Podcast events provide unparalleled opportunities for podcasters and podcast enthusiasts to connect, learn, and grow. These events are perfect for networking, meeting your podcasting idols, forging valuable relationships, and staying current with the latest trends and developments in the podcasting world. Whether you’re looking to learn from industry experts or discover emerging voices, podcast events are a must-attend for anyone passionate about the podcasting space.

And as the podcasting landscape continues to evolve, there are still a host of exciting podcast events of 2024 lined up from June to December. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster, a newcomer to the scene, or an avid listener, these events offer valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and growth. 

Let’s dive into the must-attend podcast events for the second half of 2024.

The Exciting Podcast Events of 2024 Part 2: June -December

June

Podcast Power Up Summit

• Date: 2 June, 2024
• Location: Toronto, Canada
• Event type: In Person 
• Cost: $100

The Podcast Power-Up Summit: Emerging Voices and Industry Innovators is more than just your average podcast event, It’s a chance to hear from, and network with, some of the top experts and podcasters from across North America. And it’s a community where you can exchange ideas, gain insights, and forge meaningful connections that can propel your podcasting journey forward.

You can find out all about this upcoming podcast event of 2024 here.

This Is How We Podcast

• Date: 13 June, 2024
• Event type: Virtual 
• Cost: Free

Over the last 6 months, The Podcast Catalyst has hosted three events specifically for podcasters, attracting the interest of more than 200 people in Cape Town. 

In June, they are making the circle even bigger with a virtual event all about best audio practices. From equalizing to syncing and everything in between, they’re going to show us how it get’s done.

This time, Lindsay Johnson, the sound wizard at Crossfade Studio will lead the session at this event. He’ll unpack the best practices for capturing and editing your audio and show you how it’s done. Get a direct line of sight on how to make your podcasting workflow better. 

You can find out more here.

SA Podcast and Music Festival

• Date: 14 – 15 June, 2024
• Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
• Event type: In Person 
• Cost: R600 + 

The SA Podcast & Music Festival is a brand-new podcast event where brands, businesses, culture, and creativity converge in a celebration of the arts. 

The SA Podcast and Music Event is set to be a landmark gathering for podcasters, music enthusiasts, and industry professionals. Scheduled to take place in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, at Emperors Palace.

This event promises to be a dynamic blend of insightful discussions, live performances, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Find out more here.

International Women’s Podcast Awards

• Date: 19 June, 2024
• Location: London
• Event type: In-Person and Virtual
• Cost: £10-£60 

The International Women’s Podcast Awards is both a podcast awards program as well as a podcast event! The International Women’s Podcast Awards aims to honor and celebrate moments of brilliance in podcasting and the women and people of diverse genders that produce them. 

The submissions have been judged, the nominee shortlists are in! All that’s left now is to celebrate the winners! 

This podcast awards event will take place on the 19th of June, 2024 at the Savoy Place in London, but it will also be a virtual event.

You can find out more about the International Women’s Podcast Awards here.

Related read: Podcast Awards 2024: How to Get Your Podcast Nominated

July

True Crime and Paranormal Festival

• Date: 12-14 July, 2024
• Place: Denver, Colorado
• Event type: In-person
• Cost: $219 – $249 with add-ons available. Find out more here.

Are you a true crime aficionado or a fan of the paranormal? Then you won’t want to miss the 2024 True Crime and Paranormal Festival! This exciting event offers podcast listeners the unique opportunity to meet and interact with their favorite podcasters and content creators in person.

This year’s festival promises an array of crossover collaborations you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a true fan’s dream come true!

As always, there will be live recordings, and engaging panel discussions, and the main draw of the festival is the large Podcast Gallery.

Picture a hall filled with tables representing the best in the true crime and paranormal podcast genres. Podcasters step out from behind their microphones to meet and mingle with fans. Engage in conversations, snap selfies, and create lasting memories with your favorite podcast creators.

Find out more here.

Next up, in August…

August

Podcast Movement

• Date: 19-22 August, 2024
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Event type: In Person 
• Cost: Currently $339 – $639

Podcast Movement stands as the premier podcast conference worldwide. Each year, this event unites thousands of dedicated podcasters and industry professionals from across the globe. It’s a unique opportunity to learn, grow professionally, and, most importantly, evolve and hone your podcasting skills. 

This year, the event takes place in Washington, D.C., and spans over four dynamic days filled with keynotes, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and networking meetups. There are also usually all kinds of fun things like a pre-event day, add-on workshops, as well as some cool parties!

The core content at Podcast Movement is organized into several topic-based tracks, making it easy for attendees to find sessions that align with their interests and goals.

There are three different passes available, all with different price points.

You can find out more here. There are also currently discounts, payment plans, and team discounts available.

Moving on to September we have…

September

Podcast Day Asia

• Date: 3 September, 2024
• Location: Kuala Lumpur
• Event type: In Person 
• Cost: Find out more about registering and tickets here.

Programmed once again by Podnews Editor and Radio Futurologist James Cridland, Podcast Day Asia 2024 is set to be a day brimming with fantastic speakers and invaluable insights. Whether you’re an independent podcaster, or work within the audio or podcasting industry, Podcast Day Asia offers a wealth of knowledge, opportunities to make connections, and the chance to expand your network.

Podcast Day Asia will feature, amongst other cool happenings, a lineup of industry experts who will share their insights on monetization, listener trends, audience growth strategies, and business expansion. Learn from the best in the field and discover the latest technology advancements, especially in AI tools, to enhance your podcasting skills.

You can find out more about this podcast event here.

London Podcast Festival

• Date: September 5 – 15 September, 2024
• Location: London
• Event type: In-person and virtual
• Cost: Find out more here.

In September, head on over to London for the London Podcast Festival. Produced by the UK’s home of live podcasting, Kings Place, the festival features live shows, workshops, meet and greets, panels, and classes to celebrate the art of podcasting, and the best in UK and international podcasting talent. 

Taking place in front of a live audience at Kings Place, the festival is a chance to celebrate the fast-growing popularity of podcasts whilst giving listeners the chance to meet their favorite podcast hosts. A number of the events will be live-streamed to audiences across the world via KPlayer, the Kings Place pay-per-view platform

With its unique blend of entertainment and insights, the London Podcast Festival promises an unforgettable experience for podcast enthusiasts and creators alike.

Find out more about all that’s on in London here.

PODSUMMIT YYC

• Date: 20 – 21 September, 2024
• Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• Event type: In-person 
• Cost: Find out more about tickets here.

PodSummit YYC 2024 will bring together the brightest minds and most innovative voices in Canadian podcasting for two days of networking, learning, and inspiration. Attendees can look forward to a diverse and dynamic lineup of keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, live podcasts, and interactive sessions exploring the latest trends, strategies, and technologies shaping the future of podcasting.

Find out all you need to know here.

International Podcast Day

• Date: September 30, 2024
• Event Type: Virtual
• Cost: Free

Mark your calendars! On September 30, 2024, podcasters and podcast enthusiasts from around the world will come together once again to celebrate International Podcast Day!

Since its inception in 2015, International Podcast Day has grown tremendously, bringing together voices from nearly 70 countries. This special day celebrates the power of podcasts and highlights the global reach and impact of this dynamic medium. Each year, hundreds of hours of audio are broadcast in celebration, showcasing the diversity and creativity of podcasters worldwide.

To get ideas for how you can celebrate, or what’s on the cards for this year’s celebration, click here.

Heading into October, we have…

October

International Women’s Podcast Festival

• Date: 3 -4 October, 2024
• Location: London
• Event type: In-person and virtual
• Cost: Find out more here.

In October, Content is Queen and Spotify are hosting the International Women’s Podcast Festival 2024. This is a two-day event with the mission to unite the global community of female innovators and leaders in podcasting, audio, and broadcasting.

The festival, now in its fourth year, is a celebration of diversity and creativity in the podcasting industry, offering an intersectional experience tailored to help podcasters create and grow in an inclusive and inviting space. It includes live podcast shows, masterclasses, and workshop curation designed to accelerate careers and develop audio skills.

There’ll even be an evening with Sarah Koenig!

Find out more here.

Afros & Audio Podcast Festival

• Date: 18-20 October, 2024
• Location: Baltimore, MD
• Event type: In-person
• Cost: Find out all the information on tickets and passes here.

This year will be the 6th Annual Afros & Audio Podcast Festival. This podcast conference celebrates diversity, creativity, and the indie spirit of podcasting. By attending this podcast event, you’ll be able to connect with like-minded creatives and industry experts, learn from workshops, panel discussions, and a live show. You’ll also join the celebration of the diversity and creativity of Black podcasting, and have the opportunity to grow your podcast with valuable resources and guidance.

You can find out more here.

The Cheerful Earful

• Date: Not yet released
• Location: UK
• Type: In person

Another exciting podcast event still to be added to the 2024 calendar is The Cheerful Earful, the ultimate festival celebrating funny podcasts, both big and small. At his podcast festival, audiences can enjoy live shows of their favorite podcasts featuring all-star guests from the world of British comedy and beyond.

As the UK’s first comedy-podcast festival, Cheerful Earful is a dedicated space to honor the podcasts that make us laugh. It’s a showcase of the nation’s most beloved pods and a platform for emerging shows to connect with new audiences and grow their fan base.

