Named “best podcast conference” by Buzzsprout, the Charlotte Podcast Festival was the city’s first podcast festival, designed to inform, enrich and inspire audio storytellers and podcasters.
In its inaugural year, the 2020 Charlotte Podcast Festival included more than 40 virtual sessions and panel discussions on podcast production, editing, marketing and beyond.
The Charlotte Podcast Festival was free and open to the public with registration. Watch the session recordings below!
For future festival updates and podcast programming news, make sure to sign up for our email newsletter. Share your experience by using #CLTPodcastFest on social media. And don’t forget to pick up a limited edition shirt!
Week One: Content & Storytelling
Life on the Mic
Monday, October 5, from 6-7pm
Hosting is much harder than it looks (and sounds)! From show preparation to purpose-driven conversations, learn hosting techniques from some of Charlotte’s best podcast hosts and interviewers Tommy Tomlinson (WFAE’s SouthBound), Sheri Lynch (Oddcast), Mark Peres (On Life and Meaning) and Bernadette Joy (Dear Bernadebt Joy).
Click here to WATCH
Changing the Game with Sports Podcasts
Tuesday, October 6, from noon-1pm
Practice makes perfect, both on the field and behind a microphone. Develop a game plan for your sports podcast and learn from Charlotte pros Hugh Roberts (BackYardFooty), Colin Cole (Transition from the Trenches) and Ashley Mahoney (The Charlotte Post’s Sports Charlotte).
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From Money to Movie Deals, It’s Time to Take Podcasting Seriously
Tuesday, October 6, from 6-7pm
Podcasting, previously referred to as “audioblogging”, dates all the way back to the 1980s. So when (and how) did podcasting become an essential medium in 2020? In this session, Andy Goh (The Goh Show) walks through the history of podcasting and the latest podcast industry stats and trends you need to know as you begin to plot your podcast path.
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Fill Your Ears with Art and Culture
Wednesday, October 7, from noon-1pm
With entertainment venues closed and live events cancelled, podcasts can bring the arts, culture and community straight to your ears. From music and film to non-profits and culinary arts, get inspired with podcasters Tamberly Ferguson (WDAV’s Power Play), Keith Cradle (Crafted with Cradle), Brian Lafontaine (You May Have Seen) and Jay Brown (Cheers Charlotte).
Click here to WATCH
From Script to Screen with Audiodramas
Wednesday, October 7, from 6-7pm
Audiodramas and fictional podcasts hold a special place in audiences’ ears and hearts, ranging from Orson Wells’ legendary 1938 broadcast of “War of the Worlds” to contemporary audio fiction favorites like the chart-topping “Welcome to Night Vale” and podcast-to-television broadcast “Homecoming.” What does it take to bring a fictionalized podcast to life? Seasoned experts Morgan Givens (Flyest Fables) and Kevin Patterson (Detective Samwel Sift’s Loved One Discovery or Recovery Services) bring their expertise to this session.
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Podcasting 101 with WFAE’s Joni Deutsch
Thursday, October 8, from noon-1pm
If you want to turn your idea into a podcast but aren’t sure where to start, this “Podcasting 101” session is for you! Joni Deutsch (WFAE podcast manager) shares the fundamentals of podcasting, including tips on how to strategize, record, distribute and market your podcast. Bring your questions and walk away with a list of best practices from one of Charlotte’s go-to podcasters.
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Hey, Is This Thing On? Learn and Laugh with Comedy Podcasts
Thursday, October 8, from 6-7pm
Let’s be honest – your podcast might not be as funny as you think. If you really want to bring the chuckles and hardy laughs, grab a (virtual) seat and learn from chart-topping comedy podcasters Don Garrett (The PoppaDon Podcast), Cale Evans (The Podcast From Hell) and Rod and Karen Morrow (The Black Guy Who Tips).
