What better way to review The Podcast Show 2022 than to ask those who attended to see what they thought about this year’s big podcast conference.
This was the show’s very first year. By day, the actual conference happened from Wednesday 24th May until Thursday 25th May 2022. There were also evening events, such as live podcast shows, that started on Tuesday and concluded on Saturday.
On their website, The Podcast Show calls itself, “a new international festival for the business of podcasting, suitable for creators, the industry and podcast fans.”
The event itself happened at the iconic Business Design Centre, which is in Islington, London, bang in the heart of London’s buzzing media district.
This year we went along as exhibitors, and it was great to meet and chat with all the different types of people within the podcasting industry, but especially the indie podcasters and creators. They are, after all, one of the reasons Captivate exists.
After the show, we reached out to those who attended and asked them what they thought about the conference.
In this article...
Q+A with those who attended The Podcast Show 2022
1. James Cridland – Editor at Podnews
James Cridland is the Editor of Podnews, a daily podcast newsletter. He is a radio futurologist – a writer, consultant and public speaker on radio’s future
Why did you attend The Podcast Show 2022?
Strictly speaking, I attended The Podcast Show because I was asked to be a keynote speaker. But I was excited to be at the event, since it’s a show that really communicates the excitement and energy of podcasting.
What did you learn from attending?
I learnt that UK podcasting is a much bigger industry than I thought it was – and being British and having covered this industry for a long time, that was particularly surprising! It was almost as if the show helped the industry grow up and gain legitimacy.
What did you like most?
The positive atmosphere: particularly, a lack of grumbling old men at the back. People are welcoming of the industry’s changes in the UK, and excited about what the future will bring. It’s a refreshing change for podcasting events, and I loved being a part of it.
2. Matthew McLean – Head of Content at The Podcast Host
Matthew McLean is the Head of Content at Alitu and The Podcast Host. He is also the writer, producer and one of the stars of A Scottish Podcast
Why did you attend The Podcast Show 2022?
We’ve really missed the “real life” stuff over the past couple of years. There have been some great podcasting events in the UK in the past, and we’ve always done our best to get along to them.
What did you learn from attending?
As much as it’s refreshing to have events that aren’t based in London, the location was perfect for getting big numbers through the door. The event space itself was great, too. Though not always the easiest to navigate and find out what was going on where.
What did you like most?
As much as it’s nice hearing from big companies and manufacturers, I find the value is always in meeting the people themselves. I spoke to a few new indie podcasters just starting out in their journey, and this is ultimately what has always fuelled the medium above all else.
3. Drew Toynbee – Freelance Producer/Editor & Co-Host of The Sequel Pitch Podcast
Drew Toynbee is a voice-over artist and freelance editor. He also co-hosts and produces Sequel Pitch Podcast
Why did you attend The Podcast Show 2022?
To get ideas and advice on where we should be taking the podcast, and our respective careers in the industry, as well as to do some in-person networking!
What did you learn from attending?
Our biggest takeaway has been how drastically it seems there may be a shift to video. We love creating audio content, but we’ve now got a load of great ideas on how we can utilise our time and content to make sure we’re not behind the curve.
What did you like most?
That everyone seemed to be thrilled to be there. There was a great energy, and so many people were open to starting conversations.
What would make it even better next year?
It would be great to see content targeted slightly more at smaller but established podcasters. There was a lot for companies that have large budgets, and there was a lot about getting started in podcasting, but while that content was interesting, a lot of the talks covered things we already knew, or that we wouldn’t have the budget or time to implement.
4. Brendan Le Grange – Host of How to Lend Money to Strangers Podcast
Brendan Le Grange is the host of How to Lend Money to Strangers Podcast and is also an author
Why did you attend The Podcast Show 2022?
I attended the Podcast Show 2022 mainly for networking opportunities and discovery.
What did you learn from attending?
It was a great experience learning about new equipment available to podcasters, with technical input too. I also learned from seeing some of the other podcasts in action.
What did you like most?
What I liked the most from this year’s show was that there was a diverse crowd, great presenters/speakers and a wide range of different exhibitors.
What would make it even better next year?
I think they could have showcased the people behind the podcasts that attended the show – whether it is a wider range of shows recording in the evenings, a program that has or sells space to advertise like the Pod Bible booklet but open, or a stream where we hear from ‘not experts’, but podcasters who chat about their experiences lower down in the food chain.
It would also have been good to be able to see and contact attendees ahead of the show to arrange to possibly meet up on the day.
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Reading Time: 10 minutes Interview with Captivate’s MD, Mark Asquith, about what he thought about the very first Podcast Show that happened in Islington, London.
5. Susan Schwartz – Blogger/Journalist & Host of the Lush Life Podcast
Susan Schwartz is a blogger, journalist and host of the Lush Life Podcast
Why did you attend The Podcast Show 2022?
To meet the people who make my podcast happen and to learn a thing or two.
What did you learn from attending?
- How important YouTube is and will be to us podcasters.
- How few women there are in podcasting.
- How much fun it is to all get together.
- How to learn to use Patreon better.
- Why we need super fans not just followers – thanks Mark!
For context behind Susan’s point number 5, our MD, Mark Asquith did a talk about listener acquisition during the conference. This will be available in the Growth Labs section of Captivate’s platform.
What did you like most?
It was great to finally meet everyone who helps me do what I do!
What would make it even better next year?
Maybe more get-togethers for people who don’t know anyone. I did feel alone at times and I am pretty social. Maybe designate the days as live show day / learn stuff day / big topic day etc, so that you don’t miss out on seeing people live because you wanted to learn something new.