The creators of this festival are committed to establishing and expanding a legacy event that highlights hilarious podcasts, whether they have legions of fans or a handful of loyal listeners. While no exact details have been given for this year’s event, it is promised to return, so stay tuned!

Find out more here.

So Many Podcast Events of 2024 to Look Forward To!

From industry giants to niche community gatherings, the second half of 2024 is packed with podcast events that promise to inspire, educate, and connect podcasters from all walks of life. As the podcasting landscape continues to evolve, attending podcast events can provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a chance to be part of the vibrant podcasting community. Also, who doesn’t love attending events, right?! We’re so excited about the diverse range of podcast events still on the calendar for 2024. Each event offers something unique, catering to various aspects of podcasting, whether it’s technical details, marketing strategies, networking, or just plain fun!

These podcast events of 2024 are not to be missed if you want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in podcasting, expand your network, and gain fresh perspectives. So mark your calendar, book your tickets, and enjoy all the opportunities the world of podcasting has to offer!

This Is How We Podcast is an event by The Podcast Catalyst. And the visionary behind both of these entities is Sean Loots. Sean is still forging ahead, doing incredible things for the podcasting space. Both through the Podcast Catalyst, as well as through his own show, Something Shifted.

I recently interviewed Sean for We Edit Podcasts’ In The Spotlight series. And it was great to hear his insights on the podcasting landscape in South Africa. You can find that post here.

And if you are a podcaster or are in the podcasting space and you want your turn In The Spotlight, reach out to me at jennay@weeditpodcasts.com!

This podcast event was the second in the series of the This Is How We Podcast events, but the heart remains the same, to elevate the status of podcast creators in South Africa. 

But more than that, it’s to create a collaborative space where all kinds of podcasters can glean the wealth of knowledge from those who have been making podcasts successfully for some time already.

The most recent This is How We Podcast event was dubbed “The Storytellers Edition”. Because at the heart of a good podcast is a great story. But you have to know how to tell it! And the guests selected to share at the event are true powerhouses when it comes to knowing how to craft a narrative, whether that’s through audio only or through visuals.

We’ll break that down in a bit. But first…

Sean Loots in Conversation with Podcaster Nicole Engelbrecht

First up, Sean interviewed Nicole Engelbrecht. Now, if you’re a fan of true crime podcasts, then Nicole needs little to no introduction, as she is the creator and host of the True Crime South Africa Podcast. It’s an incredibly popular show, both in South Africa as well as further afield.

And part of the reason why Nicole is so good at what she does is because she’s a master storyteller. Her stories always include lots of human details – this is often the key to drawing the listeners in and getting them to care about the story being told. But she’s also just so good at getting the heart of each story to shine through.

During their interview with Sean, Nicole shared some of the things she’s proudest of on her podcasting journey. Topping that list is the community that she’s built around her show. Her Facebook group currently has over 20,000 members, which is incredibly impressive. But more than that, the group carries Nicole’s heart for telling the victim’s stories and carries her ethos – and this is what makes her community extra special.

Nicole also answered all kinds of questions from the audience. One key piece of advice she gave was how to find your voice as a podcaster. Her best tip is to not try to sound like what you think people want to hear. You have to be yourself. Because you can’t pull off being fake for too long!

Nicole was also asked what’s kept her going for so long – particularly as it was quite a lonely journey for her for most of it. And her answer rings true for all kinds of podcasters – it’s the listener feedback that keeps her producing episode after episode. 

As well as the feedback she receives from the families whose stories she’s telling.

Or when there’s a lead on a cold case! 

My biggest takeaway from their interview was how focused Nicole is on telling the victims’ stories. It’s not about sensationalism for Nicole – which is so easy to veer off into, particularly in this genre. And “storytelling” can be ‘misused’ here to just create hype. But to truly tell the victim’s story requires skill, restraint, and care. And Nicole has this in spades!

Nicole has also just released her second book! SIZZLERS: The hate crime that tore Sea Point apart recently hit the shelves. It shares the horrific story of what is considered to be one of the worst mass murders in SA. It’s another incredibly important story that Nicole felt the need to tell.

Nicole, we wish you all the best as you continue to make waves in the podcasting space and beyond!

Part 2: Visual Storytelling Presentation By Mirandi Nel and Curt Ruiters

The second part of the event’s festivities was a presentation by Mirandi Nel, who runs Stellar Stories, and Curt Ruiters, founder of Quickclick Productions.

Both Mirandi and Curt are incredible visual storytellers in their own right.

And together, they gave a fantastic presentation where they shared the vital elements podcasters need to create a video creator’s toolkit. 

This was a really great asset to this storytellers’ edition of the This Is How We Podcast event, particularly with the rise of the video podcast, as well as the need for podcasters to be able to effectively promote their shows via all the different social media channels. Video is simply just the best way to gain traction on these platforms, but knowing how do to so well is the key!

Mirandi and Curt shared openly and expertly about how to take great images and videos with the simplest of tools. They covered the best phone settings, light set-ups, and so much more, really breaking down any perceived barriers that you need to be a film master to make great videos!

They also opened the floor and fielded all kinds of questions with ease and expertise. They really wanted to impart their knowledge and ensure we all left with way more insight than we came in with!

Once again, the latest This Is How We Podcast event is really just a great snapshot of all that is happening in the podcasting space in South Africa. And it’s just so exciting to see all that is taking place in the country when it comes to podcasting and podcast creation!

But don’t just take my word for it! Here are some snippets and takeaways from attendees as well as from many of the guests of honor!

First up…

Nicole Engelbrecht

“My first few years as a podcaster were pretty lonely so I love these events where aspiring and active podcasters as well as podcurious people all get together in one room. I learn as much from others as they may from me, even when I’m the one speaking at the event and it’s just really nice to network within the community. 

Sean Loots is amazing at putting these events together and his passion for podcasting really comes through. [The most recent] podcast event in particular was valuable for me because of the presentation by Mirandi and Curt. As much as I am super comfortable behind the mic I struggle hugely with video so their toolkit and easy ways to use your phone to create content was really insightful.”

If you love true-crime podcasts, check out True Crime South Africa!

And don’t forget to get your hands on a copy of Nicole’s latest book, SIZZLERS: The hate crime that tore Sea Point apart.

And speaking of Mirandi…

Mirandi Nel

“It was once again a lovely experience to attend the “This is How We Podcast” event. The energy in the room was incredible – podcasters were all eager to share their knowledge and experiences, creating a supportive community. It was also insightful to listen to Nicole Engelbrecht and Sean Loots’ discussion, leaving me feeling inspired.”

Mirandi and Curt’s “video creator’s toolkit” was a really practical lesson for podcasters looking to get into video and visual storytelling. Curt summarizes his vision of their presentation and gives some extra encouragement here…

Curt Ruiters

“In summary, if your goal is to begin creating content and sharing your unique story with the world, the best tool to start with is in your pocket [your smartphone]. There are plenty of tools available to make your content stand out, it just takes a bit of learning. Don’t get left behind and keep learning, it’s fun!”

Michail Petersen

Here’s some feedback from event attendee, Michail Petersen. Michail is a soon-to-be-official podcaster. (You can follow the Their Perspective Podcast Instagram account here as well as his YouTube Channel here in preparation for the launch of the show!) Michail shares what he found most valuable about attending this event:

“Community Support: This is How We Podcast fosters a supportive environment within the podcasting community, where attendees feel valued and encouraged to grow. Through events like these powered by organizers like Sean, podcasters gain practical tools and knowledge to enhance their shows and improve editing and recording techniques. 

(This is where Carli and We Edit Podcasts really helped me way before this event by sending me templates for helping me get guests onto my podcast.) (You’re welcome, Michail!)

Do you want those templates, too? Reach out to us and we’ll send them along!

Collaborative Spirit: The event showcases a collaborative spirit among podcasters, with a shared mission to elevate the industry. Attendees freely shared insights and expertise, contributing to the overall growth and success of podcasting in South Africa.”

And finally, some great feedback from attendee and podcaster, Jared Whitfield, one half of Dumpster Salad…(which is a super fun podcast name, am I right?!)

Jared Whitfield

“As always, the This is How We Podcast event was a super inviting experience that provided a great moment for us podcasters to chat, share ideas, and provide support for each other. Nothing refreshes my excitement for podcasting like these events. The live episode with Nicole was very reassuring and insightful about the care that we need to be putting into our shows, while the presentation about video content creation was a very good basic course on content creation that really leveraged phone technology. It was a great way to introduce creators to how to use video, despite the hesitancy from podcasters who are guarded against the idea of using video.

I have come to look forward to these events for both the potential insights, as well as seeing the podcasters I now get to call friends.

Overall these events never fail to excite me and provide opportunities for us all to grow together. 10/10 event.

XOXO, Dumpster Salad”

One Final Note!

Finally! Another big shoutout to Sean Loots from The Podcast Catalyst for all the work that goes into making a podcast event like this possible. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make it all seem so effortless! So we salute you for all you’re doing for the podcasting space!

And, as always, we’re looking forward to your next event!

Sean is a veteran podcast creator and all-around audio aficionado from South Africa. I recently interviewed Sean for We Edit Podcasts’ In The Spotlight series. And it was great to hear his insights on the podcasting landscape in South Africa. You can find that post here. 

