Michigan Podcast Summit
For everyone's safety regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we are postponing the Michigan Podcast Summit indefinitely. More details to come as we work to keep safety and health a top priority.
A day of inspiration beyond the mic.
Hey. We’re Jen + Karen from The Speak Easy Podcast. We’re not gonna lie: Michigan has an impressive podcast scene. So we decided it’s time to break out of the booth. Join us at the Michigan Podcast Summit—a one-day summit for podcasters, content creators and the podcast-curious. The Michigan Podcast Summit will bring together some of the best minds in podcasting from across Michigan to share knowledge, make connections, explore common threads and inspire.
Whether you’re a long-time podcaster or just starting out, we have a lot to learn from each other. We’ve snagged our brilliant and witty podcaster friend Aaryn Richard from Hatchcast to help us run some amazing panel discussions about what’s happening in podcasting today. Join us to learn, collaborate, and meet some of the faces behind the mic at the Michigan Podcast Summit.
Three Topical Panels
Making Great Content
We’ve all been there: thinking to yourself, “There’s way too much to talk about!” How can we sort our content ideas and find our niche within the crowded podcast landscape? What makes for a solid episode structure? (Spoiler alert: It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer.) And how can we track whether our content is resonating with our audiences, or whether we need to shift our direction?
Getting the Tech Right
One thing remains constant when it comes to podcasting tech: You can’t get too comfortable. We know that podcasting technology is constantly changing, with new recording materials, streaming channels and editing software being released on the regular. That’s why everyone, from podcast newbies to long-time hosts, can always learn a thing or two about tech. How can we keep up with industry shifts and make the most of the latest gadgets? Should we go all-in with the latest technology, or keep it simple? We’ll dive into discussions on a few of our favorite things, like microphones, editing programs, call-in tech and streaming platforms.
Marketing & Growing Your Audience
So you’ve got your idea, you’ve talked your talk and you’ve pushed the recording live. Now what? From your website to your social media presence, there’s much to be done beyond the mic. In any competition-heavy industry, attracting and engaging audiences takes a solid marketing plan. What platforms are most effective for reaching our specific target audiences? Should we take things up a notch with paid advertising? And how can we think beyond the Facebook group to build a community of listeners?
The Line-up
Moderators
Jen Estill The Speak Easy Podcast
Jennifer Estill is the co-host of The Speak Easy Podcast, which explores the intricacies of entrepreneurship and leadership in the creative industry. She is also the founder and creative director of Redhead Design Studio—a brand and campaign agency in Old Town, Lansing. Jen and her team build brands and advocacy campaigns that speak to audiences in meaningful ways.
Jen believes the best communications and marketing solutions are found at the intersection of critical thinking, strategy, creativity and logic. Her works have garnered numerous awards for creativity and excellence.
Jen graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism.
Karen Stefl The Speak Easy Podcast
Karen Stefl is the (other) co-host of The Speak Easy Podcast, which features honest conversations about the creative industry. She is the owner of Render Studios in Old Town, Lansing where she and her team develop video and motion graphic content for clients who advocate for their unique causes and make an impact on the world.
A nationally recognized producer & director, Karen focuses on comprehensive strategies that engage audiences, make emotional connections, and inspire action.
Karen graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in communication media arts.
Aaryn Richard Hatchcast, Michigan State University
Aaryn Richard is co-creator and host of the student-produced podcast, Hatchcast.
He’s also the communications strategist for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University. He lives in Lansing with his husband, a 16-pound cat, and two 4-pound dogs. Yes, the dogs fit into purses.
Despite the jeers for being a strict adherent to the Chicago Manual of Style, he’s still permitted to speak to the press.
Aaryn earned his Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Colorado State University and his Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature from Central Michigan University.
