This time next week, Podcast Movement will be underway in New York City. There are still a few tickets left if you’d like to join us at Terminal 5!

After months of planning, hundreds of session submissions, and a complete reimagining of what Podcast Movement can look like, we’re almost there.

Podcast Movement takes over Terminal 5 on September 17–18, bringing together creators, industry leaders, platforms, publishers, brands, and the people building what comes next for podcasting.

The schedule is live. The Swapcard app is live. The stages are set.

Now, there’s just one week to go.

First Stop: Times Square

Before we open the doors at Terminal 5, we’re putting Podcast Movement and the people who make it what it is in the middle of Times Square.

On Wednesday, September 16 at 4:45 PM ET, the Podcast Movement attendee logos and show artwork submitted through the event app will appear on the Nasdaq billboard in Times Square.

If you submitted your company logo or podcast artwork, this is your chance to see it up in lights in one of the most recognizable places in the world.

So if you're already in New York, come down to Times Square, look up, and celebrate with us.

Wednesday, September 16
4:45 PM ET
Nasdaq billboard, Times Square

Take the photo. Take the video. Send it to your group chat. Call your mom. This is your Times Square moment.

From Times Square to Terminal 5

We’re kicking off Podcast Movement a night early with the IAB Podcast Upfront After Party, featuring a live performance of Hanging with Doctor Z.

Fresh off a run of sold-out shows, including a Netflix Is a Joke festival live taping with special guest Will Ferrell, Hanging with Doctor Z is taking over the Terminal 5 stage with guests Sam Morril, Dave Hill, Caitlin Peluffo, and Dave Attell. The show will bring its signature mix of comedy, storytelling, and irreverence to Podcast Movement.

Be sure to RSVP here.

Wednesday, September 16
Doors: 5 PM | Show: 6–8 PM
Terminal 5 | 610 W. 56th St., New York, NY 10019

A cash bar will be available throughout the evening.

The next morning, Podcast Movement begins.

Across two days and five stages, we’ll dig into the biggest questions facing podcasting right now: audience growth, video, AI, monetization, brand partnerships, journalism, creator businesses, production, discovery, community building, and where this industry goes next.

You’ll hear from the people doing the work, meet the people you’ve been meaning to meet, and have plenty of time built into the event to actually connect.

And yes, there will be a lot happening. Start planning now.

Download the Swapcard app, build your schedule, update your profile, and figure out who you want to meet before you arrive.

If you haven’t purchased a ticket yet, be sure to get yours here before they are gone!

See You in New York next week! 🗽

Thank you to our 2026 media partners:

We’ve shared quite a bit about the people who will take the stages at Podcast Movement this year. But before we get to our final programming announcements, we want to talk about the people who make Podcast Movement possible in the first place:

You.

The podcasters. The creators. The producers. The companies building this industry. The people coming to New York to learn, meet, collaborate and figure out what comes next.

And this year, we’re putting you up in lights.

Your Podcast. Your Company. Times Square.

If you register for Podcast Movement by the end of the day Friday, September 4, you’ll have the opportunity to submit your podcast artwork or company logo to be featured on the Nasdaq billboard in Times Square during Podcast Movement week.

Yes. Times Square.

We’ve secured display space to celebrate the people and companies coming together for Podcast Movement NYC, and getting included is simple:

1. Register for Podcast Movement.

2. Join the Podcast Movement app on Swapcard.

3. Submit your podcast artwork or company logo through the app.

That’s it.

Your show or company, in lights, in the middle of the iconic Times Square.

The deadline to submit is Friday, September 4.

And with approximately 200 Podcast Movement tickets remaining, we wouldn’t wait too long on this one.

REGISTER FOR PODCAST MOVEMENT

Four Keynotes. Two Days. One Big Stage.

We’ve officially announced all four keynote sessions coming to the Podcast Movement main stage, bringing together new research, some of podcasting’s biggest creators and the platforms shaping where the medium goes next.

Thursday, September 17

The Podcast Landscape 2026

Sounds Profitable Partner Tom Webster will unveil The Podcast Landscape 2026, the fourth annual edition of one of the largest publicly available studies focused on podcasting in America.

Fielded with Signal Hill Insights, this year’s study surveyed 5,400 Americans ages 18+ and offers a fresh look at who consumes podcasts, where they consume them and how those behaviors are changing.

The Fandom Effect: Turning Passion into a Multi-Platform Brand

Immediately following the Landscape reveal, SiriusXM Media brings John Allen — better known as MrBallen — to the Podcast Movement stage.

The host of MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories will join Greg Leader, SiriusXM Media’s VP of Revenue Partnerships, for a fireside conversation about turning passionate fandom into a lasting, multi-platform creator business.

From YouTube to podcasts, social media and live shows, MrBallen has built one of the clearest examples of what it looks like to grow beyond a single platform without losing the voice or audience trust that made the brand successful in the first place.

They’ll dig into where that growth came from, how fandom translates into a sustainable business and the role the right platform partner can play in reaching audiences everywhere.

Friday, September 18

WTF is a Podcast in 2026?

It might be the question our industry debates more than any other: What actually counts as a podcast in 2026?

Arielle Nissenblatt and Lauren Passell are bringing that debate to the Podcast Movement stage, but they’re not answering it alone.

Throughout the event, their crew will be roaming Terminal 5 asking attendees questions including: How do you consume podcasts? What is overhyped right now? Can you name five podcasts in ten seconds? And, of course, WTF is a podcast?

On Friday, Lindsey Weber will join Arielle and Lauren on stage as they reveal what the Podcast Movement community had to say before opening the conversation to the room.

What's Next for Podcasts on YouTube

Closing out our keynote lineup is Steve McLendon, Head of Product for YouTube Podcasts.

He’ll take the Podcast Movement stage to share what YouTube is building next for podcasters, including an audio-first listening experience designed for audiences on the move and new tools that will help creators turn long-form episodes into highlights and Shorts.

Podcast consumption is changing quickly. We want the people building the platforms audiences use to be part of the conversation about where it goes next.

You’ll hear directly from one of them Friday at noon.

Start Podcast Movement Early on Wednesday Night

Podcast Movement officially kicks off Thursday, but we’re starting the party a little early.

The IAB Podcast Upfront takes place Wednesday, September 16, and its official after party is happening at Terminal 5 from 6–8 PM, with doors opening at 5 PM.

Admission is included for anyone holding a ticket to Podcast Movement, the Sounds Profitable Business Summit or the IAB Podcast Upfront.

We’ll have a live taping of Dana Gould’s Hangin’ with Dr. Z, with support from JoneKiri. Dr. Z will, naturally, be conducting his interviews in full Planet of the Apes makeup.

Joining him on the couch are: Sam Morril. Dave Hill. Caitlin Peluffo. And more surprise guests.

REGISTER FOR THE AFTER PARTY

This Is Podcast Movement NYC

September 17–18. Terminal 5. New York City.

Two days. Five stages. More than 80 sessions.

Creators, publishers, advertisers, platforms, producers and podcast leaders from across the industry.

No expo hall. No pay-to-play sessions. Not one second of stage time was purchased.

And tickets are just $199 for both days.

There are now fewer than 200 tickets remaining, and registering by Friday also gives you the chance to put your podcast or company in lights in Times Square.

This is going to be a big week for podcasting and we hope you’re part of it.

