Aradhna Tayal Leach, Managing Director of The Radio Academy says:
“I’m thrilled to announce the nominees for The Radio Academy ARIAS 2025. Each nominee showcases the exceptional storytelling, innovative teams, and diverse work that the UK proudly offers, impacting deep within local communities and making waves globally. The ARIAS is always one of the year’s highlights, and I’m excited to join my peers in celebrating the very best of UK audio and radio.”

The ARIAs were created by The Radio Academy – a charity dedicated to supporting people in audio and radio.

The ARIAs award ceremony will take place on Wednesday 14th May at Leicester Square’s ODEON Luxe. Tickets for the ARIAs are on sale now.

Full List of Nominees

Best Commercial Partnership Award

Dead River – Audio Always for Pogust Goodhead
Empowering Young Lives – KISS and KFC
Fun Kids Teacher of the Year with Collection Pot – Fun Kids
Hold or Fold with GambleAware – Prison Radio Association
The Mid.Point: Sweaty Betty Special – Spiritland Productions
Scottish Island Adventures – The Big Light

Best Event Coverage Award

BBC Proms 2024 – BBC Radio 3
Coldplay go Orange for Luton – BBC Three Counties Radio
Coverage of the Paralympics – RNIB Connect Radio
Forest are Magic – Forest Focus
Isle of Man TT Races: The TT Podcast – Audio Always
Magic Celebrates Diwali – Magic Radio
Radio 1’s Pedal Power for Red Nose Day – BBC Radio 1
Superscoreboard at EURO 2024 – Clyde 1
Sycamore Gap: One Year On – National Trust

Best Drama or Fiction Award

Sponsored by Audible

1984 – Audible
Central Intelligence – Goldhawk Productions for BBC Radio 4
Life & Time – BBC Radio 4
The Mysterious Affair at Styles: A Poirot Mystery – Audible
One Hundred and Fifty Days – BBC Audio Scotland for BBC Radio 4
Ruthie Henshall Sees Dead People – Magic Radio
The Skies Are Watching – Goldhawk Productions for BBC Radio 4
UNSINKABLE – Datura Studios and North Atlantic Ridge in association with B7 Media and AudioMarvels
Zeroes – BBC Studios Audio for Audible

Best Comedy Award (Show or Presenter)

Christmas Dinner with Kurupt FM – Prison Radio Association
Green Wing: Resuscitated – Audible
Help I Sexted My Boss – Audio Always
IM1: 60 Years and Counting, Sadly… – Manx Radio
Mark Steel’s in Town – BBC Radio 4
The Menagerie – Radio M29
The Skewer – Unusual Productions for BBC Radio 4
Time of The Week – DLT Entertainment for BBC Radio 4
Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake – Sony Music Entertainment

Best Factual Series Award

Band Aid at 40 – Gimme Sugar Productions for Virgin Radio
Country Lines – Falling Tree Productions for BBC Radio 4
Grenfell: Building a Disaster – BBC Radio 4
Intrigue: To Catch a Scorpion – BBC Radio 4
Ken Bruce on Drums – Jazz FM
Kill List – Novel and Wondery
The Pitcairn Trial – Audio Always
The Trapped – ITN / ITV News
The Story of No. 1: Lauryn Hill’s the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – 100 Best Albums Radio, Apple Music

Best Factual Single Episode Award

Between the Ears: Henry Mancini – BBC Radio 3
Black Box – The Guardian
The Daily T: The Grenfell inquiry that ‘delayed justice’ – The Telegraph
Deep Hidden Meaning: will.i.am – Apple Music Radio
Degraded by Deepfakes: File on 4 Investigates – BBC Radio 4
Esther Ghey & Jaxon Feeley: Reclaiming influence – Virgin Radio Pridecast
NATO75: An Alliance Rescue – BFBS
Our Whole Life is a Secret – BBC Radio 4
The Weekend Intelligence: A Portrait of the Proud Boys – The Economist

Best Music Award (Show or Presenter)

Annie Nightingale: A Life in Music – We Are Grape for BBC Radio 1
Radio 1’s Dance Party with Danny Howard – BBC Radio 1
Classical Connections Radio with Alexis Ffrench – Apple Music Radio
The Dance Music Archive with Andi Durrant – This is Distorted for KISSTORY
The Eras Podcast, hosted by Abbie McCarthy – Good Karma
Free Flow – Prison Radio Association
Folk on Foot – Matthew Bannister
Indie Forever – We are Grape for BBC Radio 6 Music
Phil Taggart’s ChillDaBeats – Slack Panda Productions

Best Music Breakfast Radio Show

The Bald Builders Breakfast – Fix Radio
Boogie in the Morning – Forth 1
Bowie@Breakfast – Clyde 1
Breakfast – BBC Radio 3
Breakfast with Greg James – BBC Radio 1
Breakfast with Nadia Jae – BBC Radio 1Xtra

Best Music Entertainment Award (Show or Presenter)

Sponsored by PPL & PRS for Music

Barry Island Discs: Gavin & Stacey’s Big Songs Send Off – BBC Radio Wales
The Cavern Podcast – The Cavern Club
Earlier… with Jools Holland – BBC Radio 3
Gemma Atkinson & Mike Toolan – Hits Radio
Haroon Rashid – BBC Asian Network
Hometime with Bush and Richie – Absolute Radio
Ruthie Henshall Sees Dead People – Magic Radio
Scott Mills – BBC Radio 2
The Simon Mayo Drivetime Show – Greatest Hits Radio

Best New Presenter

Sponsored by News Broadcasting

Beth Wallace – Forth 1
Bronwen Lewis – BBC Radio Wales
Chance Litchfield – Fix Radio
Emma Nagouse – Muses: An Ampersand Podcast
Helen Pidd – The Guardian
May Robson – BBC Sounds Audio Lab
Niall Breslin – The Madman’s Hotel, Audible
Phoebe McIndoe – Falling Tree Productions for BBC Radio 4
Scout Tzofiya Bolton – Prison Radio Association

Best News or Current Affairs Award

Sponsored by Markettiers

90 Seconds to Midnight – Daily Mail
The 2024 ‘Genny Lex’ – KISS
Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump – Times Radio
The Boys Are Not Alright – Audio Always for BBC Radio 4
Electoral Dysfunction – Sky News
Intrigue: To Catch a Scorpion – BBC Radio 4
Pod Save The UK – Reduced Listening and Crooked Media
Sitrep – BFBS
Southport – BBC Radio Merseyside

Best Sonic Branding Award

BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 3 Unwind
Clyde 1 Superscoreboard
Fix Radio
Greatest Hits Radio 60s

Best Speech Breakfast Radio Show Award

Sponsored by Radio News Hub

5 Live Breakfast – BBC Radio 5 Live
The Graham Liver Breakfast Show – BBC Radio Lancashire
The Kevin Duala Breakfast Show – BBC Radio Merseyside
talkSPORT Breakfast – talkSPORT
Times Radio Breakfast – Times Radio
Today – BBC Radio 4

Best Speech Entertainment Award (Show or Presenter)

Sponsored by Carver PR

Believe In People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma – ReNew
British Scandal – Wondery & Samizdat Audio
Elis James and John Robins – Audio Always for BBC Radio 5 Live
Help I sexted My Boss – Audio Always
Jon Holmes Says The C-Word – Unusual Productions for BBC Radio 4
Josie Long – Falling Tree Productions for BBC Radio 4
The Louis Theroux Podcast – Mindhouse Productions
Matt Chorley – BBC Radio 5 Live
Overnights With Martin Kelner – talkSPORT

Best Sports Award (Show or Presenter)

The Big Scottish Football Show – Forth 1
From Extinction to Promotion – BBC Radio Derby Sport
Gameday – talkSPORT
Guardian Football Weekly – The Guardian
Men in Blazers: Early Kick Off – Men in Blazers and Footwork Media for Wondery
P1 with Matt & Tommy – Stak
Premier League Sunday – BBC Radio 5 Live
Test Match Special – BBC Radio 5 Live
White & Jordan – talkSPORT

The Creative or Technical Innovation Award

Sponsored by AIM / Xperi

6 Music’s Way with Words – Audio Always for BBC Radio 6 Music
The Ballad of Scout and the Alcohol Tag – Prison Radio Association
Fun Kids Space Station – Fun Kids
Fun Kids Time Machine – Fun Kids
The Gossip Gays: Who Killed Danny Beard? – Audio Always
Help I Sexted My Boss, in cinemas – Audio Always
Lowlines – Social Broadcasts and Scenery Studios
OUTCAST UK with Graeme Smith – 7th Planet for Virgin Radio Pride
Sleep Tracks – Peanut & Crumb for BBC Radio 3 Unwind

The Social Impact Award

Sponsored by BBC Sounds

Assume Nothing – Femicide: Eight Steps to Stop a Murder – BBC Radio Ulster
Black History Month: Raising The Next Generation – Hits Radio
Clare’s Law: A Decade of Saving Lives – Hits Radio
The Culture Colonel – BFBS
Intrigue: To Catch a Scorpion – BBC Radio 4
Life After Prison – Prison Radio Association
The Madman’s Hotel – Audible
The Quiet Place – BBC Radio 5 Live
The Quilt – Aunt Nell

