The New Media Show #648 Live On-Stage at Podfest Expo (Jan 16, 2026)

Where Audio, Video, and AI Flow Together Recorded live on stage at Podfest Expo in Orlando,  Rob Greenlee is joined by three of the smartest voices shaping where podcasting is headed right now: James Cridland (Podnews), Rox Codes (Flightcast), and Philip Nelson (Nelco Media).

This episode tackles the collision of audio RSS, platform-native video, and AI-powered creator workflows and why the podcast conversation in 2026 is less about labels and more about content that works everywhere.

What we cover:
-Audio podcasting vs video podcasting and what audiences actually want
-Why content first matters more than format wars
-The roots of video in early podcasting and why it feels full circle again
-Fragmented audiences across YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Shorts
-Practical creator strategy packaging, titles, thumbnails, retention, and workflow systems that scale

Guests and Links:

James Cridland
Podnews – https://podnews.net/
Podnews Weekly Review – https://weekly.podnews.net/

Rox Codes
Flightcast – https://flightcast.com/
Rox Codes – https://rox.codes/

Philip Nelson
Nelco Media – https://nelco.media/
Philip Nelson – https://nelco.media/about/

Rob Greenlee and New Media Show Links
Rob Greenlee Website – https://robgreenlee.com/
New Media Show (Audio & Video) – https://newmediashow.com/
New Media Show Audio (Apple Podcasts) – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-media-show-audio/id392545649
Rob Greenlee on YouTube – https://youtube.com/@RobGreenlee
Podfest Expo – https://podfestexpo.com – https://podcasthall.com

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In the December 10th, 2025 Live episode of The New Media Show, host Rob Greenlee welcomes Mike Dell, VP at Blubrry Podcasting, as guest co-host for a grounded, practical conversation about what keeps a podcast growing long after the initial excitement fades. The episode opens with a sincere reflection on Todd’s passing and the lasting impact he had on the community, along with the intention to honor his legacy in the months ahead.

From there, Rob and Mike move into the core topic: why many podcasts and live shows start strong, then stall. They unpack how a lack of clarity and consistency often shows up as drifting topics, uneven pacing, and episodes that feel improvised in a way that does not serve the listener. Their argument is simple: sustainable shows are built, not stumbled into. Structure does not mean sounding scripted or robotic. It means defining a format your audience can recognize, returning to it reliably, and creating a repeatable experience that keeps people coming back.

They also talk about how modern media habits are reshaping expectations. With short form video and endless scroll everywhere, audiences decide quickly whether to stay. Rob and Mike stress the importance of a strong opening, clear positioning, and content that delivers on what the title promises. They discuss video as part of the current landscape, but keep the focus on fundamentals like audio quality, intentional production choices, and making platform decisions that do not compromise the listener experience.

Mike pulls in lessons from his own shows, including what he has learned from hyperlocal and niche content, and how community relevance can drive engagement in ways that surprise creators. The conversation highlights practical ways to increase interaction, including live chat, polls, and Q and A segments, not as gimmicks, but as tools to build a real sense of participation and belonging. They also touch on workflow improvements, handling technical issues gracefully, simplifying video production, and using on screen titles and lower thirds so viewers can easily follow along.

By the end, the episode becomes a clear playbook for leveling up: know what your show is trying to achieve, design a format that supports that goal, respect attention early, keep the quality bar consistent, and build community in a way that invites people in instead of pushing them away.

Rob Greenlee
Rob Greenlee Website
https://RobGreenlee.com
New Media Show for Audio and Video RSS feeds
https://NewMediaShow.com
Adore Podcast Network
https://AdoreNetwork.com
Adore Creator Community on Skool
https://Skool.com/AdoreNetwork
Podcast Hall of Fame
https://PodcastHall.com
https://YouTube.com/@OfficialPodcastHallofFame
The Pro Creator Playbook with Rob Greenlee
Audio podcast
https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-audio/
Video show
https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-video/
Spoken Life Show
https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/spoken-life-show/
Spoken Human show on YouTube
https://YouTube.com/@spokenhuman
Rob Greenlee YouTube channel
https://YouTube.com/@RobGreenlee

Mike Dell
Blubrry Podcasting
https://blubrry.com
https://MikeDell.com

Audio Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:00 Reflecting on Podcasting Changes
01:25 The Importance of Podcast Structure
03:19 Balancing Planning and Spontaneity
04:58 Engaging the Audience
08:08 Navigating Algorithms and Goals
18:54 Hyperlocal and Niche Podcasting
34:26 Live Shows and Audience Interaction
42:34 Improving Podcasting Skills
43:03 Maintaining Authenticity in Production
43:32 Handling Technical Glitches
44:33 Simplifying Video Production
44:46 Using Streaming Platforms Effectively
48:52 Importance of Lower Thirds and Titles
50:12 Editing and Post-Production Tips
56:59 Building a Community
01:01:02 Engaging with Your Audience
01:07:51 Q&A Session
01:12:46 Final Thoughts and Announcements

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On this special New Media Show tribute episode, we honor the life and legacy of Todd Cochrane, podcasting pioneer, podcast hall of famer, founder of Blubrry and RawVoice, host of Geek News Central podcast, author of one of the first podcasting books, and co-host on The New Media Show for 13 years.

Todd’s influence on podcasting was profound: from launching one of the earliest shows in 2004, to creating the Podcast Awards, to championing open RSS and independent podcasters. His voice, conviction, and generosity shaped the medium and inspired countless creators.

