Watch live: The Future of Podcast - Wednesday 22 April

Watch the livestream TODAY at 10:15am from Soho, London. This event brings together industry professionals and those looking to break into the audio world to discuss the evolution of podcasting. Talks will cover AI simulated voices, visualisation podcasts and hearing from audio commissioners.

Watch live from 10:15am TODAY: 'The Future of Podcast', follow the full schedule below:

Schedule: Morning sessions

10:15 Welcome and Introductions

Swarzy Macaly

Host & Radio Presenter, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra
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10:30 - 11:30 The future of Podcast

Step into the future of audio with some of the podcast world’s most influential voices. In this dynamic panel, industry leaders come together to unpack the bold decisions shaping what’s next and exploring how today’s strategies are laying the groundwork for tomorrow’s growth.

Chair

Marianna Spring

BBC Social Media Investigations Correspondent

Panel

  • Jonathan Kanagasooriam

    Managing Editor, Podcast Strategy & Video, BBC Sounds
  • Steve Ackerman

    Strategic Advisor, Former EVP Global Podcast
  • Talia Stolerman

    Head of Podcasts, Spotify
  • Whitney Rosenthal

    Global Director, Creator Platforms, Podimo
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11:45 - 12:45 Video Podcasts – Or Should We Just Call It Video?

With platforms increasingly optimising for video, podcasting is entering a new era. This session examines the key ingredients of successful video podcasts and considers the ongoing role—and value—of audio-only formats.

Chair

Emmanuella Kwenortey

Senior Editorial Strategist (Audio & Visual), BBC Sounds

Panel

  • Dino Sofos

    CEO, Persephonica
  • Louise Kattenhorn

    Commissioning Executive, BBC Speech Networks & BBC Sounds
  • Suzy Grant

    Director of Content, Listen
  • Stevie Middleton

    Commissioning Executive, Podcasts - 5 Live and BBC Sounds

Schedule: Afternoon sessions

13:50 - 14:35 The AI revolution in podcasting: Tools, trends & ethics 

As AI becomes embedded across the audio and video ecosystem, it’s driving both innovation and disruption. This session examines how AI is influencing production workflows, audience growth, and content strategy—while also tackling critical issues around transparency, bias, and intellectual property. What does responsible AI adoption look like for the podcast industry?

Chair

Nicky Birch

Innovation Lead, BBC Generative AI Programme

Panel

  • Chris Ward

    Group Operations Director, Bauer Media
  • Isaac Martin

    Director of Innovation, steven.com, Flightstory
  • Richard Hooper

    AI Lead, BBC Audio
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14:45 - 15:30 Don't just listen, belong: Community building 101

How can we foster a sense of belonging? As video platforms, algorithms, and clip culture increasingly determines what audiences see, we explore strategies that build active communities who share, connect, and thrive with you.

Chair

Rhian Roberts

Commissioner Podcasts&Formats, Head of Digital Speech Audio

Panel

  • Courtney Daniella Jesse

    Managing Director & Co-Founder, To My Sisters
  • Hannah Rashbass

    Membership & Communities Manager, Goalhanger
  • Hannah Brankin

    COO, Rusty Quill

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