And if you are a podcaster or are in the podcasting space and you want your turn In The Spotlight, reach out to me at jennay@weeditpodcasts.com!

Now, back to my recap. 

The heart behind all of the This Is How We Podcast events is to elevate the status of podcast creators in South Africa. 

But more than that, it’s to create a collaborative space where all kinds of podcasters can glean the wealth of knowledge from those who have been making podcasts successfully for some time already.

In light of this, the latest This Is How We Podcast event took the form of live interviews with some big names in the South African podcasting scene.

First up, Sean interviewed the Jody and Ross, otherwise known as the Bioscope Brasse! The Brasse are nearing their 100th episode – a huge feat in its own right! But in 2023, the Bioscope Brasse made it onto the Apple Podcasts list of Shows We Love in 2023. 

During their interview with Sean, Jody, and Ross shared the ins and outs of their podcasting process. They shared the why and how of their podcasting journey. And they also were really open about the challenges of creating a high-quality podcast.

My biggest takeaways from their interview: 

Keep your why simple. Their “why” was free movie tickets! 

You have to be passionate about whatever your podcast is about. Jody and Ross are SO passionate about films. Their podcast serves as an outlet for that passion. And it’s what brings their listeners in.

Authenticity is key. Jody and Ross have a genuine friendship. They also aren’t trying to be anyone other than who they are. This is why their audience stays.

Editing is crucial. Ross shared how much time goes into editing down an episode. He shared how careful and thoughtful he has to be during the editing process to ensure that their conversation still sounds natural – and if you’ve ever listened to an episode, you’d actually be surprised at how much time is spent editing. The conversation sounds so natural and easy. But this is the result of editing – and editing with your audience in mind – ensuring that you’re offering them value from start to finish.

And Jody and Ross certainly do this! But I’m not just saying that because I’m a fan of their show. Their stats testify to this. They have a 96% listen rate. 96%! This means that their listeners are listening to literally the entire episode – and only drop off before the closing. If that doesn’t tell you you’re doing something right in the world of podcasting, I don’t know what will!

Part 2

The second live interview of the This Is How We Podcast event featured Francois Retief, COO of iono. Iono.fm offers podcast hosting and radio streaming services with audio ad monetization features.

During his interview, Francois shared an in-depth presentation on how to understand podcast analytics and what to do with the data.

Now, if you ever thought analytics were boring, you need to hear Francois speak! His passion for stats shines through all he shares. And he truly makes the numbers become more than just numbers. The numbers are your audience, and understanding the analytics better helps podcasters better understand their audience. The stats also tell you so much about your listeners! And you can then use this knowledge to better your show.

Francois also shared with fantastic but realistic insight what podcasters need to know when it comes to that all-important topic of podcast monetization. 

He gave an honest look at what kind of numbers you should be aiming for if you’re looking to run successful ad campaigns or look for sponsorship. And he also gave practical tips for the type of monetization options on the table for different types of shows.

Perhaps my favorite part of the presentation was what Francois shared on the power and value of audio. This is why we had all gathered together in that room. It’s the power of audio that brought us together. And it was the power of audio that hummed through the air as we all mingled and swapped stories after the interviews. 

This podcast event really was an incredible glimpse at what is happening in the podcasting space in South Africa. And it’s so encouraging to see how the love of podcasts and the pull of the medium are taking root and growing exponentially in the country!

But don’t just take my word for it! I connected with some incredibly cool people at the event, and here is what some of them had to say:

Jonathan Warncke

Jonathan has created many podcasts! They include How To Make a Podcast in South Africa and Off the Grid in SA. Jonathan also serves as the managing director of the South African Podcasters Guild. Here is what he had to say about This Is How We Podcast:

“I really appreciated the format of “This is How we Podcast”. The 1-2 punch of relaxed, engaging conversation with the Bioscope Brasse team and the insightful presentation from Francois struck just the right tone for South African podcasting. 

We’re on an adventure, we’re having fun, but we’re also looking to the future. We’re looking to grow this industry into a vibrant, multicultural force for change, dialogue, and new employment opportunities for South Africans.

Sean is serving the community with his trademark humor, humility, and warmth. I look forward to the next meetup.”

Krystle Kustanovich

Krystle is a Mental Performance Coach. You can check out her podcast, I Never Thought of It That Way here. And here are Krystle’s thoughts:

“Before going to this event, I thought I was failing as a podcaster. 

Turns out I was wrong!!

I’m a baby podcaster. I have:
7 episodes
111 listens
31 subscribers

These numbers usually bother me (they look so little) but [at the event] I learned that I’m exactly on the right track!!!

Stoked to be learning more about this new medium that I find so much joy in!”

Diego Domingo

Diego the Head of Member Affairs for the South African Podcasters Guild. He is also the host and founder of the worshipGear Podcast. This is what Diego had to say about the event:

“I recently attended the This Is How We Podcast event hosted by Sean Loots. It was an incredible event where I got to meet some prominant podcasters in SA, namely the Gen C podcast and Bioscope Brasse. The Bioscope Brasse also had a very interactive and informative chat on how they started which put a lot of things into perspective for me.”

Kate Thompson Davy

Kate is a freelance journalist and sometimes indy podcaster. You can find her journalistic work here. And her podcast “It Happened Here” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all the others. (Kate promises to start making episodes again soon!) Here are Kate’s thoughts on the event:

“The ‘This Is How We Podcast’ event was great – I really enjoyed the first session which was essentially a live podcast recording with the Bioscope Brasse. I was amazed how articulate and smooth they (and Sean) were, completely off the cuff. I really need to up my game in this department to reduce my editing time. The second session about podcast analytics was also extremely informative, and provided the kind of numbers about our industry that are incredibly hard to find. Thanks to Iono.fm for this transparent and informative presentation. I’m not great at networking, but these events make it easy to learn and meet fellow creators. Looking forward to the next one.”

The podcast events provide incredible opportunities for podcasters, podcast creators, and those working in all aspects of the industry to learn, collaborate, and celebrate all things podcasting. 

The next six months are primed to provide awesome opportunities for all those in the podcasting space. And We Edit Podcasts is here to guide you through the excitement with our Ultimate Guide to the Most Exciting Podcast Events 2024 Part 1: January to June

We Edit Podcasts Ultimate Guide to the Most Exciting Podcast Events and Conferences in 2024 – January to June

January 

PodFest Expo

Date: 25-28 January 2024

Event Type: In-Person

Venue: WYNDHAM ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

Podfest Expo is a community of people who are interested in and passionate about sharing their voice and message with the world through the powerful mediums of audio and video.

A fun selling point of this podcast event is the ability to customize your Podfest experience. There are six different topic tracks on offer, and through this lens, you can find the sessions that best suit you and your show best.

Whether you’re new to podcasting or a veteran podcaster looking to innovate and improve your podcast, you’ll find just what you need to learn, no matter your skill level or experience.

February 

PodCamp Toronto

Date: 23-25 February 2024

Event Type: In-Person

Location: Toronto Metropolitan University’s Rogers Communications Centre

Cost: Free

PodCamp Toronto is Canada’s largest and longest-running two-day digital media unconference. It’s an exciting in-person, full-weekend event that’s open to attendees from Canada, as well as from anywhere around the world! 

It’s a free, two-day “unconference” that’s all about sharing knowledge and passion for digital media.

This unconference is for everyone – from the brand-new podcasting hobbyists to seasoned digital marketers. All are welcome and all will find the vast array of discussion topics valuable.

NOTE: While the main events take place at Toronto’s Metropolitan University’s Rogers Communications, the Imperial Club is set to host an unofficial meet-up of our podcasting community on the eve of PodCamp.

You can find out more here.

On Air Fest

Date: FEB 28 – MAR 1, 2024

Event Type: In-person

Location: Brooklyn

Cost: There are a variety of passes and packages available, ranging from $175.00 to $700.00.

On Air Fest is a premier cultural event for audio creatives and inspired listeners. One of the many things that sets On Air Fest is that it has created a unique place to showcase the artists and the storytellers who are defining this moment in audio.  ‍‍

In 2024, On Air Fest will be hosted in multiple spaces in the Wythe Hotel. The event includes special programming, parties, and networking events, the presentation of the annual Audio Vanguard Award, and so much more.

And as always, there’s an incredible line-up of podcast superstars all set to share at the event, making this one podcast event not to be missed!

You can find out more here.

iHeart Podcast Awards

Date: 11 March 2024

Event Type: Virtual Event

Cost: Free

Okay, so technically, the iHeart Podcast Awards falls under the “Podcast Awards” category, but the iHeart Podcast Awards is a really great podcast event!

It’s a fun, star-studded awards show that makes for some seriously great viewing. Our idea of a “podcast event”!

Fans can tune in to watch this year’s iHeartPodcast Awards via a video stream in partnership with YouTube on iHeartRadio’s YouTube channel. 

Related read: Podcast Awards 2024: How to Get Your Podcast Nominated

Radiodays Europe

Date: 17 – 19 March 2024

Location: Munich, Germany

Cost: There are different passes, ranging from 100 EUR + 19% German VAT to 649 EUR + 19% German VAT

Radiodays Europe is the event in the Radio, Podcast and Audio World bringing together over 1,300 visitors from 65 countries over 3 days. This podcast event is the meeting point for the world of radio, podcasting, and audio.

