Todd Cochrane, founder of Blubrry Podcasting; Rob Greenlee from Spoken Life Media; Roberto Blake, CEO of Create Awesome Media; and Gautam Raj Anand, CEO and founder of Hubhopper.com The live episode from Podfest revolves around the evolution and future of podcasting, with a focus on the intersection of podcasting with YouTube and other digital platforms. The discussion highlights the growing convergence of audio and video in the podcasting space, reflecting on the medium’s history as both an audio and video platform. Roberto Blake, a YouTube creator and podcaster, provides insights into the role of YouTube in the podcasting landscape, emphasizing the platform’s influence in bringing audio and video formats together. He also discusses the significant impact of video platforms on the popularity and accessibility of podcasts. Gautam Raj Anand shares his experiences from the Indian podcast market, discussing the challenges and opportunities in a landscape where Apple’s market share is minimal. He emphasizes the importance of understanding podcasting as a broad medium that includes various forms of audio content, not limited to typical Western definitions. The panel also delves into the implications of AI in media, discussing how AI is being used to enhance content creation and distribution. They speculate on the future impact of AI on content authenticity, emphasizing the enduring value of original, human-created content. The conversation covers strategies for podcast growth, focusing on understanding the audience, creating content that serves a specific purpose, and leveraging new technologies for distribution and engagement. The panelists stressed the importance of having a clear goal and mission for a podcast, whether building a brand, monetizing, or serving a hobby or passion. In summary, the episode provides a comprehensive look at the current state and prospects of podcasting, blending insights from different corners of the world and different segments of the media industry. It underscores the dynamic nature of podcasting, its integration with other media forms, and the evolving role of technology in shaping its future. Get a Sticker: Send us your show sticker, and we will send you a New Media Show Sticker. Get on our sticker board for the show. New Media Productions 365 N Willowbrook Rd Suite: C Coldwater, Mi, 49036