Local Radio Station of the Year

Sponsored by RCS

BBC Radio Cornwall
BBC Radio Ulster
BBC Radio Derby
Forth 1
Clyde 1
Portsmouth’s Express FM

UK Audio Brand of the Year

Apple Music Radio
BBC Sounds
Goalhanger Podcasts
Rayo – Bauer Media Audio UK
Tortoise Media
Yoto

UK Radio Station or Radio Network of the Year

Sponsored by Arqiva

BBC Asian Network
BBC Radio 3
BBC Radio 5 Live
Fun Kids
Greatest Hits Radio
talkSPORT

Radio Times Moment of the Year

Johnnie Walker’s Final Show on Sounds of the 70’s – Listen for BBC Radio 2
Radio 4’s PM Laura Trott Interview – BBC Radio 4
Sunday Love Songs Remembering Steve Wright – BBC Radio 2
‘I want my mum to die’ – Stuart George on BBC Radio Stoke
Coldplay go Orange for Luton – BBC 3 Counties Radio
BBC Radio 4’s Today: Mishal Husain and James Cleverly – BBC News
A listener unexpectedly calls Cristo Foufas’ final show to thank him for saving his life – TALK
Marjorie Taylor Greene blames media for Trump assassination attempt – Times Radio
Dan Noble speaks out about the far-right riots across the UK – Absolute Radio
Frank off the Radio – The Frank Skinner Project, Avalon

For more information about the ARIAs and The Radio Academy, take a look at The Radio Academy website.

The post The Radio Academy announces nominees for ARIAS 2025! appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Founded in Denmark in 2019, Podimo has since expanded to six markets in Europe and across Latin America, and continues to show substantial growth across all the markets in which it operates. This early milestone has been achieved through Podimo’s deep understanding of local markets along with the contributions of its strategic acquisitions including Dag en Nacht Media, Tonny Media, and PodAds. Podimo has already become profitable in three of its markets, and expects to grow dramatically by the end of 2025.

One of the key drivers behind Podimo’s success has been its ability to curate and deliver content tailored to the unique tastes and preferences of each region’s listeners. “Reaching 1 million paying subscribers is a massive achievement from our humble beginnings in Denmark, and a testament to our model and strategy of investing in local content and building strong relationships with local creators. By bringing this approach to many markets, we have cemented ourselves as a global player,” said Morten Strunge, CEO and Founder of Podimo. “Many thought podcast subscription was a niche thing. It’s not. 1 million is just the tip of the iceberg, and it proves that the ceiling for this business is incredibly high when we can effectively showcase the right content to the right audience,” Strunge added.

Beyond the Nordics, Podimo is seeing significant momentum in regions like the Netherlands, which launched only 2.5 years ago and is already profitable. “Our growth goes well beyond the Nordics. The majority of our subscribers come from our other markets, where we’re generating 10-15x more revenue per listener than advertising and putting that directly back into creators’ pockets. This is about more than just business – it’s about sharing great content with people and making sure creators get the support they deserve,” said Strunge.

Over the past two years, Podimo has been investing heavily in its product, with significant upgrades to the user interface, resulting in a 45% increase in overall listening on the platform in 2024. Subscribers enjoy 20 hours of content a month, across 3–4 exclusive shows per week. This has been driven by improvements in its personalized recommendations and interactive community features including comments, in-show emojis, polls, and fan profiles.

As Podimo continues its upward trajectory, the company remains focused on innovation and content quality. Podimo’s future includes further investment in local talent along with in-depth narrative formats, deeper integration of product features, and expansion into new markets. “Our mission is to become the go-to destination for spoken audio entertainment and preferred partner for creators, and we’re confident that we’ll continue to reach new heights as we evolve.”

About Podimo

Podimo is a subscription-based podcasting and audiobook service available in six countries across Europe and Latin America, and was Fast Company’s “Most Innovative of 2024.” It offers a wide range of local-language spoken audio entertainment through award-winning exclusives and originals, audiobooks, as well as podcasts available on all platforms. With a focus on local stories and diverse voices, Podimo is committed to giving creators more opportunities to earn revenue and develop their audience, resulting in more and better content for listeners. The app offers a personalized audio experience including interactive community features, and can be enjoyed on iOS and Android, iPad, CarPlay, as well as on web player at podimo.com.

Article wording adapted from Podimo press release

To find out more about Podimo, you can watch our interview with Sachin Doshi, Chief Content Officer at Podimo. 

The post Podimo surpasses 1 million paying subscribers in its first five years! appeared first on POD BIBLE.

The Golden Lobes honour the hilarious podcasts and people that keep us laughing week after week. After three successful years of Cheerful Earful attracting sold-out live audiences and top-tier comedy podcast talent, this new awards night continues the festival’s mission: to celebrate, champion, and connect the vibrant world of funny podcasts.

Who can enter?

While The Golden Lobes focus on comedy and entertainment, podcasts of any genre from around the globe are encouraged to enter. Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud blooper from a true-crime podcast or an off-the-cuff tangent in a history show, the awards embrace humour wherever it’s found.

For just £25, creators can submit entries in one or multiple categories, with submissions capped at five minutes to keep things simple and focused on creativity.

“Awards can often be a last-minute hassle,” says Cheerful Earful founder Giles Gear. “The Golden Lobes have been designed with podcasters in mind – affordable, straightforward, and stress-free. We’re incredibly grateful to our headline partner, Adelicious, whose generous support, along with contributions from other industry leaders, has made this possible.”

“Comedy podcasts bring joy to millions, and it’s about time they finally got the recognition they deserve, with their own dedicated awards,” says Andrew Goldsmith, CEO of Adelicious. “The diversity and creativity within the comedy podcast space is incredible, and Adelicious is proud to support the Golden Lobes and join them to celebrate the best in the industry.”

Audience at Cheerful Earful

Award categories

• Best Blooper – Hilarious moments that didn’t make the final cut
• Best Tangent – Off-topic rants and digressions that stole the show
• Grower, Not a Shower, supported by Mercury – Indie podcasts that started small but grew big
• Best Social, supported by Podshop – Podcasts with the best viral and meme-worthy moments
• Funniest Student Podcast – Recognising the next generation of comedy talent
• Best Guest – A guest who made a huge impact, regardless of celebrity status
• Best Listener Moment, supported by Audio UK – Unforgettable call-ins, confessions, or emails
• Earworm Award – The catchiest, funniest theme tune or jingle
• Best Live Podcast, supported by PodLife Events – Celebrating podcasts that shine in front of live audiences
• Best Scripted Show, supported by Podomedy – Honouring comedy podcasts where writing leads the way
• Best Artwork, supported by Louie Hayman Design – Podcast covers that grab attention and stand out
• The Listener Lobe, supported by Adelicious – The fan-favourite award, where the public has their say
• The Big Ears Award, supported by Adelicious – The funniest podcast of the year

Cheerful Earful festival

What’s in it for the winners?

The Golden Lobes don’t just hand out trophies – winners take home a bucket-load of meaningful perks, including:

• A bespoke Golden Lobe trophy
• A custom-designed, year-stamped digital badge
• A one-year Auphonic S Plan subscription with exclusive discount codes for all nominees
• A one-year British Comedy Guide Pro subscription
• Discounted access to Podshop’s studio services for all nominees and winners
• A year’s free Creator Membership from Audio UK
• A free bottle of fizz from The Clapham Grand to toast your win
• Two free tickets to any event at The Clapham Grand over the next 12 months
• And last, but not least, the winners will be celebrated with a spotlight here on the Pod Bible website!

The Awards Night

The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 7th May 2025 at the iconic Clapham Grand in London.

“There is nowhere more suitable for a Global award ceremony than Clapham Junction,” says Ally Wolf, Venue Manager of The Clapham Grand, “Home of Europe’s busiest train station (by trains passing through, not customers) and of course us, The Clapham Grand – an International Palace of Worldwide Variety.”

How to enter

Entries are open from today and close at 11:59 PM on 15th March 2025.
For more information and to enter, visit https://podlifeawards.com/about/the-golden-lobes-2025!

The post Introducing…THE GOLDEN LOBES! appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Since its first year Kings Place has welcomed 60,000 visitors and 700 podcasters to the London Podcast Festival – a festival focused on exceptional experiences for podcasters and fan communities, celebrating the artform of podcasting.

The festival is spread across all of Kings Place’s three performance spaces, ground-floor Podcast Lounge, bar, restaurant, and canal terrace and attendees can enjoy multiple events in one day while networking with the podcast community.

Photograph: Viktor Erik Emanuel

The festival has a wide variety of shows with some big names – Jameela Jamil, Like Minded Friends with Tom Allen & Suzi Ruffell, Beef and Dairy Network, Three Bean Salad, Big Kick Energy with Maisie Adam and Suzi Ruffell and The Guilty Feminist, to name just a small number of the acts.

This year the festival has been curated by Kings Place’s Spoken Word Programme Manager & Festival Producer Rebecca Millican so we asked Rebecca to tell us a bit more about what people can expect from the festival…

Kings Place Spoken Word Programme Manager & Festival Producer, Rebecca Millican

The festival start date has arrived! Which shows are you most excited about seeing this year?