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Booking (and Being) a Great Guest
Thursday, October 8, from 7-8pm
Booking shows and finding podcast guests isn’t a science… it’s an art. In this session, we’ll walk through how to find, pitch, book and interview the perfect guest for your podcast, whether that guest is a high-profile celebrity, a community leader or a complete stranger on the other side of the globe. This panel discussion includes Ryan Pitkin (Queen City Nerve’s Nooze Hounds), Ohavia Phillips (The Oh Show), Laura Vinroot Poole (What We Wore) and Jill Bjers (WFAE’s Work It).
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True Crime to Real Conversations: Documenting North Carolina’s Stories Through Audio
Friday, October 9, from noon-1pm
Get an insider’s take on the making of sound-rich podcasts that inspire local, grassroots change and conversation. Award-winning journalists Sarah Delia (WFAE’s She Says), Jeremy Markovich (Our State’s Away Message) and Anita Rao (She and Her, WUNC’s Embodied) share their experiences weaving together mountains of research, scripts and sound to create narrative-driven stories, immersive audio documentaries and criminal justice (“true crime”) podcasts.
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Podcast Happy Hour #1
Friday, October 9, from 6-8pm
Podcasting can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know many audio folks! Whether you’re a new podcaster or an established pro, join us for this virtual Podcast Happy Hour where you can mix and mingle with other podcast enthusiasts.
Week Two: Recording, Editing & Sound
Record from Home, Sound Like a Pro
Monday, October 12, from noon-1pm
You don’t need to invest in expensive equipment to record impactful audio! Hear some of the best tips, techniques and tech recommendations for recording your podcast audio in this hands-on presentation from Alyssa Pressler (Hygge), Garrett Tichy (Hygge) and Andy Goh (The Goh Show).
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Audio Editing 101: Hindenburg
Monday, October 12, from 6-7pm
Learn how to record, edit, apply effects and create your podcast with Hindenburg audio editing software. Join us for this hands-on presentation with Michael Falero (radio producer and independent podcaster).
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Common Audio Mistakes (and How to Fix Them!)
Tuesday, October 13, from noon-1pm
As the old saying goes, “Every mistake is an opportunity to learn.” Learn how to avoid (and fix) common recording, editing and audio mistakes with Konata Edwards (Locked on Hornets) and Adrian Parrish (Detective Samwel Sift’s Loved One Discovery or Recovery Services).
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Audio Editing 101: Audacity
Tuesday, October 13, from 6-7pm
Learn how to record, edit, apply effects and create your podcast with Audacity audio editing software. Join us for this hands-on presentation with Konata Edwards (Locked on Hornets).
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Audio Editing 101: Garage Band
Wednesday, October 14, from noon-1pm
Learn how to record, edit, apply effects and create your podcast with Garage Band audio editing software. Join us for this hands-on presentation with Andy Goh (The Goh Show).
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Video Podcasting 101
Wednesday, October 14, from 7-8pm
Grow your audience further by turning your audio production into an engaging video podcast with this hands-on presentation from Chuck Holliday (video podcast producer), Levin Chaskey (Charlotte Star Room) and Alexis Jo Bruce (Poolside Pod).
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Audio Editing 101: Adobe Audition
Thursday, October 15, from noon-1pm
Learn how to record, edit, apply effects and create your podcast with Adobe Audition audio editing software. Join us for this hands-on presentation with Konata Edwards (Locked on Hornets).
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Beyond the Theme Song: How Music Makes the Podcast Mood
Friday, October 16, from noon-1pm
Music adds color, light and emotion to any production. But how do you find the right musical theme to compliment your podcast? Chart-topping pianist and podcast composer Chad Lawson (Calm it Down, Lore) shares his experience weaving together songs with podcast stories.
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Podcast Happy Hour #2
Friday, October 16, from 6-8pm
If you missed the first, make sure to catch the second! Whether you’re a new podcaster or an established pro, join us for our second virtual Podcast Happy Hour where you can mix and mingle with other podcast enthusiasts.
