If you get lectures, talk shows, or other conversation-focused podcasts over iTunes or RSS, PodShift offers a clever little feed hack that delivers those same shows, only faster—like 1.2, 1.6, or even 2 times as fast.
The site has just two controls, one to enter an RSS feed address (which, if you centralize your podcasts through iTunes, you'll have to grab from your shows' web sites), and another to choose the speed-up ratio. Hit that link, and you'll get a modified feed (for both RSS and direct iTunes clicking) that delivers that feed's MP3s at a faster clip, using a little audio technology to preserve the pitch and just speed the conversational tempo.
It won't sound right on every podcast, especially those with a good deal of music and the like, but if your brain doesn't mind moving a bit faster, and you really want to fit an hour-long show into your 44-minute commute, it's a great little web tool to get that done. Free to use, no sign-up required.
PodShifter [via LH Australia]