GET YOUR PODCAST MOVEMENT TICKET.

See you in NYC 🗽

Thank you to our 2026 media partners:

Hi, {{first_name | friends}}!

Podcast Movement takes over Terminal 5 in New York City September 17–18, and you can now start planning exactly how you'll spend your time with us.

The full Podcast Movement schedule is live, featuring two days of sessions across five stages covering audience growth, video, AI, monetization, advertising, creator businesses, production, community building, podcast discovery and much more.

That means it's time to start building your personal agenda.

📅 Build Your Podcast Movement Schedule

This year's lineup brings together creators, publishers, advertisers, executives and technology leaders from across the podcast ecosystem.

You'll hear from leaders at NPR, Planet Money, Higher Ground Productions, Acast, beehiiv, CBC, WaitWhat, Lower Street, Signal Hill Insights and more alongside independent creators and experts bringing entirely new perspectives to the Podcast Movement stages.

And we've got some big conversations planned for the main stage.

Keynotes Announced So Far

🎙️ WTF is a Podcast in 2026?: We Asked, You Answered.
Tink Media’s Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt take on a question that somehow gets harder to answer every year: What actually counts as a podcast in 2026? Expect a conversation about how video, creators, platforms and changing audience behavior are reshaping the medium and what that means for the people making podcasts.

📊 A First Look at The Podcast Landscape 2026
Sounds Profitable's Tom Webster will take the stage to unveil brand new research offering a first look at The Podcast Landscape 2026 and what the latest data tells us about the state of podcasting today. Stats and jokes, as always, in this fast-paced State of the Podcast Union!

And there's more to come.

→ Explore the full Podcast Movement schedule

🤝 Start Networking Before You Get to New York

The Podcast Movement networking app, powered by Swapcard, is also officially live.

If you’ve bought a ticket, you’ll be automatically added to Swapcard. Once you log in, you can complete your profile, see who's attending, connect with other members of the Podcast Movement community and start scheduling meetings before you ever walk through the doors at Terminal 5.

We've intentionally redesigned Podcast Movement to help put the right people in the right rooms. Swapcard gives you the opportunity to make those connections even more valuable by identifying who you want to meet and getting time on the calendar now.

🗽 Have Your Logo in Times Square

We will be celebrating Podcast Movement sponsors and attendees with a billboard in Times Square. Be sure to buy your ticket and upload your logo to Swapcard by Friday, September 4 to see your logo or show art light up in Times Square that week.

🐝 Schedule a Podcast Newsletter Checkup

Have a podcast, a newsletter, both?

Our friends at beehiiv are offering 15-minute Podcast Newsletter Checkups during Podcast Movement.

Request a session with the beehiiv team to get personalized guidance on strengthening your podcast and newsletter strategy or learn more about hosting your podcast directly on beehiiv.

It's a quick, one-on-one opportunity to bring your questions directly to their team and leave with ideas you can actually put to work.

→ Request your 15-minute Podcast Newsletter Checkup

🎉 Don't Forget: Your Ticket Includes Wednesday Night

Your Podcast Movement registration also gets you into the official IAB Podcast Upfront After Party on Wednesday, September 16 at Terminal 5.

We'll kick off Podcast Movement week with a live performance of Hangin' with Dr. Z featuring comedians Sam Morril and Dave Hill, with more special guests still to be announced.

Then we'll be back at Terminal 5 Thursday morning to get Podcast Movement underway.

🎟️Register here  →  https://drz-iabpodcast-afterparty-registration.lovable.app/ 

Haven't Gotten Your Ticket Yet?

Now that the full schedule is out, you can see exactly what you'll be missing.

📅 September 17–18, 2026
📍 Terminal 5 | New York City

Come for the sessions. Come for the people. Come ready to leave with new ideas, new relationships and a clearer view of what's next for podcasting.

🎟️ Get your Podcast Movement ticket → https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/pm26/registration

Hi, {{first_name | friends}}!

With more than 8,300 votes already cast, there's still one week left to help shape the Podcast Movement 2026 program.

More than 750 session submissions from 500+ speakers from around the world are competing for a spot on stage this September 17–18 in New York City, and public voting closes July 21.

This year, for the first time, 50% of the conference agenda will be decided by the podcasting community, with the remaining 50% selected by an independent committee of industry leaders representing organizations including Signal Awards, The Podcast Academy, Podnews, SXSW, Podcast Review, Quill Podcast Awards, Audio Fiction Conference, The Black Podcast Awards, and the International Women's Podcast Awards.

If there's a speaker or session you want to see in New York, now's the time to make your voice heard.

To vote:

• Visit https://podcastmovement.fider.io/

• Search for a speaker or session.

• Open the session page and click "Vote for this Idea."

Have a session in the running? Share it with your community using our graphics generator to create a custom image and encourage your audience to vote.

Then make sure you're there to see the final lineup in person. Podcast Movement NYC will take over Terminal 5 this September, bringing together the biggest names in podcasting for two days of education, networking, and industry-defining conversations.

Tickets are selling quickly, so be sure to secure yours today before they're gone.

We'll see you in New York this September!

— The Podcast Movement Team

Hi {{first_name | friends}}!

More than 750 session submissions from 500+ speakers around the world are now one step closer to the stage during Podcast Movement this September 17-18 in NYC.

Now we need your help.

This year, we're introducing a new programming model designed to make conference selection more transparent, more community-driven, and more reflective of the people who make podcasting what it is today.

How Programming Works

The Podcast Movement 2026 schedule will be built through two equally weighted selection processes:

🗳️ 50% Community Vote

Every eligible session has been published for public voting here.

To cast a vote for a session:

1. Visit https://podcastmovement.fider.io/

2. Enter the speaker or session name in the search bar.

3. Select the session to open a new page.

4. Click "Vote for this Idea."

The highest-voted sessions will make up half of the final conference agenda.

🤝 50% Selection Committee

The remaining half will be selected by a public committee using a published evaluation rubric designed to prioritize content quality while building a program that reflects the breadth of today's podcasting industry.

The inaugural committee includes:

• Alice Florence Orr, Podcast Review

• Ami Thakkar Ravi, The Podcast Academy / The Ambies

• Anne Baird, Audio Fiction Conference

• Demetrius Bagley, The Black Podcast Awards

• Fatima Zaidi, Quill Podcast Awards

• James Cridland, Podnews

• Lauren Passell, International Women's Podcast Awards

• Peter Lewis, SXSW

Tickets for Podcast Movement NYC are on sale and going fast. Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out.

Thank you for your help in building Podcast Movement NYC, we can’t wait to see you in the Big Apple this September!

-The Podcast Movement Team

Hi {{first_name | friends}}!

Today's the day.

Speaker submissions for Podcast Movement NYC close tonight, and once they do, the lineup starts taking shape.

If you've been thinking about submitting a session, sharing a case study, teaching a strategy, or bringing a fresh perspective to the community, this is your last opportunity to get it in.

Why Speak at Podcast Movement NYC?

From September 17–18 in New York City, Podcast Movement will bring together creators, producers, editors, marketers, executives, and podcast professionals for two days dedicated to the future of podcasting.

Whether your expertise is audience growth, production, monetization, video, marketing, storytelling, or building a sustainable business, we'd love to hear your idea or ideas for a talk.