Radiodays Europe as a podcast event in 2024 features sessions including keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive sessions, summits, workshops as well as valuable networking events.

Radiodays Europe seeks to bring more ideas, the best innovations, the latest trends, and comprehensive data that attendees can use at their stations, their podcasts as well as in their audio companies.

Get your tickets here.

March 

Podcast Movement Evolutions

Date: 26-29 March 2024

Location: Los Angeles, California

Event Type: In-Person

Costs: BeginnerPass $194, PodcasterPass $294, Industry ProPass $649 (NOTE: These prices are based on the Super Early Sale and are subject to change as the dates approach.)

Evolutions is the newer event concept from the team behind the famous Podcast Movement (that event will feature on Part 2 of our list, coming out later in the year). Evolutions focuses on an in-depth look at the latest podcasting trends, tech, and developments in the ever-changing landscape of the industry. It’s also a much more focused experience for the attendees. The event has been divided into three distinct tracks Podcaster, Industry Pro, and Beginner. Each track is carefully curated to be a well-rounded offering of discussions covering the spectrum of podcasting.

There are always valuable networking opportunities and a great line-up of keynote speakers. There is also a super cool expo floor well as several social events and fun-filled parties!

Find out more here.

May 

The Podcast Show

Date: 22-23 May 2024

Location: London

Event Type: In-Person

Cost: TBA (‘First Release’ discounted passes go on sale on 8th February 2024!)

The Podcast Show is a unique global gathering of the broad and diverse podcasting community taking place in London in May!

Whether you’re an independent podcast creator, an established industry professional, or a business leader, you can be rest assured this one-of-its-kind event will inspire, power, and support the future of your influential industry at a crucial moment of unprecedented growth and change.

The event is geared to present over 100 leading global brands, technologies, and solution providers, supported by a world-class line-up of inspirational talent and content. For this podcast event 2024, there are day and night events in the pipeline, and we, for one can’t wait to find out more!

Register for the presale here.

Conclusion 

If you can’t tell already, this is one of our favorite posts to put together each year! We think podcast events and conferences are an incredible asset to the podcasting space. They provide a space to learn and grow as podcasters and those working in the podcasting industry. They allow you to meet your podcast idols and provide incredible networking opportunities. But more than all of that (and all of that is REALLY cool!) podcast events and conferences provide you the space to make some really cool friends with some really cool podcasting people.

What events are you attending this year? Let us know! Or did we miss an event? Tell us and we’ll add it!

And while we know you didn’t initially start your podcast with the sole aim of winning awards, there’s an undeniable allure at the possibility of winning an award for your show. Beyond the satisfaction of well-deserved recognition, podcast awards can significantly boost your podcast’s visibility and credibility within the industry. 

So, if you’re looking to boost your show’s recognition, and potentially dazzle dazzle your mantle in sparkly hardware, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of podcast awards programs on the cards for 2024.

Don’t have a podcast yet? No problem! We’ve got you covered with our How To Start a Podcast Guide for 2024! (For All Skill Levels!)

Podcast Awards Programs in 2024

1. The Podcast Academy Awards (The Ambies)

The Podcast Academy Awards, affectionally known as The Ambies, were created to celebrate excellence in podcasting and elevate the awareness and status of podcasts as a unique and personal medium for entertainment, information, storytelling, and expression.

Recognizing excellence in various categories, from storytelling and comedy to news and true crime, The Ambies have quickly become a prestigious acknowledgment of podcasting prowess. Entry is open to production companies, individual producers, creators, and podcast series distributors, given that they have released a minimum of three episodes within the specified timeframe.

While entries for this year’s ceremony are now closed, we can look forward to finding out who this year’s winners will be with the 2024 Ambies ceremony will be held in Los Angeles on March 26, 2024.

You can also check out the replay of last year’s ceremony here! Then keep a look out for the 2025 intake so that you can make sure your show is in the running!

*Costs: In 2023, for members of The Podcast Academy, the entry fee is $150. For non-members, the cost is $200. This information may differ for the 2024 intake.

2. The Webby Awards

While not exclusively dedicated to podcasts, The Webby Awards honor outstanding digital content across various categories and mediums, podcasting included. Podcasters compete in segments like Best Series, Best Host, Best Individual Episode, and a whole host of other categories, making it a highly competitive platform. (You can check out all the podcast-related categories here.)

Also worth noting is that within each category, there are two prizes up for grabs. One is the Webby Winner, who is selected by the members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. The second is the People’s Voice, who selected by the voting public. 

HURRY! The Entry Deadline for this year’s Webby Awards has been extended to Friday, February 9th, 2024! Click here to find out how you can submit your podcast!

*Entry fees differ, please see the guidelines here for further information.

3. Signal Awards

The Signal Awards is a newer addition to the podcast awards scene, with winners of the second inaugural Signal Awards having been announced in October of 2023. While there has been no recent information regarding the 2024 submission window, this podcast awards program is worth keeping on your radar.

The Signal Awards aims to honor those who elevate the standards of podcasting. Submissions involve costs, which vary based on the nature of the submission. So keep an eye out for announcements regarding the 2024 submissions! But in the meantime, you can check out the full list of last year’s winners here.

*Currently, there is no information regarding the fees associated with entering into the Signal Awards program in 2024. However, in 2023, the entry fees ranged between $135 to $855. 

4. The iHeartRadio Podcast Awards

Organized by iHeartRadio, one of the largest podcast platforms globally, the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards are arguably one of the most star-studded podcast awards programs out there! The iHeartRadio Podcast Awards celebrate the best in podcasting, with all kinds of categories ranging from Podcast of the Year to Best True Crime Podcast.

Scheduled for March 11th, 2024, the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards employ a unique approach. A judging panel selects nominees, but it’s the devoted listeners who determine the Podcast of the Year through voting. With over 30 categories, it’s a diverse platform recognizing various genres and styles. And as we mentioned, you can always expect a celeb surprise or two at the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards!

In preparation for this year’s event, check out the list of winners from last year’s awards here.

5. The People’s Choice Podcast Awards

Recognized as one of the longest-running podcast award programs, having been running since 2005, The People’s Choice Podcast Awards celebrates podcasts nominated by their audiences.

More commonly known as The Podcast Awards, the People’s Choice Podcast Awards is open to shows from all over the world, regardless of country of origin or language. 

2024 Annual Awards Registration will open Feb 1st. In the meantime, you can find out more about all the available categories and winners, as well as check out last year’s podcast awards ceremony here.

The awards ceremony usually takes place via a live video broadcast in September, as it coincides with International Podcast Day.

*There is currently no information regarding entry fees for 2024. However, in 2023, the entry fee was $50. 

6. International Women’s Podcast Awards

The International Women’s Podcast Awards is one of the newer awards kids on the block, entering its fourth year in 2024, but it’s definitely one of the cool “kids”! The International Women’s Podcast Awards aims to honor and celebrate moments of brilliance in podcasting and the women and people of diverse genders that produce them. 

The team behind these awards seeks to celebrate the work, both behind the mic and behind the scenes, from the women and non-binary podcast hosts and producers to editors and writers.

Something that sets the International Women’s Podcast Awards apart is that the judging panel doesn’t look at the genre your podcast is in, and they don’t look at how many downloads you’ve had. They’re after those exceptional moments of audio brilliance. 

You can find out more about the International Women’s Podcast Awards here.

* Entry fees will remain similar to 2023, where entry fees ranged between $25 to $60. And once again, the IWPA Bursary will be open, offering complimentary entries and tickets to anyone, worldwide. 

7. The Peabody Awards

Next up, we have the Peabody Awards. The Peabody Awards exist to recognize exceptional storytelling. So although they are not exclusively an awards program for podcasts, several podcasts have been awarded a prestigious Peabody over the last couple of years.

Because of this prestige, there is a rigorous judging process, and winners are selected based on unanimous decisions by the board of jurors.

Entries typically open in October and close by December. You can find out more information here.

*Fees are determined by category and range from $450 to $800 for an individual entry.

The Following Podcast Awards Programs Are Location Specific

8. The Australian Podcast Awards

The Australian Podcast Awards is the largest party in Australian podcasting! This podcast awards program celebrates podcasts that have been made by Australians for Australians.

The entries for the Australian Podcast Awards are all self-nominated. There are also over 20 categories up for awards. Entries can come from independent podcasters, broadcasters, the business community, as well as students and non-profit organizations. 

In terms of the judging panel for this awards program, the judges usually consist of a panel of podcasting experts, but podcast listeners can cast their vote for The Listener’s Choice Award. 

While the information for the 2024 awards is currently unavailable, stay updated on their website or newsletter for submission details.

*There are two types of entry fees for the Australian Podcast Awards (based on the current information on their website, this may for these podcast awards in 2024): 

• 1. Independent podcasters (where the podcast’s turnover is less than $200,000 per year), educational institutions, or charities: $49+GST
• 2. Corporate podcasts (if it’s part of any business/corporate entity, OR is an independent podcaster that earns more than $200,000 per year): $199+GST.

9. The British Podcast Awards

Similar to its Australian counterpart, The British Podcast Awards honor outstanding podcasts produced in the United Kingdom. With categories ranging from Best Comedy to Best New Podcast, these awards showcase the rich tapestry of British podcasting. 

