Close to 3,000 people actually chose to go to Orlando in August to partake in discussions – some of which were hotter than the weather -- surrounding podcasting at Podcast Movement 2019. Attendees could choose a free lapel pin to wear -- “2 Years,” “3 Years” -- to tout their attendance anniversary. Biggest bragging rights went to those sporting a 6-Year pin, evidence of their foresight as the first to attend what’s become the largest gathering for podcasting in the country. Even as a third-year pod person (which still earned me considerable props) the exponential growth I’ve seen in those years up to this month’s event was impressive.

Hear from five pundits from the crowd who are, arguably, experts in their respective specialties, to talk about podcasts' evolution and their projections for the business. I asked them each if with all this growth, “the more things change... ARE they changing” or are we still challenged by everything from measurement to diversity?

First up: Donald Albright, co-founder of Tenderfoot TV which is home to true crime phenom Up and Vanished and five other high-profile podcasts that have garnered more than 400 million downloads in four short years. Then, Edison Research’s own phenomenal presenter, Tom Webster, and I discuss is it a “download” – or a “listen”? And what of those who consume their podcasts more and more via YouTube? (Both Edison and Nielsen’s Podcast Listener Buying survey show YouTube becoming a top destination for podcast discovery!) How do brands get in on this medium effectively? A little company called eBay has had success with that, as explained by content manager, Doug Smith.

For the broad strokes and a futurecast, amplifi Media’s Steve Goldstein weighs in. Finally, representation of the female perspective is offered by a force for those voices, Jessica Kupferman of She Podcasts. An indicator of growth in that area is the almost sold out status of their first dedicated conference, attracting content and sponsorships from major players like WarnerMedia Podcasts to PRX.