I’ve really tried to find something for everyone this year, so we’ve got quite a few different genres within the festival. Personally, I love a history podcast, so I’m really excited for The Ancients, This is History and The History Hotline. The History Hotline is a great show from Deanna Lyn Cook. She creates a space to have honest conversations about Black history and how it impacts the world we live in. For her live show, she’ll be joined by black feminist historian, Dr Jade Bentil. We’ve also got something for film lovers in Frank Film Club with Maisie Williams, casting director Hannah Williams, and filmmaker Lowri Roberts as they discuss all kinds of films from box office smashes to little known independent films.

There are many exciting opportunities for podcast fans to catch their favourite shows during the festival, but is there anything specifically tailored to new or aspiring podcasters?

The Podcast Maker events are always an essential part of the festival – it’s important to us that we’re not only showcasing existing talent, but supporting the development of aspiring podcasters. They’re a great way to learn how to create a variety of podcasts, from 7 Steps to Making a Comedy Podcast to Interview Success Secrets. You’ve also got From Mic to Money, giving you advice on how to turn passions into profit and Mic: Back to Basics for the logistical approach, talking you through microphone basics, picking the right one and mic technique. You’ll be ready to start your own podcast in no time!

Photograph: Viktor Erik Emanuel

For those unable to attend in person, are there ways for people to tune in from home?

There are! We have quite a few shows that are available on KPlayer this year, our in-house streaming service. We’ve got the food-focused podcast Dish with Nick Grimshaw & Angela Hartnett, the hilarious Three Bean Salad, Beef and Dairy Network and the movie mad show The Weekly Planet.

There are some big names taking the stage again this year – The Guilty Feminist, The Allusionist, and The Empire Film Podcast to name a few – but we’re also excited about the diverse range of lesser known shows you have in the lineup. Are there any hidden gems you think our readers might enjoy seeing?

We really like to give up and coming podcasts a voice at the festival. It’s an essential part of the community we try and build upon year on year. This year I’m really excited about Mixed Up with Emma Slade Edmondson and Nicole Ocran. They’ll be discussing belonging and identity through the lens of the mixed-race experience with their incredible guests Jordan Stephens, Ayamé Ponder and Fola Evans-Akingbola.

We’ve also got the live debut of Tom Crowley’s sketch and character show Crowley Time with me, Tom Crowley. He’ll be bringing a brand-new original story entitled ‘The DiPoni Contingency’.

Photograph: Viktor Erik Emanuel

Is there anything else that you want to tell us about the festival?

In a personal sense, I’ve been working on the festival for the past 6 years as an Associate Producer. I’ve programmed a few shows here and there but this is the first year I’ll be programming the entire festival, so it’s a really special year for me. I’m really excited to welcome a lot of new faces in the podcasting world, and celebrate those who have been with us for years.

Where can Pod Bible readers find out more information about the festival?

You can find the full line up of shows on our website. We’ll also be announcing special guests from our socials @LondonPodFest on X and @londonpodfest on our Instagram.

The post What to expect from London Podcast Festival 2024! appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Who are you and please tell us all about your podcast?

Hello! I’m Helen Zaltzman. I started my first podcast nearly eighteen years ago, which is, for context, before iPhones were launched; Tony Blair was still prime minister and George W Bush was still President of the USA; people were still smoking in pubs. Wow, I sound like I sit around offering children Werthers Originals and making them listen to my tales of ancient podcasting. Instead, I made that first podcast, Answer Me This, until 2021, and have made other podcasts too, including Veronica Mars Investigations, Sound Women and The Allusionist, which is an entertainment show about how we humans use language, and is about to go on a live tour of the UK!

I also run the Podcasters’ Support Group on Facebook, where podcasters can seek and share advice and have some company, because podcasting can be a lonely thing to do, as well as rife with tech irritations.

Please tell us about the very exciting live tour?

I spend most of my time in a room by myself making podcasts, but what I love to do the most is come up with and perform funny and absurd stage shows. Previous Allusionist live shows have been about speed typing champions, protest cakes, ancient curses and how doing a really boring chore at my bank in 2014 completely changed my brain. The new show that we’re touring in the UK in August and September is called Souvenirs, and among other things is about two men who were great friends at the end of the 19th century, then had a huge falling out and spent more than a decade fighting over a typeface. And then it gets weird.

Also, the tour merch is a tea towel that I drew, that even has a picture of the tea towel on the tea towel [see tour poster below]. Tickets and dates are listed at theallusionist.org/events; come to the show for the tea towel, stay for the hour-and-a-bit of entertainment.

The Allusionist launched in January 2015 – that’s almost 10 years of podcasts! – what changes have you noticed in the podcasting world in that time? And how has The Allusionist changed over the years?

The Allusionist began right when the podboom was kicking off, with the enormous success of the first season of Serial. At that moment, a lot of new listeners were finding podcasts; a bunch of people started writing about podcasts, which happened only rarely before; and many new podcasts began around the same time. Although podcasting had been growing steadily the whole time I had already been doing it, that was the first time where if I said I was a podcaster, I wasn’t met with a combination of blankness and pity. Instead, people would say, “I know podcasts, I’ve listened to Serial!” Since then, things have evolved so much, people say, “Oh, I’ve been thinking about making a podcast!” Either that or I still get the look of pity, combined with mild disgust, because podcasting went from obscure to cliché without much of a cool patch in between.

The period of rapid growth was a mixed bag. I’m certainly glad more listeners found podcasting, and more people chose to do it, and that for a while a lot of audiomakers had incomes and jobs. I’m not glad that it was this classic neighbourhood gentrification story, where we had built something of value so then developers swooped in, made a bunch of money and made it much harder for us still to live there. The podboom begat this gold rush of a handful of big companies throwing around huge sums of money to try to become Big Daddy Podcasting. Within not many years, the flaws in that plan (or rather, absence of plan) became unignorable. Now a lot of audiomakers are out of jobs and don’t own the work that they made but some execs got very rich off the back of it.

But! That’s just the podbiz, which is really such a small corner of podcasting as a whole. I’m on the periphery of it, because I’m an independent podcaster, so nobody could fire me, but the tides of the industry still rock me a bit. It is now more difficult to get listeners and to hang onto them than it used to be; income from sponsors and listener contributions is less predictable; and the whims of tech companies have significant ramifications on my ability to make a living. Yet somehow I’m still going! This is also surprising, because making The Allusionist nearly killed me at one point. I thought by now it would have come back to finish the job. Perhaps it will! A big 10th birthday surprise!?

Reflecting on it, the Allusionist has changed over the years in several ways. Episodes are longer because my thoughts are less compact than they used to be. I’m older and more melancholy, but more tender too. I already covered a lot of my most obvious ideas, so subsequent ideas became more obscure or obtuse. What hasn’t changed is that I learn new things with every episode, and I still make my podcasts myself, as I’ve done from the very beginning of my podcasting life, when I taught myself how to produce audio from my living room. The living room has changed – and is sometimes a bathroom, a hotel bed, a car, even once a friend’s tumble dryer – but the methods not so much.

The Allusionist Live – Photograph: Baranduin Briggs

Do you have any tips for new podcasters on how to engage with their audience?

Firstly: make it easy for the listeners to engage with you. If you are seeking their input, make your request specific: they are less likely to respond to a general question like “What did you think about this episode?” than “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever put your foot into?”

When your show is new, you may have to goad your friends into providing a lot of the interaction. Listeners are more apt to do it once they’ve heard it being done. But just be prepared for how the vast majority of listeners will never do anything more than listen to your podcast. They won’t follow you on social media, respond to your requests for interaction, share the show, write the reviews, visit your website etc. But the smallish percentage who do do those things love you quite a lot.

Secondly: building up a community of listeners around the show is really one of the most wonderful things about podcasting, but it doesn’t just happen on its own you have to be intentional about it. Ask yourself: What tone do you want to set? Who and where are you in relation to the listeners – are you their friend chatting into their ear, or their school principal intoning from a lectern, or a naughty lil imp muttering in the back of their skull? If the listener community exists on other platforms, what is your role in it, and what are you doing to cultivate it and keep it from raging out of control, as online communities are wont to do without careful maintenance?

It’s fun though. And you can never predict who might be listening – it’s very surprising who turns up, for instance we had an Answer Me This question once about the winter sport event the skeleton, and by next episode we had heard back from the most successful Olympic skeletonist ever, Lizzy Yarnold, who used to listen to the show despite it being made by three of the least athletic people of all time. But the thing the listeners all have in common is liking your show, so have a clear idea about what you want someone to get out of listening to an episode. Usually people come for a particular feeling and the company of the podcaster, and the content is secondary to that. Just remember to treat the listeners with respect, and never punish them for choosing to spend their time with you.

And the worst thing I’ve ever put my foot into was after the family dog stole a kilo bag of raisins. My foot was the first to learn that she had puked them up under the dining table.

There is a Discord community for Allusionauts – can you tell us more about what goes on over there? How important was it for you to build a community around the show?

It was very important to me to build a community around the Allusionist, because Answer Me This had had one from the beginning, courtesy of having the interactive format of answering questions from the audience. Web 2.0 was taking off around the same time that show began, so it might seem intentional that that’s how we did it – but the real reason we chose that format was so that we didn’t have to come up with all the content ourselves.