Our Selection Process

We believe great ideas can come from anywhere.

• 50% of sessions are selected by community vote. Submit your idea, share it with your audience, and let the community help shape the program.

• 50% are selected by an independent review committee using a published rubric that evaluates content quality while prioritizing diverse voices, experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.

You don't need the biggest show or the largest following. You just need a session that will help fellow creators leave smarter than they arrived.

⏰ Speaker submissions close tonight.

Submit your session here.

Join Us in NYC

Even if you're not speaking, now's the perfect time to secure your spot.

General Admission tickets are just $199 and include:

• Access to every conference track and session

• Networking events and community activities

• Every live evening podcast recording

• Everything Podcast Movement NYC has to offer

We'll see you in New York this September 🗽

The Podcast Movement Team

Hi {{first_name | friends}}!

There’s just one week left to submit your session for Podcast Movement NYC.

From September 17–18 in New York City, Podcast Movement will bring together working creators, industry leaders, and podcast professionals for two days focused on what matters most: making better shows, growing audiences, building sustainable businesses, and navigating the future of podcasting.

If you have a story to share, a lesson you've learned, a strategy that's working, or a perspective the industry needs to hear, now is the time to raise your hand.

Submit Your Session By June 30

Our speaker selection process is designed to be fair, transparent, and open to creators at every stage.

• Half of the schedule is selected by community vote. Submit your idea, share it with your audience, and let the community weigh in.

• Half of the schedule is selected by an independent committee using a published rubric that prioritizes content quality alongside diversity of voice, experience, perspective, and background.

You don't need a massive audience, a chart-topping podcast, or years on the conference circuit. You need something valuable to share and a clear understanding of who will benefit from hearing it.

Speaker submissions close in one week.

Submit your session idea here.

Tickets Are On Sale Now

Now is the time to secure your spot for Podcast Movement NYC.

General Admission tickets are available for $199 and include:

• Access to every conference track and session

• Networking events and community activities

• Full access to all live evening podcast recordings

• Everything the event has to offer, with no tiers or upsells

This year's event will cover every discipline that matters to a modern creator: craft, growth, monetization, production, distribution, video, community, and the business of building a show worth listening to.

Grab your ticket today.

We'll see you in New York this September. 🗽

The Podcast Movement Team

Hi {{first_name | friends}}!

Podcast Movement is back for 2026, and is taking on the Big Apple this fall on September 17 and 18.

Over the course of the two days in NYC, we’ll have multiple tracks with sessions covering every discipline that matters to a working creator: craft, growth, monetization, production, distribution, video, community, and the business of running a show worth listening to. Plus live podcast recordings each evening that put you in the room while your favorite shows get made.

This is not an introduction to podcasting. It’s where people who take their work seriously come to make it matter more.

Buy Your Ticket Today

Tickets are on sale now for $199.

General Admission is the only path to a ticket this year and gets you everything: all tracks, all sessions, all networking, and full access to every live evening recording.

No tiers. No upsells to see the good stuff. But this year’s tickets are extremely limited, and when they sell out, they’re gone.

Grab your ticket today

Submit Your Session.

The Podcast Movement speaker selection process has been redesigned, and is built to be fair and transparent with the intention of elevating the most impactful discussions. You don't need a big show, a big following, or a long résumé. You need something worth saying and a clear sense of who benefits from hearing it.

Here's how it works:

Half the schedule is chosen by popular vote. Submit a session, share it with your community, and let the audience decide.

Half the schedule is chosen by a community selection committee using a published rubric that prioritizes diversity of voice, perspective, and background alongside quality of content.

We're building the most diverse speaker lineup in podcasting, on purpose. That means creators of color, creators from underserved communities, creators working in niches the other conferences usually overlook, and creators at every stage of their journey. Not as a gesture. As the whole point.

Submit your session idea here.

We’re so excited to be back with Podcast Movement like it’s never been before, and we can’t wait to be there with you.

See you in NYC in September!

The Podcast Movement Team

Hello and welcome back!

Thank you again for being a part of the very first Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW! The event may be behind us, but the content and the impact the connections made in Austin is just getting started.

Watch the Sessions On Demand

Miss a panel? Want to revisit a standout moment?

Sessions from throughout the weekend are now live on the Podcast Movement YouTube, featuring the creators, executives, and industry leaders who took the stage at Evolutions during SXSW.

Explore All Event Photos

We also have all of the event photos now live, including sessions, activations, and candid moments from across the weekend.

You can see and download all of the event photos here.

To Our Sponsors

A final thank you to the partners who helped bring Evolutions to life at SXSW:

Acast, ADOPTER Media, AdsWizz, Airwave Media, Amazon Music, ART19, Audacy, Castbox, Colture, Companion Network, Display.io, ESPN, Hill Country Podcast Network, Locked On Podcast Network, Magellan AI, mowPod, Mynt Agency, Nielsen, Nueva Network, Nomono, NPR, Oxford Road, Red Seat Ventures, Right Side Up, SAG-AFTRA, Simplecast, Soundstack, Supporting Cast, and YouTube.

We hope to see you all in Austin again next year!

Till next time,
Team Podcast Movement

This week, the podcast industry takes over SXSW.

From March 13–15, Podcast Movement Evolutions will host three days of conversations, keynotes, and creator meetups at the Sky Box on 6th, right in the middle of SXSW. If you're attending the festival, this is where the podcast and creator economy community will be gathering.

Across the weekend you’ll hear from leaders shaping the future of podcasting, video-first media, and the broader creator economy  with programming that explores how podcasting continues to evolve across platforms, formats, and business models.

Whether you’re a creator, executive, advertiser, or just someone curious about where the industry is headed, you’re invited to join us.

Voices Shaping Culture

Evolutions is bringing together some of the most recognizable voices across podcasting, entertainment, and the creator economy for a weekend of conversations, performances, and live experiences.

Taking the stage:

• Penn Badgley (You, Gossip Girl), appearing live with Companion

• Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings, Stranger Things, Rudy, The Goonies), delivering the Sunday keynote and sharing his perspective as President of SAG-AFTRA

• MrBallen (John Allen), one of the most successful storytelling creators in podcasting

• Maya Hawke, actor and creator exploring new forms of audio and video storytelling

• Kensington Tallman, rising voice in creator-led entertainment

• Allison Dunbar, actor and creator

• Shaan Sharma, entrepreneur and creator economy commentator

• Kaya Yurieff and Jasmine Enberg, co-founders and hosts of Scalable

The weekend will also feature appearances and performances from Andy Grammer, Ayana Butterfly, and JJ & The Mood, along with creators from shows including Science and the City, We Love You, and In The Hyphen.

And to close out the weekend, Oxford Road’s Independent Creator Awards will take the stage Sunday night, hosted by Killer Mike, recognizing standout creators including Steven Bartlett, Theo Von, Tim Ferriss, Caleb Hearon, Kendall Rae, and Hala Taha.

You can see our full lineup here to begin planning your schedule.

Schedule Update

The Friday evening cocktail hour and panel discussion with Red Seat Ventures and Audiochuck will now begin at 4:10pm. The event will still run until 6pm when the live performance of Table Read begins.

A Quick Note on Attendance

Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW is free to attend, and no ticket is required.

That said, space at Sky Box on 6th is limited and we expect strong interest throughout the weekend. Entry will be first come, first served, and some sessions may reach capacity, so arriving early is always a good idea.

