What equipment/software do I need for podcasting? What is the cost?

While you can buy podcasting software (Adobe has one that is called Audition and Apple has Garage Band), there is a popular open source software, Audacity, which is free and works on all platforms. In addition to the podcasting software, the only other essential piece of equipment is a microphone, which may range in price from under $10 to a couple of hundred dollars. Mesa County Libraries has purchased the Logitech USB Desktop Microphone for $29.99, which seems to more than fulfill our simple podcasting needs.

In addition to software applications that you may download for podcasting, there is also the Odeo Studio which allows you to record your program using their web-interface, and then they will host your podcast for free, eliminating the need for downloading any software, uploading your podcast or worrying about creating an RSS feed for your podcast.