The Allusionist didn’t have such an obvious built-in community angle, although I absolutely love getting the listeners to talk about themselves, like why they changed their names or how anti-fat culture has affected them or the worst line used by or to them to dump someone, and they contribute a lot of amazing thoughts and expertise and even whole episode ideas, like Eclipse and The Egg’s Warning and Fiona parts 1 and 2.

The Allusioverse Discord is a really nice way not only for me to spend more time with listeners and have actual conversations with them that aren’t one-sided like the podcast mostly is, but also for them to hang out with each other. Some even started hanging out together in real life! We talk about all sorts of stuff: whatever joys and sorrows are on our minds, help with problems we might be having, what books/podcasts/TV we’re enjoying (or not), advice on craft projects, and share pictures of fancy spoons that we find. Fancy spoons come up a lot.

You’re approaching your 200th episode (congratulations!) – are you planning anything special to commemorate the milestone?

Thank you! Each year I do a language-themed quiz episode that listeners can play along with, and my wish for the 200th is for listeners to supply the quiz questions so that I can play along too for once. People can submit questions at theallusionist.org/quiz, and the first one that came in, I guessed wrong, so that bodes well for my score at my own celebration.

Do you have any standout episodes that you’re particularly proud of?

Pride is a rare emotion for me, but I’m proud of No Title, which started as a live show, because who would have thought you could make a full-length standup show out of the topic of gender in language? And I heard from a lot of people after that it had helped them communicate with family members who had been at odds with them about that kind of stuff. Any of the episodes that made someone care who didn’t previously care, those are special to me, like Parents, Joins or Project ENABLE.

I am also slightly proud whenever I manage to make something very very silly work. In 2020, in the bleak mid-lockdown, I enlisted my houseband and husband Martin Austwick, and my VMI podpartner Jenny Owen Youngs, and we composed a Christmas hit specifically for that cancelled Covid Christmas. It was a banger! Hopefully it will never be relevant to another festive period in our lifetimes, but I also came up with a catchy little number about the festive meat sweats that can go on annual rotation.

Do you have any dream guests that you’re still hoping to entice on to the podcast?

I’d love Joe Lycett to come on to talk about the time he changed his name to Hugo Boss.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?

The big lesson was really several hundred small lessons, that never stop coming. As much as I have learned, all I really know is that I can’t get too cocky about whatever I’m making now because I’ll probably look back in the future and rue how ignorant I was.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you and the podcast?

Pod Bible readers can go to theallusionist.org to find all the episodes of the Allusionist, plus transcripts and links to extra information about all the topics, and gig listings and social media links and so on. And here are some links to me; if you search for my name, you’ll probably find me, but there is someone else out there with a very similar name because for a while I kept receiving subpoenas for them. [Editor’s note: see also Suchandrika Chakrabarti’s article Where to start with The Allusionist.]

Listen to The Allusionist on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

This article was produced as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com

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Launched in 2022, BBC Sounds’ Audio lab, returns for its third incarnation. The project has been designed to help support up-and-coming audio creatives, with the aim of advancing their creative development through building confidence and connection whilst enhancing their writing, recording, performance, and promotional skills.

Former alumni have seen great success, with an ARIA Gold award for Best New Podcast forged from the inaugural Audio Lab, and three nominations at this year’s British Podcast Awards. Black Gold is nominated for Best Climate podcast and there were two nominations for Sacred Money in the Business and Editor’s Choice ‘Specialist Award’ category.

Now four new creators from under-represented backgrounds – Hugh Sheehan, Mia Thornton, Jay Behrouzi-Sneade, and Meg Elliot – have been chosen to turn their ideas into podcasts.

As part of a collaborative paid programme, the four successful applicants will receive advice and guidance from industry professionals, access to tailored resources, and tools and experiences to connect and collaborate.

Hugh Sheehan is an audio producer and musician/composer originally from Birmingham. Much of his work explores questions around gender and sexuality, desire and shame, assimilation, and radicalism. In 2020 he was commissioned as a New Creative by BBC Arts and Arts Council England to make Lost Time – an audio short contemplating LGBTQ+ people’s experiences in getting to live life on their own terms.

Working with Reduced Listening, Hugh’s podcast will focus on lesser-known modern legal cases or pieces of legislation that concern the lives and rights of LGBTQ+ people in the UK. It will chronicle the legal proceedings and the events surrounding them and explore how each have become a part of the struggle for queer liberation. As well as the specifics of the cases, each episode will act as a lens to explore more broadly the criminalisation of queerness and its societal ramifications.

Meg Elliot is a writer, zine-maker, and mountain biker from Shropshire. She is fascinated by story, folklore, and the way memory lives in landscapes. Meg co-creates a zine exploring nature through art and writing and is one half of The InBetween Collective, an international creative group sharing stories of culture, resistance and celebration. She has also worked on heritage projects across the UK investigating the social impact of environmental projects.

Production partner, Overcoat Media, will help facilitate Meg’s successful pitch, which hooks into the resurgence of a cult fascination with the ancient past and folk traditions; how our identities are formed – both as individuals and as communities, and how landscapes (and the communities held by them) inform – in part – a lot of what makes us ‘us’. The podcast will look at how we have largely lost celebrated connections to the landscapes we’ve grown up in – many ritual festivals have been lost, and the stories once collectively remembered have begun to fade. Meg will delve into the stories that remain waiting to be rediscovered, and this podcast will work as a larger project of remembering, of celebration and community-strengthening, grounded in connections to the physical landscape.

Mia Thornton is a creative producer currently based in Liverpool. Mia is driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to amplifying Black voices. She has worked on a wide range of creative projects for both global brands and community-based initiatives, showcasing her talent and versatility.

Working with Audio Lab’s production partner, Manchester Reform Radio, Mia’s successful podcast pitch will delve into how black culture has helped shape different music genres. Featuring archival content, covering pivotal moments in history, the impact on the global music landscape, as well as interviews with industry experts, musicians and cultural commentators. The podcast will offer an immersive journey through music history, with black voices at its core. From the soulful melodies of jazz to the defiant spirit of punk, and the innovative beats of techno, the podcast will showcase the resilience, creativity and influence of black musicians across genres, celebrating the rich tapestry of black musical heritage, whilst challenging stereotypes and amplifying underrepresented voices in the music industry.

Jay Behrouzi-Sneade is a Filipino-Iranian journalist from Liverpool hailing from a long line of passionate cooks! Replicating global cuisine at home was a big part of her upbringing as a part of her multi-heritage expat family in the United Arab Emirates.

Working with production partner, BBC Audio North, Filipino-Iranian immigrant Jay is hoping to reconnect with her heritage, by creating a positive, food-science documentary. Jay seeks to understand the chemistry of cooking. Each episode will explore a different chemical principle, experimenting with Filipino recipes, talking to guests, and discussing the British-Filipino experience. With the help of food-chemists, Jay hopes to understand the science behind a ‘dash of this and a sprinkle of that’ and how it works together to create the food she loves.

Khaliq Meer, Audio Lab Commissioning Executive says: “It’s thrilling [to] be at the starting line again with a new cohort of fresh talent – poised for a development experience like no other. It’s been a joy getting to know Meg, Mia, Hugh and Jay. We’ve teamed them up with some of the UK’s very best audio producers so they can be led and supported to realise their creatively ambitious ideas whilst growing their skillsets on-the-job. I can’t wait to press play on what they dream up. Best of luck Audio Lab Class of 2024 – you’ve got this!”

In addition to four multi-episode projects, Audio Lab is partnering with Multitrack, a charity working to raise awareness around diversity, equity and inclusion in the audio industry, by sponsoring its award winning 12-week Fellowship programme, supporting fourteen full-time paid placements, creating three additional part-time placements for producers outside of London, and helping fund two commissions for BBC Sounds.

Pod Bible echoes Khaliq Meer’s words: “Best of luck Audio Lab Class of 2024 – you’ve got this!”

To find out more about BBC Sounds’ Audio Lab, readers can go to the website or follow BBC Sounds on Instagram and Twitter/X. 

Article wording adapted from BBC press release

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Amateur budding twitchers and nature lovers alike are invited to join Matt Spracklen, AKA the Rock ‘n Roll Birder, on a weekly birdwatching walk and talk by tuning into series two of the Rock ‘n Roll Birder podcast which returns on the 24th of July.

In each episode of the new series, Matt will be out in the elements visiting beauty spots and nature reserves across the UK where the birds are always the stars of the show. As well as being joined by his wife, producer Sarah Spracklen, this series he will also be joined by expert guests including Jack Baddams, BBC Springwatch’s wildlife researcher; Jon Carter who works for the British Trust for Ornithology; Naomi Johns from The Bird of Prey Project; James Cook (@WildlifeWithCookie), and Paul Bennett from RSPB Coombes Valley and Consall Woods.

His contemporary perspective on birdwatching has seen Matt’s Instagram page, @RocknRollBirder, amass 69,000 followers since launch in January. With famous names including Jim Moir, Emma Freud, Sarah Millican and Tom Chaplin listening in to catch a bird song or two.

Matt says: “Whether you’re a birding novice or a seasoned twitcher there’s something for everyone on the podcast. I love talking about birds but I would also love that this could somehow be a gateway for young people to get more passionate about the things they can do to protect and conserve our wildlife and nature.”

