Podasting & Researching/Writing Tools
I’m using Audacity and Celtx as my audio editor and scriptwriting tools, respectively. They both take a bit of learning, but are far easier than high-end software, and they’re both FREE! 
While I’m researching the subjects of the ‘casts on the web, I use Evernote to clip the information I think I’ll use later. Then, once I’m ready to start brainstorming the essays, I use MindManager to play with the ideas and create a logical order to the ideas and information floating around my all-too-chaotic mind.
All the above are free except for MindManager, which is pricey. However, if you like mind mapping, there are free alternatives. Try this site: http://www.collegedegree.com/library/college-life/99-mind-mapping