With iTunes now firmly installed into my list of frequently run applications, a whole new podcast horizon has opened up for me. I doubt my ISP is particularly happy when I load up and refresh the latest editions but I think that is balanced off against my joy!

I’ll list out my current subscriptions a little further down, but the reason for this article being sparked was coming across the “Answer me this…” podcast gold. Absa’frigin’lutely love it. A podcast by funny, intelligent and talented people. It’s not a new concept – people phone, email or write in with questions – almost exclusively of the “Do ant’s have arseholes?” type nature – and Helen, Olly and Martin (the sound man) answer away in often equally ridiculous fashion… although it is also not unheard of to actually get an informative answer where that is more interesting.

I hope that they have sufficient funding to continue their efforts… after 2 years currently, it’s hopeful I guess. Take a look at their website but more importantly, why not download their 2007 and 2008 “best of” podcasts to get a feel for what they’re about. I don’t think this show would be out of place on the 6.30pm comedy slot on Radio 4… it’s that good.

So, what other casts do I subscribe to at the moment…? In alphabetical order:

• After the Flag – MotoGP vodcast. Currently out of season – but plenty of archives should that take your fancy.
• Answer Me This! – Weekly podcast. Plenty of archives, including best of 2007 / 2008.
• The Archers – I blame my dad. I dip in and out of this through the year and I guess having a podcast subscription means I can fill in the gaps.
• Buzz Report – CNET vodcast. Gadget and tech related. Not watched to know how good.
• Chequered Flag – Formula 1 podcast. Currently out of season with no archives.
• Digital Planet – Weekly BBC technology show. Often world stories on technology trends and utilisation.
• Fighting Talk – BBC Five Live Saturday morning show. Can feel a little out of my depth as it’s often football centric but has comedy moments that are worth the listen.
• Friday Night Comedy – BBC Radio 4 comedy from the Friday 6.30pm slot. Generally The Now Show, The News Quiz, I’m Sorry I haven’t a Clue in rotation. Brilliant.
• Guardian Daily – A friendly delivery of news, generally in about 30 min shows daily. Don’t read the guardian but for me the tone of the cast is good and informative.
• Radio 4 Choice – one show picked out from the week.
• The Ricky Gervais Podcast – Not listened yet. Previous podcasts have been great if sometimes a little contrived. Looking forward to trying them out.
• Scott Mills Daily – Lets me listen to the week day show, without having to endure the playlist. Can be extremely funny.
• HBO Standup comedy – From my beloved HBO comes short excerpts from their standup shows. American centric but funny as heck. It’s just all over too soon! Still the archives are all there to spread the listening a little further.
• Stephen Fry’s Podgrams – Funny, insightful, indulgent and enjoyable. More often would be nice!
• Wake Up to Wogan – Again, chopping out the music and just cutting to the chase. Again, can be comedy gold and the Janet and John stories are worth it alone.