For those who are not able to make it to Austin or into the Sky Box, all sessions will be recorded and posted to the Podcast Movement YouTube channel after the event.

Made Possible By

Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW is supported by:

Acast, ADOPTER Media, AdsWizz, Airwave Media, Amazon Music, ART19, Audacy, Castbox, Colture, Companion Network, Display.io, ESPN, Hill Country Podcast Network, Locked On Podcast Network, Magellan AI, MowPod, Mynt Agency, Nielsen, Nueva Network, Nomono, NPR, Oxford Road, Red Seat Ventures, Right Side Up, SAG-AFTRA, Simplecast, Soundstack, Supporting Cast, and YouTube.

We can’t wait to see the podcast community come together in Austin.

See you soon at SXSW. 🎙️

See you soon!
Team Podcast Movement

Podcast Movement Evolutions is just around the corner and we could not be more excited for this year’s event to be a part of the official SXSW programming.

Recently added to the lineup:

• Penn Badgley (You, Gossip Girl) joining Companion for a live appearance during an already stacked weekend.

• Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings, Stranger Things, Rudy, The Goonies) delivering the Sunday keynote. Beyond his iconic acting career, he currently serves as President of SAG-AFTRA and brings a powerful perspective on creators, labor, and the evolving media ecosystem.

• Apple will present the Saturday keynote to spotlight its new video podcast experience on Apple Podcasts, including support for HLS video, which is a major leap forward in how audiences discover and engage with podcasts across formats.

Friday Opens with Community and Scale

Programming begins Friday with an address from Tom Fox, Founder of The Compliance Podcast Network and Founder of Podcast Movement Evolutions' honorarium program for community driven sessions.

This will be followed by a keynote from Steve McLendon, Product Lead for YouTube’s podcasting initiatives. Under his leadership, YouTube has grown to more than one billion monthly active podcast viewers and redefined how podcast discovery, engagement, and creator tools scale in a video-first world.

Saturday Night: Companion Takes Over

On March 14, you’ll experience Companion Presents: In Good Company, an evening built for creativity and connection amid the SXSW chaos.

The night includes:

• An intimate acoustic set from multi-platinum artist Andy Grammer

• A conversation with Penn Badgley

• Appearances from Science and the City, We Love You, and In The Hyphen

• Performances by Ayana Butterfly and JJ & The Mood

• Programming inspired by voices like Rainn Wilson’s Soul Boom and Christiana Mbakwe-Medina’s Pop Syllabus

More Voices Shaping Culture:

Throughout the weekend, you’ll also see:

• MrBallen (John Allen)

• Kensington Tallman

• Allison Dunbar

• Shaan Sharma

• Maya Hawke

And on Sunday evening, you’ll close out with The Independent Creator Awards Show from Oxford Road, hosted by Killer Mike. Nominees include:

• Steven Bartlett (The Diary of a CEO)

• Theo Von (This Past Weekend)

• Tim Ferriss (The Tim Ferriss Show)

• Caleb Hearon (So True With Caleb Hearon)

• Kendall Rae (True Crime with Kendall Rae)

• Hala Taha  (Young and Profiting)

This Is Where Audio, Video & Creator-Led Media Converge

Podcasting isn’t evolving quietly. It's accelerating across audio, video, live experiences, and creator-driven businesses. At Evolutions, you’re not watching that shift happen. You’re in the room with the people building it.

Made Possible By

Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW is supported by:

Acast, ADOPTER Media, AdsWizz, Airwave Media, Amazon Music, ART19, Audacy, Castbox, Colture, Companion Network, Display.io, ESPN, Hill Country Podcast Network, Locked On Podcast Network, Magellan AI, Mynt Agency, Nielsen, Nueva Network, Nomono, NPR, Oxford Road, Red Seat Ventures, Right Side Up, SAG-AFTRA, Simplecast, Soundstack, Supporting Cast, and YouTube.

Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW is free to attend.

You can check out the full schedule and register now on the Podcast Movement website.

See you soon!
Team Podcast Movement

They say everything is bigger in Texas and that goes for Podcast Movement, too!

New talent has officially joined the lineup for our Evolutions event during SXSW, bringing even more energy to what’s shaping up to be one of the most dynamic gatherings in podcasting, media, and creator culture.

Who You’ll See On Stage

You’ll experience Maya Hawke, singer-songwriter, musician, and actor, as a special guest during a live recording of the Broken Record podcast. The live podcast performance will blend storytelling, music, and conversation in a way only SXSW can deliver.

On Saturday, March 14, Companion Podcasts takes over the stage for a full evening of live performances and reflective storytelling, headlined by an intimate acoustic performance from multi-platinum artist Andy Grammer. It’s designed to cut through the SXSW chaos and create a rare moment of connection between creators and audiences.

These additions build on an already standout lineup featuring MrBallen (John Allen), Kensington Tallman, Allison Dunbar, and Shaan Sharma, alongside a full weekend of live podcast recordings, conversations, and unforgettable moments.

What You’ll Experience

From March 13–15, 2026, the Skybox in downtown Austin becomes a hub where creators, platforms, advertisers, and media leaders come together, right as audio collides with every other form of media.

Across the weekend, you’ll find:

• Live podcast recordings and performances

• Conversations shaping the future of creator-led media

• Networking across podcasting, media, and advertising

• A Friday evening cocktail hour from Red Seat Ventures featuring Audiochuck CEO Matt Starker on building and monetizing creator businesses beyond podcasting
  

All supported by industry leaders including Acast, Adopter Media, Airwave Media, Amazon Music, ART19, Audacy, Castbox, Colture, Companion Network, Display.io, ESPN, Locked On Podcast Network, Magellan AI, Mynt Agency, Nielsen, Nomono, NPR, Oxford Road, Red Seat Ventures, Right Side Up, Soundstack, and Supporting Cast.

Make Sure You’re Registered

If you’re planning to attend Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW, take a moment to confirm your attendance so we know to expect you.

👉 Complete the attendee registration form here

More talent and programming announcements are coming soon — and you won’t want to miss what’s next.

Talk soon!
Team Podcast Movement

Welcome back!

We hope your 2026 is off to a strong start. This year marks a big evolution for Podcast Movement, one that begins this March in Austin.

For the first time in Podcast Movement history, Evolutions 2026, produced with Sounds Profitable, will be officially embedded within SXSW programming. From March 13–15, we’ll take over Sky Box on 6th Street in downtown Austin, bringing creators, platforms, advertisers, and media leaders together to explore podcasting’s expanding role across culture, business, and entertainment.

What does this look like for attendees?

Evolutions 2026 is about showing up, plugging in, and being part of the conversation. Attendees can drop into panel sessions with industry leaders unpacking where podcasting is headed and how it’s intersecting with the broader media ecosystem in real time. Expect big ideas, practical takeaways, and conversations that don’t happen anywhere else.

You can also book time in our podcast recording studio, capturing both audio and video right from the heart of downtown Austin. Between sessions, we’ll host receptions and happy hours designed for easy networking, casual meetups, and the kind of spontaneous conversations that tend to become the highlight of SXSW.

