Some websites and free software to help you get started:

audacity allows users to create and edit their own podcasts.  The download is free and easy to use. Here's how to install.

LAME converts audacity files into mp3 format so that are accessible. This is also free.

jing allows users to make screencasts.  This download is free.

wikimedia  and looperman are great sources for free sound bytes to include in podcasts.

itunes is a user-frendly way to subscribe to and download free podcasts.  The download is free.  This is Apple's way of thanking you in advance for buying an iPod.

skype also allows users to create podcasts and video. Again, free.

Podcast Search Engines and Directories

Podcast Directories