Reflecting on a Resounding Success: The Outlier Podcast Festival Was a Celebration of Podcasting Excellence
Fab Factory Studios | North Hollywood
The recently concluded Outlier Podcast Festival left attendees buzzing with excitement, inspiration, and a renewed passion for podcasting. Held at Fab Factory Studios in North Hollywood on May 18-19th, this dynamic gathering brought together indie podcasters, industry leaders, sponsors, and enthusiasts from around the country.
While I was unable to attend due to illness, the festival was flawlessly hosted by Larry Roberts and Holly Shannon, who stepped in with less than a 48 hour notice and ensured a seamless and extraordinary experience for all. I have received tons of texts, emails, and phone calls about the festival and how much people enjoyed it.
The festival opened its doors to a community of podcasters eager to connect, learn, and exchange ideas. The incredible lineup of speakers, thought-provoking panel discussions, and practical breakout sessions made the event an unforgettable celebration of the power of podcasting.
Keynote speakers took the stage to set the tone for the festival, sharing their wisdom and insights. Each keynote address left the audience inspired and ready to embark on their podcasting journey with renewed determination. Their ability to ignite passion and provide invaluable advice set the stage for an extraordinary event. Thank yous to our keynotes Damona Hoffman, Laura Cathcart Robbins, Kimi Culp, Sarah Merrill Hall, and Mark Hentemann.
Panel discussions, a cornerstone of our festival, explored a wide range of topics, shedding light on key aspects of podcasting. Indie podcasters and industry leaders engaged in lively conversations, sharing their experiences, challenges, and success stories. Attendees gained unique perspectives, practical tips, and actionable strategies to enhance their podcasting endeavors. Thank yous to Holly Shannon, Gogo Zoger, Christopher Louis, Eric Babakhanian with the “How Leveraging Data and Content Can Grow a Show at any Stage in it’s Lifecycle” panel.
Akiya Mcknight, Fallon Jethroe, Krystal Hill, Deena Morrison with the “The Future Of Podcasting is Female” panel.
Colleen Gallagher, Lisa Orkin, Meryl Klemow with the “Podcasting as a Community Builder” panel.
Cory Montalvo, Cristina Chacon, Isaura Ibarra Ramirez of YEBO Media with the “The Story Behind your Brand”
The festival's breakout sessions were a testament to its commitment to empowering podcasters with practical knowledge and skills. Led by experts in the field, these interactive workshops covered a diverse range of subjects including audio editing, storytelling techniques, marketing strategies, and guest outreach. Attendees left with a toolbox of resources to take their podcasts to new heights. Huge thank yous to Christina Barsi for “The Key To Measuring Value - Beyond The Numbers”
Michelle Newman & Edwin Covarrubias for “Podcasting the Paranormal”
Roger Seng & Ben Jones for “Know Your Listeners, Grow Your Listeners”
Sara Lohse for “Leveraging Your Podcast to Grow a Business”
Imran Ahmed “Captain Ron” for “Unlocking the Power of SEO and Reviews: Essential Strategies for Podcast Marketing Success”
Rob Greenlee for “Changing Methods of Creating and Consuming Podcasts”
Adam Lewis Walker for “How a Podcaster Can Land a TEDx Talk in 90 Days or Less”
Alex Sanfilippo for “PodPros Community”
Courtney Kocak for “Why Your Podcast Needs a Newsletter and Substack for Podcasters”
Erik Cabral for “Be Your Brand: A Workshop to Craft Your Personal Brand & Podcast”
Larry Roberts for “How to Leverage ChatGPT”
Stephanie Arakelian for “Growing Your Audience & Building Your Community”
Helen Garcia for “How to Make $500/mo From Your Podcast with an Audience of Less Than 50 People and Episode”
The festival’s LIVE show was My Worst Date hosted by Keegan, Cassi and Christina. Their ability to connect with the audience and make them feel like they were part of the conversation was truly remarkable. They effortlessly weaved humor, personal anecdotes, and valuable insights into the LIVE episode made it a standout experience for everyone in attendance. The laughter and engagement in the room were a testament to the impact they had on our attendees.
A special shoutout to Larry Roberts and Holly Shannon for stepping in to host the festival in my absence. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment ensured that attendees enjoyed a seamless experience. Their efforts in managing logistics, overseeing sessions, and fostering a sense of community were truly exceptional.
We would also like to extend a huge thank you to Arielle Nissenblatt and the Outlier Board of Advisors for their invaluable contributions in shaping the programming and overall strategy of the event. Their guidance, expertise, and commitment to excellence were instrumental in creating an extraordinary festival experience.
To our sponsors, we express our sincere appreciation for their generous support. Their belief in the power of podcasting and their commitment to the community made the festival possible. Your contributions paved the way for an event that fostered learning, connection, and growth. Focusrite (our good friend Dan Hughley), Podetize, Squadcast, PodOps, Quill Podcasting, Heil Sounds, Podnews, Podcast Movement, LifeFlip Media, and Podcast Overhaul.
Finally, we extend our gratitude to the attendees who embraced the spirit of the festival and actively participated in discussions, networked, and shared their experiences. Your passion, enthusiasm, and thirst for knowledge made the festival an exceptional gathering of like-minded individuals.
As we reflect on the success of the Outlier Podcast Festival, we look forward to continuing our mission of empowering podcasters, amplifying voices, and fostering meaningful connections. Stay tuned for updates and announcements as we embark on new initiatives to further support the podcasting community.
Thank you for being a part of the Outlier community. We’re looking forward to pushing the boundaries of podcasting and make a lasting impact in the industry with all of you.
Till next time,
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