Panelists
Calvin Moore Leading Questions
Calvin Moore is the host of Leading Questions, a weekly roundtable discussion-style podcast about ongoing issues in culture. Always the inquisitive, skeptical member of his family, Calvin has consistently pushed the boundaries of accepted conventions in his search for truth and understanding. With the rise of new media, he noticed the degradation of dialogue between disparate viewpoints, which led to the creation of his podcast. Calvin resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Jenn Carpenter So Dead Podcast
Jenn Carpenter is the host of So Dead Podcast, which features Michigan-centric tales of true crime, the paranormal, and dark history. Through her startup Scream Queen Productions, Jenn has dedicated herself to promoting local tourism and history in a unique and enthralling way. She is the founder of Demented Mitten Tours, Mid-Michigan's premier true crime and paranormal touring company. Jenn resides in Lansing, Michigan.
Kyle Melinn MIRS Monday
Kyle Melinn is the editor and vice president of MIRS News and host of their weekly podcast, MIRS Monday. A professional journalist for 25 years, Kyle regularly appears on Off the Record, ‘The Big Show’ with Michael Patrick Shiels and radio shows across the state. Before MIRS, Kyle served as a freelance writer for the Boston Herald and as a senior editor for SchoolSports.com. Kyle is a graduate of Michigan State University and grew up in Byron Center, Michigan.
Cameo King Good Girl Radio
Cameo King is host and CEO of Good Girl Radio, a national multi-media platform that aims to touch the lives of women through thought-provoking conversations. Good Girl Radio challenges the status quo of what it means to be a "good girl," with conversations intertwining faith and practicality. In every episode, one person shares a confession admitting a flaw that shifted their life dramatically, and no topic is off limits. Cameo has a strong background in media, having worked as a reporter and producer, and resides in Lansing, Michigan.
Heather Johnson Durocher Michigan Runner Girl
Heather Johnson Durocher is host of the Michigan Runner Girl podcast. As a longtime journalist and health and wellness writer (and lover of all things Michigan), Heather’s passion for running led to the creation of her running blog and podcast. Michigan Runner Girl is a resource for living happy and active in the beautiful Great Lakes State. In addition to the weekly podcast, Michigan Runner Girl includes a blog, an online community, special events, and merchandise. Heather resides in Traverse City, Michigan.
Corey Washington Mainfold
Corey is co-host of Manifold, a podcast series that takes a hard look at today’s intellectual issues and controversies from varying points of view. The show includes research-centric discussions with people who are creating or envisioning the future: academics, scientists, technologists, startup entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists. Corey is Director of Analytics in the Office of Research and Innovation at Michigan State University. He was educated at Amherst College and MIT before receiving a PhD in Philosophy from Stanford and a PhD in a Neuroscience from Columbia. Corey resides in Mid-Michigan.
David Phillips Podcast Detroit
David Phillips is a co-founder of Podcast Detroit, a studio that produces new podcasts, syndicates existing shows, and helps corporations reach their target markets through easily consumable content. A self-proclaimed geek, David has worked as a helpdesk jockey, a team lead, a systems architect and even a vice president over the course of more than 20 years in information technology. After launching "I.T. in the D" in early 2013 with his decades-long friend Bob Waltenspiel, the two created their own studio in 2015. Today, Podcast Detroit spans three locations and nine studios, with more to come.
Corinthia E. Croom #C3TalkToMe
Corinthia E. Croom (known as CC) is founder of #C3TalkToMe, a media and production company known for its distinctive audio storytelling and video styles. As a consultant for several Michigan brands, CC produces multiple podcasts such as Women in TECH with Ariana and Tough Skin, Soft Heart Podcast. CC also serves as creative director for ACTPhotoMedia, a female-owned photography and multimedia company, and her creative and professional work has been featured on both local and national platforms. Beyond her professional life, CC is a saxophonist, singer and songwriter who resides in Grand Rapids.
An inspiring day with shared resources among really smart people.
Attendees will enjoy lunch, networking, and a few perks:
- Need another promo-worthy headshot in your toolkit? We got you. Stop by our photo booth.
- Podcasters who attend will be listed on the Michigan Podcast Summit Online Directory.
- Attendees get an exclusive invite to join the Michigan Podcaster Slack channel.