They're called "Podcasts"

In this segment, David Pierce discusses the roots of the term 'podcast', which emerged in 2004 and was largely shaped by the fusion of the words 'iPod' and 'broadcast'. He reviews key moments from the early podcasting scene, including Steve Jobs’ pivotal introduction of podcasting in iTunes at WWDC 2005, which led to a significant rise in awareness and availability. David notes the light-hearted nature of early podcasters recording in their cars and reminisces about how podcasting served as a democratic platform allowing anyone to share their voice.

David highlights the growth of podcasts from a handful in 2004 to millions today, citing the growth in distribution and consumption through platforms like iTunes. He reflects on the remarkable success of infamous shows like 'Serial', which introduced millions to the podcasting format. The discussion incorporates commentary from James Kiddlin on how changing media landscapes and happens of new funding affected the industry dynamics, noting that while podcasting has exploded in popularity, it hasn’t wholly replaced traditional radio.

David and Kiddlin delve into contemporary definitions of podcasting. Kiddlin suggests that a podcast is essentially any on-demand audio content and discusses the varying formats available. They further explore how modern audiences often consume podcasts on platforms like YouTube, which raises questions about what constitutes a podcast versus traditional video content. David questions the future landscape where video and audio may intertwine, but he reaffirms that a podcast's core value lies in its audio-first approach.

The latter part of the episode turns toward predicting the future of podcasting with expert insights. David and Kiddlin contemplate how technological advancements could alter user experiences, such as through enhanced RSS functionalities and the introduction of transcripts. Kiddlin mentions the importance of maintaining the unique audio-centric identity of podcasts while speculating on whether exclusive content strategies will continue or if a more open model will prevail, favoring broader access.