There is a vigorous judging process with a wide variety of categories judged by an independent panel. There is also the Listener’s Choice Award voted on by British podcast enthusiasts.

The 2024 entry period is set to open in February 2024.

10. The Canadian Podcast Awards

Dedicated to recognizing outstanding Canadian podcasts, the Canadian Podcast Awards celebrate the diversity of voices within the Canadian podcasting community. 

Again, there are a wide variety of categories, ranging from Arts, Business, and Health and Wellness, reflecting the breadth of Canadian podcast content.

If you fall in the category of “Canadian Podcast” then you will be eligible to join the Canadian Podcast Awards and find out more about these podcast awards in 2024.

Sign Up For Podcast Awards Programs in 2024!

Again, while we know that you didn’t get into the podcasting space to win awards (hey, even if you did, that’s cool too!) podcast awards programs present a unique opportunity to amplify your podcast’s impact and reach. Podcast awards programs are also an excellent way to meet cool podcasting people, network, and just learn so much about the podcasting industry. Bottom line? Participating in podcast awards, even if your podcast doesn’t take home the gold, fosters connections within the podcasting community and introduces your content to new audiences. 

And that’s what we call a win!

Keep an eye on our socials for updates on additional podcast awards in 2024, and who knows, your podcast could be the next show to take home a shiny podcast award!

Did we miss your favorite podcast awards programs? We’re sorry! Please let us know and we’ll add them to our list!

Related read: How To Win Podcast Awards

But the fact remains that there are all sorts of podcast award programs out there. And it would be cool to be able to see your podcast up amongst the nominee lists. Besides the confidence boost winning a podcast award for all your hard work would be, being the proud host of an award-winning podcast can also do a lot when it comes to furthering your path in the podcast industry.

In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at the podcast awards on the agenda for 2023 and how you can get your podcast nominated. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been podcasting for years, being nominated for podcast awards is a great way to give your show some extra exposure and connect with other passion podcasters in the industry.

So, start penning your acceptance speech, as we take a look at all the Podcast Awards lined up for 2023 and how you can get your podcast on the nominee list.

1. Signal Awards

The executives behind the annual Webby Awards have created a way to celebrate the world of podcasting by introducing the Signal Awards.The inaugural Signal Award winners were announced on the 23rd of January, 2023. So while you and your podcast won’t be able to enter this year, it’s one to remember when submissions open up for 2024.

The Signal Awards seeks to honor and celebrate the people and content that raise the bar for podcasting.

The Signal Award Competition is open to all organizations and individuals involved in the process of creating, running, hosting, managing, maintaining, marketing, or promoting podcasts. There are submission costs involved, and these depend on what you are submitting. You can find out more information here, so you’re ready when entries open.

You can also check out all of the winners from this year here.

And speaking of the Webbys…up next we have…

2. The Webby Awards

The Webby Awards honors excellence in 7 major media types: Websites, Video, Advertising, Media & PR, Social, Apps, Mobile, & Voice, Games, and, importantly in light of this list, Podcasts. 

There are a number of podcast-focused categories, and within each category, there are two prizes up for grabs – one is the Webby Winner, selected by the members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, and the other is the People’s Voice, selected by the voting public. 

There is a submission fee involved, but anyone is able to submit their show. Submissions for this year have been extended and will now close on February 10th, 2023.

You can submit your podcast here.

3. The iHeart Radio Podcast Awards

The iHeart Radio Podcast Awards for 2023 will be taking place March 14th, 2023.

For the iHeart Radio Podcast Awards, the nominees in most of the categories are selected by a judging panel “comprised of blue-ribbon podcast industry leaders, creatives and visionaries,” according to iHeartMedia. But it is the loyal listeners who cast their vote and determine which show will be crowned Podcast of the Year.

You can check out this year’s full list of nominees and the over 30 different categories here. Then keep an eye on their website for all the info on how your show can land on the next set of lists!

The ceremony can usually be viewed on YouTube or Facebook or listened to on @iheartradio.

The race is still on for Podcast of the Year! Take to Twitter and have your say!

4. The People’s Choice Podcast Award

The People’s Choice Podcast Awards – more commonly known as The Podcast Awards – is one of the longest-running podcast award programs. These awards have been honoring podcasters since 2005.

The People’s Choice Podcast Award celebrates podcasts nominated by their audiences and is open to shows from all over the world, regardless of country of origin or language. 

No information on the 2023 offering has been shared as of yet, but keep checking in, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to submit!

The awards ceremony usually takes place via a live video broadcast in September, as it coincides with International Podcast Day.

In the meantime, browse last year’s list of winners and watch the previous ceremony here. 

5. The Ambies

The Ambies are the Podcast Academy’s awards program for celebrating excellence in audio. And one of the main aims of the Ambies is “to honor podcasts as a unique and personal medium for entertainment, information, storytelling, and expression.”

Production companies, individual producers and creators, as well as distributors of a podcast series are eligible for entry, provided they published at least 3 episodes during the designated period.

The submissions for this year have closed, but stay tuned for the nominee announcement, which is set to take place in late January.

Take a look at the rules and timelines here, so you can get your show ready for next year’s nominee submission.

6. The Peabody Awards

The Peabody Awards exist to recognize when storytelling is done well; when stories matter. And so while these awards are not solely for podcasts, over the years, podcasts have been recognized and awarded these prestigious story-telling awards.

Entries usually open around October every year, and close by December. But you can find all the necessary information pertaining to the awards submissions here.

The nominees and winners must be unanimously chosen by the board of jurors, after an intense judging process.

NOTE: The following podcast award programs are location specific.

7. The British Podcast Awards

Yes, that is Idris Elba. The Idris Elba. And this, is the British Podcast Awards.

The British Podcast Awards honors podcasts and podcasters who produce their show in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, or whose content is specifically designed for UK audiences.

There is an entry fee required for your submission, and the nominees and eventual winner in each category are selected by an independent panel of judges, except the Listener’s Choice Award. The Listener’s Choice Award, voted for by British podcast listeners.

No news or updates yet about the program for 2023, but keep coming back to this post! We’ll update it as soon as any new dates drop!

8. The Australian Podcast Awards

The Australian Podcast Awards is a celebration of podcasts for Australia by Australians. The entries for these awards are all self-nominated, and there are over 20 categories up for awards. Entries come from independent podcasters, broadcasters, the business community, as well as students and non-profit organisations. The judges usually consist of a panel of podcasting experts, with podcast listeners eligible to vote for The Listener’s Choice Award. 

There is currently no information available for the 2023 awards, but if you’re an Australian-based podcast, keep an eye on the website, or sign up for their newsletter, so that you’re in the loop when the doors open for this year’s entries.

Check out the impressive list of winners from 2022 here.

In Conclusion

As we said in the beginning, winning podcast awards was probably not your motivation for starting your podcast.

But why not make it one of your podcasting dreams! It can bring recognition, open more doors, and not to mention, give you some pretty cool bragging rights!

Participating in podcast awards is a great way to gain further visibility for your show and amplify its reach, even if it doesn’t come out on top. Podcast awards offer an incredible opportunity to expand your network among other podcasters and introduce yourself and your content to prospective audiences.

A winning strategy, if you ask us.

NOTE: Keep an eye out on this post, as we will update it should other podcast award events open up throughout 2023.

Related read: The Exciting Podcast Events of 2023 – Part 1

2022 has been an exciting year for podcasting. With the industry booming and more content than ever being broadcast across the airwaves, 2022 was a big year for the podcasting space.

Looking back, so much happened over the course of the past 365 days! So much! We had a hard time narrowing down our top moments from the past year. But we did! And we’ve come up with our shortlist of the top podcasting highlights of 2022.

From new technologies to groundbreaking shows, let’s take a look at the podcasting highlights brought to us by 2022.

NOTE: These highlights are in no particular order. They’re simply a collection of some of the standout moments or events that occurred in the audio and podcasting space in 2022.

Podcasting Highlights of 2022

Podnews Report Card 2022

This year, Podnews introduced their podcasting report card as a way to gauge how the major podcasting platforms were doing.

It’s full of some really useful insights, and it also includes comments and feedback from participants, which are definitely worth a read. The reason this is a highlight is because we really value when others in the space are looking for innovative ways to help make the realm of podcasting better.

And the insight gathered from this report card does just that!

You can check out all the facts and figures, as well as the feedback here.

Podcasts on Screen

The role of “podcast host” is quickly growing as a screen credit. And we’re here for it! Over the years, there have been some cool shows where podcasting played a key role. Limetown was a big one.

But possibly the biggest use of podcasting as an actual character on the silver screen is Only Murders in the Building. This gem stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as true-crime enthusiasts who become true-crime podcast co-hosts when a murder happens in their building.

Personally, I loved this series and thought the nuances of podcasts and podcasting were hysterically portrayed. It was fun to see the podcasting trope establish itself as, well, a trope! For someone who listens to a ton of shows, and works and writes in the industry, I found the references very meta, and I loved it!

Here’s to Season 3 in 2023!

Podcasts Deliver Justice

Something pretty incredible happened this year because of podcasts…justice! 2022 was unprecedented in the amount of cases that received closure because they were the subject matter of a podcast.

Crazy, right?!

And this didn’t just happen once!

But let me backtrack a bit…

Adnan Syed

First up, we had the phenomenal outcome for Adnan Syed. His name is synonymous with podcasts as he was the subject of the breakthrough podcast, Serial. The story captured the hearts and ears of the world, but the tale did not receive the storybook ending we were all hoping for.

