podcast - what software to use

Hi all - a numpty am I in need of some assistance regards the best software to use for downloading podcasts.

I have a (old) Zen mp3 player & was fairly happy with the software for ripping my CDs.  That said, it crashed just over a year ago so i switched to MS Media Player, which i also use for my Sonos system.

However, I recently hit my mid-30s & thought it necessary to start listening to Radio 4 & Radio 2 (sad, i know).  Invariably i miss programs & so started to look into podcasts, but ended up using the software that came with my mobile (a Sony Ericsson) but think this may be a tad limited - it's fine for transferring stuff to my phone & i appear to have activated something called a RSS feed which uploads the podcasts automatically when i open the SE Media software. 

 The question is/are: is this future-proof?  Am i better off downloading iTune, Zune or ZenCast (all ideas direct from the BBC website!)  I can't see myself replacing my Zen any time soon though I would like to buy a NAC (have i got this right) & store the music separately for my Sonos & use something better than mp3 for burning my CDs.

Anyone any recommendations? Yes - I'm a bit of a novice.

Cheers
BD