6. Rabiah Coon – Marketing Manager at 3|SHARE & Host of the More Than Work Podcast
Rabiah Coon is a marketing manager, writer, comedian and host of the More Than Work Podcast
Why did you attend The Podcast Show 2022?
I was invited by a friend who was recording an episode of her podcast at the Shure booth. I was her guest.
What did you learn from attending?
One thing I learned at a panel was that I’m not the only one who feels overly ambitious when asking certain people to be a guest, but it never hurts to ask. Even more prominent hosts feel the same way. I also attended a panel on women in podcasting and learned some really interesting statistics, but was further inspired to keep going and keep having the conversations I’m having with guests.
What did you like most?
I enjoyed the camaraderie of the podcasting community. I met a lot of nice people who are working hard to produce shows that they care about and who were willing to share information. I also liked the panels I got to see.
What would make it even better next year?
I didn’t get into two panels I wanted to due to the crowds and think it would be good to have satellite rooms, where overflow people could still hear or have more space for attendees to get to panels.
7. Victoria Bennion – Founder at the Victoria Bennion Podcast Booking Agency
Victoria Bennion is an experienced podcast booker, a trained journalist, a qualified marketer and host of The Best Guest Podcast
Why did you attend The Podcast Show 2022?
For inspiration, new ideas and to meet other podcasters.
What did you learn from attending?
So much! From Mark Asquith (Captivate’s MD) – The UK is three to four years behind the USA with podcasting and it’s predicted that podcasting will soon become part of the marketing mix for companies.
What did you like most?
There were so many great sessions and speakers.
What would make it even better next year?
Being able to access the sessions after the event so you can catch up on those you missed.
8. Paul Ince – Managing Director at LikeMind Media & Host of Humans Exhaust Me Podcast
Paul Ince is the Managing Director at LikeMind Media and Host of Humans Exhaust Me Podcast
Why did you attend The Podcast Show 2022?
To learn about the latest in the podcasting industry, connect with other creators and podcasters, and learn from an array of different speakers. Oh, and to sneak away from the office for a couple days…
What did you learn from attending?
The main takeaways from the show were the legal side of podcasting, how to better collaborate with others in the industry and how to think bigger on productions.
What did you like most?
There were some really great talks. I especially enjoyed the session from the Help I Sexted My Boss podcast.
What would make it even better next year?
Put sessions in tracks to make it easier to attend relevant sessions. Make it less about celebrities.
9. Clayton Coke – Creator & Host of The Cashflow Show Podcast
Clayton Coke is the Creator & Host of The Cashflow Show Podcast
Why did you attend The Podcast Show 2022?
To connect with other podcasters and meet potential new suppliers.
What did you learn from attending?
There seems to be nothing much for “indie” podcasters. It is all being driven by marketing companies hoping to find the next “my dad wrote a porno”. There is definitely space for that but let’s find the shows that are not as commercial.
What did you like most?
Loved interacting with so many people and really pleased to know that every other person in the building was a podcaster or at least hoping to be one.
What would make it even better next year?
A dedicated space for “indie podcasters. A total hands-on seminar where a podcast is created in front of a live audience. More tips on actual audio training: what’s a compressor? What’s limited? What’s the difference between dynamic & condenser etc.
Another article we think you'd like...
Reading Time: 10 minutes Interview with Captivate’s MD, Mark Asquith, about what he thought about the very first Podcast Show that happened in Islington, London.
10. Charles Commins – Head Podcaster at Vibrant Sound Media
Charles Commins in the Head Podcaster at Vibrant Sound Media
Why did you attend The Podcast Show 2022?
To see podcast friends I’ve not seen in person for ages, meet new people and hear people’s views on where our industry is going.
What did you learn from attending?
That the community is thriving and full of lovely humans. Also that there is so much room for all of us that are already podcasting and those yet to start.
What did you like most?
Getting to speak to other podcasters and learning from shared experiences.
What would make it even better next year?
A clearer map as it wasn’t easy to navigate. Too many talk spaces had the same name and I couldn’t find them in time to get into the rooms before they were full. Especially on day one.
11. Rob Lawrence – Director at Podcast Plus Ltd
Rob Lawrence is a Podcaster & the Director at Podcast Plus Ltd
Why did you attend The Podcast Show 2022?
I attended The Podcast show 2022 as I was invited by a colleague.
What did you learn from attending?
The podcasting scene is changing: bigger brands are getting involved and committing more to the podcasting industry. This means a lot of opportunities for creators and podcasters.
What did you like most?
The people I met at the show. I also liked that even though it felt like a professional event, it had an informal atmosphere.
What would make it even better next year?
A curator and host announcing what events were on when, and what to see and experience. The event would have benefitted from someone bringing it all together to make the whole experience more cohesive and engaging.
Behind-the-scenes Podcast Show 2022 vlog
Check out our vlog to see behind-the-scenes action of what we got up to during The Podcast Show 2022, plus interviews with the Captivate team and conference attendees.
Final thoughts and what to do next
Tickets for next year’s event aren’t available yet but sign up for news and updates.
During the conference, Mark gave a talk about listener acquisition during the conference which will be available in Captivate’s platform, in our Growth Labs section. If you aren’t yet a Captivate user, why not sign up to a 7 day free trial? During the trial, setting up or transferring a podcast show is easy, you have access to ALL features including Growth Labs, and can talk to a dedicated support team – who are human and not robots.
Alternatively, why not check out the Captivate Insider podcast, check out our YouTube channel or read another one of our blogs.