By the time the podcast ended, Adnan Syed was still in prison, and for the many years since, it looked like that was where he was going to stay. Until 2022 rolled around, that is! News broke in September of this year that Adnan Syed was going to be freed. A mindblowing end to the podcast that started it all.

Read more about the whole story here.

Kristin Smart

The family of Kristin Smart, whose disappearance was the focus of the podcast Your Own Backyard also received closure this year. The podcast reignited interest in the case, which eventually saw Paul Flores arrested and convicted for her murder.

Read more on the story here.

Lynette Dawson

The family of Lynette Dawson, subject of the The Teacher’s Pet podcast also received justice this year. Thanks in large part to the investigation of podcast host and journalist Hedley Thomas, Chris Dawson was eventually arrested and convicted of her murder.

The podcast itself is a very detailed listen, and expertly brings you along on the investigation.

You can read all about it here: How The Teacher’s Pet podcast helped catch and jail a killer.

Podcast Justice

In a slightly different fight for justice, 2022 also saw Elizabeth Holmes, the subject of the podcast The Dropout, convicted of fraud for her role in the Theranos scandal. Later this year, she was also sentenced to more than 11 years in prison.

The Dropout was also adapted into a mini-series this year. Created by Elizabeth Meriwether, The Dropout starred Amanda Seyfried, who expertly portrayed Elizabeth Holmes, and brought the whole saga to life.

Return of International Podcast Day

Another fantastic highlight of 2022 was the return of the International Podcast Day event.

The 30th of September, 2022, saw the official International Podcast Day event in full swing.

There were so many cool events taking place throughout the course of the day. And, once again, the day brought together podcast enthusiasts from all across the globe.

If you missed out on this year’s event, you can catch replays of all the sessions here. And be sure to mark the 30th of September, 2023, on your calendar so you can join in the celebrations next year.

Some of our Favorite Podcasts

2022 also brought us some of our favorite podcasts ever!

Yes! I say it every year. (Which is pretty amazing for the podcasting space if you think about it!) But 2022 definitely delivered in terms of stellar podcasts!

Podcast creators are certainly amping up their editing and taking their story-telling skills to new levels. And this is amazing for the audio space as a whole!

But we really love the shows we got to discover this year! They were from all sorts of niches, and all types of genres (again, this is amazing for the space) and we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it all!

You can check out our top podcast picks for 2022 in this post: A Collection of the Best Podcasts of 2022.

Video Podcasting

2022 also saw video becoming increasingly important to the podcasting space. Video podcasts have been around for a few years, but this year saw them become more popular.

There are many reasons for this. 2022 was a year for video across platforms. And including video in their podcasting offering was a way for podcast hosts to reach their listeners more effectively.

But it was also a clear strategy to connect with new listeners and so grow their audience.

The fact that YouTube came out tops in numerous polls as the world’s most popular podcast streaming platform also added to the push to video.

We do expect to see more podcasters offering video content on one platform or another in 2023.

The Return of In-Person Events

And lastly, 2022 also saw the return of many in-person podcast events! We know this was a 2022 “podcasting highlight” for many in our industry.

For an industry that is pretty solitary, in-person events allow podcast hosts to connect with others who are as passionate about the podcasting space as they are. So much work and effort goes into planning these types of events, and they’re always a ton of fun. But what is really cool is the vast variety of the types of events on offer.

Check out all the events 2022 brought us here and here. And keep an eye on our blog for the lowdown on all the podcasting events 2023 will bring us.

In Conclusion

2022 was another big year for podcasting. We’ve seen huge strides in terms of international recognition, as well as justice being served for those involved in criminal cases. We’ve also seen new ways to get creative with video and audio podcasting, as well as the return of traditional in-person events.

Not to mention podcasts and podcasting becoming a common part of our pop culture!

It’s truly been a year full of new beginnings for podcasting!

And we can’t wait to see all that the future has in store!

So, here’s to 2023! And here’s to podcasting!

What podcasting moments stood out for your this year? Share with us in the comments!

Over this season, we add some Holiday spice to all we do. Our coffee gets a holiday glow-up, our homes and towns turn into twinkly wonderlands, and we’re whisking up food and baked goods that have that distinct “holiday flavor”. Hmmmmm

And do you know what else could get a sprinkling of that holiday flavor?

Your podcast!

It can be a ton of fun adding some festive cheer to the episodes you share over the holiday season.

(Unless of course you’re taking a podcast break, that’s totally cool, too! Check out this post with guidelines for Taking a Podcast Break without Losing Your Listener.)

Even if your podcast typically covers less-than-cheerful topics, or you have a specific format you usually follow, you can still release holiday episodes! They can be standalone titles that you only publish during the holidays. That’s the magic of the holidays!

And this means that any type of podcast can have some festive fun!

So check out our 10 holiday-inspired podcast episode ideas to bring a little holiday flavor to your podcast.

1. Find a Holiday Angle to Your Content

An easy way to bring some holiday flavor to your podcast is to simple find a holiday angle to your usual content.

Wellness podcasts could share strategies for handling holiday stress. (Because as much as the Holidays are about rest and relaxation, there is often a lot of stress involved! Extended family in close quarters, the pressure to find the right gifts, or the anxiety to get all the food “just right” can be totally overwhelming!)

Foodie podcasts can inspire with some great holiday dishes, and business podcasts could over how to handle business aspects over the festive period.

I’ve even heard true-crime podcasts sharing holiday-themed crime stories! No matter your niche, I’m pretty sure you could find a holiday angle to your content. And it’s a great way to add a little holiday flare to your episodes.

2. Share Holiday Traditions

Next up, another way bring some festive cheer to your podcast over the holidays is to share your holiday traditions.

Do you have a Holiday Fun List you work through? Do you watch every new Christmas movie? Or do you revisit a family favorite every December?

Do have particular foods you only eat over the holidays? Do you wear matching pajamas as you roast chestnuts on an open fire? (I dunno really how that’s done, but that’s what the song says?)

Tell your listeners all about it in your holiday-themed podcast episodes, complete with some holiday-centric music and sound effects!

This is a great way to add some fun and nostalgia to your podcast without having to structure the episode in any particular format. It can make for some great holiday listening. But it’s also a fun way to allow your listeners to get to know you a little better.

And so, even though you’re not sharing your “usual content”, these types of fun holiday episodes can help you strengthen the relationship between you and your listeners.

And that’s a real win-win!

3. Listener Input

Alternatively, another idea for holiday-themed podcast episodes is to ask your listeners to share their holiday traditions with you!

Reach out to your audience through your newsletter, your social media, or even your podcast episodes leading up to the holidays, and ask them to share their holiday traditions with you.

Ask them to share their absolute favorite….or their absolute worst!….traditions they do (or are forced to take part in!) over the Holiday Season.

I know if one of my favorite podcast hosts made this request of me, I would totally be on board! Not to mention the added perk of potentially getting featured on one of their holiday episodes! How fun!

This is another great way to build your relationship with your listeners and strengthen your podcast community. So even though you’re deviating from your usual content or your typical format, you will still be taking great strides to achieving your podcasting goals.

4. Explore Holiday History

How did we come to roast chestnuts on an open flame? Why is that so quintessentially “Christmas-y”?

I still don’t know the answer to that. But you could find out and share it with your listeners!

Because our next idea for holiday-themed podcast episodes is to delve into the history of some holiday traditions. You could explore the origins of some of your family traditions, find out how some of the most popular traditions came to be, or you could even go down the rabbit hole and find some of the most bizarre holiday traditions from around the world and share their backstories with your listeners.

These types of episodes can make for great holiday listening. And who knows, listening to your holiday histories might just become some of your listeners’ holiday traditions!

5. Share Holiday-Inspired Stories

Who doesn’t love a feel-good story? But they’re particularly magical during the most wonderful time of the year!

So our next holiday-themed podcast episode idea is sharing some holiday-inspired stories. Be it fictional or fact, feel-good stories have a way of warming hearts, especially over the festive period.

Share your favorite holiday stories, or let your friends and family have a turn on the mic by getting them to share some of their favorite holiday tales.

This could also be an opportunity to ask your listeners to send in their favorite Holiday stories and memories. Again, this can help add a new dynamic to your show while helping you maintain strong relationships with your listeners.

6. Unpack This Year’s Christmas Movie Offerings

The movie industry knows how much we love the holidays! And they totally capitalize on that through their Holiday Movie offerings every year. (Here’s a list of some of the new options for 2022!)

I’m certainly not complaining. I love a good Christmas movie as much as the next person. But let’s be honest, they’re not all good! But sharing your reviews of even the worst of lot could definitely make for good podcast content!

You don’t have to be a movie critic or the host of a film-focused podcast to do a little movie reviewing on your podcast. Remember, it’s the holidays after all!

And if you’re going to be having Christmas movie marathons, why not get some great podcast content out of it, too!

7. Re-Share Listener Favorites

You can also use the holidays as a time to take a podcast break. But if you’re still wanting to keep your podcast going, you could use the holidays as a time to share some of your fan favorite episodes.

The holidays are a time of year when people tend to watch reruns and revisit old favorites. Whether it’s The Santa Clause, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Holiday, or even Mr Bean’s infamous “Merry Christmas, Mr Bean, ” we tend to love a heavy dose of nostalgia during the holidays.

