Podcasting has escaped the studio. What began as an intimate, on-demand medium is now filling theatres, selling out arenas and becoming one of the most powerful forms of live entertainment in media.
In this session, Alice Levine and Dino Sofos discuss the rise of live podcasting and the extraordinary growth of Crossed Wires - the podcast festival they founded - which is now the biggest in the world. They’re joined by Danny Robins, creator of Uncanny, has taken his podcast to the stage and toured it around the UK to sellout crowds. We’ll also hear from Jonny Kanagasooriam from BBC Sounds, who have partnered with Crossed Wires to programme two stages featuring their best shows.
The conversation will unpack why podcast audiences are increasingly seeking real-world connection, how live shows have evolved from simple recordings into major cultural events, and what makes podcast fandom feel different from traditional broadcast audiences.
From building formats that work both in headphones and on stage, to the economics of live events, audience community, and the growing role podcasts now play in culture and entertainment, this session will examine why live podcasting has become one of the industry’s biggest growth areas.