Here are a few good articles on intro podcasting equipment. I looked this stuff up while trying to understand what  a mixing board does…

Mixing board, mics, etc.
http://www.jakeludington.com/gadget_envy/20050313_upgrade_your_podcast_for_under_200.html

Recording from the telephone:
http://www.podcastpickle.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11853

I’ll add to this post as I find stuff.