With that in mind, another great episode idea for the holidays is to share reruns of some of your favorite episodes from the year.

Head over to comments, or take a look back at the fan feedback you received this past year to find out which episodes really stood out to your listeners. And use these as re-runs over the holidays. (Just be sure to communicate this to your audience, so they are aware of what’s going on!)

A great idea is to create “extended versions” of these episodes, and share these over the holidays. Add some of the questions or content you cut the first time round.

Then even if your listeners have heard the episode before, they’ll keep listening to hear what’s been added.

8. Blooper Reels

Have you held on to some of your best bloopers from the past year? Great! Then you’re ready for our next idea for holiday episodes…blooper reels!

Compile all those hilarious bloopers and your best outtakes into an episode or two for some comedy gold! Again, these make for some fun listening, especially while you’re cooking up a storm or stringing lights on a tree. But they’re also a super way to strengthen the bond between you and your listeners.

So even though on the surface, you’re providing your listeners with a couple of good laughs, you’re also building your community in a really fun, authentic way, and this is gold in the world of podcasting!

Bonus Tip!

This tip applies both to Idea 7 and 8. If these are idea you know you’re going to want to run with in the future, you can start collecting the content you are going to need throughout the year. That way, these holiday episodes will be that much easier to pull together when the end of the year rolls around, especially if you’re going to be taking a break over the festive period.

9. Throw A Virtual Party

You could also use the Holidays as a time to throw a virtual Holiday Party! You may be taking a podcast break over the festive season, but why not end your podcasting year with a bang by hosting a holiday-themed virtual party for you and your listeners?

This could be a paid event, or a free-for-all, but either way, it could be a really fun way to connect with your audience before the new year rolls around. (Or, BONUS IDEA! Ring the New Year in together with a virtual New Years part?!)

Have a festive dress code, or have everyone sign in with their ugliest Christmas sweater, plan a few games or interactive segments, and celebrate the holiday season with your own holiday party!

Who knows, this could also become a new fan-favorite holiday tradition!

10. Go Off-Script

And finally, Idea Number 10 for your holiday-themed podcast episodes, go off-script…

What do we mean by that exactly? Well, is there a topic you’ve always cover but doesn’t quite “fit” in your usual episode offerings? Or perhaps you’ve wanted to try your hand at another podcast format “just for fun”? Well, then go off-script for your holiday-themed podcast episodes!

That’s the magic of the Holidays! It gives you some leeway to try something new, have a little less structure, and just have a little festive fun!

The holiday season is the perfect time to try something new or out of the ordinary! Just remember to always be clear with your audience about what’s going on. Let them know your episodes will look and sound a little different over the festive season. Be clear in your titles and show notes that these episodes are out of the ordinary or are specifically “for the holidays”.

Do this, and we’re sure you’ll find these special holiday-themed podcast episodes actually strengthen your podcast community!

Related read: How To Host A Successful Virtual Podcast Event

Conclusion

The holidays are a great time to add some extra fun and excitement to your podcast episodes! By following the tips above, you can create holiday episodes that are both enjoyable and engaging for your listeners.

These ideas for holiday-themed podcast episodes allow you to have a little fun as the end of the year approaches, but also provides you the opportunity to serve your audience and connect with them in a new way. So even if a holiday episode veers off your usual podcast path, it can still help you achieve your podcasting goals.

So hang up the holly, and deck your soundproofed walls, and spread some holiday cheer on your podcast this year!

February flew by in a flash! But we can’t say “Goodbye!” to the month of love without showing ourselves a little love…

Why?

Because February just so happens to be our birthday month! We Edit Podcasts turns seven this year! Seven! Talk about time flying by!

And what a grand seven years it’s been! Of course, there’s been many ups and downs, but we’re happy to say that the ups far outweigh the downs, and we’ve loved being able to serve our clients for the last seven years.

We’ve also loved being part of such an incredible industry! The podcasting space is a really special place, and we’re so excited to see how much it’s grown and developed in such a relatively short span of time. And we can’t wait to see all the growth that will continue to happen as more and more people fall in love with the podcast medium.

And while we haven’t had time for a big birthday bash – we’ve been a little busy with some super cool projects we have brewing in the pipeline – we couldn’t let the opportunity for a little celebration to pass us by.

So, in honor of our 7th birthday, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to look back at some of our favorite posts over the years.

1. Top 16 Guides to Help You Start Your Podcast

Industry experience has shown that there are countless benefits to starting a podcast, and that it can lead to growing your business through loyal fans and increased interaction with your target audience.

Building a successful podcast takes a lot of hard-work and commitment through the process. However, as Pat Flynn says “Setting up a podcast is not push-button easy, but it’s not rocket science either!”

If time and effort are put in to your show, your audience will grow, your business will grow and your revenue too. So, let’s look at the top 16 guides to help you start your own podcast.

Read more…

2. 21 Things To Do Before You Hit Record

Some podcasters need little-to-no prep time before diving into the recording of an episode, while others need a routine to get their mind clear of cobwebs and ready to record. Fatigue, a lack of comfort, distractions, and a disruption of routine can all lead to a poor podcasting performance. Now the following list may not be exactly what you need to get in your podcast groove, but you might get a few ideas of new things to try if you just don’t feel comfortable yet! These 21 tips can not only help you in your podcasting but can also aid in improving overall mental and physical health. Check it out, and see which ones help you!

Read more…

3. 17 Storytelling Podcasts To Binge-Listen

Everyone loves a good story; whether it be by movie, book, or, maybe not as popular but just as entertaining, by podcast. In the age of binge watching series on Netflix, comes the medium of podcasting where stories can be told to listeners while driving, running, working out, or relaxing at home. Today we bring you some of our favorite story telling podcasts for your binge-watching enjoyment!

Read more…

4. 11 Steps For Attracting New Podcast Listeners

Every podcast has the goal of growing both in quality and in quantity. Your listener base is what determines your show’s success. So naturally, a big listener base means a more successful show. However, not every podcast is destined for immediate success, in which case groundwork is required! There are a few very effective methods available for you to use that will assist in growing your podcast’s listener base!

Read more…

5. Why You Should Care About Your Podcast Launch

So why should you care about your podcast launch? To make sure you get the most out of all the hard work you put in and give your listeners the incredible content they were looking to find! Keep in mind, even if you have the most successful podcast launch, it might take some time to gain the traction you were looking for. So use your podcast launch as a springboard to set the precedent for what listeners can expect going forward, consistently showing up for them in every way you first set out to! 

Now that we’ve established that your podcast launch is important, let’s dig in a little deeper!

Read more…

6. 8 Top Interview Softwares for Recording Your Podcast Remotely

If you haven’t recorded a remote interview before then the first time might be challenging. But no matter the challenges it shouldn’t stop you from recording high-quality content!

Now the biggest question you’ll have is what are the top recording software and what makes them unique to suit your podcasting needs? 

To help answer this question, we’ve put together a list of the top 8 software for recording your podcast remotely.

Read more…

7. How to Get More People to Actually Listen to Your Podcast

One of the biggest goals most podcasters have is to actually get more people to listen to their show. But how do you do this in a sea of podcasts, especially when you’re just starting out or your podcast just hasn’t taken off like you had expected it to? 

Often times it’s a combination of a few different strategies rather than one single thing that’s holding your podcast back from reaching its potential. It can be anything from low discoverability to a lack of personalization. Whatever it might be, it is time for you to review your podcast and see what changes you can make to expand your audience reach. 

There are a few things you can do to help persuade more people to take the time and listen. So let’s take a look at a few key things to consider.

Read more…

8. 10 Editing Tips to Increase Your Podcast Sound Quality

Any podcaster will tell you that what you’re really after, before you’ve built a strong podcast community around your show, and have gathered loyal listeners who eagerly await each new episode to drop, is a podcast that sounds amazing. High-quality audio is essential to a successful podcast, but great-sounding audio doesn’t just happen. There is a lot that happens behind the scenes in order to produce a stand-out show. We’re talking about the editing process. 

Expert editing can be the difference between a great show and an absolutely amazing show, but it can be a time-consuming endeavor, and you may not feel like you have the skill set you need to really do the job well. Enter, this post, which aims to equip you with some handy editing tips and tricks to help you improve the sound quality of your podcast. And because we only want to give you the absolute BEST editing advice, we’ve had our team of expert podcast sound engineers share their ultimate 10 editing tips to help amp up your podcast sound quality. Get your notebook, your iPad, your bullet journal, or whatever you use for serious note-taking ready – you’re going to want to write these tips down!

Read more…

9.  How to Find New Topics For Your Podcast Episodes

We’ve all heard of writer’s block, and we’re all familiar with runners hitting that dreaded sticking point known as “The Wall”, but what happens when podcasters hit their own invisible barrier and can’t seem to find the needed inspiration to plan more content? And in all honesty, we’re not necessarily headphone laden Da Vinci’s in search of our own personal Mona Lisas! Don’t get me wrong, smiling muses are great and all, but our needs are much more simple – we just need reliable sources of inspo for our podcast episodes.

If you’re with me, and have found yourself in a creative drought at some point in your journey, let today’s article serve as a cool cup of water in the barren desert of ideas as we discuss 3 simple ways to find new topics for your podcast episodes.