Week Three: Marketing & Community
The Ultimate Guide to Podcast Branding
Monday, October 19 from noon-1pm
Whether you podcast as a marketing tool for your business, as a passion project, to educate or to entertain, you are building a brand with your podcast. When you become aware of the key elements that go into branding your podcast, you can become more intentional and effective at connecting with your audience. In this session, Lisa Speer (Branding BFF) shares the power of brand strategy and how it leads to brand loyalty.
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If You Build It, They Will Listen: Growing Communities With Podcasts
Monday, October 19 from 6-7pm
Podcasting is more than a solitary listening experience; it’s an opportunity to encourage a community for connection, conversation and collaboration. From highlighting diverse voices and perspectives on their platform to encouraging long-term engagement, Charlotte is Creative’s Matt Olin and Tim Miner (co-hosts of The Biscuit CLT Podcast) share their keys to audience and awareness success.
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Podcast Marketing 101 with WFAE’s Joni Deutsch
Tuesday, October 20 from noon-1pm
Social media posts. National media coverage. Cross-promotions with other podcasts. What kind of podcast marketing strategy should you invest your time and money in? And which podcast marketing tactics will be the most effective given your content and audience? Joni Deutsch (WFAE’s podcast manager) will share the best marketing tips and techniques to get as many ears on your podcast.
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Use Your Podcast Graphics/Visuals to Stand Out
Tuesday, October 20, from 5:30-6:30pm
Podcasts are increasingly popular, so how can you have your podcast stand out? In addition to great content, you need to have a strong visual impact and create brand recognition with your podcast graphics. Lisa Speer (Branding BFF) and Perrine DeShield (1stGens) share visual examples demonstrating best practices and techniques to do just that. We’ll also discuss how your podcast name works as a key part of your podcast graphics.
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How to Get Major PR for Your Podcast
Wednesday, October 21, from noon-1pm
Want to have your podcast featured on television, in magazines or on your favorite website? Then you need a great pitch and a strategic communications strategy. Erin Breeden (The Advent Coworking Podcast) and Jameka Whitten (JSW Media Group) discuss media pitching, launch strategies and PR tips for your podcast.
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Transform Audio Productions into Live (or Online) Events
Wednesday, October 21, from 6-7pm
From streaming shows to ticketed tapings, podcast events can engage audiences and help diversify your revenue stream. Learn how to create impactful, well-planned events (online or in-person) in this conversation led by Joe Hunsaker (Blumenthal’s In the Spotlight), Rod and Karren Morrow (The Black Guy Who Tips) and Perrine DeShield (1stGens).
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Finding Your Voice in a Male-Dominated Industry
Wednesday, October 21, from 7-8pm
As of 2020, only 21% of top-charting podcasts are led by female and non-binary hosts. Despite the fact that podcasting remains a “boy’s club,” Edison Research confirms that women listen to more podcasts per week than men. Join Erin Breeden (Blue Tide Creative and The Advent Coworking Podcast), Bernadette Joy (Dear Bernadebt Joy), Alexis Carreiro (Fun with Failure) and Sheri Lynch (Oddcast) for this discussion on how to be brave, be bold and be podcasters in a male-dominated media landscape.
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Representation in Podcasting, Diversity and Inclusion in Audience
Thursday, October 22, from noon-1pm
As the podcast landscape continues to evolve, traditionally underrepresented communities are utilizing the space to bring their voices to the mainstream. Audio creators Keith Cradle (Crafted with Cradle), Rashmili Vemula (Carolina Desi), Skye Wilson (1stGens) and Laura Brache (WFAE/La Noticia) discuss diversity in audio and how podcasting can continue to empower voices and audiences to share their stories.
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From Launch to Orbit, Preparing Your Podcast for Distribution
Thursday, October 22 from 7-8pm
Your interview is recorded, your audio is edited and your podcast is ready for the world. But how do you get your podcast from your computer to popular apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher? Rashmili Vemula (Carolina Desi) and Brian Baltosiewich (Queen City Podcast Network) share their knowledge of launching podcast feeds and how to get your audio on the major podcast apps and directories.
