Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable have unveiled the first wave of featured talent and programming for Podcast Movement Evolutions, taking place during SXSW (South by Southwest) from March 13–15, 2026 in Austin, Texas. This expanded experience, co-located with SXSW and hosted at Sky Box on 6th Street, showcases a diverse lineup of speakers, creators, and live performances designed to reflect the latest trends and ideas shaping the podcasting industry.
A Standout Lineup of Podcast Creators and Stories
The initial roster includes MrBallen (John Allen), host of The MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories, anchoring the event with his signature blend of narrative and mystery. Alongside larger sessions, Evolutions will introduce a curated series of short-form talks intended to spotlight standout ideas, emerging voices, and industry leaders in quick, impactful segments.
Live programming during the weekend features more than traditional panels. Attendees can expect theatrical elements such as a table read of “The G.Y.M” scripted by award‑winning filmmaker Dani Hanks for Table Read Podcast, with performances by Allison Dunbar, Kensington Tallman, and *Shaan Sharma. In addition, the Scalable podcast from business and creator economy experts Kaya Yurieff and Jasmine Enberg will offer live storytelling and discussion.
New Discovery Track Adds Depth and Variety
For the first time at Evolutions, the conference will present a Discovery Track comprised of 10‑minute spotlight talks ahead of longer sponsored panel sessions from Sounds Profitable partners. This format is designed to help attendees quickly engage with a range of perspectives across business, creativity, and culture. Speakers announced for the Discovery Track include:
- Ami Thakkar (The Podcast Academy)
- Bridget Todd (Unbossed Creative)
- Greg Glenday (Acast)
- Kate Navin (Audible)
(Day One: The Power of the Medium) - Cassie Jozefov (Violet Hour Media)
- Blythe Terrell (Science VS / Spotify)
- Leital Molad (WaitWhat)
- Jasmine Fluker (The Pivotal Paradigm Project)
(Day Two: The Creative Engine) - Rae Votta (Creative Content Expert)
- Krystle Waters (Pilot Podcasts)
- Ernest Owens (Ernest Media Empire)
- Mary Williams (Sasquatch Media Grounds)
(Day Three: The Future of Attention)
This tiered structure aims to give attendees a broad view of the current state of the podcasting industry—from foundational medium discussions to forward‑looking themes around audience attention and creative strategy.
Part of a Bigger Podcast Movement Ecosystem
Podcast Movement has long been a central event in the podcasting calendar, bringing together creators, industry professionals, and media innovators for networking, education, and collaboration. In 2026, Evolutions builds on that legacy by integrating with SXSW—a major creative festival that draws professionals from across audio, film, technology, and culture—offering a chance for podcasting conversations to intersect with broader creative trends.
The event’s presence at SXSW reflects Podcast Movement’s evolving strategy, following its merger with Sounds Profitable, a trade organization focused on research and insights for the audio industry. This partnership aims to elevate the experience with compelling content, thought leadership, and cross‑industry collaboration.
Looking Ahead
This first wave of talent for Podcast Movement Evolutions sets the stage for a dynamic and engaging SXSW experience in March 2026. Organizers have promised further announcements of speakers and programming in the coming weeks, promising even more variety and depth for attendees eager to explore the future of podcasting.
Whether you’re a creator, producer, strategist, or audio enthusiast, Evolutions at SXSW is shaping up to be a must‑attend event that spotlights both where the medium is today and where it’s headed next.
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