Throughout the series, Matt interviews guests who have turned their love of birds and wildlife into their profession. When he isn’t joined by a guest, Matt and his producer and wife, Sarah, who is new to birding, go on a birdwatching walk of their own.

At the start of each episode, Matt also answers ‘Birding Questions’ sent in from the Rock ‘n Roll Birder community.

Sarah is a radio and podcast producer. She has spent the last ten years at Absolute Radio producing The Frank Skinner Show and is the producer of the critically acclaimed Frank Skinner’s Poetry Podcast. Sarah also spent many years at Virgin Radio working with radio greats including Edith Bowman. Sarah and Matt first met when she produced his very first radio show back in 2016 and they are loving working together again.

As for Matt, he has loved birdwatching since he was young. He said: “My mum used to let me be late for school because I was so fascinated watching the birds in the garden. My teachers got me to engage with reading work using bird books, so that’s how I learnt to read. I collected bird encyclopedias and had a real passion for birdwatching as a child.”

In recent years Matt reignited his love of birdwatching and photography after spending his 20s living a high-octane life touring in a punk band and working in the music industry.

He rediscovered the mindful mental health benefits of birdwatching during the 2020 lockdowns when feeding the garden birds became a relaxing pastime and pleasure. Matt started to take pictures of different species, cataloging them and taking walks to see how many varieties he could capture. It was on one of these walks that the Rock ‘n Roll Birder podcast was born.

Matt said: “At first, when Sarah and I talked about recording a podcast about birds I was reluctant. Music is my other passion and that is also my work so part of me wanted to keep birding separate but the format of the podcast is so relaxed and natural it doesn’t feel like work.

These are walks and conversations we would be having anyway and sharing them as a podcast feels like we are allowing people to join us – expanding our own community and enjoyment. As well as facts and information we share lots of laughs and like to keep it light and easy listening.

Hearing from listeners who say we have inspired them to buy a bird feeder or to take a walk to listen to birdsong and see what they have learned is so rewarding.”

Alongside his work on the podcast, Matt is a presenter on CountryLine Radio and an ambassador for brands such as Hard Rock Cafe and Captain Fawcett. This podcast series is sponsored by Eco Bird Food and Green Feathers.

Series one, which featured 12 episodes recorded across the UK and from Sarah and Matt’s home studio in Surrey, is available to listen back on now.

This series, Matt is visiting RSPB Otmoor in Oxfordshire, Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, British Trust of Ornithology HQ in Norfolk and other various birding hotspots in the Peak District and Lake District.

Listen to Rock ‘n Roll Birder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

Article wording adapted from Rock ‘n Roll Birder press release

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Today with tonies is being made by award-winning podcast production and promotion company, Mags Creative, and is hosted by Sam Fletcher-Goodwin and Tim Warwood. It is aimed at children aged 4 to 7 with the hope that the informative and playful podcast will be able to keep children off their screens this summer!

Based on the award-winning daily exclusive show (only available to those with a ‘Toniebox’ – an audio player which plays songs and stories when a Tonie character is added to the top of it), Today with tonies is kicking off with 14 ten-minute long episodes packed full of fun, facts, challenges, and jokes.

The podcast covers subjects such as poetry, science, maths, and music and has been made with the support of an educational consultant, taking into account the KS1 and KS2 curriculum.

Polly Evans, Senior Audio Production Manager at tonies says, “Our ‘Today with tonies’ podcast is the ultimate choice for parents seeking enriching, screen-free fun for their kids. It’s a world of wholesome content that sparks curiosity, educates, and delivers endless giggles through engaging games and challenges.”

The podcast contains many interactive challenges such as asking children to find out how many times they can fold a piece of paper, teaching them to use a word from a different language, and playing the “wrong answers only” quiz.

Hannah Russell, Co-founder of Mags Creative, says of the podcast: “As a mother myself I’m so excited to work on a project that widens the pool of safe, secure and screen-free content for kids. And not only that – it’s entertaining too! Mags Creative is all about building communities through audio, and the phenomenal response we’ve had from parents and little listeners shows that this podcast is already doing just that, so we can’t wait to bring this podcast to even more ears.”

Listen to Today with tonies from 9th July on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps. 

Article wording adapted from Today with tonies press release

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As a podcast enthusiast, attending UniPodFest at Birmingham City University and immersing myself in the world of storytelling was a particularly enjoyable experience and one that will continue to inspire me throughout my journalistic career.

The UniPodFest first took place at Birmingham City University in 2023 after founder of Soundtruism Productions Nina Robinson thought there needed to be more inspiration around the podcasting community in the West Midlands and that’s how the idea was born.

UniPodFest has lived up to its name by emphasising the university community, at the event, attendees included students not only from Birmingham City University but universities and colleges from around the West Midlands which created a dynamic range of perspectives for students who might want to take a leap into podcasting in the future.

This year included panels and workshops from audio professionals such as BBC radio presenter Adrian Goldberg and Jon Gill, podcast lead producer for Goalhanger Podcasts, alongside Sal Ahmad, executive producer of the Zero Ducks Given Podcast. On the day, I was volunteering at the podcast festival as head of desk registration but when I got the chance, I popped into watch this discussion and particularly enjoyed it as the panel delved into the future of sports podcasting, whether there is a market for it anymore and the importance of women in football.

Other workshops included, a pod-trepeneurs panel with Journalist and Good Morning Britain Presenter Marverine Cole as the chair, alongside guests, Emma Conway, Taylor James and Julie Anna Needham.

At the end of the event, a touching tribute was held by Dr Martin Glynn, lecturer at Birmingham City University to Handsworth-based poet, activist, and spoken word artist Benjamin Zephaniah who sadly passed away in December 2023. Truth be told, I did not know a lot about him before the podcast festival but after reading up on him and reading his poetry I was inspired by how he opened the door for other poets of colour to follow in his footsteps.

Benjamin Zephaniah – Photograph: David Morris Creative Commons

Before attending UniPodFest I had always had an interest in podcasting, as audio is my favourite medium to work with. On a daily basis I listen to a variety of podcasts but mainly ones that focus on people’s lives, as a journalist I love to find out what makes someone ‘them’. As a podcast listener, my preference is to actually watch a podcast on social media such as YouTube rather than listen as I like to gauge people’s reactions.

After the event, I felt I learnt a lot about the diversity of the podcasting industry and how we can use the platform to create a bigger voice for those who feel underrepresented. Hearing from professionals who have been in the industry a long time was compelling and I was inspired to continue with future projects.

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Sheffield’s brand new podcast festival, Crossed Wires, has had an excellent inaugural outing. Sheffield’s strong track record with events like DocFest, the Children’s Media Conference, and Tramlines made me hopeful for a weekend that combined great shows, industry conversations, and a laid-back vibe… and that’s exactly what I got. I look forward to its growth in the coming years.

Disclaimer, I’m a frequent podcast guest and radio interviewee when someone needs a period education expert (which is not never!). I’m also an avid podcast listener, with my particular tastes leaning toward the nerdy and topical (current faves: Lateral with Tom Scott, The Allusionist with Helen Austwick-Zaltman and No Such Thing as a Fish with the QI team, and, due to my Brooklyn beginnings, I’m a long-time fan of NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!)

I was initially unsure whether my adopted hometown had space for another festival in general or could draw audiences for podcasts specifically. Like many locals, I studied here and loved it so much I stayed, and we are fiercely loyal. Was this truly a homegrown festival? I agreed to come along, attend a few shows and give it a review for Pod Bible. An offer to pay my train fare up to Sheffield was slightly alarming – even the PR team thought I was from The South and needed remuneration to convince me to visit The North. I reassured them that I was so local I would be cycling over, but wouldn’t say no to an invite to the launch party.

Festival posters in the Bethel Chapel space – Photograph: Chella Quint

The opening speeches at the brand new city centre food hall, the Cambridge Street Collective, quickly allayed my fears. It turned out I actually knew several members of the wider team. I recognised some former BBC Sheffield broadcasters and bumped into the Lord Mayor, the Chief Exec of the council, and the South Yorkshire Mayor. Turns out the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority (SYMCA) and Sheffield City Council have both pledged three years of funding to help the festival get off the ground. I headed to my first show.

Off Air with Jane and Fi at the Crucible Theatre attracted an audience of primarily older women (although Jane and Fi praised the mum who’d brought her daughter and thanked the husband who’d been brought along by his wife for his patience) and included attendees who’d travelled from as far as Wales and South Africa. Jane and Fi’s relaxed performance, with lights up in the room, felt intimate and welcoming. They answered audience questions, chatted, and discussed their transition from the BBC to Times Radio with refreshing honesty, touching on the challenges of accepting advertising but standing firm against gambling and credit ads. The chance to hear these familiar voices in a more candid setting would become a consistent theme of the festival.

Off Air with Jane and Fi at the Crucible Theatre – Photograph: Chella Quint

I headed back to the opening night party which featured outstanding local choir Neighbourhood Voices and a guest DJ set by local legend Self Esteem. (Serious props to Rebecca Lucy Taylor, who consistently lent her time and talents to the festival all weekend long, starting with the opening party and concluding with her session on Sunday with Adam Buxton.)

