EPISODE · Jan 20, 2026 · 58 MIN
438. What Podfest 2026 Taught Us About Community
from Podcasting Morning Chat | Real Podcasters, Real Podcasting Advice · host Marc Ronick | Podcasting Coach and Consultant
What happens when you go from feeling like an outsider to being named Community Hero? We’re reflecting on last week’s Podfest 2026 in Orlando, Florida. After five years of walking through those doors, unsure of where I fit, receiving an unexpected award caught me completely off guard. But this isn’t just my story. It’s about what happens when podcasters show up for each other. Many of us from the Empowered Podcasting community were there, sharing the moments that mattered most and why Podfest continues to feel like a family reunion even for first-timers. Whether you attended or followed along from afar, this conversation brings you right into the room with us. Maybe it’s time you showed up and let the community meet you where you are.Episode Highlights: [02:08] PodFest recap begins[03:42] Memorable moments and awards[08:01] Networking and community building[10:31] Full-circle moments and collaborations[13:22] Challenges and overcoming obstacles[17:35] Surprising moments and early reflections[28:16] Navigating PodFest with practical tips and experiences[31:26] Reflections from a podcasting veteran[38:58] Advice for first-time conference attendees[43:31] Areas for improvement and constructive feedbackLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings: https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200: https://empoweredpodcasting.comApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerPodfest: https://podfestexpo.comAnika Jackson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajacksonRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or [email protected]Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
What this episode covers
What happens when you go from feeling like an outsider to being named Community Hero? We’re reflecting on last week’s Podfest 2026 in Orlando, Florida. After five years of walking through those doors, unsure of where I fit, receiving an unexpected award caught me completely off guard. But this isn’t just my story. It’s about what happens when podcasters show up for each other. Many of us from the Empowered Podcasting community were there, sharing the moments that mattered most and why Podfest continues to feel like a family reunion even for first-timers. Whether you attended or followed along from afar, this conversation brings you right into the room with us. Maybe it’s time you showed up and let the community meet you where you are.Episode Highlights: [02:08] PodFest recap begins[03:42] Memorable moments and awards[08:01] Networking and community building[10:31] Full-circle moments and collaborations[13:22] Challenges and overcoming obstacles[17:35] Surprising moments and early reflections[28:16] Navigating PodFest with practical tips and experiences[31:26] Reflections from a podcasting veteran[38:58] Advice for first-time conference attendees[43:31] Areas for improvement and constructive feedbackLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings: https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200: https://empoweredpodcasting.comApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerPodfest: https://podfestexpo.comAnika Jackson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajacksonRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or [email protected]Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
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438. What Podfest 2026 Taught Us About Community
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