"The Word Podcast is the best thing on the net." - actual satisfied freeloader.

We do two podcasts.

The first, which we call the Word Podcast, goes out as near the beginning of the week as we can manage. It generally features Mark Ellen and David Hepworth rehearsing their ancient dance of sexual tension and is recorded, edited, and occasionally interrupted by Fraser Lewry. They are joined from time to time by Word regulars like Andrew Harrison, Kate Mossman, Andrew Collins, Rob Fitzpatrick and others.

Sometimes they talk about music. Sometimes they talk about telly. Very often they talk about just what the hell they feel like. This policy will remain in position until the public have to pay for the podcast, at which point we might take notice of what they allegedly want. If you need further testimonials go to the Word Podcast page on iTunes where many satisfied customers have left their own comments.

"The Word Podcast is the Mary Poppins of podcasts - practically perfect in every way."

That's one. You can listen to the current Word Podcast below and subscribe - for free - directly or via iTunes.

The second podcast, which is called Word Backstage, is sporadic but no less interesting. This 'cast aims to give an artist or an industry figure time to stretch out and explain themselves. So far guests have included Malcolm Gladwell, Neal Stephenson, Pete Atkin & Clive James, Don Felder (the Eagles), the BBC's Mark Cooper, and David Simon, the man who devised The Wire (pictured right).

You can subscribe, again for free, via the XML feed or at iTunes.

This week's podcast: