One of the best parts of writing my book was having a chance to meet some of the people who produce Mommycast, a podcast for mothers and families. In many ways, Mommycast exemplifies the concept of the “new influencer” because it’s the product of ordinary people who did something great without any help from mainstream media, venture capitalists or other kingmakers.

Early this year, Mommycast split from Podshow for unstated reasons, but it appears their new partner Podango, has got big plans. From a press release due to hit the wires on Wednesday:

“MommyCast and Friends” Network To Launch at Podango MommyCast, one of the most popular shows on the web, by and for women immersed in the fullness of motherhood and life, is launching the MommyCast and Friends Family Channel at Podango as part of an exclusive, multi-station deal with show producer KDCP Networks, LLC., the MommyCast production company. As part of the deal, KDCP Networks will develop “MommyCast and Friends,” a new network of family-oriented audio and video podcasts…

Started in March, 2005, MommyCast. has been featured in the Hollywood Reporter, Washingtonian Magazine, BusinessWeek, Variety magazines and the USA Today. Paige and Gretchen of MommyCast have also been interviewed by CNN, NBC, the BBC, Brandweek and The Wall Street Journal. MommyCast holds the distinction of being one of the first independent podcasts to land a major corporate sponsorship, which came via Dixie Paper Co. They have also established themselves as a member of the Buena Vista Entertainment Press Corps and are sponsored by Walt Disney Studios for family fare DVD movie releases.

MommyCast was the first podcast to do an enhanced podcast review of a movie, March of the Penguins, released by Warner Independent Pictures. MommyCast is proudly represented by The Endeavor Agency, Hollywood, California. MommyCast recently won the 2007 Webby, Best “Family & Parenting” Site category.

It couldn’t happen to a nicer group of folks.