How does a podcast get featured on iTunes?

Mark Glaser wants to know how Apple decides what podcasts are featured in the iTunes Music Store. He contacted Apple, and they declined to comment
(shocking, isn't it?). Mark did find tech specs for the process, but Mark notes that a large number of the podcasts feature Disney properties.

He also notes that no one knows how Apple creates the top lists of podcasts, and until Apple becomes a little more open about the process (good luck, there) the charts and featured podcasts will remain a cipher.