Greetings from chilly Orlando! I didn’t plan for this cold snap and forgot to pack warm clothes—lesson learned. Despite the weather, it’s been a fascinating experience here at Podfest. Honestly, the hallway conversations alone are worth the price of admission (which, thankfully, I didn’t pay since Buzzsprout kindly comped me—thanks, Buzzsprout!).
One of the more eye-opening chats was with a woman from the federal government. She’s here raising awareness about internet scams, from phishing schemes to crypto pirates who are collectively bilking people out of billions each year. Sobering stuff, but vital to discuss in today’s digital world.
I also had the chance to sit down for an interview on OWLL, a platform that calls itself “LinkedIn on steroids.” It’s always nice to explore new tools and tech in this space, but what I’ve enjoyed most is having actual, in-person conversations with potential collaborators. After so much time living the Zoom life, face-to-face discussions feel like a luxury.
A pleasant surprise at Podfest: there were a couple of presentations tailored for writers! As someone who attends dedicated writing conferences, I wasn’t expecting this, but it was a welcome bonus. Podfest definitely delivered some legit insights for creatives like me.
As for the social side, the Buzzsprout party was the event to attend, but the drink line was an epic test of patience. Instead, I opted for the bar and a quieter vibe. Speaking of vibes—walking back to my hotel in the dark was a stark reminder of Orlando’s car culture. As a city boy, those sprawling, empty streets felt a bit unnerving.
Overall, it’s been great to connect with people who share my belief in podcasting’s potential, while also recognizing the industry’s growing pains. Podfest is definitely geared toward indie podcasters, but I’m already looking ahead to Podcast Movement in Chicago this spring. That show will lean more into the branded, business side of podcasting, which I’m excited to explore.
For now, though, I’m wrapping my Orlando adventure in a wool scarf, chilly but inspired.
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