I was a bit skeptical, but after you read, the money is not just for a podcast.
You could put together a podcast of higher quality then Giant Bombs for about $1000. That includes microphones, XLR cables, mixer, compressor software etc.. No, they won't be Heil PR-40's or anything, but a few Shure SM58's with the correct compressor settings can still sound fantastic.
That said. Idelthumbs seems to be doing more then just a podcast. The money seems to be going to merchandise, hosting, creating a new website, and various things of that nature. Possibly even some custom programming, as well as custom art. Those types of things add up.
Which brings me on to the other comment made in this thread. I like the bombcast, and I like Idlethumbs. I have listened to Giantbomb way more, and it's far from the end all be all podcast.
Many of them are clueless when it comes to many genre's of games. Listening to them talk about things like MMO's and e-sports outside of RTS makes my head hurt. Hearing them neglect the PC, and smaller studios making huge games to push their specific sites agenda, (IE lets talk about our feature), doesn't help much either. I also don't like how segmented everything is, and how canned the humor can be.
I am not trying to bash Giantbomb. Obviously they will push their own sites content, and no, they can't be expected to be an expert in every genre across all platforms. They stick to their style, and have been successful with it, good for them.
The guys at Idlethumbs do something different. Their podcast seems much more like a bunch of guys sitting around, talking, busting balls, and exploring the gaming genre. Although they have segments, it's not as rigid as Giantbomb, they don't care about deviating from the subject to much and are not as careful with what they say.
In the radio business, when all you do is segment, segment, segment show over. It's considered hack. When the flow of the show never changes, it's hack. When you have guests on and interview them instead of talk to them, you are looked at like a fool. When you censor yourself or push a specific agenda, you are not respected. These are all the reasons why radio personalities are running away from terrestrial radio, and jumping on the podcast or satellite bandwagon.
Some shows model themselves after good radio, some model themselves after hacky terrestrial radio. One is the Hendrix of the genre, the other is the Britney Spears. Idle thumbs seems to model themselves after Hendrix, after good edgy radio. Which is why I respect them. Giantbomb is more like a hacky morning drive show.
