Podfest 2026 was my first time attending one of the podcasting world’s biggest conferences and from the moment I landed in Orlando, I knew I was walking into a very specific kind of space. In this episode, I unpack what Podfest actually revealed about podcast culture, creative conferences, and what happens when you enter rooms without or with clear intention.

I reflect on the contrast between on-stage advice and off-stage value, the difference between hobbyist creators and media builders, and why not every room is designed to meet you where you are. From chaotic airport energy and Disney-adjacent culture to familiar monetization conversations and unexpectedly meaningful hallway moments, this episode is less about recap and more about clarity.

In this episode, you’ll hear takeaways on:

• Why c ...