First wave of SXSW talent announced

We’re excited to share the first look at Evolutions programming at SXSW:

• Acclaimed storyteller MrBallen kicks off Evolutions stage programming on Friday

• A new Discovery Track featuring 10-minute spotlight talks from voices shaping podcasting now

• A morning keynote presentation from YouTube, spotlighting the future of the medium

Live programming throughout the weekend will also include a reading of The G.Y.M., a script by AFF and Webby Award–winning writer and director Dani Hanks, performed by Allison Dunbar, Emmy-nominated Kensington Tallman, and Shaan Sharma. Additional live performances include Scalable, hosted by creator-economy experts Kaya Yurieff and Jasmine Enberg, with more announcements coming soon.

Introducing the Discovery Track

For the first time, Evolutions will debut a Discovery Track, which is a series of short, 10-minute talks that open each programming block. These talks are designed to surface fresh ideas and perspectives across business, creativity, and culture, with each day following a distinct arc:

Day 1 – The Power of the Medium (March 13)
Ami Thakkar (The Podcast Academy)
Bridget Todd (Unbossed Creative)
Greg Glenday (Acast)
Kate Navin (Audible)

Day 2 – The Creative Engine (March 14)
Cassie Jozefov (Violet Hour Media)
Blythe Terrell (Science Vs, Spotify)
Leital Molad (WaitWhat)
Jasmine Fluker (The Pivotal Paradigm Project)

Day 3 – The Future of Attention (March 15)
Rae Votta (Creative Content Expert)
Krystle Waters (Pilot Podcasts)
Ernest Owens (Ernest Media Empire)
Mary Williams (Sasquatch Media Grounds)

“The business of podcasting has matured dramatically, but its role in the broader media ecosystem is still evolving,” said Bryan Barletta, President of Podcast Movement and Partner at Sounds Profitable. “Embedding Evolutions within SXSW creates space for real conversations about growth, measurement, creativity, and where podcasting fits next.”

Who you’ll see there

Evolutions 2026 is supported by leading brands across media, technology, and advertising, including YouTube (Keynote Presenter), Acast, Amazon Music, Airwave Media, ART19, Audacy, ESPN, Magellan AI, NPR, Oxford Road, Supporting Cast, and many more.

A few important notes

Evolutions is free and open to the public as an official SXSW activation. The venue operates under capacity limits and may reach capacity during peak hours. SXSW badge holders receive priority entry; non-badge holders may experience wait times. Advanced registration does not guarantee admission.

We’re excited to bring Evolutions into this next chapter and can’t wait to experience it alongside you in Austin. More programming and speaker announcements are coming soon. For now, mark your calendar for March 13–15 and get ready to join us in downtown Austin at SXSW.

– The Podcast Movement Team

Podcasting is having an identity moment. The industry has never been more visible, more adopted, more legitimate—and yet it's also never felt more uncertain. Old assumptions are being questioned. New questions don't have easy answers.

At Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW 2026, we're dedicating three days to the conversations that matter most right now. And we want your voice to help shape them.

We're looking for 10-minute talks that will kick off panel discussions across our programming. These aren't product pitches or show promos—they're provocations, perspectives, and hard-won insights meant to set the table for deeper conversation.

The Themes

Mature and Fragile Podcasting is simultaneously a grown-up industry and one that feels like it's standing on shifting ground. What does sustainability look like when the landscape keeps changing? What assumptions need to be thrown out? What needs to be protected?

The Undervaluing of Creative In an industry built on storytelling, creative work often gets treated as an afterthought—underbudgeted, underappreciated, and rarely part of the business conversation. What would change if we centered creative? What are we losing by not doing so?

Global Voices, Local Truths Podcasting is a global medium, but the conversation often isn't. We want perspectives from outside the usual markets—insights on what's working elsewhere, what representation actually looks like in practice, and how the industry can better reflect the audiences it serves.

What We're Looking For

We'll select talks based on:

• Diversity of background, perspective, and experience

• Quality of thought—not polish, but substance

• Relevance to the theme

• Contribution to the arc—how your talk connects to the larger conversation across two days

Podcast Movement Evolutions is a free event, co-located at SXSW, which will reach hundreds of publishers, buyers, and brands. No passes are required. Chosen submissions will work with Podcast Movement to create a killer 10-minute talk, and all speakers will receive a $500 honorarium in addition to entry into the event.

How to Submit

Submission Link

Deadline: December 31, 2025 

We can’t wait to see many of you in Austin this March. For those of you in the states, have a great Thanksgiving, and we’ll talk with you soon!

The Podcast Movement Team

Sounds Profitable was started with the goal of giving the podcast industry the research, advocacy, and community-focused connective tissue it desperately needed as it rocketed through the boom of the last five years. So when Podcast Movement acquired Sounds Profitable, and Tom and I found ourselves leading the events that have defined podcasting's professional ecosystem for more than a decade, we understood immediately: this is not just about the opportunity to grow a business. It’s most importantly about the responsibility to do right by an industry that is still fighting for attention. An industry whose support is what made what we do relevant. 

And we don't take that responsibility lightly.

If you're wondering what that means in practice, let me be clear: it means our success isn't measured in ticket sales or sponsorship revenue. It's measured in whether we're actually doing right by this industry—by supporting creators of all sizes who are building out their own companies, by the established businesses betting on audio, by the adjacent industries we're trying to convince that podcasting matters.

And while some of the things in the past have worked, it’s time to shake things up a bit when it comes to the areas that fell short before.

Here's What's Happening at SXSW 2026

From March 13-15, 2026, we're merging the previously stand-alone Podcast Movement Evolutions with the growing three years of events Sounds Profitable has been running at SXSW, making something even bigger. We've taken over Skybox, an event space right on 6th St, with capacity for over 400 people providing ample seating to enjoy the content, open spaces to network, lounges for companies looking to entertain, and access to food and drinks all day long.

Across those three days we’re running four official panels each day that align with SXSW's scheduling. Which will include 10 minute presentations submitted by and voted on by the Podcast Movement community. We're hosting morning socials, lunch gatherings, and evening happy hours. At night, we're bringing in live performances.

And here's the kicker: there are no Podcast Movement ticket requirements to join us. While this is an official SXSW partner event, we're opening registration to everyone—SXSW badge holders and non-badge holders alike. We're asking everyone to pre-register so we can manage capacity and keep you updated, but registration is free and there's no cost to attend.

No Podcast Movement ticket. No SXSW badge requirement. This is an official SXSW partner event, fully listed in their schedule, but we're opening the doors with capacity as the only limitation (which is why we are asking for pre-registration, as you’ll see below).

Choosing to forgo ticket sales and our own fully hosted event was not an easy decision, but it was absolutely the right decision with our goal of making it possible for podcasting to continue to show up in a way that can’t be ignored.

We Know This Works Because We've Already Done It

At Advertising Week New York this past October, we built our own stage and welcomed over 1,600 unique people across just two days. We packed the house for nearly every panel, to the point where we had to ask for more seats, additional speakers, and sectioned off more of the space so people could be part of the conversation. We saw so many new faces. People from advertising, marketing, brands, the exact audiences podcasting needs to reach as well as our peers in advertising technology and most importantly influencer and creative spaces. We've done similar activations at SXSW for the past three years which proved out fully that showing up works. Consistency works. Momentum works.