The next afternoon, I went along to Talk Art at Sheffield City Hall. Held in the smaller basement ballroom, Talk Art featured an engaging interview with local-artist-gone-London Corbin Shaw. Hosts Russell Tovey and Robert Diament asked the questions, and despite not being familiar with the podcast, I found their approach enjoyable and informative. Shaw’s work, which explores themes of toxic masculinity in football fandom and his sense of place and family, was super resonant. I left with a newfound appreciation for his art and the podcast itself. I even got to meet Russell Tovey, whose television work I’ve always loved.

Talk Art with hosts Robert Diament and Russell Tovey plus guest Corbin Shaw – Photograph: Chella Quint

After a brief visit to Kelham Pride, I came back to the city centre to catch Brown Girls Do It Too at the newly renovated Bethel Chapel (all the fringe events were held in a pop-up black box theatre space here). Hosts Poppy Jay and Rubina Pabani captivated the full house with their humour and astute advice about sex and relationships. Their ability to blend serious topics with knowing observational nods to their families’ reactions to talking about (or catching them at) various intimate encounters was appreciated by the most diverse audience I’d seen yet. Their show concluded – as some of their previous live appearances have – with a sharp and triumphant musical number addressing the exoticisation of Asian women, earning them a standing ovation. The atmosphere was electric, and the energy was infectious.

Brown Girls Do It Too – on stage & surrounded by fans – Photograph: Chella Quint

The next day I headed over to The Naked Podcast, another free fringe show in Bethel Chapel, a former homegrown BBC Radio Sheffield production which came back for one night only as an independent outing. For a Naked Podcast, it was all very chaste. Starting in glamorous dressing gowns and then posing coyly in front of some strategically placed foliage, hosts Kat Harbourne and Jenny Elles interviewed Doncaster-born, Burmese-British actress, model and reality TV star Chrissie Wunna in a playful yet empowering session. Their usual openness and Wunna’s frank stories took everyone from giggles to guffaws. The session ended on a particularly heartwarming note, with a shout-out to former Naked Podcast guests in the audience – and a special thanks and birthday singalong to disability activist, former broadcaster (and, full disclosure, good friend of mine) Sam Cleasby. The warmth in the room was real and not just because of the lights keeping the ferns from wilting and revealing and the audience had a lot of affection for this show. I hope it will come back in another incarnation again one day soon.

Kat and Jenny of the Naked Podcast, clothed then hidden by ferns and foliage – Photograph: Chella Quint

Most of the audience went straight from there to The Adam Buxton Podcast at a sold-out Sheffield City Hall. I am on the periphery of Adam and Joe fandom, I caught them on Channel 4 on a visit to the UK as a teen and didn’t quite know what I was watching, but enjoyed it. Although I’m not a regular listener to his podcast, every time I do hear it or see something he’s done I enjoy it, and I’ll be adding it into my rotation. I wasn’t surprised it was sold out: a combination of him and Self Esteem (Rebecca Lucy Taylor) who’s also a fan, were a huge crowd draw, and it was an absolutely amazing show. Wild juxtapositions abounded. After some Buxton-style scathing silliness with AI and a quality interview with Self Esteem, the show ended with her singing a heart-wrenching acapella arrangement of I Do This All The Time with her backup singers… leaving much of the audience of us ‘good sturdy girls’ openly crying… followed immediately by all four women on stage doing a conga line into the wings with not even a wave to the audience, and Adam Buxton shouting goodbye and thanks, and playing a looped video outro sequence where a screenful of cartoon likenesses repeatedly dive into his bottom and are regurgitated to some wacky music. It was all perplexingly wonderful. We were all invited back to Bethel Chapel for a breather.

Adam Buxton on stage and Self Esteem and her singers – Photograph: Ellie Eagle-Skinner

The final show, Katherine Ryan Telling Everybody Everything back at the City Hall, began with her short comedy set followed by an ‘in conversation’ with author and broadcaster Emily Dean. I did actually ask for a plus one for this one to get the full experience of being able to share Katherine Ryan’s ‘can’t unhear that’ moments with a friend, but although we had an extra chuckle over Emily Dean’s obsession with Henry VIII, really the whole room felt like one big hangout, complete with Katherine Ryan herself reminding folks when to get the last train home (even though the show was going longer), and Emily Dean’s adorable dog Raymond roaming the stage (apparently Sheffielders left a good impression on Emily Dean – we are more dog-friendly than Londoners).

Katherine Ryan and Emily Dean (and her dog) thanking the audience – Photograph: Chella Quint

And then, for those who didn’t have to worry about the last train, the festival ended. The verdict? Sceptical at first, but completely won over. Crossed Wires had Big DocFest Energy for me, and that is an excellent thing. The three-year commitment from both the council and SYMCA means there’s a plan for the future. The curation ticked a lot of boxes for me, and clearly even more for everyone else – there were a bunch of sold-out events in both the paid and fringe programmes.

My only critique would be the costs of the paid shows. My experience of having comps for the shows I wanted was unique, and I might not have spent that cash otherwise, but the ‘feel’ of being welcome everywhere was too good not to share with other festival goers in future. I hope next year it’s possible to offer a festival pass, allowing access to all shows for one price (perhaps supplemented by external sales to big draws). Actually, here is my full wishlist as the festival grows: more indie and emerging podcasts, offering an even bigger platform for local voices, improving access by including live captions, and programming in more themed strands, such as my own nerdy faves, plus other popular categories like true crime and politics.

My weekend was filled with laughter, learning, and a strong sense of community, leaving me eager for next year’s event. The festival’s organisation, venues, and overall execution were commendable, and the staff were attentive and ensured accessibility throughout. It has the potential to become a staple in both the podcasting calendar and the Sheffield festival diary. Roll on, Crossed Wires 2025!

Were you at Crossed Wires Festival 2024? What did you enjoy? What would you like to see more of? Let us know in the comments or on social media!

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Before we worry about any of that however, it’s time to look back and celebrate our favourite podcasts from 2023. As is our tradition, we ended the year with the Pod Bible Listener Polls, a month long open vote where we ask listeners to vote for their favourite podcasts of the year. All of the nominees featured in the Pod Bible Magazine, on the Pod Bible Podcast, on the website or newsletter over the last twelve months – except the final Independent Podcast category, which was open to all.

The polls were open for the whole of December and closed at midnight on the 31st of December. Thank you so much to everyone who voted, we received a record number of submissions, up 30% on our previous best which is huge! Our team have now counted and verified all submissions and we’re very happy to see a good mix of classic podcasts, indy shows and new productions as well as a bunch of brand new winners and an unprecedented tie for third place in one of the categories…

Pod disciples, we present to you your Pod Bible Listener Poll Winners for 2023!

COMEDY

WINNER: WHERE THERE’S A WILL THERE’S A WAKE

2nd – FRENCH AND SAUNDERS: TITTING ABOUT

3rd – OFF MENU

Congratulations to Kathy Burke and the amazing team at Sony Music and Somethin’ Else for creating a runaway hit last year. Where There’s A Will There’s A Wake has taken the most morbid of subjects and turned it into a deeply entertaining and thought provoking listen, with an incredible line up of guests. Everyone knew Kathy would make the perfect podcast host when the time was right and boy has she delivered.

Kathy’s long term British comedy peers French & Saunders come second with perennial winners Off Menu dropping down to third place in what’s been yet another huge year for the dream restaurant based show.

INTERVIEW & CONVERSATION

WINNER: THE ADAM BUXTON PODCAST

2nd – OFF AIR… WITH JANE & FI

3rd – CHANGES WITH ANNIE MACMANUS

What else can be said about The Adam Buxton Podcast and it’s place within the UK podcasting scene since it’s inception in 2015? The quintessential interview podcast for us and the listener votes have yet again backed us up. The fact that Adam can go on lengthy hiatus’s then reappear with no warning with another run of wonderous conversations makes it feel all the more special.

Legendary broadcasters (and fellow former Pod Bible cover stars) Jane Garvey and Fi Glover take second place with DJ Annie Macmanus making the podium in third.

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

WINNER: TALK ART

2nd – CLOSET CONFESSIONS

3rd – WHERE ARE YOU GOING? / POP OFF

We’re delighted to see Talk Art take the gold in this year’s Lifestyle & Culture category! Robert and Russell have been long term supporters of Pod Bible and it’s been a joy to witness their show going from strength to strength over recent years.

Pod Bible cover stars Closet Confessions take second and for the first time ever we have a tie for third place (quite the feat considering we had thousands of votes in this category!). Where Are You Going? and Pop Off share third place, two very different shows that are equally worth your time.

FILM & TV

WINNER: SHRINK THE BOX

2nd – THE DREAM FACTORY

3rd – STICKY BUN BOYS

Three brand new entries onto the Film & TV podium this year, which is no mean feat in a category with both Kermode & Mayo and Films To Be Buried With! Congratulations to Shrink The Box, the show where Ben Baily Smith and Sasha Bates take their favourite fictional characters and analyse why their behaviour causes them so much drama.

It’s wonderful to see that both second and third places are taken by two independent shows this year. User generated movie creation podcast The Dream Factory takes second with Great British Bake Off re-watch podcast Sticky Bun Boys in third.

