Pandia takes a look at a new podcast search engine and directory.

Although we are still annoyed with all the mindless chatter that takes place in the podcastsphere, we must admit that we have learned to love the possibility of listening to Danny Sullivan talking enthusiastically about search engines and SEO when sitting on a plane to one of Europe’s many cities.

Yes, we travel a lot.

Given that we have iPods we often use the iTunes search engine to find new podcasts. Still, iTunes won’t capture all, and their search result interface is not the best in the world.

Which is why we always welcome a new attempt at helping people find relevant audio and video podcasts. Podanza is an American podcast search directory, with a pleasant Web 2.0 interface and a joyful color scheme.

The home page presents the top directory categories along the top. Below the search field the man column presents featured podcast. This may be advertising, but we don’t mind as the list can tell you about online radiostations you did not know you needed.

In the right hand column you will find Podanza’s most popular directory entries listed.

The search engine result pages are easy to read and not too cluttered.

Each result presents the podcast title, a logo/graphic, a description and a link to a podcast description page. This description page includes presentations of the latest episodes (taken from the RSS feed of the podcast), links to the podcast home page and a “Subscribe via iTunes” link.

Podcast owners can submit their podcasts for free using a dedicated form.

So all in all Podanza gives us a very pleasant user experience.

Any cons? Well, although we did find Danny Sullivan’s podcast, we could find any of the search engine marketing oriented podcasts from WebmasteRradio.fm, which could indicate that the directory does not have a wide enough coverage — yet. It is in beta, after all.

But do check it out!

See also:
Our overview of podcast search engines
Daron Babin on online radio, podcasting and search engine marketing