That's why this year is bigger and stronger. That's why we're making this the new home for what Podcast Movement Evolutions can be—not just for the podcasting industry, but for the talent, entertainment, advertising, and influencer communities that SXSW attracts so brilliantly. These are marketing professionals and creators, people stepping into their careers or supporting those they admire. This is where podcasting needs to be. We already do a fantastic job of talking to ourselves. Now it's time to be in bigger spaces and put further effort into building spaces that attract the people we want to meet.

What We're Building

A big goal for us in this new era of Podcast Movement is transparency on the panel selection process along with announcing panel selection as early as possible. That provides attendees with the opportunity to block off the sessions they absolutely want to make and guarantees that the panelists can all attend as planned.

SXSW will be a proving ground for that. Each of the four full 1 hour SXSW sessions will kick off with a 10-minute presentation slot. These are open for anyone to submit to. You pitch your ideal solo presentation, your peers vote on the best ones, and the selected speakers get our team's full support to make sure they’re ready to go. We are currently building a submission form for these 10-minute presentation slots, stay tuned for a future announcement when it’s ready and live.

As our event doesn’t require a ticket, we’re working to establish an honorarium for the selected speaker, as a thank you for buying in to something new. Similarly, we’re working to put together a committee to establish the theme for each day, to help guide the types of content that is being submitted and make it more accessible for you to find the story you want to tell that connects your expertise to what this moment needs.

Beyond the content, we're creating space for the kind of connections that actually matter. Morning energy with breakfast. Midday conversations over lunch. Evening happy hours where we’ll finally let them serve booze. And at night, live performances that remind us why we fell in love with podcasting in the first place.

The Values We're Not Compromising On

We're following SXSW’s diversity guidelines for panel composition, not only at this event but as the starting foundation for all of our productions. We wanted to bring it one step further, so we’re also instituting a panel maximum of four people, including the moderator. And we're committed to not having the same person speak more than once at our events.

We know this puts pressure on companies that feel they only have one person equipped to represent them publicly. We are working hard to find resources and solutions that we can provide to help train up and support new voices. This is something we're taking incredibly seriously.

It’s also important to remember that any event happening during SXSW has to clear a higher bar. People can go to dozens of other competing activations, live performances, presentations, you name it. If the content on our stage isn't entertaining, compelling, informative, and enjoyable, expect that those people will find there way elsewhere. We're putting in the effort to support speakers in hitting that bar, and we're being more involved in the content creation process because we know what's at stake.

Accessibility matters. While we believe that being at our events is the most valuable way to interact with the podcast industry, all of our content will be freely and publicly available. We're exploring livestream possibilities, working to turn around videos and photography faster than ever, and refining this process with every event. It won't cost you anything. It'll just be there.

One last thing: we want to do more for the Podcast Movement community. We’re exploring how we can highlight independent podcasters live at the event, taking advantage of space on walls or screens when they’re not being used to display show art, descriptions, and QR codes to drive more listeners. We’re also really interested in having unique merch at each event. We’d love to talk with digital artists already in the podcasting community to develop a process that is fair and openly defined, relating to submissions, voting, ownership, and profit sharing.

Let's Be Honest: This Is Different

If you loved the hotel-based format of Podcast Movement, 2026 is going to feel like a departure. Evolutions specifically toggled between being creator-focused and business-development-focused due to the rapid changes in the space from it’s  pre-COVID launch to this year.

But here's what we're betting on: if this works, if the panels land, if the networking delivers, if the happy hours grow your network, if the live performances hit, we'll be able to expand in ways that better serve all of you. More importantly, we're carrying this mission-driven mindset into New York in September of 2026, where we'll overemphasize earned panels and keep paid opportunities to a minimum.

This is about proving what we're capable of. About showing that when you prioritize the industry over the bottom line, you build something that lasts. 

Come Find Us

This is as affordable, if not more affordable, than any Podcast Movement event we've run. 

To help us plan for the best possible experience, we're asking everyone to register in advance. This free registration helps us:

• Communicate directly with you about scheduling, speakers, and any last-minute updates

• Manage capacity at our 400+ person venue responsibly

• Understand who's coming so we can make the event even better

To pre-register, simply fill out this form.

SXSW badge holders will have priority access, but we're committed to welcoming the broader podcasting community as space allows. If you're local to Austin or traveling in specifically for this event, registration will help us keep you informed about capacity and timing throughout the weekend.

The lack of ticket requirement, flying into a major airport, and being over a weekend should open up more doors, with the only limitation being the hotel prices can creep up a bit. It's our chance to prove that podcasting deserves to show up where it thrives, not just where it's comfortable.

While you don’t need a ticket to attend, we do have sponsorship opportunities that we’d love to explore with you if you’re interested. I have now personally bought sponsorship at dozens of events in the past five years of running Sounds Profitable and each time I do, I identify what I could do better both in value and price. While podcasting is main stage attention-wise right now, our budgets aren’t always the same. So being an industry body with an events arm puts us in a position where we understand your needs, budgets, and success metrics far better than pure event companies.

We’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback, ideas, and of course to talk about any opportunities where we can collaborate.

Proving to all of you that we’re here in service of this space is going to take time, but we’re not backing down.

If you're interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kristy Scott at kristy@podcastmovement.com

This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Wiland

Greetings PM Family!

We're excited to announce that all the recordings from Podcast Movement 2025 are now live and freely available to everyone. This was a much larger undertaking than we’ve done before, which led to the delay on our end.

At the last minute, Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable came together to make the decision to film and edit all of the stages for video, not just the main stage. And we didn't want to provide panels with presentations that excluded the presentation slides. That process complicated things, but we're happy we got it done. We've learned a lot and expect the process to be far smoother for future events!

We also want to thank the two sponsors that made this happen.

Supporting Cast, a longtime partner in helping us distribute the audio version of the recordings as podcasts for the last several years. Their platform provided us with the insights to know that the demand for this content to a greater audience was high!

And thank you to Flightcast, the video podcast hosting platform that makes it seamless to distribute this content across all the major audio and video platforms without having to manually upload to each of them.

We hope you find this valuable, that you share it with your friends and colleagues, and most importantly, that you follow along with our upcoming announcements around Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW 2026 and our main event, PM26 in New York City coming September 2026.

PM25 Sessions Are Now Live!

Missed PM25 or couldn't see everything? No worries! Every keynote, panel, and breakout session is now available to watch anytime, anywhere. Catch up, rewatch your favorite moments, or explore insights with our curated playlists for each track. The full PM25 experience is just a click away!

Looking to grow your podcast audience or boost ad performance? Wiland delivers predictive, high-performing audiences built for media success. Contact Heidi Thibodeau today: hthibodeau@wiland.com

Learn More

Podcast Movement Events in 2026

Podcast Movement has big plans for next year. We’re teaming up with SXSW in Austin for Podcast Movement Evolutions this March, bringing podcasting into one of the world’s most creative festivals. Then, in September, our flagship Podcast Movement 2026 event will take place in New York City for the very first time.

With our new partnership with Sounds Profitable, these events will continue to grow as the premier places where creators, brands, and the broader media world come together.

Missed the merger announcement? Read all about it!

Thank you for being part of the Podcast Movement community. Whether you’re catching up on PM25 sessions or making plans to join us in 2026, we’re excited to keep growing and learning together. Stay tuned for more updates soon!

Chat later!
Team Podcast Movement

Todd Cochrane during his Podcast Hall of Fame acceptance speech at Podcast Movement 2015

Hi everyone,

We’re pausing our usual newsletter this week to remember our friend and industry pillar, Todd Cochrane.

