Why this year’s Philadelphia Podcast Festival doubled in size

We have some good news for all you lovers of crisp audio and riveting convos: the Philadelphia Podcast Festival is back for its fifth edition.

This year, the celebration of local podcasts has had quite the growth spurt: from 30 live recording sessions in last year’s festival, the 2017 edition will pack in 62 recording sessions from 55 Philly-area podcasts. It’s all coming together July 14-23 at nine venues.

We are so stoked for this lineup! #phillypodfest 2017 grows to nearly 60 shows! https://t.co/jJFEV3h4jG

— Philly Podcast Fest (@PhillyPodFest) May 20, 2017

“It’s more than we’ve ever had before,” said cofounder Teagan Kuruna. “As our lineup grows, so does the diversity of podcasts we’re able to include. This year, podcasts are about a wide range of topics — everything from pop culture, movies, books, and comics to true crime, sexuality, and race.”

Kuruna, who organizes the event alongside husband Nathan Kuruna, said this year’s edition will also welcome some podcasts from out of town, a new feature in the festival’s history. Sawbones, We Got This with Mark and Hal, Call Your Girlfriend and The Flop House are some of the out-of-towners coming to Philly for the fest.

(For a local’s perspective: here’s a Q&A with the voices behind Overdue, a Philly-based ‘cast riffing on “the books you’ve been meaning to read.”)

If you're interested in something, I'd be willing to put money on your ability to find a podcast about it.

The festival’s expansion is telling of growth in the local podcasting scene. But it’s also a sign of the times for the podcast format itself, Kuruna said.

“Podcasts continue to be a thriving medium for two reasons: there’s a low barrier to entry for both podcasters and listeners,” said Kuruna, herself a podcast host by way of Teagan Goes Vegan. “Podcasters just need some kind of recording device and a simple blog to get started. Second, podcasts can be really niche, which is great for podcasters and listeners — you can make a podcast about whatever you want and, if you’re interested in something, I’d be willing to put money on your ability to find a podcast about it.”

All shows are free except for those at Trocadero Theatre, PhilaMOCA, Ruba Club and Philly Improv Theater, which will be ticketed. See ticket prices and the full schedule here.