How To Download A Podcast (Foolproof Instructions!)

You've heard a lot about podcasts. Maybe you've even considered testing them out, but you're not quite sure how it all works, and it seems just a bit too daunting. Fear not. Here's a step-by-step guide to downloading anything from that Hume philosophy lecture to Adam Carolla's latest monologue on bachelor parties.

1. Go to the iTunes store on iTunes. Yep, that's where you buy all the other stuff you listen to on your iPod.

2. Click on "Podcasts." You'll find it in the upper left corner.

3. Click on any of the podcast icons or names. They're organized in several ways, including by category, company, and popularity. You usually can't lose by picking something that looks interesting on the "top podcasts" list on the right side.

4. Once you're on a show's page, scroll to the bottom and click on any of the "get episode" buttons on the right side. If you're really confident that you're going to love a podcast, go ahead and click "subscribe" next to the image at the top left. The difference? With a subscription, you'll automatically receive any new podcasts that are uploaded from that point on.

5. Sync your iPod. 

6. Make sure your podcasts are being updated. When you connect your iPod to sync it, your iPod will show up under its own "Device" category on the left side of iTunes. Click on it. Then go to the top of the screen, where you will see a number of tabs, including the podcasts tab. Click on it. Click on "Sync All" of "All Podcasts." Then hit "Apply" again on the bottom right corner.

7. Find your podcast. On an iPhone or iPod touch, click on the iPod button. Then click on "More" at the bottom right to get more options. Podcasts should be on the expanded list. Click on that and you should see the podcast(s) you just downloaded. On other iPods, you may find podcasts under the music or extras category. Select the show you want to listen to, and select the episode from that show, (if you downloaded more than one).

8. Listen!

I'm no tech writer, so if you see an error, please let me know. But this should give even the most fearful iTunes user all the info needed to start listening to podcasts. Enjoy!