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Practical Ways to Promote Your Podcast Using Social Media and Websites
Friday, October 23, from noon-1pm
Websites and social media are essential assets for podcasters looking to increase SEO, reinforce podcast branding and engage your target audience. In this session, Jenn Lang (WFAE), Perrine DeShield (1stGens) and Chris Cureton (On Life and Meaning) share best practices for curating and creating engaging digital content to complement your podcast.
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Podcast Happy Hour #3
Friday, October 23, from 6-8pm
Third time’s the charm! Whether you’re a new podcaster or an established pro, join us for our third virtual Podcast Happy Hour where you can mix and mingle with other podcast enthusiasts.
Week Four: Legal, Longevity & Monetization
From SquareSpace to Local Sponsorships, Get Paid to Podcast
Monday, October 26 from noon-1pm
Make a profit from podcasting! Brian Baltosiewich (Queen City Podcast Network) and Stacey Simms (Diabetes Connection) share how they have successfully monetized their productions by pitching sponsors and incorporating advertisements into podcasts.
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Podcast Shark Tank: Pitch Your Podcast to the Pros!
Monday, October 26 from 6-7pm
Learn to pitch your podcast and gain instant feedback! In this two-part session, Alexis Carreiro (Fun with Failure) shares the elements of successful elevator pitches (that can be used for sponsorship, content or major network considerations), followed by an interactive “Podcast Shark Tank” where seasoned audio professionals Brian Baltosiewich (Queen City Podcast Network) and Lindsay Foster Thomas (WUNC) provide real-time pitch feedback to podcasters.
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The (Podcast) Struggle is Real
Tuesday, October 27 from noon-1pm
There are more than 1,000,000 podcasts in the world, but only half of those shows are active. What happened to the other half? Burnout, disinterest and disorganization. If your podcast plans have left you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or just plain uninspired, join Miller Yoho and John Short (The Charlotte Podcast), Erin Steele and Alicia Tetteh (2 Elephants in the Room) and Bernadette Joy (Dear Bearnadebt Joy) for this session on how to stay energized and encourage podcast wellness.
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How to Be Legally Sound (and Not Get Sued!)
Tuesday, October 27 from 7-8pm
After spending so much time planning and recording audio, the last thing you want is to catch a lawsuit. Protect your podcast with this session from lawyer-turned-podcaster Landis Wade (The Charlotte Readers Podcast) who will share legal considerations for trademarks, contracts, music rights and more.
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Support for this Podcast Comes from Listeners… Like You!
Wednesday, October 28 from noon-1pm
Patreon, Kickstarter, tote bags and beyond. In this session, Rod and Karen Morrow (The Black Guy Who Tips) and Stuart Watson (ManListening) share how you can engage audiences and transform your podcast into a full-time career through listener-funded podcasts.
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What Does a Download Even Mean?
Wednesday, October 28, from 6-7pm
Podcast stats can range from downloads and plays to streams and completion rates. What does it all mean? How can you use it to track progress and goals? And which stat will help you get to the top of the Apple Podcast charts? Podcast pros Joni Deutsch (WFAE’s podcast manager) and Brian Baltosiewich (Queen City Podcast Network) will answer these questions and more.
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Don’t Spend It All In One Place
Thursday, October 29 from noon-1pm
No matter your budget, you can make podcasting work for you. Join personal finance enthusiast Bernadette Joy (Dear Bernadebt Joy) for a session on kickstarting your podcast budget and crushing your money goals.
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The Art of Daily Talk
Thursday, October 29 from 6-7pm
Since 1998, Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins has been the region’s best radio/podcast for the daily discussion of politics, culture, social issues, the environment and beyond. What does it take to host, produce and book guests on a daily talk show, especially when the news cycle never stands still? Learn from the best with session speakers Mike Collins (long-standing host of WFAE’s Charlotte Talks) and Chris Miller (producer for WFAE’s Charlotte Talks).
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Podcast Happy Hour #4
Friday, October 30, from 6-8pm
As we conclude our inaugural Charlotte Podcast Festival, join us for our final virtual Podcast Happy Hour where you can mix and mingle with other podcast enthusiasts.