Thanks to my work as a producer on another fantastic podcast, The Search for the Soulful Leader, both myself and Sweet Tee got the chance to visit The Podcast Show in London. A first of its kind international podcasting event, this was the place to be if you are in the industry or hoping to be. So naturally, I grabbed some leaflets, in preparation to ruthlessly self promote, and headed to London.
Hosted at the Business Design Centre in Islington, this two day event saw podcasters, studios, celebrities and many others in the audio industry gather together to network, listen to fascinating talks and share their love of podcasting. Sweet Tee and I love making friends and also grabbing free swag, so what better place?
The event was spread over two days, with the first day starting promptly at 9am. We attended Interview the Interviewer with guests Louis Theroux and Emily Maitlis. Louis, known for his documentary filmmaking and Emily for her gripping interview work (Most recently gaining acclaim for her infamous interview with Prince Andrew, or better known by the UK public as 'That nonce'). Both guests gave their unique views on entering the podcast game and its differences to traditional broadcast media. No, Louis did not rap.
We explored many talks covering a wide range of subjects. The Indie Kids, featuring Dan Schreiber from No Such Thing as a Fish, discussed the challenges of being independent in the podcast space, but also the benefits and rewards. The Power of Creative Collaboration, featuring Giovanna Fletcher: Queen of the Jungle, explained how audiences can be grown through building inclusive communities and working with others. I say that, but to be honest they kind of just stroked their egos and reeled off all the celebrities they had had on their podcasts.
Myself and Sweet Tee's favourite talk however, was easily Finding Your Tribe, a discussion hosted by James Cooper of My Dad Wrote a Porno, and featuring three guests: James Gregory (Host of Roll Britannia, a Dungeons and Dragons podcast), Andy Mcgrillen (Host of That UFO Podcast) and Joanna Love (Host of A Woman's Brew, a female beer related podcast).
At face value, you might think that these podcasts are too niche, their following must be rather small, they can't be making a financially sustainable podcast, surely they are still living with their parents? Slowly emptying the funds of their birth givers during this cost of living crisis as they fail to see reality and drain slowly into a pit of despair as the gun that they have hidden in their desk side draw becomes even more inviting with each day.
But no! Your well founded assumptions would be wrong! These guys all have podcasts in the millions of listeners despite having extremely niche topics. It turns out the more specific the topic, the more dedicated the audience becomes, helping to grow a unique and appealing podcast for listeners. And they are doing this all independently. I was honestly floored and inspired.
But it wasn't all inspirational talks and discussions. The main hall was filled with stalls and exhibits from many of the huge names in podcasting, all giving away freebies! We grabbed a juice and a tote bag from the Spotify bar, tried out some audio equipment with BBC Sounds, sipped a couple of glasses of champagne with Global (They did however, throw our flyers in the bin. Do they not understand what networking is?), there was so much to do.
The atmosphere was one of positivity and togetherness. Podcasting is an industry that has blown up in recent years, particularly after the pandemic. People from all walks of life have come together to share in this unique medium. That was truly felt here. As the days drew to a close, the Hub bar in the middle of the main hall was host to a happy hour, where attendees could grab a drink and really get stuck in with networking.
By the end of the second day, Sweet Tee and I had seen many talks, met a variety of new people and expanded our podcasting network. It was a long couple of days with early rises and late ends, but it was worth it. The Podcast Show 2022 is a first of its kind international podcasting festival, something that should be celebrated and supported. There is invaluable knowledge and experience to be gained that cannot be achieved on your own when creating a podcast or at the office with your team.
If you are interested in connecting with me at a podcasting event in the future, I will be at the British Podcast Award nominations on the 20th June. Sweet Tee won't be attending, she has got her priorities completely flipped and somehow thinks her 21st birthday spa day with friends is more important. I know, I know, it's shameful. However both of us will hopefully then be making appearances at the British Podcast Awards weekend from the 22nd July. There will be updates as we get closer to the event.
- James Court