MUSIC

WINNER: THAT’S NOT METAL

2nd – BEFORE THEY KNEW BETTER

3rd – ROCKONTEURS

Huge congratulations to That’s Not Metal, a truly independent and fan made podcast that has taken first place in this year’s music category! TNM brings you news, opinions and honest reviews from the world of Metal music every week and finished 2023 with their very own awards show.

DIY Magazine’s Before They Knew Better takes second with last year’s bronze medal winners Rockonteurs returning to third place again!

SPORT & LEISURE

WINNER: REMINDING YOU WHY YOU LOVE FOOTBALL

2nd – THE TENNIS PODCAST

3rd – FOOTBALL RAMBLE

Need a reminder as to why you love football? Look no further than this years winner in Sport & Leisure, Reminding You Why You Love Football! The perfect show for those who are not necesarily looking for up to the minute analysis on the latest round of fixtures. You can check out our chat with Seb and Owen from the show here!

The Tennis Podcast takes second place with stalwarts the Football Ramble in third.

NEWS & INVESTIGATION

WINNER: POD SAVE THE UK

2nd – THE NEWS AGENTS

3rd – A VERY BRITISH CULT

A wonderful debut year for Pod Save The UK is capped off by topping the polls for News & Investigation. Nish Kumar and Coco Khan’s weekly politics show is funny, informative and most importantly, accessible.

Similar in subject matter, The News Agents comes in at second with BBC Radio 4 investigative series A Very British Cult taking third place.

AUDIO DRAMA

WINNER: SHERLOCK & CO.

2nd – THE WITCH FARM

3rd – SPRINGLEAF

Sherlock & Co flew onto the scene in October last year and immediately topped the Audio Fiction charts with it’s superbly written scripts and hilarious performances. Our chat with Sherlock & Watson resulted in one of our favourite interviews of the year so we are delighted to see them pick up first place.

Second place goes to the BBC’s The Witch Farm with James Acaster’s Springleaf, only released in November, taking third.

OH. MY. POD.

INDEPENDENT PODCAST

WINNER: PICTURE THE SCENE

2nd – ECONOMICS IN TEN

3rd – 101 PART TIME JOBS

After finishing second last year, true crime podcast Picture The Scene have come back strong to take first place and let us tell you, they got a LOT of votes.

Ever present Economics in Ten take second place with new entrant 101 Part Time Jobs taking the bronze!

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Congratulations to all our winners, runners up and nominees and thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for their favourite shows. We’re sure 2024 will be another incredible year for podcasting and look forward to celebrating it with another set of Pod Bible Listener Polls at the end of the year!

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This year was a real testament to the ‘international’ aspect of the awards: entries were received from 27 countries and people were attending from France, New York, China and more. The shortlists reflected this, with more international shows – and the USA in particular – picking up awards and nominations. On the one hand, it seems a shame to me that less British shows are being highlighted compared to previous years. But I think it’s also important to note that the UK-based awards are attracting such attention. It has long been said that the US is ahead of the UK when it comes to podcasting, and this is a sign that we are catching up.

Another sign of the success of the IWPAs is that this year saw nominations and winners from large production companies and media, including iHeart Podcasts, BBC, Wondery and The Telegraph.

We also saw successes from some shows made by independent production companies –  Peanut & Crumb’s Get Birding continues to collect awards with it’s third series. Some individuals and small teams also made an appearance, including the UK-based Single Sounds, as well as Celebrity Catch-up and Bitter/Sweet, both of which we’ve featured in the Pod Bible magazine and on the website.

The third International Women’s Podcast Awards event was another evening of great atmosphere, supportive podcasters and celebrations. Well done to all the winners and nominees, and well done to Everybody Media for a lovely evening.

The Winners

Here are the list of winners and runner-up podcasts for the International Women’s Podcast Awards 2023. All quotes are taken from the description of the categories on the Everybody Media media

Moment of Behind-the-Scenes Brilliance

“…audio that showcases the writers, producers, editors and podcast professionals out there.”

Winner – Spygate

Runner-up – Freeway Phantom

Moment of Comedy Gold

“Make us laugh. That is all.”

Winner – Sanctum Unmasked

Runner-up – Single Sounds

Moment of Compelling Storytelling

“…so much of what we love about podcasting is woven around our love of hearing and telling stories.”

Winner – Unreformed: The Story of the Alabama Industrial School for Negro Children

Runner-up – Discovery: In Search of Stardust

Moment of Dramatic Tension

“Dramatic tension can be leaving your listener on a cliffhanger, or it can be subtle and carefully built.”

Winner – How To Become a Dictator

Runner-up – British Scandal

Moment of Entrepreneurial Inspiration

“This category is for moments from the world of business, startups and entrepreneurship.” 

Winner – The Black Kitchen Series: Innovators

Runner-up – Modern Persian Food

Moment of Insight From a Role Model

“the moment from your podcast that you’d choose to play to a class full of young people.“

Winner – Feminist Files

Runner-up – Threshold

Runner-up: Celebrity Catch-up: Life After That Thing I Did

Moment of Podcasting Panache in a Language Other Than English

“We’re opening a category for podcasts in languages other than English.”

Winner – Costa Nostra

Runner-up – Réparations

Moment of Raw Emotion

“We’re after incredible audio moments of emotion reflecting the human experience of emotion”

Winner – Linda Marigliano’s Tough Love

Runner-up – 2 Lives

Runner-up – Nobody should believe me

Moment of Touching Honesty

“This category is for those intimate, touching audio moments of searing truth”

Winner – Get Birding

Runner-up – Bitter/Sweet

Moment of Visionary Leadership

“We want to hear about the women and folk of diverse genders on your podcast who’ve shown outstanding leadership and shared their secrets about it.”

Winner –  The Ten News

Runner-up – The Negotiators

Award For Changing The World One Moment At A Time

“We believe that podcasts have the power to create change in the world”

Winner – The TMI Project Story Hour

Runner-up – Wander

The post The International Women’s Podcast Awards 2023 – The Winners appeared first on POD BIBLE.

“An incredible testament to the power of podcasts; the power of persistence; and the power, creativity and passion of the independent podcast community in the U.K. and Ireland today.” This was a statement about the overall Podcast of the Year winner at last night’s inaugural Independent Podcast Awards – Genevieve Hassan’s excellent Celebrity Catch Up: Life After That Thing I Did. Yet it could so easily apply to the celebratory event itself, which took place in a lively Hall One at Kings Place. Independent podcaster Em McGowan dreamed up the awards in response to a conversation that left her wondering where the energy and drive of grassroots audio creators could still be rewarded, recognised and celebrated in an increasingly corporate marketplace.

The tone of the ceremony, expertly set by host Esther Manito, struck a great balance between friendly community hug and slick celebration.

There were a lot of awards to get through. And these events can sometimes drag. Yet having just one winner in each category, and winner interviews taking place backstage, allowed things to keep moving and feel fresh and fun. Here’s our roundup of the winners:

Arts & Culture – Folk on Foot

An established podcast already, Folk on Foot sees broadcaster Matthew Banister walking with top folk musicians through the landscapes that have inspired them. The meticulous production values and intimate, immersive feel impressed the judges. Listen here >>

Podcast Artwork – Clown Sex

One of the biggest laughs of the night was the reveal of this eye catching artwork. This fiction podcast, a multiple nominee, felt like a bit of a theme of the night. Listen here >>

Books – The Bestseller Experiment

Author / screenwriter Mark Stay and coach / entrepreneur Mark Desvaux discover the secrets to writing a bestseller and attempt to put them into practice. Each week, they are guided by chart-topping authors and industry experts. The judges praised them for serving their community so well. Listen here >>

Business – Bring Your Product Idea to Life

Host Vicki Weinberg, who launched a brand of baby products, provides rich, accessible content packed with useful advice from knowledgeable guests. Listen here >>

Children & Young Adults – Bust or Trust: A Kids’ Mystery Podcast

Engaging hosts Athena Kugblena and Tiernan Douieb introduce children to the histories and cultures of different countries around the world in a fun and accessible way. The judges found the show to be well pitched for all of the family. Listen here >>

Comedy – Jackie The Ripper

One of the longest and most competitive shortlists of the night (which, ahem, included my own podcast) was topped by this pacy and dramatic show, a sex-swapped reimagining of the infamous 19th century London murders. The judges praised the acting, writing, action sequences and sound design. Listen here >>

Fiction – Eliza: A Robot Story

Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education) stars in a dark sci-fi fairytale about a robot who can feel and fall in love. The judges enjoyed the character development, writing, direction, sound design and performances. Listen here >>

Film & TV – Celebrity Catch Up: Life After That Thing I Did

Ultimately the biggest winner of the night was Genevieve Hassan’s unashamedly nostalgic and well-researched interview podcast. Who isn’t fascinated by what the likes of Dexter Fletcher, Chesney Hawkes, Tiffany and Carol Decker are up to now… and how they reminisce about their time in the spotlight? The judges thought this show was an ‘incredible achievement for a solo host and producer’. Listen here >>

Gaming – The Apocalypse Players

Another double winner, and a contender for most dramatic dash to the stage. This immersive, humorous show was praised for sound design, acting, atmospheric music and passion for the story. Listen here >>

Health & Wellness – The Wellbeing Rebellion

Hosted by corporate wellbeing consultant Ngozi Weller and psychologist Obehi Alofoje, this show is aimed at business leaders who want to make a difference for their employees and is packed with tips around burnout, mental health, inclusion and resilience. The judges describe it as an ‘essential listen’. Listen here >>

History – Beneath the Skin

Professor and museum curator Dr Matt Lodder and tattoo collector Thomas O’Mahoney explore the interconnected history of the weirdest corners of the world through the story of tattooing. This unusual perspective made it a ‘perfect example of what a podcast can be’ in the eyes of the judges. Listen here >>

Horror & Supernatural – The Apocalypse Players

As above!

