It's a new year, and a new season of Alpha Waves Radio.

The podcast, which can be found both on Apple's iTunes Store as well as on Podbean, starts 2012 on Jan. 12 with special guests Bob Gebert and Tracy Evans from the popular user-created online series "Beckinfield" at Theatrics.com.

But why just be a casual listener, when you can be a part of Alpha Waves.

Your participation is easy! Turn on your computer's microphone, or open your voice notes app on your smart phone. Record a shout-out for Alpha Waves, email it to us and then listen to upcoming shows to hear when it might be used.

What is a shout-out? It's where important people like you remind listeners they've tuned in to Alpha Waves Radio during a broadcast. Just share your name, where you're from, and add a quick tag for Alpha Waves, and you're ready to go.

For example, you can say, "This is John Smith from Dayton, Ohio, and you're listening to Alpha Waves Radio." Of course, you'll want to change the name and location to your own, unless you really are John Smith from Dayton, Ohio.

You can jazz it up any way you want, and add anything else. Just please remember to keep it under 7 seconds, make sure the recording is clear and audible, and don't add any music or sound effects. The most creative shout-outs go to the front of the line, so take a few minutes to plan what you're going to say first.

We can't guarantee we'll use every shout-out we receive because of the sheer number we'll likely receive, but we will do our best. Just keep listening, as we'll continue to add shout-outs before or after commercial breaks on Alpha Waves Radio throughout 2012.

So grab your recording device, make your shout-out, and email it before Jan. 10 (that's just a few days away!)

If being a part of Alpha Waves Radio wasn't enough, one lucky random winner will also take home a "Wrinkle In Time" 50th anniversary prize pack. It includes an anniversary edition of the book from famed author Madeleine L'Engle, as well as a $50 Visa Cash Card. The 50th anniversary book includes a photo scrapbook, manuscript pages, a letter from 1963 Caldecott winner Ezra Jack Keats, and a copy of L'Engle's acceptance speech after winning the coveted Newbery Medal.

To be entered in that giveaway, include your name and address in your email. You don't have to include a shout-out to enter, but all entries must be received by 8 p.m. ET on Jan. 10. The contest is open only to addresses in the United States and Canada, and the winner will be announced during the Jan. 12 Alpha Waves Radio podcast (and notified by email).

Contest is not open to staff, writers or volunteers of Nexus Media Group Inc.

What are you waiting for? You get a more interactive Alpha Waves, a chance to win one of the most amazing young adult science-fiction books of all time, and you get to kick off 2012 in a fun and exciting way. Get your shout-out in today.