by Nicholas Nocketback

There’s a new craze that’s sweeping the nation, and no, it’s not the twist or crack cocaine, but it’s just as addictive. Podcasting is a simple and quick way of creating your own content and broadcasting it via the worldwide internet web. For no money at all, one can download free software, called freeware, and record either audio and/or video and cast it out to the world with just one click. This, of course, can be a double edged sword—some people really have nothing clever to say but do it anyhow. On the flipside, there are many witty and entertaining podcasts that are as free to enjoy as the Pope is Catholic.

I talked with Ed Stewart and Adam Wall (a couple of real playas in the game) recently about their local podcast.

NN: What's the name of your podcast? How often do you do it? What's your process, etc?

ES: The name of our podcast is “The view looks good from here, Fresno.” Yes, the comma means we're talking to you, Fresno. During the average podcast for us, which runs around an hour, we say it maybe 3 or so times. But, we definitely plug it like crazy on myspace, Fresno Famous, and other local web venues. The name itself comes from a dream that our friend had about us. If you want to know the story, which some might consider a little blue, you've got to listen to episode 1 of tvlgfhf. Speaking of how often we say our name, people can find our podcast @ http://theviewlooksgoodfromherefresno.blogspot.com/ or http://www.myspace. com/looksgoodfresno

We try and record an episode about every other week. Basically, we just get together and talk about whatever Fresno stuff that's on our minds. We usually spend about 15-20 minutes sketching out what we're going to talk about, and then dive right in. In the long run, we've tried to sketch out about 6 future episodes, with who we'd like to have on and big topics we'd like to cover.

Fresno is sort of a jumping little scene of podcasts right now. Of course, I think TVLGFHF is the dope ish, but there are some other good ones, too. There are some that have been around about the same amount of time as us, and there are others that have been around forever. “Flowing with Famous” (www. fresnofamous. com/blog/flowing_with_famous) dates way back to the creation of the internet and Al Gore's house. Not really, but it's one of the first local podcasts I started listening to. “Dorktown” (mikeseay.blogspot.com) is another great one. They've done 64 episodes over three years, and really have inspired me. And, they've challenged the collective Fresno podcast community to out cuss and out drink them during an episode. Also, Mike Oz from The Fresno Bee irregularly does podcasts featuring local musicians that are pretty good.

NN: Any advice for the copycat killers out there?

AW: If people wanted to start their own, I'd first recommend that they listen to a few others. Hear what people are talking about, different formats like one person, a group, guests, etc. Then, dive in. You can go really low tech with built in computer mics or you can invest in a sound board, nicer mics, etc. You can pick up some pretty decent gear for around $200 and be ready to roll. Also, there is a lot of free software out there for recording audio on the computer. We use Garage Band, but that's mainly because we're both mac guys and had it already. But, it's got several great features and it's pretty easy and intuitive to figure out and then post to iTunes.

NN: How does someone unfamiliar with podcasting go about finding them?

AW: Honestly, iTunes is a great source. When you load up the online store, click on ‘podcasts’ in their menu, and it'll let you search or you can see whatever's hot right now. Not to suckle at the corporate teat, but they have tons of variety and interest. I really got into listening to a podcast that a sports writer I follow does. That led me to a fantasy football podcast (I'm a dork), and then some others. Another good source is if you're reading some of the bigger, hipper blogs. They'll mention one; you give it a listen, and go from there.

NN: For you PC folk there’s a very easy and free software called “audacity” that I use. Google it and download—easier than losing your keys.