her evident research into the topic or guest’s life makes the interview very informative and interesting. I am always learning when I listen to her podcast, and picking up a new book, or discovering a new cause or personality to check out.

• Frequency/duration: daily, 45-60 minutes.

• Links: Fresh Air website, iTunes podcast link.

2. BBC Global News (BBC)

I don’t spend a lot of time on news sites, but what I do do is consistently listen to the BBC Global News podcast which gives you a highlight of their global stories, with just enough information so that you have a good picture of the story. And, the fact that it’s available twice daily means that the information will always be fresh and relevant.

• Frequency/duration: twice daily (at 3:00GMT and 15:00GMT) on weekdays, approximately 30 minutes.

• Links: BBC Global News website, iTunes podcast link.

3. This American Life

Even though the title implies only for an American audience, I think this podcast transcends many cultures. This American life is something I like to listen to when I have a little more time available to get lost in a story. Each week the hosts choose a theme, often as abstract as “Getting what you deserve“  or “Matchmakers,” and will select a series of stories and first-hand recounts that are weaved around this theme. It’s definitely great storytelling and at times can be very emotional listening to the stories, from overcoming racism to living through the Depression, to searching for the American dream.

They offer their podcast free on their website for one week and afterward, it can be bought and downloaded from their extensive archives. Episodes can also be streamed for free, and using iTunes you can easily download the latest 10 or so episodes.

• Frequency/duration: weekly, approximately 60 minutes.

• Links: This American Life website, iTunes podcast link.

4. 60 Minutes

The 60 minutes podcast is different from the others in that it is the audio portion of a full video broadcast. You get to hear the entire program’s audio which, on its own, I feel is still a complete experience even though you may miss a few images or charts that accompany the video broadcast. Guests and topics are always high-quality and in-depth.

• Frequency/duration: weekly, 60 minutes.

• Links: 60 Minutes podcast site,  iTunes podcast link.

5. BBC World Service: Documentaries

BBC delves into their archives to provide you with single-focus podcasts like “The World without Copper,” “AIDs and the Caribbean” or “Football’s Conmen” there is a wide range of stories and focuses to interest everyone.

• Frequency/duration: several times weekly, approximately 21-23 minutes.

• Links: BBC World Service Documentaries site, iTunes podcast link.

What podcasts can you not live without??

ipod Headphones picture by flod