The lineup includes MrBallen, host of “The MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories,” alongside a YouTube morning keynote presentation. The event marks the podcasting business’s first formal integration within SXSW programming.
“This year’s Podcast Movement Evolutions programming is one of the most exciting lineups we’ve ever put together,” said Bryan Barletta, President of Podcast Movement and Partner at Sounds Profitable, in a press release. “From standout creators to short-form talks and live performances, the content is designed to spark ideas, start conversations, and give attendees a real sense of where podcasting is headed.”
Discovery Track Format Debuts
Podcast Movement Evolutions will debut a Discovery Track consisting of 10-minute spotlight talks preceding 50-minute sponsored panel sessions from Sounds Profitable partners. The track is structured to help attendees discover perspectives across business, creativity, and culture, with each day following a distinct thematic arc.
Day one, titled “The Power of the Medium,” will feature speakers including Ami Thakkar from The Podcast Academy, Bridget Todd from Unbossed Creative, Greg Glenday from Acast, and Kate Navin from Audible.
Day two, “The Creative Engine,” includes Cassie Jozefov from Violet Hour Media, Blythe Terrell from Science VS at Spotify, Leital Molad from WaitWhat, and Jasmine Fluker from The Pivotal Paradigm Project.
Day three, “The Future of Attention,” will showcase Rae Votta, Krystle Waters from Pilot Podcasts, Ernest Owens from Ernest Media Empire, and Mary Williams from Sasquatch Media Grounds.
Live Programming and Performances
Live programming during the weekend will include a reading of “The G.Y.M,” a script by AFF and Webby Award-winning writer and director Dani Hanks for the “Table Read” podcast. The reading will feature performances by Allison Dunbar, Emmy-nominated Kensington Tallman, and Shaan Sharma.
The “Scalable” podcast from business and creator economy experts Kaya Yurieff and Jasmine Enberg will also perform live during the event.
Industry Context
The SXSW integration follows Podcast Movement’s August 2025 acquisition of Sounds Profitable in a seven-figure deal. Barletta assumed the role of President of Podcast Movement while remaining a shareholder alongside partner Tom Webster.
The combined organization has expanded its presence at major media industry events, including Cannes Lions, The Podcast Show London, and Advertising Week. Sounds Profitable operates as a trade organization representing audio and podcasting companies, maintaining a newsletter with more than 10,000 subscribers and working with over 200 industry partners.
Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable stated they will continue to share additional programming and speaker updates in the coming weeks.
Dragomir is a Serbian freelance blog writer and translator. He is passionate about covering insightful stories and exploring topics such as influencer marketing, the creator economy, technology, business, and cyber fraud.
Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable announced the first wave of programming for Podcast Movement Evolutions, which will take place March 13-15, 2026, during SXSW (South by Southwest) at Sky Box on 6th Street in downtown Austin.
The lineup includes MrBallen, host of “The MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories,” alongside a YouTube morning keynote presentation. The event marks the podcasting business’s first formal integration within SXSW programming.
“This year’s Podcast Movement Evolutions programming is one of the most exciting lineups we’ve ever put together,” said Bryan Barletta, President of Podcast Movement and Partner at Sounds Profitable, in a press release. “From standout creators to short-form talks and live performances, the content is designed to spark ideas, start conversations, and give attendees a real sense of where podcasting is headed.”
Discovery Track Format Debuts
Podcast Movement Evolutions will debut a Discovery Track consisting of 10-minute spotlight talks preceding 50-minute sponsored panel sessions from Sounds Profitable partners. The track is structured to help attendees discover perspectives across business, creativity, and culture, with each day following a distinct thematic arc.
Day one, titled “The Power of the Medium,” will feature speakers including Ami Thakkar from The Podcast Academy, Bridget Todd from Unbossed Creative, Greg Glenday from Acast, and Kate Navin from Audible.
Day two, “The Creative Engine,” includes Cassie Jozefov from Violet Hour Media, Blythe Terrell from Science VS at Spotify, Leital Molad from WaitWhat, and Jasmine Fluker from The Pivotal Paradigm Project.
Day three, “The Future of Attention,” will showcase Rae Votta, Krystle Waters from Pilot Podcasts, Ernest Owens from Ernest Media Empire, and Mary Williams from Sasquatch Media Grounds.
Live Programming and Performances
Live programming during the weekend will include a reading of “The G.Y.M,” a script by AFF and Webby Award-winning writer and director Dani Hanks for the “Table Read” podcast. The reading will feature performances by Allison Dunbar, Emmy-nominated Kensington Tallman, and Shaan Sharma.
The “Scalable” podcast from business and creator economy experts Kaya Yurieff and Jasmine Enberg will also perform live during the event.
Industry Context
The SXSW integration follows Podcast Movement’s August 2025 acquisition of Sounds Profitable in a seven-figure deal. Barletta assumed the role of President of Podcast Movement while remaining a shareholder alongside partner Tom Webster.
The combined organization has expanded its presence at major media industry events, including Cannes Lions, The Podcast Show London, and Advertising Week. Sounds Profitable operates as a trade organization representing audio and podcasting companies, maintaining a newsletter with more than 10,000 subscribers and working with over 200 industry partners.
Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable stated they will continue to share additional programming and speaker updates in the coming weeks.
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