For me, podcasts are one of the few internet-based services I have really come to depend on. Kind of like napster, gmail, Windows Live Messenger et al, podcasts quicky became a permanent and essential part of my "digital existence".
The word confused me a bit at the start, especially in my pre-ipod era, until I realized 'Podcast' is just a fancy word for "audio recording". Subscribing to a 'channel' is kind of like setting a recording timer for a regular radio show - except you don't have to worry about programming any timer - your podcast software (most likely itunes) will download the latest shows for you. 
And you don't need a 'pod' to listen to them - you can choose to just listen to them on your PC, or they can be transferred onto any MP3 player if you know what you're doing (although the simplicity with which my ipod duplicates my itunes setup will probably keep me a hardcore Apple fan for a long time to come). And if you have a video media player (such as the iPod Video) you can enjoy signing up for regular downloads of videocasts (ie. instead of just 'radio shows' you are recording 'tv shows' as well). Not only are podcasts free 'subscriptions', but you are sure to find a podcast on any conceivable topic you might be interested in. A good place to start is here. ( Podcast italiani qui )
Some of my favs are:
Berkeley Lectures - You don't need to physically be in a California lecture hall to enjoy these wonderful talks. Best of all, you don't need to pay the tuition fees! And if, like me, you miss the days where you got out of bed to listen and learn something new (rather than work 9-5) then you can find a compromise here: listen to lectures on your way to work! (well, it's better than nothing!)
Gmail podcast - Nice little short tips and tricks so you can get the most from your gmail account.
Web User Podcast - A fortnightly discussion on all the latest web news, software, sites, and gadgets etc
Kermode - One of the funniest and yet intelligent film review shows.
The PiECast - One of the brilliant things about podcasting is that it's great for language learners
Allocine - A videocast that lets you watch all the latest movie trailers
Podictionary - Every day you can spend 3 or 4 minutes learning the origins of an English word.
Amazon Wire - basically, if you like the stuff on Amazon, you will most likely also enjoy the material here, including the interviews with authors, musicians and actors.
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