Paul Lehrman's "Insider Audio"  column in the November '05 issue of Mix  magazine has some keen insights into iPods and podcasting technology.  In particular he asks why more people aren't creating podcasts using binaural mic'ing, which gives the listener a much more realistic, "being there," experience.  It's a natural technology for this medium, given that most people listen to podcasts with earbuds/headphones; just about the only way to guarantee that a listener gets the binaural affect.  Check it out at Mix online.

By the way, there are many low- and high-priced binaural mics available.  (Do a Web search on "binaural microphones" and
revel in the results.)  Personally, I use the Soundman OKM series. They fit right in the ears (like earbuds); perfect for recording inconspicuously and priced at around US$ 100.00.