CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Within the past few years, podcasting has become sort of the go-to medium for comedians. There are literally hundreds of hours of free entertainment for one to listen to. There are so many options that the iTunes Podcast page can seem daunting, so here are some of the best to look for:

"The Best Show on WFMU"

Host: Tom Scharpling

This is actually a radio show that becomes available in the podcast format, and it lives up to its name. Each week host Tom Scharpling plays some cool music old and new and then takes calls from anyone who wants to talk to him. The wide array of callers, frequent guest interviews and humorous banter on things such as former game show host Chuck Woolery are some of the best radio available.

But that's not all. Usually drummer Jon Wurster (Superchunk, The Mountain Goats) calls in as one of a large number of characters that interacts with Tom in the fictional city of Newbridge. These comedy bits, which usually last 20 to 45 minutes, are some of the funniest things out there. They're a treat for anyone who is into odd things like the late singer-songwriter GG Allin.

"WTF with Marc Maron"

Host: Marc Maron

When fired from the now-defunct Air America Radio, comedian Marc Maron did one last thing in its broadcasting booth: make the first few episodes of "WTF." Since the podcast's inception in 2009, Maron has seen his highest popularity in his 20-plus years as a comic.

Each week, he sits down with a comedian, or sometimes a musician, and has deep intellectual conversations, proving to people that life's not all about the funny -- sometimes it's about the sad, too. The greatest episode in it's 300+ history has to be the two-parter with Louis C.K., where you can hear the re-kindling of a broken friendship.

"You Made It Weird"

Host: Pete Holmes

It's basically "WTF." No really, Pete Holmes himself has mentioned it, and it's been the subject of many conversations between he and Maron. The major difference is where Maron usually refuses to be silly, Holmes will be to the end of the earth. Despite being similar to "WTF" in basic premise, the two are different enough to be equally enjoyable, and both are great for comedy fans.

"The Fogelnest Files"

Host: Jake Fogelnest

Jake Fogelnest loves weird music, television, movies and Internet videos. I mean he really loves them. He loves them so much that every month at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, he invites a panel of friends and an audience to watch clips and riff on them afterwards.

There's a 90 percent chance you won't know the things presented, but there's also a 90 percent chance you'll be on Google looking for more. Although podcasting is not a visual medium, Fogelnest makes it work. The clips are on a YouTube playlist (www.youtube.com/TheFogelnestFiles), but Foglenest also makes it so you don't really have to watch them to understand the humor.

"That Conversation"

Host: Patrick Felton

This isn't a comedically-toned podcast, though there is occasionally comedy in it. Still, it is worth mentioning. Why? Because it's a podcast dedicated solely to artists within West Virginia.

Host Patrick Felton sits down with people like playwright Dan Kehde, "Radio Free Charleston" host Rudy Panucci and Huntington filmmaker David Smith. It' s a must-listen for anyone who wants to know more about the arts in our state.

Nathan Thomas is a member of Batteries Not Included.