Todd, the founder and CEO of Blubrry, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 8, 2025. He was 61. Our hearts are with his family, his Blubrry colleagues, and the thousands of creators he encouraged over the years.

When we launched Podcast Movement back in early 2014, Todd and the Blubrry team were among the very first to support us. Todd, and his longtime collaborator and co-host Rob Greenlee, helped spread the word at a time when we were just an idea and a Kickstarter link. That spring I joined them on The New Media Show for the first time (episode #35), and I’d return just about every year after. Their belief in what we were building helped us get off the ground, and I’ve never forgotten it.

Todd Cochrane on-stage in August 2025 at Podcast Movement 2025

As so many have shared these past few days, Todd could be outspoken. But even when he disagreed with you, or challenged your view on something, his intentions were unmistakable: do what’s best for podcasters, especially independents. Sometimes that meant good business for Blubrry, and sometimes it meant sending people elsewhere because he thought it would serve them better. That kind of clarity and generosity is rare.

I’m especially grateful that just a few weeks ago we had the chance to host Todd as a speaker and exhibitor at Podcast Movement in Dallas, where he and I had a long, unhurried conversation. Events can trick us into thinking we’ll always see the same faces, year after year. We never know when a conversation will be the last one, and I’m thankful for that time with Todd.

Todd Cochrane inducting Rob Greenlee into the Podcast Hall of Fame at Podcast Movement 2017

If you’d like to celebrate Todd’s life and legacy, here are a few meaningful places to start:

1. The New Media Show – Final memorial episode (Rob Greenlee with Adam Curry, Rob Walch, and Mike Dell):

   https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AxYggKz2h/

2. Todd’s obituary in Podnews (by James Cridland, with contributions from Rob Greenlee):

   https://podnews.net/article/todd-cochrane-obituary

3. Blubrry’s in-memoriam post:

   https://blubrry.com/podcast-insider/2025/09/09/blubrry-founder-todd-cochrane-in-memoriam/

Todd made podcasting bigger, better, and more open. We’ll miss his voice—and we’ll do our best to honor his example.

Dan Franks
Co-Founder, Podcast Movement

This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Patreon

Welcome back!

What an incredible week at PM25! From inspiring keynotes and packed educational sessions to nonstop networking and unforgettable parties, this year’s event was one to remember. Whether you were singing along at Patreon’s dueling pianos or tuning in for Arielle and Lauren’s fast-paced Keynote, the community showed up in full force to learn, connect, and celebrate podcasting together.

Check out the highlight video if you missed it (or if you were there to see if you can find yourself)!

This week, we’re sharing some favorite moments from Dallas, plus big news about the Sounds Profitable x Podcast Movement merger. And if you’re waiting for the full audio and video session recordings—stay tuned, we’ll have details for you next week!

Let’s get into it!

Podcast Movement x Sounds Profitable: More Access, More Opportunities, More Community

If you haven’t heard the big news: Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable are joining forces!

So what does this mean for you?

• More opportunities to learn & connect – For Evolutions 2026 in March, we’ll be teaming up with SXSW to host new industry-focused programming alongside the main festival, bringing even more ways to grow and connect.

• Recordings for everyone – Beginning with PM25, all sessions will be recorded (audio + video) and made freely available online. No more extra passes needed, just open access for the whole community. (Read more below)

• Bigger stage for podcasting – In September 2026, Podcast Movement will take place in New York City, putting podcasters and the industry right in the heart of the media world.

This merger is already making headlines in places like Axios and Forbes, showing just how big a moment this is for podcasting.

Together, we’re building something that brings podcasters, creators, and the industry closer than ever. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to share what’s next with you.

PM25 Session Recordings Coming Soon

Couldn’t make it to every session at PM25? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Like we mentioned above, every keynote, panel, and breakout was recorded in both audio and video.

Next week we’ll share exactly when and how you’ll be able to access them, so you can catch up on what you missed, rewatch your favorite moments, or dive back into the insights anytime.

Stay tuned… the full PM25 experience is coming straight to you!

"Patreon has given us the freedom to have our own careers. That is the best and most satisfying thing about the growth of the show.” - Chapo Trap House

Learn More

iHeart Podcasts & Pickleball

The iHeart Party at Chicken N’ Pickle on Tuesday night was packed with energy and laughs! Attendees showed up in workout clothes, brought their own paddles, and jumped right into pickleball, ping pong, and nonstop fun. With an open bar fueling the excitement, it was a night full of friendly competition, high energy, and great memories!

Sunset Cruise with Libsyn & Podscribe

On Wednesday evening at Podcast Movement, Libsyn and Podscribe co-hosted a sunset lake cruise just minutes from the Gaylord Texan. The event brought together clients, partners, and industry peers to celebrate a successful year for both brands.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate,” said Rick Selah, Chief Revenue Officer at Libsyn. “The blazing sunset was the perfect backdrop for so many engaging conversations.”

Pete Birsinger, CEO of Podscribe, added: “There was nothing cooler than spending a warm Texas evening on the water with so many industry leaders and pioneers.”

Patreon’s Dueling Piano Party

The Patreon “Off the Air” party on Wednesday at Harvest Hall was full of energy, music, and good times! PM25 attendees and Patreon guests kicked back after a busy conference day with dueling pianos, cold drinks, and great conversations. It was a night to relax, laugh, and enjoy being off the mic!

Sessions, Keynotes, and the Moments In between

Every session, keynote, and networking huddle made PM25 an incredible success! We loved hearing attendees share what they learned, how they plan to apply it to their shows or businesses, and what’s next for them.

Each keynote delivered actionable insights and research to help podcasters and industry professionals grow. Speakers shared the lessons they’ve learned along the way and the mistakes they wish they’d avoided earlier. A big thank you to our keynote speakers: Arielle Nissenblatt & Lauren Passel, Gabriel Soto, Tom Webster, Jack Davenport, Hal Rood & Tim Bronsil, Ryan Jon & Toni Lodge (who couldn’t attend due to an injury), and Dan Granger!

We’re excited for what’s ahead at Podcast Movement and can’t wait to see the new content, fresh ideas, and inspiring speakers who will take the stage next.

PM25 may be behind us, but the energy of last week is only the beginning. Thank you to every speaker, sponsor, and attendee who made it such a special gathering! You’re what makes this community so strong. We can’t wait to share more updates soon, including access to session recordings and what’s next on the Podcast Movement calendar. Until then, keep the conversations going, and we’ll see you again before you know it!

Talk soon!
Team Podcast Movement

This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Patreon

T-Minus 4 days to PM25!

The countdown to PM25 is officially on, and the excitement is building! This week we’re unveiling our final round of speakers and sessions, plus sharing new ways for you to make the most of your Podcast Movement experience. From Pro Pod Chats to fresh ways to connect with the community, there’s something for every podcaster and industry pro.

We’re also adding even more reasons to get excited: a Welcome Party celebrating a brand-new partnership in podcasting, a Wednesday night party with Patreon, and a featured presentation you won’t want to miss.

Now’s the time to plan your schedule, download the event app, and get ready for four unforgettable days. Let’s dive into what’s coming your way!

DON’T FORGET: Ticket prices GO UP TONIGHT and our hotel block CLOSES TOMORROW AT 12PM CT.

