I think you're definitely on the right lines by recording locally for the reasons you mention. By counting down, you're basically creating an 'audio clacker' in a similar vein to what they do on films (Y'know, the black and white "Take One" thing) to sync audio and video.
I don't think there is going to be any way to avoid this process, unless there is some kind of specific Podcasting software (That'd be cool, actually) that can handle it in software.
How about just fading the track out as you get off topic, then fading back in once you're all onto the next one?
That way you cut out any unnecessary stuff and leaves a distinct audio cue for the next section.
Plus Xen'll be happy.
I see your point, and I do think that even well-composed "jingles" would feel pretty out of place. I was thinking more of 15-30 seconds of intro/outro music, with snippets of it played between segments. I don't know if you'd count that as a jingle or not.
Unless you dispense with structure and just let it be a rambly conversation (which might be fine, that's what makes a great Teh thread after all), then you'd need to either find an organic way to segue from one topic to another or use the jarring "okay enough about games, lets talk about music" kind of line. The fade-out thing might work but it could be a bit strange, especially if you're trying to hear what's being said as it fades.
:D
Nice idea. So, it should a podcast and Xen's critque of the podcast subtly overlaid over the top - that could be enhanced by having him voice opinions etc. live while teh podcast is being recorded. He'd be present but very quietly talking in the background offering words of wisdom on what's just been said.
It'd be like being haunted by a verbose poltergeist. Every so often the participants could try to exorcise him. :-|
That's reminded me of a rumour that certain recordings of Gorecki's Third Symphony have gun shots in the background. I'll have to dig out the CD and see if it's the one I've got.
That'll've been Ken again no doubt, messing around. The little gun-toting scamp.
I'm not sure if scamp translates into 'mercan all that well, you may as well ask him to eat a biscuit in a snikit, and you'll be staring at the same blank expression. :C
Ken - get the name change sorted.