Music – Sodajerker on Songwriting

Hosted by U.K. songwriting team Simon and Brian (aka Sodajerker) this show focuses on the craft of songwriting and features some of the world’s most successful musicians. They have been running for 12 years and have an archive of over 250 episodes. Listen here >>

Podcast Jingle – Brkin Bread

A fun category. We got to hear all the jingles. You still can if you head to the Independent Podcast Awards website. Listen here >>

News & Politics – Wood for the Trees

Cait Macleod asks the messy questions and explores the opposing opinions on the contemporary issues that divide us. The judges described the show as ‘elegant and well-researched.’ Listen here >>

Self-Improvement – Teenagers Untangled

Rachel Richards and Susie Asli dish out realistic advice to improve your communication with your teens and tweens. The judges enjoyed the mix of personal stories and professional insight. Listen here >>

Sexuality & Relationships – Queer Roots & Routes

Made by a queer collective who are migrants or descended from migrants, this show has a specific USP and a focus on storytelling, community and excellent sound design. Another show hailed as a ‘perfect example of what a podcast can be’. Listen here >>

Sport – Spindrift

Aoife Glass explores bikes, cycling, people, especially women, and adventure. Stacked with interviews, assured and knowledgeable, a recommended listen targeting a niche that needs more representation. Listen here >>

Technology – The Future of You

Futurist Tracey Follows investigates all the ways that emerging technologies are going to affect our identity. This one was described as a ‘calm, thoughtful and intelligent exploration of media and technology’. Listen here >>

True Crime – Drunk Women Solving Crime

A comedy classic from hosts Hannah George, Catie Wilkins and Taylor Glenn. I have guested on this show and can attest to the welcoming, hilarious yet somehow still cleverly structured web they weave as they enlisted my help in tackling a true case. In keeping with the show, producer Amanda Redman collected the award in a camp, slapstick sprint from the balcony. Listen here >>

Podcast of the Year – Celebrity Catch Up: Life After That Thing I Did

For more information and to see the full list of nominees go to: independentpodcastawards.com

The post Winners of the Independent Podcast Awards 2023 appeared first on POD BIBLE.

The Podcast Show 2023 took place at The Business Design Centre, London from the 24th to 25th of May. This was my first Podcast Show and I managed to attend the last day coming down from the Midlands. When you walk into the venue, you’re greeted with a massive purple wall with the names, locations and time of panels and talks. Even though there was a handy app to help you plan your day, this wall did help as I have to admit I did feel overwhelmed with the choices, almost cautious that if you blinked you missed everything.

Nevertheless the app and wall were both a great opportunity to feed your curiosity, as well as filter out and focus on your aims. In between talks I visited some stalls and had some really insightful conversations with independent companies about their goals for the audio industry – each sharing their unique perspective for content. I loved hearing about Whistledown Productions and their process of making a documentary and making my way to Curly Media to discuss their reality TV approach to podcast production. Lastly, I finally met the Pod Bible team in person and attended their “Creating A Community” panel led by Francesca Turauskis. This panel highlighted the importance of collaboration and listening to your audience – Tom Dark (Monkey Tennis – The Alan Partridge Podcast) mentioned getting a Whatsapp number so the audience could send in voicenotes as an example of this.

The “Interviewing The Interviewer” panel on The Rise Up Stage was actually the first talk attended. Hosted by Sali Huges from the Guardian and the panel were Oloni (Laid Bare), Chian Reynolds (from YouTube podcast Grilling) and Char Ellesse (Founder & Director of Girls Will Be Boys). The main aim was to have a conversation regarding the interviewing process – all the way from the research, to the interview and post production. Members of the panel were adamant to point out their platforms were about championing marginalised voices – Char said on her podcast Say It With Your Chest her main concern is not necessarily about the biggest names, “It’s less about profile and more about who’s got something to say.” Oloni agrees that the profile of a guest is not important on Laid Bare. “What I truly wanted was someone who has a story to tell, I don’t care about visibility.”

These approaches can truly be admired considering the current state of the audio industry. Though at surface level it is truly a joy to see numerous independent companies push to welcome something different. And there is a plethora of freelancers connecting and showing a genuine curiosity regarding audio. However we cannot ignore the evidence showing how the diverse output is not matching the numbers.

Takudzwa Mudiwa – the writer – at the Podcast Show

At a session called “UKAN State of the Audio Industry 2023 – Time to give up on DE&I”, Content is Queen Founder Imriel Morgan launched an Open Letter calling on the audio industry to “Say Less Do More” before Head of UKAN (UK Audio Network), Laura Blake, announced findings of the UKAN State Of The Audio Industry Survey 2023, which included the average salaries of people working in audio. The conclusion was “If you are not white and not a man, you are earning less than you were in 2020.”

This is an even more disappointing finding if you note the promises that numerous companies made during the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd – to put diversity at the forefront of their decision making. As Content is Queen is no longer able to do the International Women’s Podcast Festival due to a lack of funding and support – you have to ask yourself where is the action? The Podcast Show showed the range of women hosting, producing and editing, so the issue is not a lack of talent. So as we reflect on these exciting two days and celebrate the moving and shaking of the podcast industry it will be redundant to not acknowledge its shortcomings – to echo Content Is Queen “Let’s value these voices for what they indeed are – not just diverse but essential contributors to the richness and growth of our shared audio landscape.”

Were you at The Podcast Show 2023? What did you enjoy? What would you like to see more of? Let us know in the comments!

The post REVIEW // The Podcast Show 2023 appeared first on POD BIBLE.

So this year, here are a few tips that you may want to add to your own agenda:

1. Why Audiences Respond to Comedy Podcasts – with Dan Schreiber, Luisa Zissman, Paul Chowdry and Chris Lander
Wednesday 11.30am – The Studio Stage

In this panel discussion, Global’s Head of Comedy Podcasts Chris Lander unpacks new research into audience attitudes to comedy podcasts with a stellar panel of comic talent. Pod Bible coverstar Dan Schreiber of No Such Thing As A Fish who will no doubt be giving a nod to his new show We Can Be Weirdos.

2. Evolutions in True Crime and Investigative Journalism
Wednesday 1pm – Gallery Stage

This sounds like a fascinating discussion for fans of Serial and all the excellent true crime pods that have followed. What are the new directions, innovations and ethical considerations in this space? What does the future of the genre look like? Panellists are set to include Matthew Shaer of Campside Media, Alexi Mostrous of Tortoise Media and David Waters of Novel.

3.  Duos In Podcasting: How to Not Get Professionally Divorced
Wednesday 3.15pm – The Origin Theatre

As someone who has spent years writing and speaking about breakups, both the personal and professional kind, this title really caught my eye. How do you keep a podcast partnership going even when you’re driving each other mad? Roman Kemp interviews podcasting duos Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks (Staying Relevant) plus Adeola Patronne and Mariam Miss (Pressed) to find out.

4. Pod Bible Live – Creating a Community and Network Around Indie Podcasts
Thursday 11.30am – Talking Podcasts ‘Creator 1’

Come and see Pod Bible Digital Editor Fran Turauskis quizzing Kobi Omenaka (cofounder of Stripped Media and host of Flixwatcher, Simple Politics and The Wire Stripped), Tom Dark (Head of Darkside Media, ex Head of Podcast Promotions at Warner Records and host of Monkey Tennis – The Alan Partridge Podcast) and yours truly all about building networks and communities around our podcasts.

5.  A Podcaster’s Manifesto: How Pod Save the U.K. Can Change the World
Thursday 2.15pm – The Origin Theatre

Crooked Media, who launched Pod Save America in the wake of a certain President Trump’s inauguration, have teamed up with Reduced Listening and Nish Kumar to tackle our political landscape head on. Nish will share his view on political podcasting and how the medium can create change.

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In between sessions, don’t forget to visit the Pod Bible stand (Stand J13) to say hello to the team and pick up copies of the latest issue and back catalogue.

There’s hundreds of stalls to visit including Pod Bible Lead Partner Audible, and Media Partners Stak and Auddy. And if last year is anything to go by, the Spotify stand should be worth a visit to see what treats and goodies they have up their sleeve. (Last year they offered personalised tote bags – printed on demand with your pod art – and signature juices to provide welcome rehydration for frazzled podcasters…)

Enjoy the show!

The Podcast Show is the biggest international festival for the business of podcasting and will bring together thousands from
the global podcast community under one roof. Day passes are still on sale and extra 10% off selected passes when you use the code “PODBIBLE” until 22nd May.

The post 5 things you MUST see at the Podcast Show 2023 appeared first on POD BIBLE.