Joining host Rob Greenlee Podcast Hall of Famer are Adam Curry is also a Podcast Hall of Famer, Mike Dell, VP at Blubrry, and Rob Walch, VP at Libsyn who is also a Podcast Hall of Famer as we reflect on Todd’s extraordinary journey and life, from Navy service to podcasting leader, and discuss his impact on the industry, his unwavering advocacy for creators, and the lessons he leaves for the future of podcasting.

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The episode titled “Bryan Barletta of Podcast Movement: What’s Next for the Show?” features hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee, who welcome guest Bryan Barletta. The episode begins with Todd introducing Bryan and discussing the recent happenings at Podcast Movement following the event. Bryan expresses gratitude for Todd and Rob’s previous discussions about Podcast Movement and mentions the importance of critical feedback.

Todd brings up some challenges regarding the number of attendees and logistical details from the recent Podcast Movement event, sharing metrics he tracked personally. Bryan explains that he was less involved in that specific event but acknowledges the need for feedback and improvement based on attendees’ experiences.

Bryan discusses his recent transition after the acquisition of SoundProfitable and how it positions him to make impactful changes in the industry. He emphasizes the need to create value and excitement around the event, with a particular focus on enhancing attendance and engagement. They discuss how the geographical location of upcoming events, especially in New York, should draw more attendees compared to previous events in San Diego.

Todd highlights the differences in crowd behavior at events compared to others, like Podfest and events in London. Bryan responds that the changes since COVID and the dynamics of each convention make it essential to evaluate attendee needs carefully.

The conversation shifts to how better to engage creators and business representatives in the podcasting industry. Bryan acknowledges the diversity within the creator community and highlights the challenges of merging business and creator-centric content at events. Rob raises concerns about maintaining a balance between industry-focused events and offerings for creators.

They note the popularity of video as a growing trend in podcasting and the importance of presenting audio content in appealing ways. Todd urges that audio should remain a cherished medium and not be overshadowed by video initiatives.

As the episode progresses, Bryan shares his views on the potential of Podcast Movement to support creators more robustly and the need to differentiate from competing platforms like YouTube and Spotify. He emphasizes the importance of fostering audio-centric content creation in response to industry changes.

Toward the end of the discussion, Bryan shares that announcements will be made around October, hinting at upcoming adjustments to the event structure and approach to programming. He emphasizes the goal of making it easier for attendees to engage with the event and expresses excitement about future initiatives.

Todd and Rob wrap up the episode by reflecting on Bryan’s insights, acknowledging questions that remain, and the evolving landscape of podcasting events. They point out the potential for regional events and reiterate the need for better communication with the creator community.

The episode concludes with Todd giving his contact details and inviting listeners to follow up for future discussions.

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In this episode titled “Podcast Movement Recap and Insights,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss their experiences and observations from the recent Podcast Movement conference held in Dallas. Todd has also posted a piece on Linkedin that has garnered nearly 8000 views.

Todd kicks off the conversation by expressing gratitude for the listeners. Rob brings up the theme “show me the money,” which reflects a mixture of seriousness and humor regarding the event. Todd shares his experience of arriving on a Sunday, noting that he could have saved on hotel costs by arriving later, given the event’s setup schedule.

Both hosts discuss the presence of vendors at the conference, with Todd commenting on the impressive booth from Libsyn compared to other vendors, resulting in a total of about twenty vendors. Rob adds context for those unfamiliar with Podcast Movement, describing it as historically significant and the largest podcasting conference, although he notes that it may no longer hold that title. They express concerns over attendance numbers, suggesting that the conference may be losing its prominence compared to other events, such as Podfest.

As they delve deeper, Todd notes that many attendees seemed to be local and not diverse enough geographically in terms of representation. They discuss the financial aspects of attending the event, including ticket costs and discounts provided for local attendees. Todd expresses relief that the discounted tickets helped increase attendance.

The conversation shifts to a significant announcement made during the conference regarding Podcast Movement’s acquisition of Sounds Profitable. They discuss the implications of this acquisition and the confusion surrounding the language used to describe the transaction, which is defined as both an acquisition and a merger. Todd shares his initial reactions and interactions with key players from Sounds Profitable, expressing hope for future creator engagement.

Rob and Todd then reflect on the event’s atmosphere and traffic. While they experienced slow periods, Todd is satisfied with the overall attendance, noting that they ultimately scanned around 100 badges. They discuss the mix of people they interacted with, some looking to shift their hosting platforms, while others were starting.

The hosts discuss potential issues affecting the podcasting space, including stagnation in creator numbers and retention concerns. Critical discussions within the industry arise, reflecting on whether podcasting can maintain its independence while embracing mainstream media and the expectations of profitability.

They also discuss practical considerations for future events, including potential changes in scheduling and structure to appeal to both business professionals and creators. Rob suggests the need for one-day passes and more targeted marketing to effectively engage local audiences.

Todd expresses his hope for improvements, highlighting the possibility of creating a space for a truly educational experience that is free from self-promotion. They both emphasize the importance of creating a balanced program that prioritizes genuine teaching and sharing knowledge rather than merely promoting products or platforms.

By the end of the episode, Todd shares some insights regarding industry trends, drawing attention to the need for widespread understanding of Open RSS and its importance in sustaining the podcasting ecosystem. They conclude with acknowledgments, inviting their audience to send feedback and highlighting key people in the podcasting community, while looking forward to future developments and discussions.

The episode wraps up with both hosts thanking their listeners and affirming their return for the next episode.

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