ziePOD

Screenshot of ziePOD on my Desktop

While not strictly an "Italian resource," I always like to identify programs and applications that can be helpful in aggregating your podcasts.  One such program is called ziePod (http://www.ziepod.com).  This easy to use resource is a great way to organize your podcasts -- it downloads them automatically if you want or you can set it up so that it alerts you to new podcasts.  Don't want to clutter your PC with podcast files?  You can also stream them and listen to them on your laptop, desktop or netbook!

I have a small netbook as my primary PC, and this little program doesn't use a lot of resources nor does it slow down my computer.  Another nifty feature -- the program is "smart" in that all you have to do is copy the podcast feed address, and when you go to activate the subscription, it grabs the feed "automatically" from the clipboard.

ziePOD also has support for Ipods, too.

Remember how important it is to practice not only your Italian grammar (conjugating verbs, using pronouns, etc.) but also your listening comprehension!  A great thing about ziePOD is that it provides a summary of the podcast (when provided by the person/people who produced the podcast) and displays it prominently (unlike iTunes which makes it more complicated to read/find).  Reading the summary first can provide with valuable context clues about what you will be listening to and make understanding new words easier.