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Podcast Downloader

Writing · 27 Jan 2025

Podcast Downloader

A Simple, Open-Source RSS Podcast Fetcher

Tired of being constantly nudged toward "more relevant content", I built a script to break free from commercial or closed-source podcast apps. I just wanted a tool that quietly grabs my favorite shows—no fuss, no tracking, no extras. Read this post to learn more; it's free/libre software under GPLv3.

Left: Apple Podcasts, Right: Apple iBooks—both screens dedicate around half the interface to content I didn't request
Left: Apple Podcasts, Right: Apple iBooks—both screens dedicate around half the interface to content I didn't request

Modern apps are optimised for engagement, with patterns to keep you tapping into more content you might like - I hate this. They push recommendations, promotions, or what the app developer wants discovered, overshadowing my own library and nudging me away from my original choices.

So I wrote podcast-downloader, a small Bash script under the GPLv3 license. It uses common GNU/Linux utilities to fetch podcasts from an RSS feed and optionally tag metadata.

Key Features

  • RSS-based: Provide any valid RSS feed URL; the script downloads audio files specified in enclosure-tags.
  • Simple Usage: Just run one command; no extra packages needed (optional id3v2 for tagging).
  • Cron-Friendly: Perfect for adding to your crontab—automated daily or weekly downloads.
  • Open-Source: Available as free software under GPLv3. Fork it, modify it, and share improvements.

Usage

You can find the code, full instructions, and more details here: https://source.willem.com/podcast-downloader/ In a nutshell:

  • Download the script from https://source.willem.com/podcast-downloader/podcast-downloader.sh
  • Make it executable: chmod +x podcast-downloader.sh
  • Specify your feed, download directory, and optional album name: ./podcast-downloader.sh -u "https://example.com/podcast.rss" -d "/path/to/download" -a "My Podcast Album"
  • Schedule in crontab if you want regular downloads.

Conclusion

Enjoy an ad-free, suggestion-free, and completely free-as-in-freedom podcast experience! Feedback and contributions are welcome.

Downloaded podcasts on my A&K audio player—modern Apple nudges ironically sent me back to the old iPod-like design (o sweet irony)
Downloaded podcasts on my A&K audio player—modern Apple nudges ironically sent me back to the old iPod-like design (o sweet irony)

Update: Auscultare, a Unix-Style Android App

Following the Unix philosophy of small, focused tools, I've created the perfect companion for this script. While the downloader's only job is to fetch the audio files, Auscultare is a simple, libre Android app whose only job is to play them and track your progress. It's a classic toolchain where the filesystem is the pipe that connects the two.

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