Podcasting Help

What is podcasting?
Podcasting makes an audio file, typically an MP3 file, available online for downloading via an automatic "feed." You can then hear the podcast whenever you want from your computer or a portable media player.

What do I need to hear an MP3 audio file on my computer?
Without subscribing to our podcast, you will already be able to download and listen to AAC&U's audio files from your computer, provided your computer has a sound card and can play MP3 audio files. If you are not sure if your computer has this ability, do this simple test. Click on this MP3 button: . This will quickly download a brief message from AAC&U. If you can hear this message, you may listen to any of our sound files individually by selecting the MP3 button next to the desired file name on our Podcast Directory page. Depending on the speed of your connection, the AAC&U MP3 files may take several minutes to download, so please be patient.

What do I need to subscribe and listen to podcasts?
The first thing you need is podcast subscription software. Your options include the latest version of Apple's iTunes (which has the software built in), or other services such as Juice Receiver (PC/Mac/Linux), Doppler (PC), Playpod (Mac), or Odeo (Mac) to manage your podcast subscriptions.

How do I subscribe to an AAC&U podcast in iTunes?
To subscribe to a podcast listed in the AAC&U directory, follow these steps:

1. From the AAC&U Podcast Directory page, find the podcast you want to subscribe to and copy the podcast link by putting your mouse over the Podcast button .   Right click on the button and select 'Copy Shortcut' from the list that opens up.
2. Start up iTunes.
3. Once iTunes is opened you will need to subscribe to the podcast. To do this you will need to click "Advanced." Then click "Subscribe to Podcast."
4. Paste URL. In the URL box right click and select paste from the select box. This will add the feed to iTunes.
5. You are done. You will now see the feed name within iTunes. Double click the feed name to hear the podcast. Your podcast software will now automatically go out to check for updates. If an update is available, it will automatically download to iTunes.

I subscribed to a podcast. Why don't I hear anything?
First, be sure that you have audio player software; then, verify that the correct audio file was downloaded to your computer. You may need to modify the update settings in your podcasting software to ensure that this process occurs automatically. Next, check the update times in the description and check whether a new edition has been posted.

How can I copy a podcast from iTunes onto a CD?
First, make sure your computer has a CD-RW drive.  If it does, follow the steps below after you have downloaded the podcast you wish to copy. 

1. Select "Edit" from the button bar at the top of the iTunes window.  Next select "‘Preferences"; then “Advanced,” then “Burning.”
2. Select “Audio CD” as the disk format.  Also, select the “Sound Check” box to keep the same volume level.  Click “OK.”
3. You will need to create a new playlist in order to make a copy of the podcast.  So, go to “File” (at top of iTunes window) and select “New Playlist.”   You will then see the new playlist (e.g., “untitled Playlist 1”) at the bottom of the list on the left side of the window (under “Source”).
4. Click on the podcast you want to record and highlight it.  Next, drag it to the new playlist you just created.  (The original podcast won’t be moved, but this will copy it to the new playlist.)
5. Go to the new playlist, which now has the podcast you want to copy onto a CD.  Check the box next to the name of  the podcast you want to record.
6. Place a new CD in the disk drive.  Important note:  If you plan to play this in your car or at home on a CD player, you need to use a blank CD-R disk.  Because the disk will hold a maximum of 80 minutes, you will need a new disk for each podcast you record.
7. Click the “Burn Disk” button in the upper right-hand corner of the iTunes window.  The button will spin and appear yellow and black as the podcast is being copied.  This will take one to two minutes.  You will hear a whirring noise for a minute or so, a long pause, and more whirring.  Please be sure to wait until the process is completely finished. 
8. That’s it.  The CD is now ready for you to listen to the podcast at home, in your car, or on your computer.