The ABC is proud to announce the return of OzPod, Australia’s premier podcast industry conference for leading audio storytellers, producers and innovators.
The annual event, which will be held in Melbourne for the first time, will bring together leading podcasters and emerging talent from across the country.
OzPod 2018, presented by ABC listen, the ABC’s podcast platform, is headlined by international award-winning podcast producers and storytellers Julia Lowrie Henderson (USA) and Veronica Simmonds (Canada), who will share their secrets for creating successful and distinctive series with social impact.
Henderson is the New York-based producer and series host of the ESPN 30 for 30 podcast “Bikram”, which explores the dark world behind Bikram Choudhury’s yoga revolution. Henderson has also been a producer for Studio 360 – where she won a New York Press Club award – and WYNC, the home of Radiolab and On the Media.
Simmonds is the award-winning Canadian Broadcasting Corporation producer, audio artist and “sonic sorceress” behind the critically-acclaimed podcasts Sleepover, Alone: A Love Story and The Fridge Light.
Kellie Riordan, manager of ABC Audio Studios, the podcast creation hub behind series such as Conversations, The Pineapple Project and Ladies, We Need to Talk said OzPod 2018 demonstrates the ABC’s commitment to creating opportunities and collaboration within the Australian media industry:
“Australia punches above its weight internationally in the podcast space and it’s great to come together to celebrate that and learn from each other. Podcasting is not a side hustle anymore, it’s in the main game and having real impact, from exposing injustices to sparking social and legislative change.
“OzPod is a level-playing field that enables anyone from a bedroom podcaster through to established institutional media to gather in the same space and be energized by the creation of distinctive and compelling content. The ABC is proud to support established and emerging talent in learning the tips, tricks and experiences that will help create an even stronger Australian audio industry.”
OzPod 2018 will be emceed by the ABC’s Patricia Karvelas, presenter of RN Drive and co-host of The Party Room podcast. The one-day conference will also feature presentations, panels, mentoring sessions and live performances from leading local podcasters, including:
- Allan Clarke, ABC Unravel – Blood on the Tracks
- Hedley Thomas, The Australian – Teacher’s Pet
- Honor Eastly – Being Honest With My Ex and Starving Artist
- Nick Cummins, The Royals – Tough Conversations with Henry Rollins
- Tommy Dassalo and Karl Chandler – Little Dum Dum Club
- Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe, ABC Radio/Double J – Bang On
- James Parkinson, Wavelength Creative – By Association
- James Cridland – “radio futurologist” and editor of Podnews.net
- Wendy Syfret – VICE Australia
- Joanne Woo, GE Australia, New Zealand & PNG – Decoding Genius
- Joel Werner, ABC Audio Studios – Sum of All Parts
- Kyla Slaven, ABC Producer – Short & Curly
- Miyuki Jokiranta, ABC RN – Earshot
Additional speakers will be announced in the lead-up to the conference.
OzPod 2018 will explore insights and issues behind creating successful and unique podcasts, including podcasts for kids, branded content, building a loyal pod community, marketing, cross-promotion and the strength of social-impact podcasts.