Read more…

10. 13 Free Tools for Starting a Podcast on a Budget

So, you want to start a podcast? GREAT! But you’re on a budget? No problem! Creating a high-quality podcast on a budget is a totally-achievable goal! 

We’ve got you covered with amazing tools to help you make your podcasting dream a reality for the high cost of free! Yip! We’re sharing 13 top free tools to help you succeed each step of the way on your podcasting journey!

There’s no time (or money!) to waste! Let’s get right to it!

Read more…

11. 21 of the Best Podcast Directories of 2021

Ever wondered how podcasts get from the podcast host to your ears? Through some cool technology and the use of podcast directories! 

But there are a lot of options available! How do you know which directory you should be using for your podcast? And how many should you be using? To help give you a little more clarity on the subject, we’re sharing this list featuring 21 of the top podcast directories in 2021.

Now onto the list!

Read more…

12. 10 Bad Habits to Break to Take Your Show to the Next Level

Today, we’re talking about bad habits…and I don’t mean that catchy tune by the musical maestro who is Ed Sheeran.

The problem with bad habits is often, we don’t actually know we have them…until they’re pointed out to us. Either by a close friend, a motivational speaker, or sometimes, unfortunately in the case of podcast hosting, by our critics…

The great news is that bad habits can be dropped like, well, a bad habit! And this post is here to help you do just that. We’re sharing the 10 most common bad habits we see podcast hosts struggle with.

Use these to evaluate yourself and your podcast, and you can then make the necessary adjustments to redirect your podcast on the path marked, “Success”!

Read more…

13. 18 of the Best Podcast Newsletters for 2022

Podcast newsletters are an incredible resource for anyone in the podcasting industry. What could be better than thought-provoking articles, breaking news, and insight on industry developments sent straight to your inbox?

So, if you’re seeking great podcast recommendations or simply want to stay up to date with what’s going on in the podcast world, keep reading! We’ve got all this and then some!

In this post, we’ll share some of the greatest podcasting newsletters you should subscribe to in order to receive the newest episodes and stay up to date on all things podcasting.

Read more…

In Closing

What a ride it’s been! We’re so thankful to all our clients over the years, and to all the friendships we’ve formed along the way! And we can’t wait to see what the next trip around the sun has in store!

So, Happy Birthday, We Edit Podcasts! And here’s to many more!

From microphones and headphones to software and subscriptions, gadgets, merch, and more, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for the podcasting people in your life.

Check these out!

1. Gear

For the newbie, would-be, or long-time pro podcast hosts, new podcasting gear is always a great gift! There are the basics for those just starting out, or you could invest in a grand upgrade if you’re wanting to go all out for the occasion!

Here are our top gear gift suggestions.

Microphones

For those just starting out, an entry level mic would make a superb gift. USB mics are great because you simply plug that baby into a laptop, and you’re ready to go!

Popular choices when it comes to USB mics are the ATR2100 or the Blue Yeti. And there’s also the Blue Snowball Ice, which comes in at a lower price point. These mics offer great quality at relatively inexpensive prices so they won’t break the bank.

If you’re looking to really spoil your gift recipient, then you could look at upgrading their mic situation with  the Rode NT-USB Mini Condenser Microphone or the Shure SM58. These are great options if someone is looking to take their podcasting to the next level.

Earphones and Headphones

A pair of earphones is a great gift for podcast fans and podcast creators alike.

A good pair of earphones or earbuds make the podcast listening experience infinitely better! But they’re also perfect for the recording process. And so any quality earphones would make an awesome gift!

But a pair of quality headphones are also an asset, besides helping the podcast host look the part! Two popular headphones amongst podcasters are theAudio Technica ATH-M30x and the Sony MDR-7506.

Other Gear Options

There are also some other gear options that could make for great gifts.

• Mic stands – mic stands help podcasters capture great audio. Different mics have different “sweet spots” and mic stands can help make sure you’re always getting the best from your mic.
• Pop filters – pop filters are a great addition to any podcast set up. They can totally eliminate the popping sound that often happens when speaking into a microphone, making those recordings even better!
• Vlogging kit – this is a fun gift if the podcaster is thinking of branching into video podcasting! A simple vlogging kit could be the perfect gift to get them started.

2. Start-to-Finish Podcast Packages

Wouldn’t a start-to-finish podcast package make the perfect gift? Yes! Yes, it would! And it just so happens We Edit Podcasts, RØDE Microphones, and Spreaker, together with Staples have this on offer!

The package includes a RØDE NT-USB Mini Mic, a free editing-only trial episode from We Edit Podcasts, and one free year of Spreaker Podcast Hosting Services! It really has got everything a would-be podcast host needs to launch their very own show. What a great gift!

The start-to-finish podcasting package is available at select Staples US Retail Locations and retails for $109. For more, follow this link.

3. Subscriptions

Subscriptions are an often over-looked gift idea! But they’re a great option because there are so many options!

If you’re looking for gifts for podcast listeners, subscriptions to premium content on their favorite podcast app would always be a winner! Subscriptions or gift cards to Spotify or Stitcher Premium, Luminary, or Wondery Plus, or to any of the subscription offers available on Apple Podcasts would definitely be a welcome gift!

For the podcast host, why not gift subscriptions to services that will help them take their show to the next level! Whether that’s hosting services from Buzzsprout, show notes and editing services from us at We Edit Podcasts, remote recording services from SquadCast, or even a subscription to Headliner or a similar platform for the ability to create unlimited audiograms, any of these would be a really thoughtful, and much-appreciated gift!

4. Courses

Skill developing and building courses are another totally under-utilized gift idea! Sites like Udemy, Skillshare, or Coursera offer courses on almost everything under the sun! So you’ll have so many options to pick from.

You could focus on podcast-related skills and buy a course for audio or video editing, content writing, or even the basics of blogging or search engine optimization. These may be skills the podcaster wants to develop and hone, and giving these courses as a gift is a great way to get the ball rolling.

But you could also look at personal development courses. There are those that guide you in building good time management skills, ones that help you get organized, ones that show you how to prioritize your schedule and boost your productivity, and there are even courses available which focus on helping you develop good habits and practice healthy self-care. All of which would make for thoughtful gifts.

NOTE: Before purchasing a course or online training program, be sure to do your due diligence by checking what others have said about the course. There are far too many courses promising the world, but which totally fail to deliver. So be sure to read reviews before purchasing these for your loved ones.

5. Podcast Newsletters

Here’s a fun, and a little out-of-the-box gift idea for the podcast hosts in your life…get their podcast on podcast newsletters! There are a whole load of really excellent podcast recommendation newsletters, like EarBuds Podcast Collective, Find That Pod, or Podcast Delivery all of which are great options. Find out how you can submit your loved one’s podcast, and you can surprise them with a mention on an upcoming newsletter.

You could also look into purchasing an advertising spot on podcast industry newsletters like Podnews or the Podcast Business Journal. This is a really thoughtful way to promote their podcast, and a great way to turn your gift into a super surprise!

6. Tickets to Podcast Events

The podcast industry knows how to throw some pretty cool events! And so it follows that tickets to these events would make amazing gifts for your podcasting loved ones!

Again, this is a great gift option for podcast listeners and podcast hosts alike, as there are so many events for each side of the line.

For podcast creators, you could go big and get tickets to arguably the biggest podcast conference of them all, Podcast Movement, which is an incredible conference geared towards helping podcast creators and hosts connect with others in the industry and learn from some of the best in the business. But there are many other options with a range of ticket prices.

To find out more, check out this post: Podcast Events 2022 Part 1: January to June.

For podcast fans, individual podcasts are also often hosting their own events for their listeners! You can attend live recordings of episodes, meet-and-greets with the hosts of your favorite shows, as well as interactive Q&A sessions where you can really get to interact with your favorite hosts.

Make a list of their favorite shows, and do some Internet snooping to find out if any of their top podcasts are hosting live events in the near future. Tickets to these would be a really fantastic gift, on Valentine’s Day, or on any other occasion!

There are also some cool events, such as Crime Con, which, if True Crime podcasts are a firm favorite, tickets to this would be an awesome gift.

7. Podcast Merch

And for our last gift idea? Merch! Who doesn’t love podcast merch! So many much-loved podcasts have now started selling some really fantastic apparel, especially for their devoted followers! This is a fantastic method to show your support for some of your favorite podcasts, while presenting some unique presents! 

There are sites set up specifically for podcasters to share their wares. Podswag has loads of amazing products from so many amazing podcasts! If you’re looking for an amazing podcast-related gift, Podswag will definitely have it! There is also Redbubble, a site where products are designed and sold by artists, which is another great site for unique podcast-centric gifts.

But besides these e-commerce sites, many podcasts have merch for sale via their podcast’s website. If you know the podcasts your intended gift recipient loves, then a little more of that Internet snooping is in order to find out if they have some super cool merch you can give as a super cool gift on any occasion.

Closing Thoughts

For Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or those “just because” gifts, this list has you covered! These gift ideas perfect for the podcast host or the podcast enthusiast in your life…or for yourself because there’s nothing that says you can’t give yourself great podcast gifts!

For those podcast people in your life, these gifts are the perfect way to show you care about their passions, and with the vast range of options available, you’ll have gift-giving sorted for many occasions to come!