The Audacity to Podcast® – Episode 417: Podfest 2026 Highlights

Host: Daniel J. Lewis
Date: January 28, 2026

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, Daniel J. Lewis returns from Podfest 2026 in Orlando, eager to share highlights, personal takeaways, and recommendations from what he now considers his favorite podcasting conference. The episode is structured around the unique community spirit of Podfest, key events like the Podcast Hall of Fame, lessons from both established and unexpected speakers, practical considerations like costs, and the importance of networking. Throughout, Daniel maintains his encouraging, personable style, aiming to inspire new and seasoned podcasters alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Podfest’s Unique Community Spirit

[01:02-06:35]

• Community as the Core Value:

  • Podfest distinguishes itself from larger conferences by maintaining a "family" atmosphere—fostering genuine connection among attendees, not just commercial networking.
  • “We are a family there at Podfest, and it has a really special dynamic because of this.” (Daniel, 01:20)

• “Pod Family” Rituals:

  • Podfest closes with a gratitude ceremony, where attendees publicly thank people or share what they’re grateful for. These short statements often get emotional, highlighting the event’s warmth and sense of belonging.
  • “Anyone who wants to can get up and for 30 seconds say someone they’re thankful for… it’s always so encouraging because you hear some amazing, albeit short, stories.” (Daniel, 04:10)

• Honoring Podcasting’s Pillars:

  • The event commemorates podcasting icons who’ve passed, such as Lee Silverstein, Neil Gallarte, and Todd Cochran, further reinforcing its close-knit, family feel.

2. Podcast Hall of Fame Gains a Home at Podfest

[06:36-11:32]

• Highlight Event:

  • The Podcast Hall of Fame ceremony, now officially a Podfest staple, is a must-see highlight, showcasing the depth, history, and personalities of the medium.
  • “You get to meet some legends in podcasting and hear really cool stories, too—things you might not have ever expected.” (Daniel, 09:47)

• Touching Moments:

  • This year’s ceremony featured moving stories from James Cridland, and celebrated inductees like Dan Miller (introduced by Dave Ramsey) and Todd Cochran.
  • “Even Dan Miller’s wife got to say some things too, and it was all very beautiful.” (Daniel, 08:33)

• Recommendation:

  • Daniel strongly suggests that anyone attending Podfest purchase a ticket for the Hall of Fame, as “it is a definite highlight.”

3. Quality Teaching—From Unexpected Sources

[11:33-19:55]

• Diverse Speaker Roster:

  • Beyond the “usual legends” (Rob Walsh, Elsie Escobar, Dave Jackson, etc.), Podfest featured insightful sessions from lesser-known community members, reflecting the broad talents within podcasting.
  • “There was so much really good content from people who you wouldn’t normally expect to be speaking at a podcasting conference. But they have their skills, talents, and abilities, and experience.” (Daniel, 13:57)

• Daniel’s Own Contribution:

  • Daniel presented on “Podcasting 2.0” and was delighted at the audience’s engagement and enthusiasm for the topic.

• Practical Tip:

  • To maximize the event, Daniel bounces between sessions and encourages others to do the same, always giving departing speakers a “double thumbs up” so they know their work is appreciated.

4. The Downside: Cost of Attendance

[19:56-24:12]

• Location & Expense:

  • The 2026 venue (Renaissance at SeaWorld) comes with both high nightly and food costs, and limited affordable dining options within walking distance.
  • “That’s not a very affordable hotel… it is a resort. It has resort fees like many of these places have. It’s very expensive every night.” (Daniel, 20:22)

• Advice:

  • Daniel suggests finding a roommate or exploring nearby off-site accommodations to save money.
  • He also encourages podcasters to attend smaller, regional events if the big conferences are unaffordable.
  • “If you have a podcasting event near you, a smaller one, go there, learn the community, meet the other people in your area, because that might be a lot more affordable for you than going to something like PodFest.” (Daniel, 23:03)

5. Remarkable Networking and Relationship Building

[24:13-35:44]

• “LobbyCon”:

  • The true magic of Podfest often happens in hallways and lobbies—impromptu conversations, collaboration opportunities, and new friendships.
  • “I heard one person call it the ‘lobby con’ because it’s the conference happening in the lobbies, in the hallways. That’s where the relationships are formed.” (Daniel, 25:00)

• Fostering Connections:

  • Daniel enjoys hearing others’ podcast ideas and often helps connect them with potential collaborators, sometimes even demonstrating his own products on the spot.
  • Emphasizes that networking here isn’t only business; it’s about personal growth, encouragement, and mutual support.

• Inclusivity for Introverts:

  • Daniel identifies as an “ambivert,” striving to make introverts feel welcome. He shares a personal moment:

    “There was even a person who I went up to them, I said, ‘You look like you’re all alone. I want to meet you.’ And we had a great conversation discovering things about their podcast and what they’re doing.” (Daniel, 31:33)

• Organic Collaboration:

  • Many co-hosting and guest-spot opportunities are born in these moments.
  • “I’ve seen co-host relationships start from events like this. I’ve seen cross-guesting opportunities…” (Daniel, 29:51)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Podfest’s culture:

  “We are a family there at Podfest, and it has a really special dynamic because of this.” (01:20)

• On the Hall of Fame:

  “The Podcast Hall of Fame… you get to meet some legends in podcasting and hear really cool stories, too—things you might not have ever expected.” (09:47)

• On affordable podcasting events:

  “If you have a podcasting event near you, a smaller one, go there, learn the community, meet the other people in your area, because that might be a lot more affordable for you than going to something like PodFest.” (23:03)

• On the impact of networking:

  “That’s the kind of great networking that can happen at Podfest… it feels like a family reunion, getting back together again, lots of hugs, lots of stories, lots of late nights talking over a table.” (28:00)

• On welcoming newcomers:

  “I want to meet you. And we had a great conversation discovering things about their podcast and what they’re doing.” (31:33)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Podfest Overview: 00:00 – 01:01
• Community First: 01:02 – 06:35
• Podcast Hall of Fame Highlights: 06:36 – 11:32
• Quality Teaching & Unexpected Speakers: 11:33 – 19:55
• The Cost of Attending Podfest: 19:56 – 24:12
• Networking, Relationships, and “LobbyCon”: 24:13 – 35:44
• Call for Listener Feedback: 35:45 – End

Calls to Action

• Daniel invites listeners to share their experiences and unexpected podcasting upgrades via podcastfeedback.com/audacity.
• He also seeks answers to:
  1. What would you like more of from The Audacity to Podcast?
  2. What would you like less of?
  3. What else is on your mind related to the show or podcasting?

Overall Tone & Style Notes

Daniel’s narration is warm, engaging, and enthusiastic. He emphasizes encouragement, gratitude, and practical advice. He regularly thanks the community and highlights the value of mutual support. The episode is upbeat, reflective, and loaded with actionable tips for podcasters and conference-goers.

For those who missed the episode, this summary delivers the event’s key themes, Daniel’s major takeaways, and the spirit of Podfest 2026. Whether you’re planning to attend a future event or seeking inspiration for your own podcasting journey, Daniel’s account is packed with insight and motivation.