PM25 Kickoff Party - presented by ??? X ???

An all new partnership is coming to the podcasting world, and you're invited to celebrate it, and welcome the start of PM25 at our official kickoff party!

Be there to find out what two podcast powerhouses are joining forces!

Plus, enjoy some late night sweet treats and drink tickets (while they last), as well as some live acoustic music from one of our favorite musicians.

Join us from 8pm-11pm in the Gaylord Texan Atrium for the official kickoff. We'll see you there!

Off the Air: Wednesday Night Party presented by Patreon

Join us at Off the Air. After a day of being “on,” it’s your turn to kick back. Join us in a private room at Harvest Hall for a night of dueling pianos, cold drinks, and conversations that don’t require a mic. We’ll cover it all, from Uber vouchers to get you there, access to all the food hall vendors, open bar, and more. No programming, no pitches - just creators, good music, and a night that takes care of itself.

Location: Harvest Hall 815 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051

INCOMING SOON: Registration link to request uber vouchers in order to attend the party!

Explore What’s Happening Around PM25!

Podcast Movement Central

Podcast Movement Central is the heart of Podcast Movement—where conversations flow as easily as the coffee. Whether you're looking to decompress between sessions, meet new people, or catch up with fellow attendees, this is the perfect place to connect and recharge.

Don’t miss our dedicated Coffee Hour on Tuesday through Thursday morning in Podcast Movement Central.

Community Meetup Night

Connections don’t just happen in the sessions—they happen in the moments in between. Meetups will take place throughout the event, but don’t miss Meetup Night on Wednesday from 5-7 PM at the Yellow Rose pavilion

Enjoy focused discussions with like-minded podcasters—perfect for networking, learning, and making lasting connections!

Pro Pod Chats

Pro Pod Chats is a brand-new initiative debuting at PM25! Thanks to our friends at Podcast Professionals Association & SHURE, we couldn’t be more excited to introduce it to the Podcast Movement community.

Pro Pod Chats help you tap into the experiences and expertise of your fellow attendees. Post your topic to host a chat, or book times to join chats hosted by others. Learn something new, and make connections to last a lifetime.

Learn More & Start Chatting (Login through Swapcard)

Join Sounds Profitable & Friends at PM25

Join us on the Industry Stage for two special sessions brought to you by Sounds Profitable. On Tuesday at 1:45 PM, don’t miss Goodbye Promo Codes. Hello Performance Clarity. On Wednesday at 1:45 PM, catch Audio vs The World – Innovate or Die. We can’t wait to see you there!

The most influential podcasts are growing on Patreon. Join 40k+ other podcasters who are reaching bigger audiences and earning more income.

Learn More

Featured Presentation: What Brands Want in 2025

On Wednesday, join Dan Granger, CEO of Oxford Road, for an exclusive look at the latest insights from their flagship What Brands Want report for 2025. This annual study pulls back the curtain on what today’s leading advertisers are looking for from creators, publishers, and platforms—and how those expectations are evolving in the year ahead.

Whether you’re aiming to attract brand partnerships, strengthen existing relationships, or simply understand the shifting dynamics of the ad marketplace, this session will give you actionable takeaways straight from the source. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from one of the industry’s top voices on the future of brand and creator collaboration.

In 2025: Join Us Where Creators and Industry Leaders Converge

Prices increase TONIGHT!

Podcast Movement events are the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about podcasting. Whether you're a creator perfecting your voice or an industry professional shaping your future, our events provide the connections, knowledge, and inspiration to help you achieve your goals and make a lasting impact.

Register now!

New Sessions and Speakers!

How to Maximize Targeting with Brand Suitability w/ Alanna Vaughns of BBC Studios and Jennifer Oon of DAX US

How YouTubers Thrive in the Podcast Space w/ Ashley Chavez of Oxford and Korey Coleman

Cracking the Attribution Code: Measuring the ROI of Branded Content w/ Bart Roselli Oxford Road

Subscription Success Isn’t an Accident: Meet the Operators Who Make It Happen w/ Casey Helmick of New Bridge Studios, Hayden Gray of Fantasy Fangirls, and Josh Crist of Supercast

Sponsorship Success Without the Stats: How to Monetize at Any Stage w/ Charles Dannison

Old rules, new medium: Ethical dilemmas in podcast reporting w/ Charlie Scudder

They’re Just Not That Into You — and Podcast Data Can Tell You Why w/ Chris Avello of Libsyn

Audio vs The World - Innovate or Die w/ Elad Stern of Odeeo

Goodbye Promo Codes. Hello Performance Clarity w/ Caleb Mansfield and Heather Roestamadji of Claritas, and Kristen Valentine of Ocean Media

Winning the Video-First Podcast Future - Insights for Creators, Tech Teams and Revenue Generators w/ Ellie Andrews of The Roost

Meet the Podcast Search Strategy Major League: Discover How the Pros Win the Visibility Game w/ Jaco Lau of Big Pond

All You Need to Know about Editing High-Quality Video Podcasts w/ Jonathan Ayala

Powering the Future of Multichannel Podcast Networks w/ Joshua Weinstein of Sonoro

Pro-Level Podcasting: How to Uplevel Your Video Production Without Breaking the Bank w/ Mathew Passy of Libsyn

Securing the Renewal: How to Use the Data to Show a Story of Success w/ Michelle Xu of Pod People

Creative Chemistry: When Brands and Podcasts Collide w/ Saba Ghassemi of Oxford Road and Zack Boone of YMH Studios

Holy Shift: Audio Alone Won’t Pay the Bills w/ Stephanie Hind of Patreon

Going Direct-to-Fan: Building a Thriving Fan Community and Sustainable Podcast Business Behind the Paywall w/ Will Menaker of Chapo Trap House

Want to see who else is taking the stage? Check out the full lineup of speakers and sessions here.

Meet Your People at Meetup Night

Some of the best connections at Podcast Movement happen when podcasters come together around shared passions—and Meetup Night is the perfect time for it.

On Wednesday, August 20, join us for casual, conversation-focused gatherings hosted by members of the community. This year’s lineup features over 15 meetups to choose from, including:

• Audio Nerd Meetup

• B2B Podcasting Strategies & Monetization

• Interview/Conversation (Guests) Based Podcast

• Podcast Editors Meetup

• Podcasts with Purpose: Community & Impact Meetup

• Spanish Speaking Podcasters

And if none of these apply to you, still come out and find your people!

Whether you're reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting someone who could change your podcasting journey, this is an opportunity to grow your network in a fun, relaxed setting.

The Event Mobile App is Now LIVE!

You know it’s real when it’s on your phone— and now, Podcast Movement 2025 is right at your fingertips!

Access the Podcast Movement 2025 Web App.

If you're registered as an attendee, speaker, or sponsor, you also have access to the Swapcard Event Platform! Didn’t get a welcome email? LOGIN HERE using the email address you registered with.

With Swapcard, you can build your custom schedule, network with fellow attendees, book meetings with exhibitors and speakers, and more.

Get started by setting up your profile and exploring what’s ahead—plenty of time before the event kicks off!

We can’t wait to welcome you to PM25 for a celebration of creativity, connection, and growth. Get ready to learn, network, and take your podcasting journey to the next level.

See you soon!
Team Podcast Movement